DWP announces major PIP changes from April 2026
The DWP will extend PIP award review periods from April, aiming to clear the Work Capability Assessment backlog and save £1.9bn. Find out how this affects claimants.
Category : Search result: UK welfare reform
PIP review periods extended as face-to-face assessments rise
The DWP is extending time between PIP reviews for many claimants but increasing face-to-face assessments. The reforms aim to save £1.9bn by 2030/31.
New Digital Era for Amber Collective After Gallery Closure
Amber Film and Photography Collective unveils a new digital and community-focused model after the permanent closure of Newcastle's iconic Side Gallery. Discover the future plans and the new wellness hub now on the Quayside.
Petition calls for council tax exemption for all pensioners
A new parliamentary petition demands the Labour government and local councils exempt all state pensioners from council tax to ease financial pressures. Over 4,000 have signed.
Universal Credit health element cut for new claimants
The DWP confirms a near 50% cut to the Universal Credit health top-up for new claimants from April 2026, sparking criticism from MPs and disability groups. Read the full details.
Reform UK's Impact on 2026 Dudley Council Vote
Dudley Council's 2026 elections could see a major shift as Reform UK surges. With 24 wards up for grabs, local political dynamics are set for a dramatic change. Read the full analysis.
350,000 families could get extra DWP handouts
New analysis reveals nearly 350,000 foreign-born families could receive increased welfare payments following Labour's Autumn Budget, sparking political controversy. Discover the key figures and reactions.
New £1,000 pension rule for UK savers announced
The government introduces a new £1,000 rule to consolidate small pension pots. Learn how this reform aims to boost retirement savings for millions.
Drivers face 'significant' law change on jury trials
Motoring experts warn Labour's plan to scrap jury trials for some driving offences is a 'significant change' that could disproportionately impact professional drivers. Learn the risks.
Reform UK ends Conservative control of Worcestershire Council
Reform UK seized minority control of Worcestershire County Council in 2025, ending two decades of Conservative rule. Discover the key events, financial crises, and political defections that reshaped the Midlands.
Judges Widening PIP Eligibility, Report Warns
A new report reveals judges are widening PIP eligibility, costing billions. The DWP faces calls for reform as claims surge. Read the latest on the welfare system overhaul.
Reform UK Pledges to Prosecute Civil Servants
Reform UK announces plans to create a new criminal offence for civil servants who 'dishonestly' grant asylum to sex offenders, with potential jail time. Read the full story.
Staffordshire Council to save £2.67m in efficiency review
Staffordshire County Council's Reform UK-led efficiency review identifies £2.67 million in savings, impacting mobile libraries, voluntary sector contracts, and concessionary fares. Details of the financial strategy to be published in January.
Means-Tested State Pension Call for UK from Australian
An Australian with a means-tested pension urges the DWP to adopt the model. Times specialist says the unpopular idea persists because it addresses fiscal pressures.
New Council Tax surcharge rules for £2m+ homes explained
The Valuation Office clarifies how the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge will work for properties over £2 million from 2028. Learn about the targeted valuations and how it aims to create a fairer system.
Labour's Mansion Tax Spares £2m+ Social Housing
Labour's new property surcharge will hit owners of high-value homes from 2028, but exempts over 110 social housing properties worth over £2 million. Get the full details.
Warwickshire Council Leader Defies Vote on School Transport
Warwickshire's Reform UK leader vows to ignore council vote demanding he withdraw a letter to government seeking powers to cut school transport costs. Opposition unites against the move.
First North East Elevate Fund Deal Backs Newcastle Wellness Studio
Reform Studio on Newcastle's Quayside is the first business backed by the new £35m North East Elevate Fund. The wellness centre will offer reformer pilates, yoga, and sound healing, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Leasehold reform delay hits 5.2 million UK households
Vital leasehold reforms, including a rent cap, are delayed until 2026, leaving millions in limbo. Discover what this means for homeowners and the political fallout.
16,000 new ADHD PIP claims spark DWP reform calls
The DWP faces pressure to reform the welfare system after a sharp rise in ADHD-related PIP claims. Experts warn of unsustainable spending impacting other public services.
DWP ramps up face-to-face PIP and Universal Credit assessments
The DWP will increase in-person assessments for PIP and Work Capability claims, aiming to reform welfare, clear backlogs, and save £1.9bn. Find out what this means for claimants.
DWP: One in Eight to Claim Disability Benefits by 2030
Official figures project a surge in DWP disability claimants, with one in eight UK households set to receive payments by 2030. Read the full analysis and political reaction here.
Mum who claimed £60k benefits slams Labour policy change
Cheryl Drew, once claiming £60k a year in benefits, criticises Labour's decision to abolish the two-child benefit cap, saying it removes motivation for parents.
Council adds security after protest over racist posts
Staffordshire County Council deployed extra guards after a Reform UK-led meeting was disrupted by protesters demanding resignations over alleged racist social media posts. Read the latest.
16,000 ADHD PIP Claim Rise Sparks DWP Reform Calls
DWP data reveals a 16,000 surge in ADHD PIP claims. Experts urge benefit system reform to control spiralling welfare costs. Read the full analysis.
Benefits mum who got £60k a year slams Labour rule change
Cheryl Drew, once labelled the 'benefits queen' for claiming £60k a year for 15 kids, now criticises Labour's plan to scrap the two-child benefit cap. She says handouts don't always help. Read her story.
Thug jailed for stabbing sharpei puppy to death
Matej Ciroka has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned from keeping animals for life after fatally stabbing his seven-month-old sharpei, Aki, with a kitchen knife in Stoke-on-Trent.
Jollyes donates 424k pet food tins and £40k to charities
Jollyes Pets thanks customers for donating 424,000 tins of food, with £40,000 profit shared among five UK animal welfare and community charities. Read how this supports vital work.
Birmingham Safe Centre for Vulnerable Children Nears Approval
Plans for a vital 20-bed safe centre in Erdington to support vulnerable West Midlands children are recommended for approval, addressing a critical regional shortage.
Labour warns 1.2m on DWP benefits: 'not done' with cuts
Labour's DWP boss warns welfare shake-up is 'not done' as figures show 1.2 million claim sickness benefits for mental health. Read the latest on potential cuts.
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