Category : Council Meetings


UK Social Media Ban for Under-16s Proposed by Lords

The House of Lords has voted to push for an Australian-style social media ban for under-16s, rejecting government consultation plans and demanding immediate action to protect children from online harms.

New Strategic Authority Proposed Across Four Shire Counties

Council leaders in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, and Gloucestershire are discussing the creation of a new strategic authority to form a growth corridor between Birmingham and Bristol, as part of major local government reforms.

Council Leader on Bins Strike Talks Delay

Birmingham Council leader John Cotton has addressed why it took months to propose new talks with Unite union over the ongoing bins strike, citing equal pay constraints and service modernization needs.

Council Tributes to Late Councillor Waseem Zaffar

Councillors across Birmingham paid formal tribute to Lozells representative Waseem Zaffar, who died suddenly earlier this year. Colleagues remembered his dedication to community, environmental advocacy, and family.

BBC TV Licence Fees Rise from April 2026

The annual cost of a standard colour TV licence will rise to £180, while black-and-white licences increase to £60.50. Discounts for blind individuals remain, and payment plans are available.

DWP Sends Pension Letters to Those Born Before 1960

The Department for Work and Pensions is contacting state pensioners aged 66 and over with updated payment details ahead of an April uplift. New rates will see weekly pensions increase under the triple-lock system.

Early £104 Child Benefit Payments Before Easter

HM Revenue and Customs has announced that some Child Benefit claimants will receive their £104 payments earlier in April due to Easter bank holidays, with a 3.8% rate increase also coming.

Dudley Council's Hyper-Local Plan Wins Approval

Dudley Council's hyper-local reorganization plan has been approved by scrutiny committee members, aiming to distribute resources across five townships and restore local heritage identities.

HMRC Early £174 Child Benefit Payments on April 2

UK households will receive surprise £174 Child Benefit payments on April 2, five days early due to the Easter bank holiday. HMRC confirms the schedule change and provides guidance on payment dates and rates.

DWP Ends Cash Payments, New Crisis Fund Launches April 1

The Department for Work and Pensions is closing its Household Support Fund on March 31, with a new Crisis and Resilience Fund set to begin on April 1. Eligible households can still apply for up to £300 in support before the deadline.

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