The Department for Work and Pensions has been given extensive new powers to check bank accounts of benefit claimants to combat fraud, but a watchdog warns of overreach risks and trust issues.
Plans have been submitted to convert the Barnardo's superstore at Princess Alice Retail Park into a 24/7 Gym Group outlet, potentially creating a second location in Sutton Coldfield.
The century-old Philadelphia Miners Welfare Institute in Herrington Burn will be renovated into contemporary office space for national driving school operator Pass n Go, preserving its industrial heritage.
Dudley Council's Conservative leadership pulled a 4.8% rent hike vote from full council, moving it to cabinet after admitting they lacked support. Labour councillors accuse them of denying tenants transparency.
New legislation empowers the Department for Work and Pensions to compel banks to provide three months of statements from benefit claimants' accounts to verify eligibility and prevent fraud.
Perry Barr MP Ayoub Khan caused laughter in Parliament with a quip about rubbish 'beneath my nose' during PMQs, prompting Reform UK's Richard Tice to respond 'easy tiger'.
The Department for Work and Pensions gains new powers to access joint accounts and cryptocurrency under a recently passed bill, amid concerns over safeguards and public trust.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged the need to resolve the ongoing Birmingham bins strike after being pressed during PMQs. The industrial action has now entered its second year with workers voting to extend it until September.
A petition calling for a doubled personal tax allowance for state pensioners, raising it to over £25,000, is nearing the 100,000 signatures required for parliamentary debate. The proposal targets tax relief for retirees while ensuring wealthier pensioners
The UK Statistics Authority has ruled that Chancellor Rachel Reeves should have been clearer about the impact of her business rate changes, which could raise costs for pubs despite a lower multiplier.
The Department for Work and Pensions is implementing new bank account checks with a multi-stage process, including sending letters to suspected benefit fraud cases before any funds are seized, following a critical Public Affairs Committee report.
Esther Baker has been charged with four counts of perverting justice over false sexual abuse claims against former politicians and officials. A six to eight week trial is scheduled for March 2027.
The Public Accounts Committee warns DWP's new bank-checking powers under the 2025 Act risk government overreach and must include strict safeguards and transparency.
A Public Affairs Committee report reveals DWP plans to extend anti-fraud bank account checks to pensioners claiming Pension Credit, following similar measures for Universal Credit.
MPs warn new DWP powers to check bank accounts will target state pensioners, despite department assurances of safeguards and independent oversight.
New government powers allow the DWP to make salary deductions from working benefits claimants, with employers legally required to comply. The measures aim to recover overpayments but face criticism over privacy and fairness concerns.
City of Wolverhampton Council approves plans to transform a vacant 100-year-old building into student flats, retail units, and leisure facilities, promising significant investment and job creation.
A parliamentary committee has raised serious concerns about the DWP's extensive new authority to access bank information and recover funds directly from accounts under the 2025 Fraud Act.
Birmingham's Labour council unveils its 2026/27 budget, claiming to have closed a £300m gap and shed its 'bankrupt' tag, but opposition councillors dismiss it as deceptive amid ongoing service cuts and tax hikes.
Plans submitted to Sandwell Council propose demolishing Desi 2 pub in Smethwick for a 22-flat development, citing post-pandemic struggles and changing consumer habits.
A former Dudley mayor has launched a blistering attack on regeneration efforts, claiming Stourbridge has seen no major council investment in 35 years and feels deliberately neglected.
Liverpool City Council is set to decide on a 28-storey residential tower that would launch a £1bn transformation of the city's northern docklands waterfront skyline.
Somerset Council's interim finance chief states the authority is not facing immediate bankruptcy risk, though significant budget challenges remain as demand for services rises.
An online petition demanding a General Election has surpassed 188,000 signatures, triggering a government response. The petition accuses Labour of implementing policies not in its manifesto.
Birmingham City Council has advanced plans for a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, potentially raising Band D bills by over £116. The Labour-run authority claims it has closed a £300 million budget gap.
Rochdale Borough Council plans a 2% council tax discount for households in 2026/27, offering average £41 savings while protecting social services funding.
The Department for Work and Pensions has refused a petition demanding apology and compensation for WASPI women, despite 60,000 signatures. DWP offers limited apology for communication failures.
Birmingham City Council plans a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, marking another hike as it recovers from financial crisis, with Band D bills rising over £116.
The Department for Work and Pensions has laid legislation in Parliament introducing a £295 annual increase for millions on Universal Credit's standard rate, alongside reforms to health element payments.
An online petition demands the DWP's £10 Christmas bonus be raised to £171 to match inflation since 1972, with millions of benefit claimants affected.