DWP Chief: Labour MPs Should Back Benefit Reforms
Pat McFadden argues public wants welfare system to promote work and value for money, as new cuts target youth unemployment with apprenticeship grants.
Category : Council Meetings
Rachel Reeves Updates on State Pension Tax Before Triple Lock Hike
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reassured state pensioners that those relying solely on the new state pension will not face income tax during this Parliament, despite upcoming Triple Lock increases potentially pushing some into taxable territory.
Universal Credit Changes: Three Major April Updates
The Department for Work and Pensions announces significant Universal Credit modifications starting April, including removal of the two-child benefit cap and an above-inflation payment increase, while reducing health top-ups for new claimants.
Starmer Extends Fuel Duty Cut to September
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announces the fuel duty cut extension until September, introduces Fuel Finder tool, and discusses Middle East tensions impacting energy costs.
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Starmer's £53m Heating Oil Support and Energy Bill Caps
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a £53 million cost of living package for heating oil users, alongside energy bill caps and fuel duty extensions amid Middle East tensions.
DWP Checks Pensioners' Bank Accounts for Two Benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions is using new powers to verify Winter Fuel Payment and Pension Credit awards through bank account checks, sparking privacy concerns from civil liberties groups.
£150 Energy Bill Discount for Benefit Claimants Extended
The Government has extended the Warm Home Discount scheme, providing a £150 energy bill reduction to around six million low-income households this winter.
£225 Winter Bonus for Eligible State Pensioners in Tandridge
Tandridge Council announces one-off £225 payments for state pensioners and other vulnerable groups through the Winter Support Scheme, funded by the DWP's Household Support Fund.
Rachel Reeves Announces £200 Cost-of-Living Support Payments
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has launched the Crisis and Resilience Fund, offering emergency cash payments to households struggling with essentials like food and energy bills from April.
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State Pension Age May Hit 75 as Birth Rates Fall
A new report from the Centre for Social Justice urges the Labour government to address declining birth rates to prevent the state pension age from rising substantially to 75 by 2039.
Starmer Announces Support for Households Amid Energy Crisis
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will hold a press conference on Monday to announce tens of millions in support for 1.7 million households affected by rising energy bills driven by Middle East conflicts.
HMRC Child Benefit Block: 24,000 Cases Under NAO Investigation
The National Audit Office launches an inquiry into HMRC's anti-fraud system that incorrectly suspended child benefit payments for thousands of families using faulty travel data.
Council Tax Loophole: 1993 Freeze Favors Large Property Owners
Walsall Council reveals a council tax loophole where properties expanded since 1993 pay lower rates, as bills rise by 4.99% for 2026/27. Councillors call for reform to address unfairness in the system.
PIP Assessment Changes from April Risk One Million Claimants
The Labour government is increasing face-to-face PIP assessments from 6% to 30% starting April, potentially affecting over one million claimants as part of a £1.9 billion savings plan.
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HMRC to Dock State Pensions £34 Monthly Over Fuel Payment
State pensioners face £34 monthly deductions from HMRC if they don't opt out of Winter Fuel Payment by April 1, with experts warning of double repayments for high earners.
Dudley Council's £7m Sick Pay Bill Amid Burnout Claims
Dudley Council faces a £6.9m cost for staff sick days, with mental health issues and work-related stress cited as leading causes. Councillors debate the impact of budget cuts on employee wellbeing.
Home Office U-Turn on Passport Rule for EU Dual Nationals
The Home Office has reversed a controversial rule requiring dual nationals with EU settlement status to present a British passport for UK entry, following backlash from affected citizens.
Conservatives Decide Fate of Reform UK Council Leader
Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch faces a crucial no-confidence vote, with nine Conservative councillors positioned as kingmakers in a tense political showdown.
Benefits Protected for 13,000 Irish Mother and Baby Home Survivors
The Labour government has announced that survivors of Ireland's mother and baby homes living in Britain will not have their DWP benefits cut if they accept compensation payments from Dublin.
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DWP State Pension Age Increase to 67 Begins
The Department for Work and Pensions is raising the state pension age from 66 to 67, a change first announced in 2011. The transition will complete by early 2028, affecting retirement plans and potentially increasing income poverty rates among affected gr
Birmingham Councillor: Women Silenced in Politics
Councillor Shabina Bano speaks out about male dominance and challenges faced by women in Birmingham politics, urging more female voices and representation.
Black Sabbath Pub Future Could Shape Birmingham Election
The fate of The Crown pub, where Black Sabbath first performed, has become a key cultural issue ahead of Birmingham's all-out council elections in May, with political parties outlining their plans.
DWP Crackdown on Pension Credit Overpayments Begins
Labour minister Andrew Western warns of DWP action targeting state pensioners receiving Pension Credit, with £610 million in overpayments reported last year.
DWP Crackdown: 6,000 Agents Review Benefit Claims
The Department for Work and Pensions is expanding its Targeted Case Review, with 6,000 agents examining nearly one million cases. Experts warn of risks to vulnerable claimants despite £1 billion in savings.
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State Pensioners May Get Triple Lock 'Double Boost'
An inflation spike triggered by the Middle East crisis could lead to a Triple Lock 'double boost' for state pensioners, potentially giving them two years of increases according to DWP rules.
Universal Credit Savings Bonus: Up to £1,200 Available
Millions on Universal Credit can receive up to £1,200 in bonus payments through the Help to Save scheme, offering a 50p government top-up for every £1 saved over four years.
DWP Changes Payment Dates for 8 Benefits in April
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms payment date adjustments for eight benefits including Universal Credit and State Pension during Easter bank holidays.
Hyndburn Mourns Marlene Haworth, Celebrates Community
The community reflects on the legacy of former councillor Marlene Haworth, while engaging in charity walks, school events, and a mayoral charity ball to support local causes.
Tory Chairman: Reform UK Could Influence Dudley Election
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake expresses concern that Reform UK could split the vote in Dudley's local elections, potentially impacting the council's balance of power.
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Passport Office Urges Parents to Renew Child Passports
HM Passport Office issues a £74 warning to parents, urging them to renew children's passports early for 2026 travel. Online applications cost £61.50, with processing taking three weeks.
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