DWP may be forced to raise state pension age to 80
The state pension age could be hiked to 80 by the 2070s to keep the system sustainable, new analysis reveals. Discover the pressures and potential reforms facing UK pensions.
Category : Search result: local government reform
4 Million on Benefits Without Work Search Requirement
Official data shows four million people receive jobless benefits without needing to look for work, a rise of one million in a year. Political reaction and DWP response inside.
Council to refund second home tax after legal error
Warwick District Council must repay double council tax charged on second homes after admitting it 'acted outside the law'. A procedural mistake forces a costly U-turn.
Six-month waits for council answers in Dudley
A Dudley councillor reveals residents wait up to six months for help with potholes and home repairs due to staffing issues, not technology. Read the full investigation.
15% Drop in Staffordshire Pothole Repairs Under Reform
Staffordshire County Council filled 15.1% fewer potholes this year. Opposition blames Reform UK's roadworks ban, while the council promises long-term improvements.
Pension age could rise to 80 in major DWP change
Experts warn UK state pension age may need to rise to 80 by the 2070s, with workers facing longer careers or higher NI. Discover the analysis behind the stark forecast.
Petition for £20k Tax Allowance Hits 30k Signatures
A public petition urging the government to raise the personal tax allowance to £20,000 has passed 30,000 signatures, piling pressure on Labour. Find out what happens next.
Reform UK Council Leader Probed Over Racist Posts
Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper is under urgent investigation by Reform UK after allegations of racist and bigoted social media comments. Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate published the claims.
Petition Urges DWP to Drop State Pension Age to 60
A parliamentary petition calls for the state pension age to be lowered to 60, as experts warn raising it to 71 would condemn millions to poverty. Read the full story.
DWP benefits shake-up branded 'unfair' and divisive
A think tank warns the Autumn Budget's welfare changes create a huge disparity, where non-working families could receive more than those in work. Read the full analysis.
Dudley's £8k Parish Council Plan Soundly Rejected
A row erupts in Dudley as a £8,000 consultation for a new Cradley parish council is overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Calls for apologies over 'waste' of taxpayer cash. Full story.
Gloucester Council Seeks £17.5m Government Bailout
Gloucester City Council faces a 'financial black hole' and is applying for up to £17.5m in emergency government loans to avoid effective bankruptcy, with severe cuts to services planned.
School apologises after MP compared to Hitler in display
A Midlands school has removed a classroom display and apologised after it placed Reform UK MP Lee Anderson in an 'extreme right wing' section. Read the full story and reaction.
Birmingham Council commissioners extended until at least 2028
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council until at least 2028. The ongoing bins strike and equal pay liabilities are key challenges slowing the council's recovery.
Dudley's £56m SEND funding crisis explained
Dudley Council faces a £56m SEND funding black hole despite a national budget change. Discover the local crisis and what the future holds for special needs provision.
Dudley's £56m SEND deficit 'bomb' unresolved
Dudley Council awaits answers on a £56m SEND funding deficit despite a new national policy. The financial 'bomb' could still push the authority towards effective bankruptcy. Read the latest.
Obesity Disability Benefit Claims Rise 60% Since 2019
New DWP data reveals a sharp 60% rise in PIP claims for obesity since 2019, with over 4,400 now receiving the benefit. Explore the regional breakdown and political response.
DWP Changes Benefit Rules for ADHD and Anxiety
The DWP has relaxed rules for parents of children with ADHD and anxiety, removing education requirements. Read about the new welfare reforms and what they mean for families.
Schools urged to trial four-day week to help teachers
Campaigners call for four-day school week trials in England and Wales to address teacher workload and retention crisis. Could a shorter week boost wellbeing and results?
DWP's Triple Lock pension policy 'not sustainable'
Ex-minister Vince Cable warns the state pension Triple Lock is unsustainable, urging reform. Discover the future of UK pensions and what changes may come.
Green Councillor Demands Reform UK Vetting
A Green councillor calls for Reform UK to screen its own figures for criminal conduct and homophobic attitudes, challenging the party's focus on asylum seekers. Read the full story.
Solihull Council uses AI to tackle £2.7m debt
Facing a £2.7m debt, Solihull Council is investing over £630,000 in an AI programme to generate significant savings, following the lead of other local authorities.
6 DWP and Benefits Changes in Labour Budget
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces six major DWP reforms including ending the two-child benefit cap, increasing state pensions, and overhauling disability support.
Cradley rejects parish council in £8k survey
Dudley taxpayers foot an £8,000 bill for a feasibility study, with over 80% of Cradley residents voting against a new parish council. Discover the political fallout.
New Fair Funding Model for Kent Councils Announced
Kent communities welcome a new council funding model based on current need, ending the outdated system that left areas like Dover and Deal struggling. Discover how this change will impact local services.
Co-op opens 11 new stores across the UK
Co-op unveils 11 new stores this week from Scotland to Bristol as part of a £200m investment. Full list of locations and calls for business rates reform revealed.
DWP announces mass Carer's Allowance reassessments
The DWP will reassess hundreds of thousands of Carer's Allowance cases after a review uncovered government failures, with claimants facing huge overpayment demands.
Solihull Parish Merger Plan Advances to Second Phase
Plans to merge Balsall and Berkswell Parish Councils are progressing to a second consultation. Despite 80% of respondents backing the move, concerns remain over low public engagement and the proposed number of councillors.
Revolt Looms Over Labour's Two-Child Benefit Cap Scrap
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a Labour revolt as she prepares to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Will the Autumn Budget welfare changes trigger a public backlash?
DWP 'Zero Tolerance' Benefit Fraud Crackdown Begins
The DWP is launching a major new 'zero tolerance' crackdown on benefit fraud, starting in 48 hours. This coincides with the controversial £3bn lifting of the two-child benefit cap. Discover the full story.
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