Dog Dies After Firework Thrown Into Cage in Jiangsu
A Samoyed dog named Xiao Wang burned to death after children allegedly threw a firework into its locked cage in Jiangsu province, with parents reportedly dismissing the incident.
Category : Social Issues
DWP Confirms £425 Universal Credit Payments from 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions will increase Universal Credit standard allowances to £424.90 monthly for single claimants aged 25+, with larger rises for couples and families.
Family Convicted for Child Abuse in West Sussex
Five family members have been convicted on 39 charges including rape and cruelty after a prolonged campaign of abuse against two sisters in West Sussex.
Ex-England Rugby Player Guilty of Stalking Joe Lycett
Sam Egerton, a 34-year-old former professional rugby player who represented England, has been found guilty of stalking Birmingham comedian Joe Lycett over a four-month campaign of harassment.
DWP Sets Final 2026 Deadline for Benefit Migration
The DWP has set a final deadline of March 31, 2026, for moving all remaining legacy benefit claimants to Universal Credit, with significant rule changes and new support measures.
Illegal Loan Sharks Exploit Funeral Costs Crisis
New research reveals thousands of UK households are turning to illegal loan sharks to cover funeral expenses, with experts warning of exploitation during vulnerable times.
Katie Price and Peter Andre Announce Truce After 17 Years
Katie Price and Peter Andre have issued a joint statement vowing to end public criticism after their divorce, with son Junior Andre showing support on social media.
DWP £16,000 Bank Balance Check Trigger
The Department for Work and Pensions is implementing bank account checks for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and ESA claimants when balances reach £16,000 to combat fraud and errors.
Family Convicted for Years of Abuse Against Girl in West Sussex
A West Sussex family has been convicted on 39 charges including rape and cruelty after a schoolgirl endured years of systematic abuse from relatives while her mother failed to protect her.
Universal Credit Health Payment Cut by £188 Monthly
The Government confirms controversial cuts to Universal Credit's health top-up, reducing it by nearly half for most new claimants from April 2026, while protecting existing recipients.
DWP Warning: Report Holidays or Risk Benefit Cuts
The DWP issues a crucial reminder for PIP and Universal Credit claimants planning summer holidays abroad. Failure to report trips can lead to stopped payments, fines up to £5,000, or fraud investigations.
M6 Makes Walsall and Wolverhampton Sex Trade Hubs
Walsall and Wolverhampton have become the most lucrative areas for the sex trade in the Black Country, driven by proximity to the busy M6 motorway and lorry parks attracting workers and clients from across the region.
Cost of Living Help Beyond DWP Benefits
UK residents may qualify for financial assistance through local council schemes, even without claiming DWP benefits. The Household Support Fund helps with bills, food, and essentials.
Universal Credit Payment Delays for Millions
Millions of Universal Credit claimants face payment delays despite April rate increases, with higher amounts not arriving until June due to assessment period rules.
PIP Reviews Extended to Five Years in DWP Changes
The UK government announces PIP award reviews will extend from nine months to up to five years from April, aiming to tackle assessment backlogs and increase face-to-face appointments.
Free TV Licences for Pension Credit Recipients Over 75
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms those aged 75+ receiving Pension Credit can now get a free TV licence, with applications available online and by phone.
DWP Work Capability Assessment Abolition Timeline in Doubt
New figures reveal the DWP's Work Capability Assessment may continue beyond 2030 despite government plans to abolish it, sparking criticism from disability charities.
Free BBC TV Licence Guide as Fee Rises to £180
The BBC TV licence fee will increase by £5.50 to £180 from April 1, but many people can still qualify for a free licence under specific circumstances.
Telford Named Among Britain's Worst Towns in 2026 List
The Telegraph's 2026 ranking of Britain's 25 biggest towns places Telford near the bottom, citing its lack of central attractions despite its green spaces and historic significance.
Student Fatally Stabbed at Midlands University
De Montfort University student Khaleed Oladipo died after being stabbed near campus while reportedly heading home to watch an Arsenal football match.
Gordon Ramsay Opens Up About Brother's Life in Birmingham
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay discusses his brother Ronnie's life in a Birmingham council flat with two pit bulls, revealing family struggles ahead of daughter's wedding.
Afghan Nationals Show 'Revolting' Approach in Schoolgirl Rape Trial
Two Afghan nationals accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton have shown a 'stomach-churning' approach during their trial, the prosecution told Warwick Crown Court.
Refugee Homelessness Soars Five-Fold in England
Government data reveals a dramatic five-fold increase in homeless refugees in England, with London and the North West most affected. Charities link the crisis to Home Office accommodation policies.
Universal Credit: Millions Miss £446 April Boost
Millions on Universal Credit will not receive a £446 inflation-busting boost in April 2026 as new rates take effect, with most payments delayed until May due to DWP payment cycles.
Universal Credit: £608 Monthly Boost for Families
Major changes to Universal Credit rules will see larger families receive up to £608 extra per month as the two-child benefit cap is abolished, impacting over 1.6 million children.
Liberty Poole Reveals Being Followed to Car by Predator
Birmingham reality TV star Liberty Poole has opened up about a frightening experience where she was followed to her car, confirming her fears about being a woman alone in public.
Valentine's Day Romance Scam Warning for UK
UK consumers warned about sophisticated Valentine's Day romance scams and fake shopping sites. Experts reveal fraudsters use AI, fake profiles, and delivery texts to steal money and data.
Brits Want 'Flabbergasted' and 'Gobsmacked' Back in Use
A new survey reveals 81% of Brits want to revive nostalgic words like 'flabbergasted' and 'gobsmacked', with Tom Daley and Gyles Brandreth leading the campaign.
DWP Urged to Scrap Five-Week Universal Credit Wait
Experts and claimants demand urgent reform of the DWP's five-week wait for first Universal Credit payments, warning it creates financial crisis and hardship.
Lucinda Strafford Splits from Mert After Love Island Games
Love Island All Stars contestant Lucinda Strafford has opened up about her split from fellow Love Island Games participant Mert Okatan, citing communication difficulties as the primary reason for their breakup.
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