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Birmingham sees highest council tax increase in England

The city’s households will pay an additional £43.1 million in council tax this year, the largest rise among all local authorities.

council tax

The rise for this year accounts for 29 per cent of the total council tax increase over the last four years.

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BIRMINGHAM residents will face the highest overall increase in council tax in England for the 2025/26 financial year, according to research by Go.Compare Home Insurance.

The city’s households will pay an additional £43.1 million in council tax this year, the largest rise among all local authorities.


Property Wire reported that Windsor and Maidenhead will see the highest increase per household, with eligible properties paying £169.43 more than in 2024/25.

The rise for this year accounts for 29 per cent of the total council tax increase over the last four years.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Council tax is an essential household expense, but for many, these rising costs are putting even more pressure on already stretched budgets. If you’re struggling, it’s worth checking if you qualify for council tax reductions or any support schemes in your area.

“At the same time, looking for savings on other bills, like home insurance, could help offset some of these rising costs. Shopping around for a better deal could make a real difference to your monthly outgoings.”

On average, councils have increased tax rates by 4.9 per cent for 2025/26. Some local authorities facing financial difficulties have raised them further.

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London celebrates 100 million free school meals

Each child has been provided 435 free lunches over the past two school years

london.gov.uk

London marks 100 million free school, mayor calls it ‘proud’ moment

Highlights

  • 100 million free meals delivered to state primary school children in just over two years.
  • Each child offered 435 free lunches, saving families approximately £500 annually.
  • Schools now receive additional £11.5 m yearly from government for disadvantaged pupils.
London has reached a historic milestone of 100 m free school meals served to state primary school children, funded by mayor Sadiq Khan since September 2023.

The mayor joined schoolchildren in east London to celebrate the achievement, which has seen every child in the capital's state primary schools offered a free healthy meal each day. Each child has been provided 435 free lunches over the past two school years, saving families around £1,500 over three years per child.

Sadiq said "I'm absolutely delighted that 100 million meals have now been provided to children across London's state primary schools. I know from personal experience what a difference these meals make, so to be able to ensure that hundreds of thousands of children are receiving them across London every single day brings huge personal pride."

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