Birmingham's biggest stories of 2025: January to June
A month-by-month look at the major political and community stories that shaped Birmingham in the first half of 2025, from the bin strike crisis to council bankruptcy fallout.
Category : Council Meetings
Benefits fraud gang to repay only £2m of £53m haul
A Bulgarian gang behind the UK's biggest benefits fraud will repay just £2m after moving millions abroad. Five were jailed for 25 years combined. Read the full story.
£200 Cost-of-Living Payments Confirmed for 2026
Low-income households can apply for £200+ payments via the extended Household Support Fund in 2026. Check eligibility and apply to your local council now.
Birmingham's 2025: Strikes, Politics & Flag Wars
A look back at Birmingham's turbulent second half of 2025, from the unresolved bin strike and political infighting to divisive flag displays and a landmark new stadium plan.
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New UK passport featuring King Charles III released
The first 300 new UK passports with King Charles III's coat of arms are now in circulation. Featuring enhanced security and UK landscapes, they are hailed as the most secure ever.
£110 Cost of Living Vouchers for UK Households
Cambridgeshire households can apply for £110 supermarket vouchers under the Household Support Fund. Find out if you're eligible and how to claim before the deadline.
Two Major DWP Benefits Set for 2026 Increase
The State Pension and Universal Credit are set for significant payment boosts from April 2026, following the triple lock and inflation. Find out what it means for you.
Prince William's Plan to Streamline Royal Operations
The Prince of Wales is implementing a modernised strategy to create a 'slimmed down' monarchy, focusing on transparency and high-impact projects like Earthshot. Discover his vision for the future.
Thousands get DWP benefits early due to New Year bank holiday
Thousands on Universal Credit and other DWP benefits will receive payments on December 31 instead of January 1 due to the New Year's Day bank holiday. Find out which benefits are affected and what support is available.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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