State Pensioners Face 'Odd' HMRC Letters Over Tax
Older people born before 1959 are receiving unusual letters from HMRC as frozen tax thresholds drag more retirees into paying income tax, with experts warning of administrative chaos.
Category : Politics
15 Bill Changes for UK Households in April 2026
A comprehensive overview of 15 key financial adjustments affecting millions of UK households in April 2026, including council tax, energy, water, and broadband hikes, alongside updates on benefits and wages.
Birmingham's 'Zombie Quarter' Revival: Historic Cinema Plan
A long-dormant stretch of New Street opposite the Chicken Quarter is set for resurrection, with plans approved to transform a historic former cinema building into shops and offices, preserving its 19th-century Masonic Hall origins.
Golf Club Fears Stray Balls Could Damage New Bolton Homes
A decision on plans for 80 homes on green belt land near Harwood, Bolton, is imminent. The adjacent golf club has raised concerns about stray golf balls and noise, requesting a ball strike survey as a condition for approval.
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Council Leader Loses Confidence Vote Before Local Elections
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton lost a symbolic vote of no confidence as opposition groups united ahead of May's local elections, highlighting Labour's diminished majority.
Council Leader on Bins Strike Talks Delay
Birmingham Council leader John Cotton has addressed why it took months to propose new talks with Unite union over the ongoing bins strike, citing equal pay constraints and service modernization needs.
Sandwell Councillors' Trial Delayed to 2029 Over Charges
Two Sandwell councillors, Daniel Millard and Claire Mayo, will not face trial until July 2029 for alleged assault and affray charges from an incident in Cradley Heath last July, with delays blamed on court backlogs.
Birmingham MPs Spend Over £2 Million on Staff and Offices
Public records show Birmingham's ten MPs collectively spent more than £2 million last year on staffing and constituency office operations, with significant variations between individual representatives.
Hyndburn Council's Latest Planning Applications
Hyndburn Borough Council has registered new planning applications, including a house extension in Great Harwood, a church closure in Accrington, and a change to a House in Multiple Occupation.
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Reeves Rules Out Universal Energy Bill Support
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that any future government support for energy bills will be targeted, not universal, citing fiscal responsibility and criticism of previous Conservative policies.
Council Tributes to Late Councillor Waseem Zaffar
Councillors across Birmingham paid formal tribute to Lozells representative Waseem Zaffar, who died suddenly earlier this year. Colleagues remembered his dedication to community, environmental advocacy, and family.
DWP Considers Pension Rule Change for Post-1961 Births
The Department for Work and Pensions is seriously evaluating proposals to allow people born after 1961 early access to the state pension, potentially altering retirement planning for millions.
McDonald's Site in West Bromwich Could Become 24/7 Casino
Plans submitted to Sandwell Council propose converting the former McDonald's in West Bromwich High Street into a 24/7 casino and tanning salon, creating 14 jobs.
Reeves Pledges Energy Bill Help for Most Vulnerable as Costs Soar
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces contingency plans to assist vulnerable households facing rising energy bills due to Middle East conflict impacts, while facing criticism from opposition over economic management.
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DWP May Tighten State Pension Qualification Criteria
The Department for Work and Pensions could introduce stricter qualification criteria for the state pension, potentially increasing required National Insurance contribution years as welfare costs rise.
Reeves: No Energy Bill Help for Middle-Income Households
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce targeted support for energy bills, excluding middle-income households, as wholesale gas prices surge due to Middle East conflict, potentially raising Ofgem's cap to £2,200.
DWP Scraps Two Benefits, April 15 Prescription Warning
The DWP is abolishing Income Support and Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance from April 1, 2026, affecting prescription charge exemptions from April 15. Claimants must transition to Universal Credit.
Bull Ring Market Demolition Countdown: New Temporary Site Planned
Birmingham City Council races against time to build a temporary market for Bull Ring traders before demolition of the historic building begins in 2027, with plans for apartments or student housing to replace it.
BBC TV Licence Fees Rise from April 2026
The annual cost of a standard colour TV licence will rise to £180, while black-and-white licences increase to £60.50. Discounts for blind individuals remain, and payment plans are available.
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DWP Sends Pension Letters to Those Born Before 1960
The Department for Work and Pensions is contacting state pensioners aged 66 and over with updated payment details ahead of an April uplift. New rates will see weekly pensions increase under the triple-lock system.
Iran Denies Trump Talks as 'Fake News', Issues Warning
Iran's parliament speaker dismisses US claims of negotiations as 'fake news' to manipulate markets, while warning of planned events against Israel and allies tonight.
Early £104 Child Benefit Payments Before Easter
HM Revenue and Customs has announced that some Child Benefit claimants will receive their £104 payments earlier in April due to Easter bank holidays, with a 3.8% rate increase also coming.
HMRC: Don't Miss Child Benefit After Age 16
UK parents could claim extra money under lesser-known HMRC rules if their children stay in education. Failure to update details by deadlines risks losing payments.
Royal Mail Delays Hit West Midlands Postcodes
Royal Mail has announced delivery delays affecting multiple West Midlands postcodes due to high sick absence and resourcing issues. The disruptions come as stamp prices are set to rise next month.
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Dudley Council's Hyper-Local Plan Wins Approval
Dudley Council's hyper-local reorganization plan has been approved by scrutiny committee members, aiming to distribute resources across five townships and restore local heritage identities.
Independent Alliance Targets Labour in Birmingham Council
A coalition of independent candidates, including pro-Gaza activists and former Labour supporters, has formed to challenge Labour's dominance in Birmingham's upcoming council elections. They aim to secure seats across key constituencies.
Convenience Store Denied Over Parking Space Shortage
A convenience store in Brierley Hill has been refused planning permission after Dudley Council found it had only a third of the required parking spaces, raising safety concerns.
WASPI Women Instruct Lawyers in £2,950 DWP Fight
WASPI campaigners have instructed lawyers to threaten judicial review against the government over £2,950 compensation denial, citing legal errors and irrational decisions.
Birmingham Live Meningitis Clickbait, Bin Fines, Spud Craze
Birmingham Live faces backlash for repackaging old meningitis story as breaking news. Unite union fined £265k in bin wars, and jacket potatoes gain global fame with Tamworth's Spudman featured in NYT.
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Royal Mail Delays Hit 12 Birmingham Postcodes
Royal Mail has issued a service disruption warning affecting 12 Birmingham postcodes today due to high sick absence and resourcing issues. The delays come as stamp prices are set to rise next month.
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