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.
Category : Search result: planning reform
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.
Solihull 2025 Planning Appeals: Wins and Losses
A look back at the key planning appeals in Solihull for 2025, where residents challenged council refusals. Discover which decisions were overturned by the government inspector.
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.
Latest Rochdale Planning Applications Submitted
Rochdale Borough Council has validated a new batch of planning applications, including home extensions, heritage works, and a new bungalow. Discover the latest local development news.
Rochdale planning decisions: Over 30 projects approved
Rochdale Borough Council has issued a wave of planning decisions, approving extensions, new homes, and commercial changes across the borough. Discover the latest developments.
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.
Fourth application for Brownhills HMO site submitted
Morethan Property Ltd submits fourth planning application for 205 High Street, Brownhills, seeking to demolish a bungalow and build six one-bed apartments. Read the full story.
Decision on pub's fence and outdoor bar delayed
Solihull councillors will visit the 300-year-old Brickmakers Arms in Balsall Common before deciding the fate of its controversial fence and outdoor bar. Read the latest in the planning saga.
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.
New 14-home plan for Malvern farmland submitted
A developer has submitted fresh plans for 14 homes on Malvern farmland, months after a scheme for nine properties was rejected by the council and dismissed on appeal. Read the latest details.
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.
Last-minute report delays 50-storey Manchester tower
A 1,000-page last-minute report has delayed a decision on a 750-flat Manchester skyscraper for a second time. Meanwhile, a controversial Chorlton redevelopment gets the green light.
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.
Birmingham rejects student tower over heritage harm
Birmingham councillors have refused plans for a 263-bed student block near New Street station, citing 'less than substantial' harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall.
Labour Councillor Slams Government Planning Changes
A Birmingham Labour councillor has publicly criticised his own government's proposed planning reforms, calling them a 'disaster about to happen' that will trash vital protections.
Birmingham rejects student tower over heritage impact
Birmingham's planning committee has refused a 263-bed student accommodation tower, fearing harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall. Read the full debate.
Eight-flat Blackheath plan rejected on appeal
Planning Inspectorate dismisses appeal for eight apartments in Blackheath, upholding Dudley Council's refusal. The scheme was deemed too dense and a risk to pedestrian safety.
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.
UK gardens could be lost under new Labour housing plan
New government planning proposals could see residential gardens used for new homes. Read the full details of the consultation and the political row it has sparked.
Rochdale planning applications decided up to December 12
Rochdale Borough Council has issued decisions on a range of planning applications, including home extensions, tree removals, and commercial changes. Discover the latest outcomes for properties across the borough.
80-home Hockley Heath plan rejected over flooding risk
Solihull Council has refused plans for 80 new homes on green belt land in Hockley Heath, citing unresolved flood risks. Read the full story on the local planning clash.
DWP may be forced to raise state pension age to 80
The state pension age could be hiked to 80 by the 2070s to keep the system sustainable, new analysis reveals. Discover the pressures and potential reforms facing UK pensions.
4 Million on Benefits Without Work Search Requirement
Official data shows four million people receive jobless benefits without needing to look for work, a rise of one million in a year. Political reaction and DWP response inside.
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