Cold Weather Payments: £25 for 674,000 UK Households
The DWP has triggered Cold Weather Payments for 441 postcodes, providing £25 to vulnerable households. Find out if you're eligible and when you'll be paid.
Category : Politics
Starmer announces Universal Credit changes for 2026
PM Keir Starmer says benefit changes, including scrapping the two-child cap, will leave millions 'hundreds of pounds better off' this year. Read the full cost-of-living update.
12 Big Changes Coming to Sutton Coldfield in 2026
From a £20m neighbourhood fund to a new Aldi and healthcare revamps, discover the 12 key developments poised to reshape Birmingham's Royal Town in the coming year.
DWP Christmas Bonus: 24 benefit groups warned to check
Recipients of 24 DWP benefits are urged to contact officials if their £10 Christmas Bonus hasn't arrived. Find out if you're eligible and what action to take.
2026 Driving Test Booking Rules: What Learners Need to Know
The DVSA is overhauling car driving test booking rules in Spring 2026 to combat bots and scalpers. Learn how the changes will affect learner drivers and their instructors.
West Midlands Mayor sets out 2026 priorities for transport and homes
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker outlines major 2026 projects: five new railway stations opening, 5,000 new homes, and a fund to revive high streets. He also addresses potential political challenges.
DWP Cold Weather Payments triggered for UK households
The DWP has activated £25 Cold Weather Payments for eligible households as temperatures plummet. Find out if your postcode qualifies and how the scheme works.
£70 per child cost of living payments for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough households with children eligible for free school meals can apply for a £70 voucher per child. The support is part of the DWP's Household Support Fund. Learn how to apply.
CGI reveals Birmingham's stunning 2045 transformation
Stunning CGI images show how Birmingham could look in 2045, with HS2, a regenerated Digbeth, and new sports quarter. See the ambitious vision for the city's future.
UK households to lose £15,000 spending power by 2029
UK households face a real-terms loss exceeding £15,000 in spending power by 2029 due to frozen tax thresholds and policy measures, hitting 'HENRY' earners hardest. Read the full analysis.
Seven Ways UK Households Pay More Tax in 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves's tax changes for 2026 will impact millions. From frozen thresholds to new levies, discover the seven key ways your finances will be affected. Read the full analysis.
Permanent 'Green Stage' Plan for Bournville Submitted
A plan for a permanent 'green stage' on Bournville Green has been submitted, aiming to boost arts and community events. The £63k project is led by a local consortium.
DWP £25 Cold Weather Payments for 441 UK Postcodes
Over 674,000 households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will receive a £25 DWP cold weather payment. See the full list of eligible postcodes as the Met Office warns of snow and ice.
DWP confirms April benefit and State Pension increases
Millions of UK households will see income rise in April as DWP increases benefit and State Pension rates. Universal Credit standard allowance to rise by around £295 a year for singles.
Universal Credit Migration Deadline Set for March 2026
The DWP minister outlines the transition of ESA claimants to Universal Credit, addressing income protection and new health element rules. Learn what the changes mean for you.
Labour warned over WASPI compensation 'tsunami'
The government risks a 'tsunami' of national outrage if it ignores calls for WASPI compensation, campaigners warn. A crucial court hearing was cancelled after a new agreement was reached.
200 Homes Planned for Failand Green Belt Land
Hill Residential's plan for 200 homes on green-belt land near Failand sparks debate. Will the village's unique triangular shape be lost? Read the local reaction.
DWP's 2026 Reforms: What You Need to Know
Major DWP reforms in 2026 will affect millions. Learn about changes to Universal Credit, the end of legacy benefits, and increases to State Pensions and wages.
State Pension Age Rises to 67 from 2026
The DWP is moving the retirement goalposts. From April 2026, the state pension age will increase from 66 to 67. Find out how this change affects your retirement plans.
Cold Weather Payments triggered for 441 UK postcodes
The DWP has activated Cold Weather Payments for 441 postcodes, providing £25 to an estimated 674,000 households. Check if your area is on the full list.
DWP: Household Support Fund ends March 31
The DWP warns millions of vulnerable UK households that crucial Household Support Fund payments will cease on March 31, 2026. Find out what this means for you.
Littlewoods Film Studio Plans Go to Government
Liverpool's £70m plan to transform the iconic Littlewoods building into a TV and film studio complex will be presented to ministers in February. Council leader reveals strong government interest.
Classic Car Tax Exemption Age Could Drop to 35
A new Parliamentary petition calls on the Labour government to lower the historic vehicle tax exemption age from 40 to 35 years. Find out how this could benefit owners of 'modern classics'.
Iran Protests Turn Deadly as Economic Unrest Spreads
Deadly clashes between Iranian protesters and security forces escalate as economic grievances fuel nationwide unrest. Internet blackouts hinder reporting. Read the latest.
Tax threshold freeze to cost workers £505, says think tank
A think tank warns a freeze on income tax bands until 2031 will leave a £50k earner £505 worse off, while benefits rise. Discover the full analysis of this 'stealth tax'.
Birmingham's biggest stories of 2025: January to June
A month-by-month look at the major political and community stories that shaped Birmingham in the first half of 2025, from the bin strike crisis to council bankruptcy fallout.
Benefits fraud gang to repay only £2m of £53m haul
A Bulgarian gang behind the UK's biggest benefits fraud will repay just £2m after moving millions abroad. Five were jailed for 25 years combined. Read the full story.
Harborne Day Centre site sold for new food store
Birmingham City Council approves sale of closed Harborne Day Centre to a national retailer for a new supermarket, sparking debate over cuts to vital adult services. Read the full story.
Stealth taxes 'hammering' workers, says think tank
Analysis reveals workers face real-term income cuts due to frozen tax thresholds, while pensioners see gains. The Treasury defends its 'fair and necessary' budget decisions.
Birmingham Council's 2026 Challenges: Strikes & Finances
Birmingham City Council faces a critical year with ongoing strikes and financial fragility. Commissioners see progress but warn of major risks ahead. Read the full analysis.
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