Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire, Runnymede, Swindon Increase Parking, Council Tax, Admission Fees

Stoke-on-Trent residents will face a 4.99% increase in council tax starting in April, driven by a general rise of 2.99% and an additional 2% specifically for adult social care. Council house rents will also increase by an average of £3.16 a week, reflecting a 2.7% rise, which is lower than last year's hike due to falling inflation. Additionally, admission fees at the Gladstone Pottery Museum will go up by up to 3%, and various leisure center fees will increase to help raise an extra £297,000 annually. Meanwhile, Newcastle-under-Lyme is also raising parking charges across 12 car parks as part of its budget adjustments. These changes highlight the ongoing financial pressures on local councils as they seek to balance budgets and maintain services amidst rising costs.