Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the state pension triple lock will remain in place, ensuring annual increases linked to inflation, wage growth, or 2.5% to maintain pensioners' living standards.
An MP reports on new funding and projects in Rossendale, including a £20m Pride in Place fund and a Best Start Family Hub in Bacup, while criticizing the County Council for poor road maintenance and lack of support for a disabled resident.
A UK mother has been separated from her toddler after a Home Office admin error red-flagged her settled status, preventing her boarding a connecting flight from Germany to Edinburgh.
Sara Britcliffe MP details community engagements, Victoria Hospital redevelopment plans, and significant investments in Hyndburn and Haslingden ahead of local elections.
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Local elections in Dudley are set for May 7, with 25 seats contested across key wards. Major parties field full slates, including high-profile clashes in Sedgley and Upper Gornal.
State pensioners born before June 1960 could receive £100-£300 for heating bills in winter 2026-2027. HMRC will reclaim payments from those earning over £35,000.
HMRC confirms Child Benefit payments will arrive early in May due to bank holidays. Claimants to receive £180 monthly, with new rates effective from April 6.
Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley issues a stark warning to highly paid officers: deliver results or face dismissal, citing an officer's 'It's easy' comment as grounds for departure.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms Labour will not alter the DWP's state pension triple lock despite pressure to cut welfare spending for defence funding, as all major parties commit to maintaining the policy.
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Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly supported reducing the welfare budget to allocate more funds to defense, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves warns of difficult financial choices ahead.
Birmingham City Council has removed dozens of national flags from lampposts on West Boulevard in Quinton, citing unauthorized attachments to public infrastructure as prohibited.
Solihull Council's planning committee unanimously approved Shell's revised plan to expand a Warwick Road petrol station, despite objections from local residents and a councillor over increased noise and disturbance.
Construction work has begun on the steps near the iconic Floozie in the Jacuzzi as part of Birmingham's extensive city centre regeneration, with new paving and improved public spaces expected by late May.
Donald Trump threatened Iran with a 'nuclear holocaust' unless it accepts a US deal, just hours after claiming credit for a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and inviting both leaders to White House peace talks.
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West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Council Leader John Cotton have written an open letter to property developer Glenbrook, expressing serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of the UK's oldest working cinema and calling for urgent action to
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is accused of withholding Armed Forces budget increases due to gender equality concerns, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting supports welfare cuts for defense funding.
Birmingham City Council has approved major public space designs around the new Curzon Street HS2 station, aiming to create a world-class landmark destination with distinct character areas including Station Square and Curzon Promenade.
A government planning inspector has approved two HMOs in Wolverhampton after overturning the council's rejection. The inspector dismissed crime and parking concerns raised by local authorities and police.
The transformation of Mumbles Pier's old lifeboat station into a restaurant faces further delays as owners request a five-year extension to start work, originally approved in 2021.
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Labour MP Sarah Coombes raises West Brom's financial charge in Parliament, calling for urgent resolution to avoid potential points deduction and relegation.
The Department for Work and Pensions will pay state pensioners £966 in May due to a 4.8% increase in the new flat rate, raising weekly payments to £241.30. This annual rise of £575 results from the Triple Lock pledge, with eligibility requiring National I
The Department for Work and Pensions provides little-known loans averaging £70.30 weekly to help Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and ESA claimants cover mortgage interest payments, with 14,500 households currently claiming.
The Department for Work and Pensions provides additional cash through the Support for Mortgage Interest scheme, but recipients must repay it with interest when selling their home.
The Scottish Greens' manifesto pledges automatic benefit enrollment without applications, drawing criticism from Conservatives who call the proposals 'bonkers'.
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The Department for Work and Pensions has introduced an important adjustment to address the 'double pay day' issue affecting Universal Credit claimants, as explained by Minister Sir Stephen Timms in Parliament.
Reform UK is focusing on Dudley's local elections, aiming to expand its council presence while addressing criticism of its performance in other councils it controls.
A major council tax reform in England will extend payment periods to 12 months by default, reducing monthly bills by £41 for many households and requiring councils to collaborate on sustainable repayment plans.
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms incremental increases to state pension age for individuals born from 1960 to 1977, sparking parliamentary debate over support measures.
With all 101 council seats contested on May 7, the Liberal Democrats position themselves as a moderate choice focused on resolving the bins strike, improving road safety, and revitalizing arts and culture in Birmingham.
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Solihull councillors have voted against increasing their basic allowance by £472, with many arguing it's not the right time during the cost of living crisis, though some advocated for the rise to ensure diverse representation.
