Millions to face major council tax hike this year - everything you need to know

Millions of families across the country have cut household spending and reduced outgoings in an effort to offset the ongoing cost of living crisis which shows no sign of easing up despite extended financial support from the UK Government for 2023/24. The £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme is set to finish at the end of this month and the current £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee is due to rise to £3,000 from April 1, although a campaign led by Martin Lewis has urged Chancellor Jeremy Hunt not to implement the £500 increase.

“I can’t even ask my children if I want a loaf,” Val Barlow says as she looks into the distance. “My son asks me if I need anything but I know he’s got family. He’s working and he’s seeing nowt of it. I’m struggling like everybody else but you’ve got to go on.”

The streets of Manchester are set to be lined with hundreds of people voicing their support for women's rights this weekend.

It’s the court case has gripped America and is the subject of a Netflix documentary series that attempts to unravel the shocking twists and turns of a crime involving a prominent and wealthy South Carolina family. Following a tense trial in the town of Walterboro, lawyer Alex Murdaugh, 54, has been found guilty of the brutal murders of his wife Maggie and their youngest son Paul on 7 June 2021. However, it turns out the Murdaugh case is not just about those killings – as during the trial, it was revealed that the family is linked to a deadly boating accident and subsequent wrongful death charge, a faked murder attempt, drug addiction, suspected fraud, embezzlement and even a mysterious fatal accident at their home.

Councillors for Wigan confirmed that tax will rise by 4.99 per cent after a majority vote came in following four hours of debate.

Councillors have agreed to hike council tax by nearly five per cent at a meeting where one Labour member described his Tory opposition as the ‘Tameside Trump’.

The Bed Race is a highlight of Cathedral City Pride. Photo: Cathedral City LGBT Days.

MAFS plot line...but this time it's really messy.Watch Below: Married At First Sight's Duncan prepares to wed AlyssaFans may have thought the earlier cheating scandal between Claire and Adam, or the phone-number drama between Bronte and Harrison would be the season's most scandalous storylines, but boy were they wrong. Thanks to an accidental pocket dial a group of grooms have been caught red-handed - and who is involved may surprise you!  The drama starts when new groom Rupert goes on a "boys' night" out. During the heavy night of drinking, he accidentally calls his wife, Evelyn. "They were all on a boy's night, having some drinks and I got a butt dial from Rupert," Evelyn explains. "Naturally, I listened in....and I, unfortunately, heard what two of the husbands were saying about their wives."Who was present at this night on the town? Ollie, Rupert, Duncan, Hugo and Dan. Evelyn then reveals that it was the conversation she heard from Dan which was "disgusting." "I kind of had a feeling from the ceremony that Dan was an a*****e, but that cemented my first assumptions," she explained."Some of the husbands in this experiment are very sneaky and manipulative, and I can see quite through it and I feel bad for the wives involved...They need to be called out for it - it's f****d up.""I have to say something to Sandy," determined Evelyn.

Calls to make council tax cheaper for some of the poorest Mancunians have been voted down. The Lib Dems' proposal to increase the maximum discount on council tax bills in Manchester from 82.5 pc to 85 pc has been rejected.

From lip gloss nails to rosé-inspired polishes, neutral nude manicures are everywhere this spring. If you love a bold nail look, however, fear not, as bright colours and OTT nail art is also still hugely popular – just take a look at the fancy fingertips on the Grammys red carpet early this month, or this year’s Love Island contestants’ scene-stealing manis.

People in Stockport will see their council tax bills rise by more than 4 per cent from April after town hall bosses passed a ‘robust’ budget for the year ahead.

Star Wars fans are eating well this year. The hotly anticipated third season of Disney+ series The Mandalorian is set to drop in March, and a brand-new Star Wars video game will follow closely behind.

Rochdale council has passed its annual budget unopposed for the first time in nearly 50 years - including plans for a 2pc council tax rebate to all households. Labour’s proposals were unanimously approved by members, with none of the three opposition parties tabling an alternative budget or amendments.The financial plan for the next 12 months will see council tax bills rise by 4.99pc - including 2pc ring fenced for adult social care - rising to 5.15pc with Andy Burham’s mayoral precepts. It means the average 'Band D' household’s bill will rise by around £9 more per month from April.However, to cushion the blow somewhat, every home will automatically receive a 2pc rebate regardless of which council tax band it is in. This will be funded by reserves. An extra £500k has also been put aside for targeted support to help the poorest households in the borough ‘weather the storm of the cost of living crisis’.READ MORE: Council smash huge £65m-a-year crime network after being led to single Manchester trader

. tapped the designer label adored by everyone from Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian to Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, Cardi B and Dua Lipa for its next collaboration collection.

Hollywood is gearing up for the 95th Academy Awards, where “Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes in the lead nominee and the film industry will hope to move past “the slap” of last year’s ceremony. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 Oscars, including when they are, where to watch the live show and this year’s controversies.

People struggling to pay their Council Tax during the cost of living crisis are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for money off their bill. The Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme is unique to Scotland and helps people on low incomes save an average of £750 a year off their bill.

The next generation of gaming is almost here, as Sony is gearing up to release its newest virtual reality headset. The PlayStation VR 2 will drop later this month, allowing gamers to fully immerse themselves in a host of new adventures.

Steve Harvey is a household name across the US – and the star is a devoted dad to seven children, including twin daughters Karli and Brandi.The talk show host boasts a blended family thanks to his previous marriages to Marcia Harvey, Mary Shackelford and Marjorie Harvey.WATCH: Steve Harvey unveils new look without famous mustacheThe team at HELLO! is taking a deep dive into the star's family life… Read on to discover more about each of his kids.Steve and his first wife, Marcia, tied the knot in 1981. At the time, the celeb was attempting to break into the world of comedy whilst simultaneously working as an insurance salesman in Ohio.

Council taxpayers in Bolton will see their total bills rise by just over four per cent from April after the town hall’s budget was agreed for the next year. Bolton’s 2023/24 budget was approved on Thursday (February 15) at a meeting of the full council.

Fair Day returns to Sydney’s Victoria Park on Sunday, February 19, to kick off Sydney WorldPride 2023. The all-day Queer extravaganza will also have multiple entertainment stages, dance floors, and drag performances. On the Main Stage, experience the inaugural Drag King Games, hosted by Sexy Galexy and Donny Piccolo. There will also be a Sissy Ball vogue showcase, the Molly Poppinz Drag Show, as well as performances by Nana Miss Koori, Penelope, Jamaica Moana, Seann Miley Moore, The Buoys, Beks, Carla Wehbe, and Toni Pearan.Closing out the day on the Main Stage will be Eurovision Champion Conchita Wurst.   A post shared by Sydney Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras)At the Wonderful, Proud & Free Stage, there will be Drag Storytime with drag performers Charisma Belle and Annie Mation, as well as a Junior Drag competition, and a Kiddo Disco with performances by Nic Pes and Ray Isaac.At the Optus Arena, bring your dog friends and people friends to watch the Doggywood Parade and Pageant.