Royal Mail warns 119 UK postcodes of Christmas delays
Royal Mail issues apology as staffing issues threaten festive deliveries in 119 areas. See the full list of affected postcodes and what the postal service says.
Category : Politics
DWP worker jailed for £50k Universal Credit fraud
A DWP executive officer exploited Covid rules to approve £50,000 in fake Universal Credit claims. Rafiq Master has been sentenced to 32 months in prison. Read the full story.
UK government borrowing tops £11.7bn in November
UK public sector borrowing reached £11.7bn last month, surpassing economist forecasts despite a surge in tax revenues. Discover the fiscal challenges facing the Chancellor.
Dudley Council's £75.9m funding sparks political debate
Dudley Council is set for a £75.9m three-year finance settlement from the Labour government. While Labour MPs hail a 'turning point', the borough's Conservative leader urges caution, saying 'the devil is in the detail'. Read the full story.
Last-minute report delays 50-storey Manchester tower
A 1,000-page last-minute report has delayed a decision on a 750-flat Manchester skyscraper for a second time. Meanwhile, a controversial Chorlton redevelopment gets the green light.
Council fixers may stay in Birmingham until 2028
The government's lead commissioner warns a 'that'll do' attitude must be broken for Birmingham City Council to recover. Key financial deadlines are set for early 2025.
Birmingham Church Car Park Plan Gets Green Light
St Michael's Church in Boldmere wins planning permission for a new car park. The scheme, which involves sensitively relocating gravestones, aims to tackle severe local parking problems. Read the full details.
Council adds security after protest over racist posts
Staffordshire County Council deployed extra guards after a Reform UK-led meeting was disrupted by protesters demanding resignations over alleged racist social media posts. Read the latest.
Dudley Council leader denies cover-up over failed land deal
Dudley Council's leader insists he has 'nothing to hide' as a report into a collapsed £1.65m land sale is delayed for nearly a year. Read the latest on the audit committee's concerns.
Birmingham bin strike row over £600 agency bonus
A fresh dispute has erupted in Birmingham after agency bin workers were offered a £600 cash incentive to work over New Year, angering striking council staff. Read the full story.
Birmingham rejects student tower over heritage harm
Birmingham councillors have refused plans for a 263-bed student block near New Street station, citing 'less than substantial' harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall.
Labour Councillor Slams Government Planning Changes
A Birmingham Labour councillor has publicly criticised his own government's proposed planning reforms, calling them a 'disaster about to happen' that will trash vital protections.
Pornhub traffic drops 77% after UK age checks
Minister Jess Phillips gives a sarcastic response as Pornhub sees a huge drop in UK visitors following the Online Safety Act's age verification rules. Read the latest.
Birmingham rejects student tower over heritage impact
Birmingham's planning committee has refused a 263-bed student accommodation tower, fearing harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall. Read the full debate.
Government orders urgent plan to end Birmingham bin strike
Government commissioners overseeing Birmingham City Council have demanded an urgent action plan to resolve the long-running bin strike, warning the council cannot 'just sit and hope'.
Birmingham's Safe Centre for Vulnerable Children Approved
Plans for a new safe centre in Birmingham to house vulnerable children have been narrowly approved by councillors, despite concerns over the demolition of heritage buildings. The facility aims to address a critical local shortage.
Eight-flat Blackheath plan rejected on appeal
Planning Inspectorate dismisses appeal for eight apartments in Blackheath, upholding Dudley Council's refusal. The scheme was deemed too dense and a risk to pedestrian safety.
Post-Brexit rules limit NI car sales from January 1
Major changes from January 1, 2026, will restrict the new car models available in Northern Ireland due to post-Brexit regulations. Find out how this impacts your next vehicle purchase.
Strictly Judge Craig Revel Horwood Backed to Exit by 2026
New predictions suggest Craig Revel Horwood could leave Strictly Come Dancing for RuPaul's Drag Race before 2026 ends. Discover all the potential career moves for Strictly stars.
Cold Weather Payment Rules: Eligibility & How to Check
Vulnerable households could receive a £25 Cold Weather Payment this month. Find out if you're eligible, how the DWP scheme works, and how to check your postcode.
Free TV Licence Plan for Benefit Claimants Under Review
Labour's Culture Secretary is reviewing BBC funding, with free TV licences for those on benefits among options. Could a £174.50 fee change ease the burden on poorer households?
Lidl's Bilston redevelopment plans approved
City of Wolverhampton Council approves Lidl's plans to demolish its outdated Bilston store and replace it with a modern supermarket, increasing parking and jobs.
Maxwell Claims New Evidence to Overturn Conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell files to overturn her 20-year sex trafficking sentence, alleging constitutional violations, just days before the public release of the Epstein files. Read the latest developments.
Birmingham Council gets major funding boost after bankruptcy
Birmingham City Council secures a massive £651.5m funding increase over five years as part of a new £78bn government settlement targeting deprived areas. Read the full story.
Ex-soldier denied bail in Kenya septic tank murder case
Robert James Purkiss, a former British soldier accused of murdering Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya in 2012, has been denied bail for a second time as he contests extradition. Read the latest court updates.
New Sports Club for Gracechurch Centre Car Park Roof
Plans submitted for a new racket sports and fitness club atop Sutton Coldfield's Gracechurch Centre car park, featuring padel, tennis & pickleball courts. Public consultation open.
Kieran Hayler pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault
Kieran Hayler, ex-husband of Katie Price, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape and one of sexual assault. The alleged offences date back to 2016. Get the latest court updates.
Royal Mail Christmas 2025 Delivery Dates Explained
Plan your festive post! Royal Mail confirms delivery and collection dates for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day 2025. Find out when services stop and restart.
Duke of Marlborough faces three strangulation charges
Charles James Spencer-Churchill, 70, is due in court tomorrow charged with three counts of non-fatal intentional strangulation alleged to have occurred in Woodstock between 2022 and 2024.
New hotel and shops for Wolverhampton's former Sports Direct
Plans approved to transform Wolverhampton's empty Sports Direct into a 52-bed hotel, gym, and five retail units, bringing jobs and investment to the city centre.
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