6 DWP and Benefits Changes in Labour Budget
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces six major DWP reforms including ending the two-child benefit cap, increasing state pensions, and overhauling disability support.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces six major DWP reforms including ending the two-child benefit cap, increasing state pensions, and overhauling disability support.
Co-op unveils 11 new stores this week from Scotland to Bristol as part of a £200m investment. Full list of locations and calls for business rates reform revealed.
Billyjoe Broad, 32, has been handed a three-year driving ban after failing to provide a breath specimen following an incident where a vehicle rolled into a Staffordshire pub. Read the full story.
The DWP will reassess hundreds of thousands of Carer's Allowance cases after a review uncovered government failures, with claimants facing huge overpayment demands.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a Labour revolt as she prepares to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Will the Autumn Budget welfare changes trigger a public backlash?
The DWP is launching a major new 'zero tolerance' crackdown on benefit fraud, starting in 48 hours. This coincides with the controversial £3bn lifting of the two-child benefit cap. Discover the full story.
Major rental reforms take effect in six months, banning Section 21 evictions and discrimination. Discover how the Renters' Reform Act impacts you.
Worcestershire County Council paid PwC £325,000 to devise 'One Worcestershire' unitary authority plans. The controversial cost was revealed during a scrutiny panel meeting.
Lancashire County Councillor Tom Pickup suspended from Reform UK after alleged WhatsApp messages discussing 'hardline' immigration stance and mass deportations surfaced.
High Court judge declares Staffordshire Police Commissioner's decision to hire temporary chief constable unlawful following legal challenge. Read the full ruling details.
The Midlands faces fresh snowfall this weekend with temperatures set to plummet to -2C. Met Office alerts issued. Stay updated on the latest weather warnings.
A Birmingham man and woman face murder charges over the 2022 death of Rubin Blount. The stepbrother and co-accused appear in court tomorrow. Read the latest developments.
Festim Qengaj, 20, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after police found cocaine and cash in his car during a stop in Milford. Read the full story.
A think tank proposes replacing the state pension Triple Lock to save billions and redirect funds to youth services. Could this reshape the UK's intergenerational contract?
Five people, including three teenagers, hospitalised after a chemical spill at Biddulph High School. Emergency services secure the site. Read the latest updates.
St George's crosses painted on Audley zebra crossing will be removed at taxpayers' expense. Council warns of safety issues and urges alternative displays of patriotism.
A man has died at a McDonald's restaurant on Eccleshall Road in Stafford. Police are investigating but confirm the death is not being treated as suspicious. Read the latest.
Tributes paid to Steven Simpson, a 42-year-old father-of-four from Bilbrook, who died six days after a crash on Stourbridge Road. Police appeal for information.
A man has died at a McDonald's restaurant in Stafford despite the efforts of emergency services. Paramedics administered advanced life support but could not save him.
A 56-year-old man has been charged with murder after Stephen Lovatt was found dead in a flat on Linfield Road, Hanley. Police are appealing for information.
Plans for a major expansion of Shobnall Retail Park in Burton have been approved, bringing a new M&S, a drive-thru Greggs, and a 24-lane bowling alley. The development will create 150 jobs and add 400 parking spaces. Discover the full details of this exci
Police discovered a van with serious brake and steering faults and no handbrake during a stop in Stoke. The driver was reported and vehicle prevented from moving.
Police discovered a staggering £100,000 in cash and arrested a woman for cocaine possession after stopping an erratically driven car on the M6 near Stafford. Read the full story.
The DWP has announced a reduction to the Universal Credit health element for new claimants, effective 6 April 2026. Discover the full details and government response.
A new online PIP test helps claimants check if they meet the proposed DWP points threshold. Labour's Stephen Timms leads a review ahead of potential 2026 changes.
Two members of a Midlands drug line have been sentenced after police seized £11,000. Joshua Johnson and Owen Hargreaves, both 22, were caught after a sock was thrown from a window. Read the full story.
New Universal Credit claimants with health conditions will receive nearly 50% less support from April 2026. Discover how these controversial changes affect disability benefits.
Three people sustained serious injuries after a car overturned on Stafford Lane in Codsall. A 24-year-old man from Wigan has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. Police are appealing for witnesses.
Trading Standards officers have seized almost £38,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes from 14 shops across Staffordshire. Investigations are underway, with some shops facing prosecution.
UK landlords are accelerating property sales before the Renters' Rights Act takes effect on May 1, potentially creating a housing market surge. Experts warn this could reduce rental supply and push up costs for tenants.