DWP drops PIP points rule after concerns raised
The DWP has removed a clause from a welfare bill that would have tightened PIP eligibility. The move follows a review and concerns from MPs across the House.
Category : Politics
Buddhist temple's community hall plan rejected over parking
Plans for a new 200-capacity community hall at Wolverhampton's Ambedkar Buddhist Centre have been refused by the council, citing insufficient parking and traffic safety concerns. Read the full story.
Planners rule on 10-bed HMO in former Willenhall pub
Walsall Council's planning committee meets to decide the future of the former Falcon Inn in Willenhall. A petition with 375 signatures opposes the 10-bed HMO conversion. Read the latest.
Royal Mail begins 24/7 parcel locker trial at Post Offices
Royal Mail starts a six-month trial of 24/7 parcel lockers outside Post Offices, aiming to boost convenience for UK households. Read the full details.
Unite slams Birmingham Council over bins strike comments
Unite the union has launched a furious attack on Birmingham City Council, accusing its top officer of 'misleading' statements about the year-long bins strike negotiations. The dispute remains deadlocked.
Gas pipeline easement planned for Oxenhill Meadow, Kemsing
Sevenoaks District Council has issued a statutory notice to grant an easement to SGN for a replacement gas pipeline at Oxenhill Meadow. The council will retain freehold and the land remains open space. View plans and submit representations by January 23,
Lidl Wolverhampton store granted alcohol licence
A new Lidl supermarket in Wolverhampton has been granted a licence to sell alcohol after public health officials withdrew their objection over super-strength sales. The store will create 40 jobs.
15,000 wrongly lose Child Benefit in HMRC crackdown
HMRC admits 15,000 people had Child Benefit payments wrongly stopped in a recent compliance drive. Read the full details of the government's error and its impact.
DWP Announces April 2026 Benefit Increases
The DWP will increase Universal Credit, ESA, and Carer's Allowance from April 2026. Letters detailing new rates are being sent to all claimants. Find out how much more you'll get.
Ofsted: Solihull Children's Services Good, But Improvements Needed
Solihull Council's children's services achieve a historic 'good' Ofsted rating, a major turnaround from 2022. Inspectors highlight seven specific areas requiring further improvement for sustained progress.
Calls to scrap state pension lump sum for wealthy WASPI women
The DWP faces calls to deny a lump sum payout to wealthier WASPI women, but campaigners argue compensation is about injustice, not means-testing. Read the full debate.
DWP sets 15-day target for child maintenance complaints
The DWP vows to contact people with Child Maintenance Service complaints within 15 days, admitting 'regrettable' delays. Find out what this means for you.
New Protests Block Birmingham Council Depots in Bin Dispute
A new coalition is blockading Birmingham council depots in solidarity with striking bin workers, causing fresh collection delays. Read the latest on the ongoing dispute.
Ofsted Praises Solihull Council's 'Rapid Improvement' for Children
Ofsted inspectors have rated Solihull Council's children's services as 'good', marking a dramatic recovery from an 'inadequate' judgement in 2022. Council leaders are praised for making children a 'corporate priority'.
Councils give wrong Council Tax info to unpaid carers
Martin Lewis's MoneySavingExpert reveals 69 councils display incorrect eligibility criteria for Carer's Council Tax discount, potentially costing thousands. Check if you're affected.
HMRC Child Benefit Crackdown Suspended 24,000 Accounts
HMRC admitted its child benefit crackdown, which suspended 24,000 accounts using travel data, carried a 'tolerable' risk. Discover the impact and official response.
Iran Threatens US as Protests Leave 500 Dead
Iran threatens 'immediate revenge' on US bases if Trump intervenes in protests. Over 500 dead, 10,000 arrested. Starlink used to bypass internet blackout. Read the latest.
Carers Misled on Council Tax Discount by Councils
Martin Lewis warns unpaid carers not to trust council websites after an investigation reveals widespread errors on eligibility for 25% council tax discounts. Check if you're owed money.
Councils Mislead Carers on £500 Tax Discount
Martin Lewis warns unpaid carers are being misled by incorrect council website info, potentially missing out on £500 yearly Council Tax discounts. Check your eligibility now.
New buildings planned for Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone
Plans for eight new commercial buildings at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone aim to boost local employment, featuring an on-site cafe and improved transport links. Read the full details.
Lewis: Council Tax Scandal Hits 5M Unpaid Carers
Martin Lewis warns unpaid carers are missing vital council tax discounts due to widespread errors on local authority websites. Check Carers UK for correct info.
DWP change to cost households £12,266 a year by 2031
DWP forecasts reveal welfare spending will cost the average UK household £12,266 per year by 2031, a £2,300 rise from 2023. Find out what's driving the increase.
DWP told to pay £2,950 to thousands of WASPI claimants
Young voters overwhelmingly back compensation for 3.6 million women affected by state pension age changes. WASPI chief warns ministers are in the 'last chance saloon' for justice.
DWP ends ESA benefit for 650,000 people
The DWP has accelerated the end of income-related ESA, moving 650,000 claimants to Universal Credit by March 2026. Find out the crucial deadlines and how to protect your payments.
Government letter adds pressure to Solihull local plan
The government has expressed disappointment over delays to Solihull's crucial housing blueprint. The council must now navigate new planning rules and an 'advisory visit' to meet its target of 8,500 homes.
Final Vote on Manchester Skyscraper and Marquee Plans
Manchester's planning committee will make a final decision on two contentious projects: the 752-home Stockton's skyscraper and the Whalley Range mosque marquee. Watch the debate live.
Petition with 2,000 signatures demands green belt protection
Parish councils in Cheshire West demand an end to premature green belt applications and a focus on brownfield sites. A 1,985-signature petition forces council scrutiny.
Six Major Universal Credit Changes Coming in 2026
The government has announced sweeping changes to Universal Credit and DWP benefits for 2026, including the end of legacy benefits and key payment adjustments. Discover how the new rules will affect you.
Birmingham Council sells £250m of property in crisis
Birmingham City Council has sold over 1,000 properties and plots of land, raising £250m to tackle its financial woes. Discover the full scale of the asset sales and what it means for the city's future.
Coventry Council to debate four-day working week
A Coventry councillor will urge the authority to explore a four-day week for staff to boost morale and save money. The motion will be debated next week.
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