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.
Category : Politics
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.
DWP 2026 Benefit and Pension Increases Announced
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed new payment rates for benefits and state pensions from April 2026, with millions set to receive extra financial support.
Birmingham Council Director on Extended Leave
Birmingham City Council confirms executive director for children and families, Sue Harrison, is on extended leave, with James Thomas temporarily overseeing services.
Royal Mail Delays in Birmingham and Black Country
Royal Mail responds to complaints from residents in Northfield and Halesowen about postal delays of up to 11 days, citing severe weather and staffing issues as causes.
Plymouth Planning Notice: Key Applications Listed
A statutory planning notice for Plymouth outlines applications under heritage, residential and education categories. Residents have 21 days to view plans and submit representations.
Wealden Council Planning Notices for Listed Buildings
Wealden District Council has published planning notices affecting listed buildings and conservation areas, plus major development proposals in East Sussex. Public consultation open until February 6, 2026.
Cannock Regeneration Stalled Over Theatre Row
Plans to rejuvenate Cannock town centre have been halted after councillors voted down funding due to a dispute over demolishing the Prince of Wales Theatre, a key cultural landmark.
Birmingham Approves HS2 Curzon Street Station Restoration
Birmingham City Council's planning committee has approved HS2's restoration plans for the historic Old Curzon Street Station while urging the government to expedite the high-speed railway project.
Hull Seeks Partner for Albion Square Regeneration
Hull City Council is seeking a lead development partner for the Albion Square regeneration project, aiming to transform the former BHS building into a premium mixed-use residential scheme.
Wiltshire Solar Farm Approved Near Chippenham
A 23-megawatt solar park, equivalent to 160 football pitches, has been approved for construction between Christian Malford and Dauntsey, generating power for 9,400 homes.
Historic Birmingham Station Restoration Approved
Birmingham City Council approves HS2 plans to restore the historic Curzon Street Station building, while urging government to accelerate high-speed rail project.
Attingham Park Expansion Plans Recommended for Approval
Ambitious plans for a major outdoor hub at Attingham Park in Shropshire have been recommended for approval, featuring new facilities, trails, and ecological enhancements.
DWP Final Warnings: ESA Payments Stop March 2026
Thousands on income-related ESA receive Migration Notices as DWP accelerates final phase of Universal Credit transition. Claimants must act within three months to retain support.
Plymouth Planning Notices: Public Consultation Opens
Plymouth City Council has published statutory planning notices for several applications, including sites near PL4 6HT and PL1 2PY. The public has 21 days to review and comment on proposals ranging from school canopies to HMO conversions.
Labour Delays 29 Local Elections Amid Reform UK Challenge
The Labour government has confirmed the postponement of 29 local council elections, citing a major reorganisation of local government. Despite a legal challenge from Reform UK, the government is proceeding with the delays.
DVLA's Radical Change to Impact Millions of Drivers
The DVLA is launching a major partnership with the new CustomerFirst unit to modernise services, using technology to improve millions of driver interactions annually.
Swansea Civic Centre Waterfront Regeneration Plans Unveiled
Ambitious plans to transform Swansea Civic Centre into a vibrant waterfront district with cafes, bars, apartments, an aquarium, and events space have been revealed ahead of public consultation.
Toby Carvery Eviction Over Ancient Oak Felling
Enfield Council pursues eviction against Mitchells & Butlers after the felling of a 500-year-old oak tree at a Toby Carvery site, sparking community outrage.
Universal Credit Rule Change Sparks £1,100 Council Tax Battle
A disabled Somerset resident has won High Court permission to challenge a council tax reduction scheme after his transition to Universal Credit resulted in a £1,100 annual bill.
DWP Halts WASPI Action Plan, Defends Decision
The Department for Work and Pensions has paused its WASPI action plan while ministers reconsider compensation for women affected by state pension age changes.
Starmer Confirms £150 Energy Bill Cut for All
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has detailed a major cost-of-living package that will reduce average energy bills by £150 for millions, with extra support for low-income families.
Unclaimed Council Tax Refunds: Millions Owed Money
A recent FOI request reveals councils hold £544m in unclaimed council tax refunds. Millions of households may be owed an average of £178, with some credits reaching thousands.
March Deadline for WASPI Compensation Plan
Over 100 MPs demand the DWP provides a compensation proposal for WASPI women by March 2, following the Ombudsman's report suggesting payments up to £2,950.
DWP WASPI Payout Draft Written But Not Public Yet
The Department for Work and Pensions has a working draft for WASPI compensation payouts worth £2,950 but will not release it publicly until Labour ministers reconsider the decision.
MPs Grill DWP Over Carer's Allowance Scandal
Senior DWP officials face intense criticism from MPs over a scandal affecting 134,000 unpaid carers, with accusations of vague responses and systemic failures.
Midland Village Postal Crisis: No Mail Since New Year
A West Midlands MP reveals Water Orton residents have received no post this year, with critical delays affecting cancer screening results, benefits, and employment mail.
Royal Mail Backlog Causes Post Delays in West Midlands
Royal Mail apologises for a two-week backlog affecting deliveries in West Midlands towns including Northfield and Halesowen, citing severe weather and staffing issues.
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