Let’s talk about planning permission, shall we? Cornwall Council once rejected a man’s application to build a birdhouse. A birdhouse. The letter said it “would adversely affect the character of the area.” The area was a field with exactly two sheep and a disgruntled badger. The badger probably had more power than the planning committee.
Local elections 2026: When are they and who can vote? - BBC News
Then there’s Wokingham Borough Council, who spent 18 months and £20,000 investigating whether a roundabout was a “traffic-calming measure” or “a giant concrete frisbee.” The report concluded it was “both.” I bet the councillors celebrated with a round of custard creams and a shrug.
The Council Tax Mysteries
Ever feel like your council tax bill is written in ancient runes? Westminster City Council once charged a man for a “garden waste service” for his fourth-floor flat. That flat had no garden. It had a window box with a dead spider plant. He fought it, and they eventually refunded him £2.50. The administrative cost of the refund? About £800. Classic.
And Newham Council once sent a letter to a resident warning him to “keep his dog under control.” The resident didn’t own a dog. He owned a cat. The cat was elderly and napped 23 hours a day. The council refused to apologise, citing “clerical synergy.” If that’s synergy, I’m a kangaroo.
Local elections 2026: In maps and charts - BBC News
