Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov

NEWS! The govt has just announced its changing the Council Tax Debt Collection rules on the back of @mmhpi recommendations. Here's my official quote ----- Council Tax debt collection is so aggressive it’d make banks blush. It’s the most vicious and damaging form of legal debt collection out there - causing counterproductive misery for millions. We’ve spent the last 18 months campaigning hard to change this hideous system, and having seen so much pain caused by it, I’m genuinely moved by this huge first step towards making things better. Currently, in England, if you miss a monthly payment, many councils, within usually 3 weeks, demand payment for the entire year. How people who can’t find a month’s money are expected to find a year’s I don’t know. Yet if they can’t pay, within just three more weeks, they are often taken to court, have ‘admin costs’ added, and soon see bailiffs sent in. No commercial firm would be allowed to do anything close - constituents are treated worse than customers. The new rule from next April means councils must wait two months, not 3 weeks, to ask for a year’s money, and the ‘admin costs’ will be capped at £100. In a perfect world, it would be even longer and the lower cap would apply, but this is still a hugely welcome change to a 33-year-old process. For councils too, it is worth remembering that this grotesque system is often catastrophic for people’s finances and wellbeing, leaving many needing more help and support, and ultimately the same council having to pick up the pieces.

What a fantastic milestone - 10 million trees have now been planted in @CommForests across England. This is government-funded nature recovery in action. Boosting biodiversity, tackling climate change, and restoring pride in communities. englandscommunityforests.org.uk/10-million-tre…

Arts and culture aren’t a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere. That’s why we're announcing a massive £128 million injection into 130 local museums, libraries, and arts venues to protect them for future generations 🔗 gov.uk/government/new…

The digital world isn't standing still. Neither are we. We're consulting on measures to protect children online - from banning social media for under-16s to tackling addictive features designed to keep children hooked. Secretary of State @leicesterliz wants to hear from you.

Today, we’re hosting partners in London ahead of the launch of the National Housing Bank, a subsiduary of Homes England that will deliver more homes and drive regeneration across the country. Find out more and read our new Investment Prospectus: gov.uk/government/new…

It was good to visit Hatzola and members of the local community at Machzike Hadass Synagogue in Golders Green yesterday and hear directly from those affected by the arson attack. This Government stands firmly with Jewish communities and is committed to tackling antisemitism in all its forms.

Today we've provided @Hatzola with four substitute vehicles from @LDN_Ambulance so this voluntary service can continue giving emergency care to anyone in need. We'll cover the cost of permanent replacements for those destroyed in this antisemitic attack. gov.uk/government/new…

I visited this wonderful charity just a few years ago in happier times, and I’m heartbroken this attack has happened. This is a racist crime and we will not tolerate it. Not as a government or a country. We all stand firmly with the Jewish community. I’m grateful to the emergency services and we're working closely with the Met to ensure everyone stays safe.

This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.  My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news.  Antisemitism has no place in our society.  Anyone with any information must come forward to the police.

It's been one week since the first meningitis B case was confirmed in Kent. Thank you to everyone involved in dealing with the outbreak. Anyone with symptoms should call NHS 111 or in an emergency, phone 999. Read: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/men…

Our targeted vaccination programme is underway in response to the meningitis outbreak in Kent. Eligible students will have received an invite. Hear from those who took up the offer straight away 👇 More info on the outbreak: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/men…

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. The NHS website has all the information you need, including what to look out for and when to get medical help. ➡️ nhs.uk/conditions/men…

Across the UK, from community halls to famous national landmarks, people are opening their doors and coming together for iftars. It’s a powerful reminder that we are a nation built on tolerance and respect.

We stand with Ukraine, now and always. Slava Ukraini.

Wishing Christians in the UK and around the world a blessed and holy Lent.

Wishing everyone good health and happiness this Lunar New Year. 春节快乐!

The Representation of the People Bill will protect our democracy against foreign interference and give young people the right to vote. We won't let hostile foreign states use dirty money to buy our elections. We are keeping British democracy safe for British people.

Local people in 40 new areas across England will be able to decide where up to £20 million is invested in their neighbourhood. From saving youth centres to building new sports hubs and breathing new life into high streets. gov.uk/government/new…

I love this country. It is the greatest country in the world. We are tolerant, decent and respectful – and unity is our strength. But for too long, proud communities have been failed by politics and left powerless to do anything about it. Our Pride in Place programme changes that. We are giving people the power to build up their communities. We’ve already invested thousands into communities across Britain. Now, we are giving thousands more the opportunity to transform their local area. Putting local people in control and building a Britain that works for all.

Phase 2 of the New Homes Accelerator and NHA LDN are now open. 🔓 125,000+ new homes already accelerated 📍 Now supporting seven new developments 🔜1.5m homes target 👉 Find out more: gov.uk/government/new…