Category : Council Meetings


HMRC Demand Letters Sent to Pre-1960 Pensioners

HMRC is issuing demand letters to approximately 1.3 million state pensioners born before 1960, requiring repayment of Winter Fuel Allowance payments from those with incomes over £35,000. The clawback follows a government policy change.

Independents Oust Labour as Official Opposition in Walsall

The Walsall Independent Group has overtaken Labour to become the official opposition at Walsall Council, marking a historic shift in local politics. Leader Councillor Aftab Nawaz calls it a 'full circle' moment as the group prepares for upcoming elections

Walsall's All-Out Election: 282 Candidates Announced

Walsall's 2026 local elections feature 282 candidates across 20 wards, with Conservatives, Labour, and Reform each fielding 60 contenders. Due to boundary changes, every seat is contested, requiring voters to select three candidates.

Birmingham Political Hustings: Key Players Debate City's Future

Birmingham's political scene is undergoing significant transformation as multiple parties challenge Labour's long-standing dominance. The Birmingham Dispatch will host its first-ever hustings event on April 27, featuring leaders from seven political group

DWP Extends PIP Awards for Claimants Born Before 2001

The Department for Work and Pensions is extending Personal Independence Payment award periods to a minimum of three years for claimants aged 25 and above, aiming to reduce the Work Capability Assessment backlog.

Rossendale Leader on Community Events and Investments

Council leader Alyson Barnes reflects on Easter community events, details new food waste collection system, and announces major government funding for Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, and Crawshawbooth regeneration projects.

Labour Leader Warns of Division in Birmingham Elections

Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton says the May local elections present a choice between Labour's 'unity' and the 'politics of division' from Reform UK and independents, as all 101 council seats are contested.

Ex-Conservative Councillor Wins Racial Discrimination Case

Mohammed Arif, a former Walsall Conservative councillor, has won a landmark racial discrimination case against former colleagues. The court found his Muslim faith was 'weaponised' against him during candidate selection and expulsion processes.

BBC TV Licence Cut to £0 for Eligible Households After Hike

Certain UK households are seeing their BBC TV Licence bills reduced from £180 to £0 following a recent price increase. Eligibility includes those aged 75+ or receiving Pension Credit, with specific rules for residential care and blind individuals.

Council Tax Exemption for 9 Medical Conditions

Individuals with nine specific severe medical conditions may qualify for a council tax discount of 25% to 100%, potentially reducing their bill to zero, amid rising rates from April 2026. Eligibility requires a doctor's diagnosis and receipt of certain be

Winter Fuel Payment Confirmed for 2026/2027 by DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions has officially announced the return of the Winter Fuel Payment for the upcoming winter season, with automatic payments for eligible recipients and specific claim deadlines.

Labour's New Reforms Echo Minimum Wage Legacy

MP Mike Tapp highlights Labour's recent policy changes, including scrapping the two-child benefit limit and enhancing workers' rights, drawing parallels to the historic minimum wage introduction 27 years ago.

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