Ex-Terror Plotter Seeks Birmingham Council Seat
Shahid Butt, a Birmingham activist previously jailed for involvement in an armed terror plot, is standing as an independent candidate for Sparkhill ward in the city council elections.
Category : Politics
BBC iPlayer Data to Target TV Licence Evaders
The BBC plans to cross-reference up to 40 million iPlayer accounts with home addresses to identify households watching without a TV licence, aiming to recover £550 million in lost revenue annually.
Public Shapes Black Country Party's Election Manifesto
Dudley's Black Country Party held a manifesto event where residents debated policies like housing and public services, with former mayor Steve Waltho appointed honorary president.
Council Ordered to Publish Historic Child Abuse Report
A Birmingham council has been mandated to release a historic child sex abuse report after previously blocking a request, amid other local news including HMO closures and a fatal flat fire.
Universal Credit Claimants Get £150 Winter Bonus
Millions of low-income households on Universal Credit are receiving a £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, with energy bills also set to fall from April.
Council Tax Protest Threat in Birmingham Bins Strike
Community leader Bishop Dr. Desmond Jaddoo urges residents to withhold payments as bin strike tensions escalate, while council warns of legal duty to pay.
UK Lords Vote to Ban Children from Using VPN Services
The House of Lords has backed an amendment to prohibit VPN provision to children, aiming to strengthen online safety measures under the Online Safety Act with 207 votes in favour.
Council Must Publish Historic Child Abuse Report
A tribunal has ruled Walsall Council must disclose a historic child sexual abuse review, overturning earlier decisions to withhold the documents.
WASPI compensation decision due before March
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed a decision on compensation for WASPI women will be announced before March 1st, following Parliamentary questioning about the £2,950 recommended payouts.
BBC Uses iPlayer to Catch TV Licence Dodgers
The BBC plans to link 40 million online accounts to TV licence status at addresses, using iPlayer data to identify fee evaders as traditional enforcement methods decline.
MP Slams Misleading Tactics, Backs Veterans and Football
Marie Goldman MP addresses frustration over baseless political accusations, defends vote on Northern Ireland legacy legislation, and shares experience at Horsham vs Chelmsford football match.
DWP Shake-Up: More Face-to-Face PIP Assessments from 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions will increase in-person assessments for PIP and Universal Credit health elements from April 2026, aiming to save £1.9 billion and boost employment support.
£150 Energy Bill Cut for Non-Benefit Households Announced
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces a £150 annual energy bill reduction for millions of households not claiming benefits, alongside Warm Home Discount extensions.
Councillor Quits Labour Over Nepotism to Stand as Independent
Long-serving Birmingham councillor Zaiul Islam resigns from Labour citing nepotism concerns, joining growing defections ahead of May's all-out local elections.
Triple Lock Financial Viability Questioned by Quilter
New analysis from wealth manager Quilter raises concerns about the long-term affordability of the state pension triple lock, prompting calls for the DWP to examine the mechanism.
Tamworth Election Delay Sparks Political Controversy
The delayed Tamworth by-election has ignited political debate and voter frustration, with critics questioning the timing and impact on local democracy in the West Midlands constituency.
Birmingham Bin Strike Costs Hit £14.6m in Ongoing Dispute
Birmingham City Council reveals strike costs could total £14.6m by March as Unite union demands fair deal for workers. Council claims offers are fair while union describes negotiations as stalled.
Walsall Nursery Plan Approved After Council Refusal Overturned
A government planning inspector has granted permission for a 130-place nursery in Aldridge, overturning Walsall Council's refusal over highway safety concerns.
Solihull Leaders Query Housing Plan Deadline Flexibility
Solihull Council leaders question if the December 2026 deadline for their housing plan is flexible, as uncertainty grows over meeting government targets amid ongoing disputes.
DWP Bank Checks: Exempt Households Named
New DWP powers allow bank account checks for benefits claimants, but certain households remain exempt. Discover which benefits are targeted and why State Pension recipients are safe.
Newcastle Households Get £300 DWP Cost of Living Help
Eligible households in Newcastle are receiving one-off payments of £200-£300 from the DWP's Household Support Fund to help with the cost of living crisis.
Cinnabar Hertford Licence Variation Application Submitted
Belvue Business Hub Ltd has applied to vary the premises licence for Cinnabar in Hertford, seeking extended hours for films, music, sports, dance, alcohol sales, and late-night refreshment until 3:45am on weekends.
Plymouth Planning Notice: Listed Buildings and Redevelopment
Plymouth City Council has issued a statutory planning notice detailing applications for listed building works and a major redevelopment of the Plymouth Register Office site, inviting public comments.
Plymouth's The Kitchen Applies for Alcohol Licence
Trei Mates Ltd has applied to Plymouth City Council for a premises licence to sell alcohol at The Kitchen on Union Street. The public can submit representations until February 13, 2026.
Dad 'Hysterical' After Baby Death, Court Hears
A father became hysterical and repeatedly apologised after learning his five-week-old daughter had died from catastrophic injuries, Stafford Crown Court hears as both parents deny murder charges.
Newcastle Cost of Living Payments Rise to £300
Newcastle City Council boosts Household Support Fund payments by £100 for eligible residents receiving Child Benefit, raising total support to £300 per household.
Willenhall Factory Demolition Starts Regeneration
Demolition of derelict factories in Willenhall's Locksmith Quarter has commenced, marking a major step in a regeneration scheme to build up to 107 new homes, funded by Levelling Up and WMCA.
New Carrington 155-home scheme approved despite concerns
Trafford planning committee grants conditional approval for Redrow's 155-home development in New Carrington, despite Environment Agency objections and traffic impact warnings.
Suella Braverman Defects to Reform UK
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK, criticising the government's record on immigration and public services.
Dudley Grit Bin Showdown as Petition Hits 1,000 Names
Dudley Council faces an extraordinary meeting after a 968-signature petition demands reinstatement of removed grit bins, with political parties clashing over winter safety.
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