Universal Credit £608 Boost for Families from April
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces scrapping of two-child benefit cap, delivering significant monthly increases for larger families as part of Labour's child poverty strategy.
Category : Council Meetings
HMRC Urges Parents Under £80k to Claim Child Benefit
HMRC is reminding UK parents earning less than £80,000 annually to claim Child Benefit, which provides weekly payments and builds National Insurance credits for State Pension eligibility.
Gloucester Christmas Lights Remain Up in March
Gloucester city centre's Christmas decorations are still hanging in early March, with council officials citing storage problems as the cause. The lights are expected to be removed next week.
Academy Trust to Face Council Grilling After Teacher Strikes
Warwickshire councillors plan to question academy trust bosses following staff strikes over proposed redundancies. The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, which runs 20 Midlands schools, faces scrutiny over financial management.
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Dudley Council Approves Support for Struggling Pubs
Dudley Council has approved a motion to provide financial and planning support for struggling pubs, including lobbying the government for tax cuts and enhanced protections.
Universal Credit: £608 Monthly Boost for Larger Families
Labour's decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap will see Universal Credit claimants with four children receive an extra £608 per month, providing significant cost-of-living relief.
Birmingham Council Tax Increases 4.99% for 2026/27
Birmingham City Council has approved a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, affecting residents differently based on location and property band. Council leader John Cotton defended the decision while opposition councillors criticized the administration
Walsall Community Independents Group Launches for Elections
A new political group, Walsall Community Independents, has been formed by former Labour leader Aftab Nawaz to distinguish progressive independent candidates ahead of the May local elections, where all 60 council seats are contested.
Rachel Reeves Clarifies Tax for State Pensioners in 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms state pensioners with no other income will not pay tax, despite OBR projections of 600,000 being drawn into the tax system this year.
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BBC: Licence Fee Can No Longer Sustain Public Service Mission
The BBC has declared the current licence fee system outdated and unsustainable, calling for urgent reform ahead of its Royal Charter expiration in 2027. With only 80% of households now paying, the corporation warns of a structural funding crisis.
State Pension Rates to Rise from April, Confirms Reeves
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed a significant increase in state pension payments under triple lock rules, with millions of over-65s set to receive higher amounts starting in April.
Weekend Voting Trials: Biggest Election Change in 150 Years
The Government has announced trials allowing weekend voting and ballot casting in shopping centres during May's local elections, aiming to modernize the democratic process.
Solihull Leader Calls for Honest Election Campaign
Council leader Karen Grinsell urges candidates to avoid personal attacks and unrealistic promises in the upcoming local elections, where all 51 seats are contested.
BBC May Cut TV Licence Fee If More People Pay
The BBC has proposed lowering the annual TV licence fee if public payment compliance increases, as part of its response to the Government's Charter Review. Currently £174.50, rising to £180 in April, the fee could see reductions to support affordability.
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BBC May Cut TV Licence Fee to Boost Household Payments
The BBC is considering reducing the annual TV licence fee from £180 as part of a strategy to increase payment compliance among UK households, following a government consultation.
Beatrice and Eugenie May Miss Major Royal Ceremonies
King Charles reportedly believes the princesses' presence at upcoming events could harm the Royal Family's image, with expectations they'll skip Commonwealth Day and Trooping the Colour.
Reform UK Councillor Suspended Over Aggression Allegations
Councillor Graham Eardley, Walsall's only Reform UK representative, has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of aggressive behavior toward a female volunteer.
Government Plans to Lower Voting Age to 16
The Government has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 for national elections, aiming to give young people a voice as the 'future of the country'. The Representation of the People Bill also introduces automatic voter registration and tighter rul
Pension Age Warning for 1960-1977 Born Residents
Millions of Britons born between 1960 and 1977 are urged to check their state pension eligibility as retirement age rises to 67, with further increases planned.
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State Pension Taxation Start Date Announced by DWP
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed when state pension payments will begin to be taxed by HMRC, with specific details provided by Treasury Minister Torsten Bell in Parliament.
Council Leader: Opponents 'Talk Birmingham Down' for Politics
Birmingham Council leader John Cotton has accused opposition councillors of pushing a negative narrative about the city for narrow political advantage, amid criticism over financial crisis and bins strike.
Dudley Council's £200k Pay Sparks Public Outcry
Dudley Council's decision to increase its chief executive's salary to over £200,000 has ignited fierce criticism from residents who demand the money be spent on fixing potholes and improving frontline services instead.
One Million Pensioners Face Tax After Reeves' Threshold Freeze
The Office for Budget Responsibility reveals 600,000 more pensioners than expected will pay income tax this year, rising to one million by 2030-31 due to frozen personal allowance thresholds.
Surrey Households Get £200-£300 Cost of Living Vouchers
Surrey County Council distributes £200 or £300 vouchers for essentials via the DWP Household Support Fund, with applications open monthly until March 2026.
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Palace Official Visits Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Sandringham
The former Duke of York received a two-hour visit from Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon at Wood Farm, while King Charles remains nearby on the estate without meeting his brother.
Councillors Face Abuse, Threats on Social Media in Walsall
Councillors across Walsall's political spectrum reveal shocking abuse, racism, and threats against them and their families, blaming social media for escalating harassment in public life.
Reeves' Spring Statement: Economic Plan and Household Impact
Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented the Spring Statement, emphasizing Labour's economic strategy while detailing upcoming financial changes affecting taxes, pensions, savings, and benefits for UK households.
Dudley Council Approves CEO Pay Rise Over £200k
Dudley Council has approved a pay policy increasing the chief executive's salary above £200,000, sparking resident anger as it exceeds the Prime Minister's pay. Councillors debated the justification amid concerns over service quality.
Labour Confirms £575 State Pension Increase for Millions
The Labour Party's Spring Statement confirms a 4.8% state pension rise, adding £575 annually for millions. Documents outline spending plans until 2030/31 amid economic challenges.
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Reeves Ignores Fuel Crisis Amid Growing Forecourt Queues
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has failed to address motorists' concerns in her Spring Statement despite escalating petrol station queues and warnings of imminent price hikes due to Middle East instability.
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