Pensioners face 'triple blow' as Labour pension tax changes loom
Unused pension pots enter inheritance tax from April 2027, risking up to 91% losses for households, warns NFU Mutual.
Category : Housing Issues
Universal Credit claimants can get £812 Budgeting Advance
Universal Credit claimants may be eligible for a Budgeting Advance of up to £812 to cover urgent costs, with amounts depending on circumstances and repayment over 24 months.
Dudley Reform UK calls for tough new HMO rules in debate
Dudley councillors will debate Reform UK's proposals for stricter HMO controls, including licensing smaller properties and density limits, at a full council meeting on September 10.
Stacey Solomon clarifies Joe Swash's fishing lake not linked to exit
Stacey Solomon clarified that Joe Swash's fishing lake is separate from Pickle Cottage as the couple prepare to leave their £1.2 million home for a new project.
HMRC to Pay £1M Low Earners Pension Tax Relief Payouts
Around one million low-income households may receive HMRC payouts correcting pension tax relief disparities in net pay arrangements, affecting workers earning near £12,570.
DWP ADHD and autism benefits review could report within weeks
The DWP-commissioned independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism could publish its final report within weeks, with implications for benefits awards.
Kings Norton B&B plans return despite previous refusal
Birmingham planners will reconsider a nine-room B&B at The Green in Kings Norton after a council officer found no material reasons to refuse, despite parking and amenity concerns.
Tories plan first cut to Local Housing Allowance rates since 2024
Kemi Badenoch has proposed cutting Local Housing Allowance rates for the first time since 2024, aiming to save £4bn from housing benefit and reduce the DWP welfare bill by £10bn annually.
Walsall woodland school decision sparks protest and uncertainty
Save Our Park campaigners will protest outside Walsall Council House as planning committee decides on a £50m school at Reedswood Park, despite opposition and funding withdrawal.
Landlord tribunal cases quadruple after Renters' Rights Act
Landlord tribunal cases hit record 166 in July, quadruple last year's 44, with 60% filed after Renters' Rights Act took effect.
Birmingham exempt hostels firm defends sector amid anger
Sustain UK, one of Birmingham's largest supported exempt accommodation providers, urges new regulations to combat rogue landlords and rebuild trust in the sector.
Sutton Coldfield man, 86, has campervan stolen twice
Tony Napier, 86, of Sutton Coldfield, appeals for help after his Swift Escape campervan was stolen from Boldmere Road for the second time in four years.
DWP demands bank statements in £370m Pension Credit crackdown
The DWP is contacting Pension Credit claimants for case reviews, aiming to save £370m. Up to 100,000 could see payments cut, with 33% of claims overpaid in 2025/26.
HMRC VAT rates revert to normal from September 1
VAT cuts on children's meals, theatre and cinema tickets, and attractions ended on September 1, 2026, after the Great British Summer Savings scheme concluded.
NatWest warns students as money strains university friendships
NatWest research finds 58% of students are owed money they don't expect back. The bank launched the Student Handover Report to help new students manage finances.
Pension merger warning ahead of inheritance tax rule change
Savers warned merging pensions could be costly and irreversible ahead of April inheritance tax changes under Andy Burnham and John Healey.
Disabled student faces eviction after redundancy
Nanditha Bindhu Biju, 22, a wheelchair user with ADEM, faces eviction from her Birmingham accommodation and university fees after being made redundant from her part-time job.
Burnham urged to adopt three new rules for new-build homes
Compass thinktank urges Andy Burnham to mandate solar panels, heat pumps, ventilation and storage in all new homes, as PM returns to Westminster.
Benefits claimant stole £50 of goods from Co-op
Jason Trubshaw, 31, admitted stealing meat, fish and cheese from Co-op in Woodsetton on May 30. He was fined £100, ordered to pay £50 compensation and £85 costs at Dudley Magistrates' Court.
IHT warning over cash gifts ahead of 2027 pension rule
Families risk HMRC inheritance tax bills on gifts if the donor dies within seven years. From April 2027, unused pension pots enter the IHT net under Burnham and Healey.
Missing Cannock Man Found Dead at Cannock Chase
A 33-year-old man from Cannock, reported missing on August 22, was found dead on Cannock Chase on August 28. Police say the death is not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Four pensioner groups excluded from Burnham tax waiver
Four groups of state pensioners will be excluded from Andy Burnham's HMRC income tax waiver, including those with other taxable income or Serps increments, according to LCP research.
Mouse found at Birmingham takeaway as firm fined £3,000
A live mouse was found trapped at Golden Chicken takeaway in Birmingham during an inspection. GK Chinese Ltd was fined £3,000 after widespread droppings were discovered.
Burnham and Healey urged to reverse pension IHT plan
A petition urges Andy Burnham and John Healey to reverse the planned 2027 inheritance tax on private pensions, warning it penalises single people and unmarried couples.
Heating oil firms to pay £350 after Iran war cancellations
Heating oil firms must compensate up to £350 per household after the CMA intervened over cancellations caused by the Iran war. Around 1,700 households were affected.
Perry Barr pub closed after flood trapped customers
The Church Tavern in Perry Barr remains closed for repairs after floodwaters trapped customers for hours. Manager Sarah Piddock confirmed the pub will shut for several days.
Wall of water rips up road outside Burntwood pub
A wall of water ripped up a speed bump outside The Crown Inn in Chasetown, Burntwood, during heavy rain on August 26, 2026, causing road damage and flooding.
Leeds Tops List for Hardest City to Rent with Garden
Leeds is the hardest UK city to find a rental property with a garden, according to a new study. Only 3% of rental listings feature outdoor space, leaving renters with limited options.
State Pension Rise of £395 for Over-65s Confirmed
Basic state pension for over-65s set to climb by £395 to £10,010 under triple lock, based on 4.1% wage growth, with new rates from April 2027.
Bubble Cosmetics sunscreen banned in UK over labelling failures
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has banned Bubble Cosmetics Sunscreen Pack from the UK market, citing inadequate labelling and traceability that pose a high risk to consumers.
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