DWP Orders UC Claimants to Hand Over 4 Months Bank Statements
The DWP is requesting Universal Credit claimants provide four months of bank statements as part of a fraud crackdown, with thousands of reviews underway and new staff hired.
Category : Public Health
Andy Burnham's PIP Reforms: Expert Proposals
Disability expert Frances Ryan proposes scrapping points-based assessments and adopting DLA-style evaluations for PIP reforms, as PM Burnham seeks cost-cutting changes following the Timms Review.
Doctor: Leg Cramps, Hair Loss Signal Poor Circulation
Dr Mark Regi warns that leg cramps, thinning hair, varicose veins, and swelling may indicate poor circulation, urging early medical assessment to prevent severe health complications.
Birmingham Prisoner Found Dead; Officer Sacked Over Falsified Record
Patryk Jalocha, 24, was found hanged in his cell at HMP Manchester; a prison officer was dismissed for falsifying ACCT checks hours before his death.
PIP Decisions May Get More Opaque in DWP Shake-Up
Experts warn that PIP assessments could become digital and more opaque under DWP plans, potentially disadvantaging disabled claimants without internet skills.
NHS MenB Vaccine Rule Change for Three Groups from July 20
The NHS will send Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination offers to three high-risk groups from July 20, 2026, following an outbreak at the University of Kent.
Heatwaves linked to over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales
Over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales were linked to record hot spells in May and June, with human-driven warming accounting for up to 59% of fatalities, according to a study by Imperial College London and the Met Office.
NHS urges 50s to take bowel cancer screening tests
NHS confirms bowel cancer screening tests are being sent to everyone aged 50-74 in England, urging those in their 50s to participate due to low uptake.
New FCA Rule for BNPL Services Starts July 15
From July 15, Buy Now Pay Later services in England will be regulated by the FCA, requiring affordability checks and clear information, with Section 75 protection for items over £100.
30,000 Drug-Driving Endorsements on DVLA Licences in 2025
Drug-driving endorsements on DVLA licences hit a record 30,707 in 2025, surpassing drink-driving for the first time, according to IAM RoadSmart.
Ofgem Warns on Back Bills Amid Energy Costs
Ofgem warns households to check their rights on back bills as energy costs rise, with strict rules protecting customers from charges for usage over 12 months old.
Severn Trent Urges Water Saving After Record Demand
Severn Trent customers urged to save water after company recorded highest ever single-day demand on August 12, with usage exceeding 2.1 billion litres.
98% of Chocolate Bars Fail UK Safety Tests
A Food Standards Agency study found 98% of Dubai-style chocolate bars sold in the UK failed safety tests, with undeclared allergens and labelling issues prompting urgent consumer warnings.
West Midlands Amber Heat-Health Alert Extended to Wednesday
An Amber heat-health warning for the West Midlands has been extended until 9pm on Wednesday July 15, with temperatures expected to stay around 30C.
DWP State Pension Age Rise to Cost Carers £182 a Week
A state pension age increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028 will cost carers £182 a week, with 26,000 carers missing out on £7,011 a year, according to Carers UK.
Major PIP Overhaul: New DWP Rules from November 2026
An interim review finds PIP 'not fit for purpose', with major changes expected from November 2026. New rules may limit claims for anxiety and depression, targeting rising welfare costs.
Martin Lewis: Energy Firms Breaking Backbilling Rules
Martin Lewis warns energy firms frequently break backbilling rules, demanding payments for usage over 12 months old. Ofgem bans it, but consumers still pressured.
Ambulances Lost 6,000+ Hours at Black Country Hospitals
Ambulances lost more than 6,000 hours waiting to hand over patients at Black Country A&Es in May, up from 4,841 in April, with Dudley and Wolverhampton worst affected.
PIP Overhaul: Anxiety and Depression Claims Face Tougher Scrutiny
People with anxiety and depression may find it harder to claim PIP after a review found the benefit 'no longer fit for purpose'. Claims for these conditions surged from 5.9% to 8.1% in five years.
Burnham PIP Overhaul After Review Finds System Unfit
An interim review of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) has declared the UK's main disability benefit 'not fit for purpose,' paving the way for major changes under incoming PM Andy Burnham.
NHS Free Prescriptions for 7 Groups in England
The NHS has confirmed free prescriptions for seven groups in England, including age-based, benefit-related, and medical condition categories, as prescription charges remain frozen for 2026.
PIP Payments Failing Claimants, Timms Review Finds
A landmark review finds PIP disability payments are 'no longer fit for purpose', with 90% of claimants reporting negative experiences, as claimant numbers surpass 4 million.
DWP Confirms August Update for PIP Reforms
The DWP has received the interim Timms Review report, confirming August as the key month for finalizing PIP reform recommendations to make the benefit fairer for disabled claimants.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Heatwave Warning
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham warns visitors to take care as temperatures reach 33°C, advising to bring water and check on vulnerable people.
DWP PIP Reforms: Three Condition Groups at Risk
The DWP confirms three condition groups most at risk from PIP changes after the Timms Review, which found PIP creates barriers to full participation in work, social, and community life.
PIP Assessments Scrapped for Progressive Conditions
The Timms Review recommends scrapping PIP assessments for progressive conditions like Parkinson's, with Parkinson's UK and Sense welcoming the move.
Seven Key Findings from Timms Review on PIP Reforms
The Timms Review finds PIP 'not fit for purpose' with dehumanising assessments, barriers to work, and low trust, as nearly 40,000 respond.
PIP Faces Axe Under Drastic DWP Reforms
A government review finds Personal Independence Payment 'not fit for purpose', with plans to scrap the 'dehumanising' points-based system amid falling public support.
DWP PIP Non-Cash Alternatives After Timms Review
The Timms Review finds Personal Independence Payment 'not fit for purpose,' prompting consideration of non-cash alternatives to better support disabled claimants.
DWP PIP Assessments Overhaul to Boost Disabled Employment
The DWP's Timms Review interim report recommends overhauling PIP assessments to better support disabled people into work, with final recommendations due in November.
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