Labour drops free TV licence plan for DWP claimants
The Labour government has shelved plans to give free TV licences to benefit claimants. Find out why the policy was dropped and what it means for the licence fee.
Category : Politics
DWP Begins Process to End Two-Child Benefit Cap
The DWP will formally introduce a Bill to lift the two-child benefit cap on Thursday, January 8. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden calls it a £3bn investment in children's futures.
WASPI women: 'Time running out' for compensation
Ministers have until the end of February to decide on payouts for 3.6 million WASPI women. UNISON urges public to write to MPs demanding justice and fair compensation.
Cold Weather Payments doubled to £50 for 31 UK postcodes
The DWP has increased Cold Weather Payments from £25 to £50 for 31 postcodes hit by severe winter weather. Check the full list to see if your area is eligible for the extra support.
DWP doubles Cold Weather Payments for six benefits in January
The DWP is issuing multiple £25 Cold Weather Payments to eligible households on six key benefits as freezing temperatures grip the UK. Find out if you're eligible and how it works.
Dudley Council to hike fees for pest control and cremation
Dudley Council proposes fee increases for services like pest control and cremation to add £2.5m to its budget. Key votes set for January and February 2026.
Cold Weather Payments Triggered for 21 English Counties
Over 700,000 UK households are set to receive a £25 DWP Cold Weather Payment. Check if your postcode is among the 697 areas affected across 21 counties.
Future of 'Weak' Solihull Bridge in Doubt
Solihull Council consults on two options for the 'significantly weakened' Barston Bridge, used by over 1,000 vehicles daily. Have your say on its future.
Andrew 'to refuse royal cottage' as Fergie's future home revealed
Prince Andrew is reportedly set to turn down a cottage on the Sandringham estate, with experts predicting a move abroad. Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson is looking at separate UK options.
Wealden Planning Notices: Heritage Works & Wadhurst Scheme
Multiple planning applications in Wealden affect listed buildings and conservation areas. A Wadhurst scheme seeks a design variation. Public comments due by January 17, 2026.
Sevenoaks Council Seeks Views on Planning Applications
Sevenoaks District Council has published a new list of planning applications. Residents have until January 15, 2026, to submit comments on proposals ranging from house extensions to a Gypsy and Traveller site variation.
Sherford Co-op Applies for Extended Alcohol Sales Licence
The Co-operative Group has applied to sell alcohol from 12am to 11pm daily at its Sherford store. Residents have until January 14, 2026, to submit comments to South Hams District Council.
£25 Cold Weather Payments Triggered for 246 Postcodes
The DWP has activated Cold Weather Payments for over half a million UK households. Find out if your postcode is eligible for the £25 support during the freeze.
Steak Chain Flat Iron Plans First Liverpool Restaurant
UK steak chain Flat Iron has lodged plans to open its first Liverpool site in a Grade II listed building on Castle Street, potentially ending a long-running planning saga. Expected opening summer 2026.
Birmingham bins strike: Council boss on 'difficult' hurdles
Birmingham's bin strike reaches a grim one-year milestone. Council's top officer Joanne Roney speaks out on the 'incredibly difficult' negotiations with Unite, stalled by equal pay and financial constraints. What's next?
£25 Cold Weather Payments for 500k UK Households
The DWP has triggered Cold Weather Payments for nearly 250 postcodes. Over half a million households will get £25 to help with heating costs. Check if your area is included.
Plymouth planning applications open for public comment
A major Plymouth planning notice lists 15 proposals, from cladding replacement to care home extensions. The public has 21 days from Dec 23, 2025 to submit comments. View details on the council portal.
DWP Cold Weather Payments Hit 697 UK Postcodes
The DWP is issuing Cold Weather Payments to nearly 700 postcodes, with one million people receiving £50. Find out if your area is eligible for the heating support.
Historic Drink-Drive Law Change: One Pint Limit Proposed
The UK government is consulting on cutting England's drink-drive limit from 35mcg to 22mcg per 100ml of breath, effectively a one-pint maximum. This major road safety overhaul could also see stricter rules for new drivers.
Birmingham bin strike stalemate marks one-year anniversary
Birmingham's bin strike hits its one-year mark with no resolution. We examine the dispute's roots, the impact on residents, and why a solution remains elusive for the city's waste crisis.
Drink-drive limit lowered in England and Wales
The UK government announces a new road safety strategy, including lowering the drink-drive limit and mandatory eye tests for over-70s. Read the full details.
Petition to raise tax-free allowance to £20k hits key milestone
A public petition urging the government to raise the income tax personal allowance to £20,000 has reached 44,000 signatures, halfway to triggering a parliamentary debate. Read the details and the government's response.
Walsall Leather Museum SEND Plan Submitted Despite Objections
Walsall Council submits plans to convert the Leather Museum into a SEND college facility, despite a 3,300-signature petition. Decision expected next month.
539 postcodes get DWP Cold Weather Payments
The DWP has triggered Cold Weather Payments for 539 postcodes after freezing temperatures. Some areas will receive £50. Check the full list to see if you're eligible.
Birmingham bins strike drags on for a full year
Birmingham's bin strike reaches a bleak one-year milestone with no end in sight. A striking worker shares his embarrassment as rubbish piles up and talks remain stalled.
Haulage firm applies for Buntingford operating centre licence
Truck Care Haulage Solutions applies to use Buttermilk Farm as a goods vehicle operating centre. Residents have 21 days to submit representations to the Traffic Commissioner.
Enviroline Drainage Applies for HGV Operator Licence in Plymouth
Enviroline Drainage Services Ltd has applied for a national goods vehicle operator's licence for a site on Foulston Avenue. Residents have until 24 January 2026 to submit representations to the Traffic Commissioner.
Dover MP Tapp Outlines 2026 Vision for Community
Labour MP Mike Tapp details how government policies on cost of living, NHS, and investment are set to benefit Dover and Deal in 2026, urging unity and optimism.
Labour dismisses £30 boiler levy as 'absolute nonsense'
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has labelled reports of a proposed £30 boiler levy as 'absolute nonsense' and 'scaremongering' in a Commons statement. Read the full details.
Police and Council Chiefs Face MPs Over Villa Fan Ban
Senior West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council leaders are grilled by MPs over the controversial decision to ban Israeli football fans from a match at Aston Villa.
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