BBC Licence Fee Reform Could See More Households Paying
Outgoing BBC Director-General Tim Davie warns the broadcaster faces 'profound jeopardy' without licence fee reform, suggesting changes could require more households to contribute funding.
Category : Politics
Youth Must Be Central to Senedd Manifestos for Wales' Future
An analysis argues that Welsh political parties need to integrate youth-focused policies on housing, jobs, and entrepreneurship into their core economic strategies to retain young talent and drive prosperity.
Market Harborough Residents Shape Local Governance Future
Residents in Market Harborough are encouraged to participate in a crucial consultation on establishing a parish council, which could transfer local services and decision-making powers from the district council.
Labour Blocks Andy Burnham's MP Bid
Labour's National Executive Committee has rejected Andy Burnham's request to seek selection for the Gorton and Denton by-election, with senior figures divided over the decision.
£250 Cost of Living Payment for Non-Benefit Households
East Riding of Yorkshire Council announces one-off £250 payments for working households not on DWP benefits or Universal Credit who face financial hardship.
Smethwick HMO Plan Rejected Again by Council
Sandwell Council has rejected a second application to convert a Cheshire Road home into an eight-bed HMO, citing parking problems, poor living conditions, and neighbour disturbance.
Historic Wolverhampton Bank to Become Flats and Cafe
A planning application seeks to convert the 148-year-old grade II listed former Lloyds Bank in Wolverhampton into 20 flats and a cafe, preserving its Italian Renaissance features.
29 Council Elections Postponed, Four Midlands Councils Affected
The Government has confirmed 29 council elections across England will be postponed this May, including four Midlands authorities, as part of local government reorganisation plans.
DWP £775 Bonus Payments on Top of Benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing £775 in bonus payments through schemes like the Household Support Fund, Warm Home Discount, and Cold Weather Payment.
Council Tax 50% Cut for 12 UK Household Types
Council tax bills are being reduced by 50% for 12 specific household types under Labour government regulations. Discover the full list and eligibility criteria.
DWP Crackdown on Universal Credit Overpayments
The Department for Work and Pensions is launching a major initiative to tackle Universal Credit overpayments, which reached £6.3 billion last year, affecting eight million claimants.
Passport Office: Save £12.50 by Applying Online
The HM Passport Office highlights that online applications cost £12.50 less than paper forms, with most processed within three weeks. Experts advise using the official Gov.uk site for renewals.
Council Tax Hikes and Service Cuts from April
Dozens of councils plan to increase council tax by up to 4.99% while reducing bin collections, road repairs, and other services due to an £11bn funding shortfall.
Double TV Licence Fees for UK Households Explained
Certain UK households may need to purchase a second TV licence, with costs potentially exceeding £180. Rules apply to secondary properties and specific viewing methods.
£200 Emergency Payments Available for Households in February
Struggling households can apply for emergency £200 cost of living payments from local councils during February, with priority given to those in financial difficulty.
Birmingham Regeneration Scheme Delayed by Legal Challenge
Birmingham City Council's major Druids Heath estate regeneration faces setback after legal challenge over affordable housing disclosure, prompting councillor criticism.
Birmingham New Street 'Chicken Quarter' Demolished for Upgrade
Birmingham's New Street 'Chicken Quarter' is being demolished as a major two-year public realm transformation begins, featuring new granite surfaces, improved lighting and enhanced drainage systems.
Council Tax Divide: One Street, Two Boroughs, Double Bills
Residents on Hazelbourne Road in Clapham face stark council tax differences, with Lambeth households paying nearly £1,000 more than Wandsworth neighbours due to borough boundaries.
£200 Cost of Living Payments for Universal Credit Claimants
Lincolnshire residents on Universal Credit can apply for new £200 cost of living payments from April 2025, as part of the Household Support Fund before it transitions to a new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Labour's £100m 'Back Door Tax' on Legal Client Funds
The Ministry of Justice proposes redirecting interest from lawyers' client accounts during probate and property deals, facing criticism as a £100m 'back door tax' hitting grieving families.
New £100 Cost of Living Payments Coming Within Five Days
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing funds through local councils to provide financial support to vulnerable households facing rising living costs.
Cannock Regeneration Stalls Over Theatre Demolition Row
Cannock's town centre regeneration has been halted after councillors voted against funding, primarily due to controversial plans to demolish the Prince of Wales Theatre.
Birmingham HMO Refused Despite Management Assurances
Birmingham planning committee rejects conversion of Cotteridge shop to six-bed HMO, citing over-concentration fears and exempt accommodation concerns despite professional management promises.
Solihull Children's Home Plan Withdrawn
A proposal to convert a four-bedroom house in Monkspath into a children's home has been withdrawn by the applicant during the initial consultation phase.
DWP Updates Formal Position on WASPI Compensation Payouts
The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined its formal position regarding potential compensation for WASPI women, following a government pledge to review previous policy decisions.
Simon Darby: West Midlands BNP Deputy Leader's Story
Examining the political journey of Simon Darby, former BNP deputy leader, whose West Midlands campaigns capitalised on economic discontent and foreshadowed contemporary populist movements.
DWP: Pension Credit Next for Bank Account Checks
DWP Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield has revealed that Pension Credit will be the next benefit to undergo bank account scrutiny, following similar measures for Universal Credit.
Church Demolition Plan for Children's Home in Enderby
Blaby District Council will decide on plans to demolish Enderby Life Church in Leicestershire and replace it with a children's care home, despite objections from the parish council.
Legal Deal for New Birmingham City Centre Development
A legal agreement has been finalised to enable a new development in Birmingham city centre, with plans for a multi-storey building including flats, offices, and retail space.
Home Secretary Gets Power to Sack Chief Constables
Ministers will gain direct authority to remove poorly performing chief constables following controversy over West Midlands Police's ban on Israeli football fans.
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