UK Lords Vote to Ban Children from Using VPN Services
The House of Lords has backed an amendment to prohibit VPN provision to children, aiming to strengthen online safety measures under the Online Safety Act with 207 votes in favour.
Category : Politics
Council Must Publish Historic Child Abuse Report
A tribunal has ruled Walsall Council must disclose a historic child sexual abuse review, overturning earlier decisions to withhold the documents.
WASPI compensation decision due before March
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed a decision on compensation for WASPI women will be announced before March 1st, following Parliamentary questioning about the £2,950 recommended payouts.
BBC Uses iPlayer to Catch TV Licence Dodgers
The BBC plans to link 40 million online accounts to TV licence status at addresses, using iPlayer data to identify fee evaders as traditional enforcement methods decline.
MP Slams Misleading Tactics, Backs Veterans and Football
Marie Goldman MP addresses frustration over baseless political accusations, defends vote on Northern Ireland legacy legislation, and shares experience at Horsham vs Chelmsford football match.
DWP Shake-Up: More Face-to-Face PIP Assessments from 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions will increase in-person assessments for PIP and Universal Credit health elements from April 2026, aiming to save £1.9 billion and boost employment support.
£150 Energy Bill Cut for Non-Benefit Households Announced
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces a £150 annual energy bill reduction for millions of households not claiming benefits, alongside Warm Home Discount extensions.
Councillor Quits Labour Over Nepotism to Stand as Independent
Long-serving Birmingham councillor Zaiul Islam resigns from Labour citing nepotism concerns, joining growing defections ahead of May's all-out local elections.
Triple Lock Financial Viability Questioned by Quilter
New analysis from wealth manager Quilter raises concerns about the long-term affordability of the state pension triple lock, prompting calls for the DWP to examine the mechanism.
Tamworth Election Delay Sparks Political Controversy
The delayed Tamworth by-election has ignited political debate and voter frustration, with critics questioning the timing and impact on local democracy in the West Midlands constituency.
Birmingham Bin Strike Costs Hit £14.6m in Ongoing Dispute
Birmingham City Council reveals strike costs could total £14.6m by March as Unite union demands fair deal for workers. Council claims offers are fair while union describes negotiations as stalled.
Walsall Nursery Plan Approved After Council Refusal Overturned
A government planning inspector has granted permission for a 130-place nursery in Aldridge, overturning Walsall Council's refusal over highway safety concerns.
Solihull Leaders Query Housing Plan Deadline Flexibility
Solihull Council leaders question if the December 2026 deadline for their housing plan is flexible, as uncertainty grows over meeting government targets amid ongoing disputes.
DWP Bank Checks: Exempt Households Named
New DWP powers allow bank account checks for benefits claimants, but certain households remain exempt. Discover which benefits are targeted and why State Pension recipients are safe.
Newcastle Households Get £300 DWP Cost of Living Help
Eligible households in Newcastle are receiving one-off payments of £200-£300 from the DWP's Household Support Fund to help with the cost of living crisis.
Cinnabar Hertford Licence Variation Application Submitted
Belvue Business Hub Ltd has applied to vary the premises licence for Cinnabar in Hertford, seeking extended hours for films, music, sports, dance, alcohol sales, and late-night refreshment until 3:45am on weekends.
Plymouth Planning Notice: Listed Buildings and Redevelopment
Plymouth City Council has issued a statutory planning notice detailing applications for listed building works and a major redevelopment of the Plymouth Register Office site, inviting public comments.
Plymouth's The Kitchen Applies for Alcohol Licence
Trei Mates Ltd has applied to Plymouth City Council for a premises licence to sell alcohol at The Kitchen on Union Street. The public can submit representations until February 13, 2026.
Dad 'Hysterical' After Baby Death, Court Hears
A father became hysterical and repeatedly apologised after learning his five-week-old daughter had died from catastrophic injuries, Stafford Crown Court hears as both parents deny murder charges.
Newcastle Cost of Living Payments Rise to £300
Newcastle City Council boosts Household Support Fund payments by £100 for eligible residents receiving Child Benefit, raising total support to £300 per household.
Willenhall Factory Demolition Starts Regeneration
Demolition of derelict factories in Willenhall's Locksmith Quarter has commenced, marking a major step in a regeneration scheme to build up to 107 new homes, funded by Levelling Up and WMCA.
New Carrington 155-home scheme approved despite concerns
Trafford planning committee grants conditional approval for Redrow's 155-home development in New Carrington, despite Environment Agency objections and traffic impact warnings.
Suella Braverman Defects to Reform UK
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK, criticising the government's record on immigration and public services.
Dudley Grit Bin Showdown as Petition Hits 1,000 Names
Dudley Council faces an extraordinary meeting after a 968-signature petition demands reinstatement of removed grit bins, with political parties clashing over winter safety.
DWP Reviews Pension Credit in Major Fraud Crackdown
The Department for Work and Pensions announces a full review of Pension Credit claims affecting 1.4 million people as part of Labour's welfare fraud reduction strategy.
Portsmouth's £200 Cost of Living Fund - Apply by Feb 26
Portsmouth City Council opens final Household Support Fund window offering £150-£200 payments to low-income residents struggling with energy and water bills. Applications close February 26.
Rachel Reeves Confirms £150 Cost of Living Boost for Everyone
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed a £150 reduction in average annual energy bills for all households, with additional support for six million low-income families bringing total savings to £300.
Trump to Review 'Everything' After Guilty Verdict
Former US President Donald Trump has announced he will review 'everything' following his guilty verdict in the hush money trial, with major implications for his 2024 campaign.
West of England Sets £416m Budget for Transport and Housing
The West of England Combined Authority proposes a 9% budget increase to £416m for 2026-27, with £7m for pothole repairs, £11m for housing, and support for cultural projects like Fashion Museum Bath.
MEPC to Lead £200m Bolton Regeneration
Bolton Council selects MEPC, developer behind Manchester's NOMA, to transform the former Crompton Place shopping centre into a mixed-use development with homes, offices, and leisure facilities.
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