Dudley Council's turbulent 2025: Budget, protests & politics
Dudley Council battled a £42m financial crisis, political defections, and protests over asylum seeker housing in a tumultuous 2025. Explore the key events shaping the borough's future.
Category : Council Meetings
Prince George, Charlotte & Louis at Christmas Service
See 10 charming photos of the Wales children at the annual Sandringham Christmas service. The young royals greeted crowds and received gifts on the big day.
Universal Credit test for migrants labelled 'absurd'
Fury erupts as data shows a migrant becomes eligible for Universal Credit every 43 seconds. The number of foreign nationals entitled to claim has nearly doubled in two years. Read the full story.
Claim Backdated Child Benefit of £897, HMRC Says
HMRC urges UK households to claim backdated Child Benefit payments, worth up to £897 annually per child. Learn how to claim and eligibility details.
Dudley's most popular 2025 petition debated by council
A petition on housing asylum seekers in Dudley, gaining over 3,000 signatures, triggered a full council debate. Discover the other local issues that mobilised residents in 2025.
Councillor has lowest attendance rate in Herefordshire
A review reveals a Herefordshire councillor missed twice as many meetings as he attended in 2025. Discover the full story and see who had perfect attendance.
Kyiv missile attack kills one ahead of US-Ukraine talks
A major Russian missile and drone barrage hit Kyiv, killing one and wounding 27, just hours before President Zelensky meets Donald Trump for crucial peace negotiations. Read the latest on the attacks and the diplomatic push.
Northern Bank raid 'top man' feared 'too clever to arrest'
Declassified files reveal British officials' fears after the 2004 Northern Bank heist. Discover how the £26m robbery impacted the peace process and the hunt for the mastermind.
Fire Stick TV Licence warning: £1,000 fine risk
Amazon Fire TV Stick users are being warned they could be hit with a £1,000 fine for a common TV Licence error. Authorities are stepping up checks from December 2025. Check if you're covered.
2026 Bank Holidays: Christmas Day Falls on a Friday
Plan your 2026 holidays now. Christmas Day on a Friday creates a long weekend, with Boxing Day moving to Monday. See all the key dates for England and Wales.
Farm Inheritance Tax Threshold Raised to £2.5m
The government has tripled the inheritance tax threshold for farmland to £2.5m following pressure. Critics say it doesn't go far enough to protect family farms. Read the full story.
DWP confirms Christmas benefit payment date changes
The DWP has announced adjusted payment dates for benefits and State Pension over the 2025/2026 festive period due to bank holidays. Find out how to plan your finances.
What 'DWP XB' on Your Bank Statement Means
The DWP's £10 Christmas Bonus has been paid. We explain the 'DWP XB' code on statements, eligibility criteria, and how it affects your other benefits.
Scrap DWP £10 Christmas Bonus, Writer Urges
A Telegraph writer argues the UK can no longer afford the £186m annual DWP Christmas Bonus paid to over 18 million people. Discover who qualifies and the debate.
DWP benefit payments arriving early for Christmas
Thousands of UK households will see DWP payments like Universal Credit and State Pension land early due to bank holidays. Find out if you're affected and how to manage your budget.
Inheritance Tax Rise for Farmers Watered Down
The UK government has revised its inheritance tax plans for farmers after protests. The new rules allow couples to pass on up to £5m. Find out what changed.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has gun licence revoked
Good Morning Britain halted for a major royal update as it's revealed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has surrendered his firearms certificate. Read the full story on the latest blow for the former prince.
Child Benefit payments delayed due to Christmas break
HMRC warns UK families of delayed Child Benefit payments due to bank holidays. Key dates for December and 2026 changes explained. Check if you're affected.
HMRC Changes Child Benefit Dates Over Christmas
HMRC announces revised payment dates for Child Benefit over the festive period. Find out if your payment is affected and how to check your schedule.
HMRC wrongly targeted 60% in child benefit crackdown
Shocking figures reveal HMRC's anti-fraud pilot wrongly stopped child benefit for 60% of targeted families. Discover the full scale of the government's admission.
State Pension & Universal Credit Dates Change in Jan 2026
The DWP confirms state pension and benefits like Universal Credit will be paid early due to New Year bank holidays. Find out if you're affected.
New Epstein photo shows Andrew Windsor with Ghislaine Maxwell
A newly released image from the Epstein files shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lying across five people as Ghislaine Maxwell watches. Read the full report on the latest revelations.
Council 'Paralysed' After Mass Resignations
Shirebrook Town Council left unable to function after 11 councillors quit. Bolsover District Council appoints temporary members to restore operations. Read the full story.
Warwickshire leader claims big investors coming amid parking row
Warwickshire Council leader George Finch insists 'big investors' are being secured to revive town centres, amid a heated debate over rising on-street parking charges. Read the full story.
Birmingham City Council approves Alpha Tower sale
Birmingham City Council approves the sale of the iconic Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. Read the full story and reactions from local councillors.
Russia's UK 'Strike List' Map Targets 23 Towns
A high-ranking Russian official has shared a map of 23 UK industrial and military sites, including Derby and Telford, deemed potential targets. Explore the full list and the geopolitical tensions behind the threat.
Calls to scrap state pension triple lock perk
Experts urge DWP to replace the triple lock with a 'double lock', removing the minimum 2.5% rise. Analysis reveals the long-term cost to taxpayers and impact on pensioners.
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.
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.
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.
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