Solihull Approves Hotel Conversion for Vacant Office
Solihull Council has granted planning permission to transform a vacant office building on Warwick Road into an 81-bedroom hotel, addressing local accommodation needs.
Category : Politics
Tax Warning for Earners Over £35,000 Under Labour Rules
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decision to freeze tax bands could drag more households into higher tax brackets as wages rise, impacting those earning around £35,000 and above.
West Midlands Councils Granted Permission for Major Tax Hikes
Several West Midlands councils, including Shropshire and Worcestershire, have received government approval to raise council tax by up to 9%, potentially impacting residents in towns like Bromsgrove and Telford.
Reeves Urges Birmingham Bin Workers to End Strike
Chancellor Rachel Reeves calls on Unite union to halt Birmingham bins strike, citing damage to city's reputation and disruption for residents and businesses.
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Birmingham Council Awaits Ruling on Bin Protest Injunction
A High Court judge has reserved his decision on Birmingham City Council's bid for an injunction to stop protesters blocking bin lorries, with a verdict expected within three months.
Labour Donor Stops Funding Until Starmer Quits as PM
Prominent entrepreneur Sacha Lord vows to withhold donations from the Labour Party until Keir Starmer steps down, citing betrayal and criticizing the government's handling of hospitality and national issues.
Cardiff's £30m Aberthaw Demolition Contract Botched
An independent investigation reveals multiple failings in Cardiff Capital Region's procurement process for a £30m Aberthaw Power Station demolition contract, including accepting a late bid and scoring inconsistencies.
Rossendale Council Reviews Planning Applications for February
Rossendale Borough Council has registered new planning applications, including a nursery in Bacup and residential conversions in Crawshawbooth, with decisions pending on various extensions and developments.
Ed Cox Confirmed as Permanent WMCA Chief Executive
Ed Cox has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority after serving as interim since June 2025. The appointment was confirmed at a Board meeting on February 13, 2026.
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VPN Providers Engage UK Government on Proposed Youth Ban
ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, and Windscribe express willingness to participate in government consultation on banning VPNs for under-18s, emphasizing privacy concerns.
Motorway Services Scheme Delayed After Court Ruling
A multi-million-pound motorway service area near Catterick faces delays after the High Court quashed planning permission following a rival's legal challenge over flood risks.
UK Dual Nationals Must Show British Passport from February 25
Dual British citizens face entry denial to the UK from February 25, 2026, unless they present a valid British passport or pay £589 for a certificate of entitlement.
Three Councils Can Raise Council Tax by 9%
Shropshire, Worcestershire, and North Somerset councils have been authorized to increase council tax by up to 9%. County Councils Network warns of a challenging three-year period ahead with significant funding gaps.
Government Overrules Planners, Approves 115 Homes on Green Belt
A government planning inspector has approved 115 homes on Walsall's green belt, overturning the local council's refusal. The decision came after a seven-day hearing in December, despite objections from 235 residents and local officials.
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Royal Mail Delivery Delays Hit Over 140 Postcode Areas
Royal Mail has issued a warning to customers in 146 postcode areas across the UK, including Dundee, Hull, and Glasgow, that mail deliveries may be delayed due to staffing shortages and operational pressures.
Council Bid to Ban Bin Strike Protests Sparks Fury
Birmingham City Council seeks court injunction to prohibit solidarity protests at bin depots during ongoing strike, drawing condemnation from unions and politicians who label the move 'cowardly'.
Reeves: State Pensioners Won't Pay Income Tax This Parliament
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has clarified that individuals whose sole income is the state pension will not be subject to income tax, addressing concerns over frozen tax bands and rising pension rates under the triple lock system.
DWP Bank Checks Start After Feb 27, 100,000 Targeted
The Department for Work and Pensions will begin accessing bank accounts after February 27, with up to 100,000 benefit claimants identified for potential overpayment recovery.
Former Birmingham Police Station Demolition Plans Approved
Major redevelopment plans to demolish the former Harborne Police Station and build new homes have been recommended for approval by Birmingham City Council.
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Council Seeks Injunction to Stop Bin Strike Protests
Birmingham City Council is in court today seeking an injunction to prevent bin strike supporters from blocking trucks and delaying waste collections across the city.
MP Urges DWP to Close State Pension Gap
Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to address the unfair difference between Basic and New State Pension rates, highlighting how 8.3 million older people are affected by unequal uprating mechanisms.
DWP Bank Checks Could Extend to Non-Benefit Households
The Department for Work and Pensions is considering extending bank account surveillance powers to include households not receiving benefits, as part of efforts to combat welfare fraud and error.
Staffordshire Council Leaderless After Racism Row
Staffordshire County Council remains without a permanent leader after a heated meeting where members accused each other of racism and 'hurtful' social media comments. Reform UK administration faces internal turmoil.
DWP Can Issue £300 Daily Fines on Three Benefits Under Labour
The Department for Work and Pensions is set to enforce strict daily £300 penalties for non-compliance on Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit claimants as part of a Labour-led crackdown on benefit fraud and error.
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Mayor Honors Late Councillor and Champions Hyndburn Events
Hyndburn Mayor Josh Allen pays tribute to the late Councillor Marlene Haworth, reflects on school visits, royal engagements, and promotes upcoming charity ball for local causes.
Birmingham Labour Councillor Investigated Over Teen Tory Abuse
Senior Labour councillor Jamie Tennant investigated after complaint he made abusive comments to 19-year-old Conservative opponent during election count. Councillor has been 'spoken to' and 'reminded of party values'.
Rossendale Leader Calls for Views on Council Reorganisation
Rossendale Borough Council leader Alyson Barnes encourages residents and businesses to participate in a government consultation on replacing Lancashire's two-tier council system with unitary authorities to improve efficiency and services.
Balsall Common Pub Wins Planning Battle for Fence and Bar
Solihull Council planners have approved retrospective permission for the Brickmakers Arms to retain its fence, outdoor bar, and big screen, overturning officer advice after a lengthy saga.
Dudley Tories Launch Campaign, Challenge Reform UK Influence
Dudley Conservatives have launched their local election campaign, aiming to secure overall council control while challenging Reform UK's influence. Group leader Patrick Harley emphasized hard work and voter turnout as crucial for May's elections.
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Wakefield Development Blocked Over Traffic Concerns
Plans for a major business park and 100 homes near the M1 in Wakefield have been rejected by councillors due to severe traffic impact concerns, despite promises of 700 jobs.
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