Redditch Borough Council

Charities and community groups in Redditch could have their rent discounts withdrawn by the borough council.

The authority spends £82,000 helping not-for-profit groups afford premises, but the provision could be cut to help shave £1.1m off its next budget.

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The funding currently helps nine groups.

Last year proposals for rent discounts were pulled following fears it could force some groups to close, but the plan resurfaced in November - one of six money-saving options set to go before councillors next Tuesday.

Job losses can't be ruled out at struggling council, its leader's said, after admitting their finances are in a mess.

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Auditors have warned Redditch Borough Council it could "run out" of money in two years if it doesn't sort out its budget.

In a recent report, they said the authority had to take "urgent action" to safeguard its future as, at the moment, it's on course by 2021 to be spending £30,000 a week more than it receives in income.

The council's leader, Matthew Dormer, said he's in urgent talks about the situation and council tax may have to be increased.

He told BBC Hereford and Worcester the problem in front of them was "very, very large" and job losses would be an "absolute worst case scenario".

It looks like the Conservatives have held on to power at Redditch Borough Council.

It's been a traditional battle between the Conservatives and Labour, so far with no sign of any surge from the Greens or independent candidates.

Councillors in Redditch are expected to approve steep rises in their allowances tonight, including a 110% pay rise for the leader.

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The basic allowance is set to increase by more than £1,000, taking it to £4,437 a year but those who take on extra responsibilities are in line to benefit by more.

The recommendations have been drawn up by an independent panel.

The leader of the council's admitted that his overall package could be just under £20,000 with all the extra responsibilities.

Every year, we commission an independent remuneration panel which looks into members' allowances and, for the last 10 years, the controlling group has always just ignored it. Had they not frozen this for the last 10 years, it would have been a small increase year-on-year and it wouldn't be the big deal it's going to be now."

The deputy leader of Redditch Borough Council faces deselection by the Conservative Party following complaints about his behaviour.

A formal complaint was made against David Bush over claims he was verbally aggressive towards the authority's chief executive at a meeting earlier this month.

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The dispute has since been resolved and Mr Bush says they have a good working relationship, but BBC Hereford and Worcester has been told other complaints about his conduct were made to the local Conservative Association and involve a longer period.

Mr Bush is appealing the decision to deselect him and says he has an impeccable record after eight years of being a councillor.

If he fails, he won't be able to stand for the Tories in May's elections.

The Labour group leader at Redditch Borough Council says he believes the West Midlands is on the brink of "social collapse".

Councillor Bill Hartnett has signed an open letter with other local politicians, calling for a complete reform of funding for local councils.

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Labour argues that austerity cuts since 2010 have had a disastrous impact on services, but the government says funding changes will offer the region more power to capitalise on growth from business rates.

The leader of the Labour party in Worcestershire is defending allowing a convicted fraudster to take up an official role in the party.

David Roy Cartwright was leader of Redditch Borough Council three times betwen 2002 and 2005 but was jailed in 2009 after admitting to stealing at least £24,695 and making false claims totalling £63,467.

Now members of Redditch's constituency Labour party have elected him as their unpaid secretary, leading to one Conservative councillor saying he shouldn't be allowed such a position of responsibility.

But the Labour party says he deserves a second chance and won't be allowed near the party's finances.

He takes the minutes, he publishes the minutes, he helps draw up the agenda with me and other members. He contacts people to book places where we hold our meetings, that's the secretarial role, I suppose you'd call it a functional, nuts and bolts sort of role."

The result in Redditch means Labour have lost control of their last council in Worcestershire.

The final declaration was a hold for the Conservatives and, with a majority now of three, they have control of the borough council.