UK households will receive surprise £174 Child Benefit payments on April 2, five days early due to the Easter bank holiday. HMRC confirms the schedule change and provides guidance on payment dates and rates.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer convenes an urgent Cobra meeting to address the economic fallout from the Iran conflict, focusing on cost of living, energy security, and supply chain resilience.
The Department for Work and Pensions is closing its Household Support Fund on March 31, with a new Crisis and Resilience Fund set to begin on April 1. Eligible households can still apply for up to £300 in support before the deadline.
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a nationwide call for evidence for the Timms Review, giving PIP claimants until May 28, 2026, to share their experiences and insights.
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The Department for Work and Pensions will cease its £25 Cold Weather Payments for Universal Credit, JSA, and ESA claimants after March 31, 2026, as the winter scheme concludes.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer chairs emergency Cobra meeting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey to address economic risks from Middle East conflict, focusing on inflation, energy security, and supply chains.
Conservative analysis reveals a £1.8 billion annual increase in PIP claims due to remote assessments, prompting calls for more in-person evaluations to ensure proper checks and reduce welfare costs.
MPs are threatening a new investigation into the Department for Work and Pensions over significant delays in providing redress to unpaid carers affected by overpayment scandals.
HMRC is set to resume a controversial anti-fraud scheme that previously stripped Child Benefit from thousands of UK households, despite a 71% error rate in initial targeting.
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At least three British teenagers are stranded abroad due to new passport requirements for dual nationals, with one blocked in Denmark and others stuck in Madrid and Mumbai.
Walsall residents voice strong opposition to a new £50m free school at Reedswood Park, citing traffic chaos, loss of 13.7 acres of woodland, and better vacant site alternatives.
The complete list of UK bank holidays for 2026 has been released, featuring an additional date in Scotland to celebrate the national football team's World Cup qualification.
Birmingham households must register to vote by April 20, 2026, to participate in the city's council elections. All 101 council seats across 69 wards will be contested on May 7, 2026.
Millions of UK households are receiving letters detailing council tax hikes of up to 4.99%, adding an average £108 yearly burden amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
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A former West Midlands Police officer who now works on OnlyFans claims an AI-generated image of her on a police car led to an internal investigation, with the force confirming her resignation last year.
The Government launches a Crisis and Resilience Fund in April, providing cash grants to struggling households. Local councils will distribute payments based on financial need, not benefit status.
Birmingham City Council faces criticism as the reimplementation of its troubled Oracle finance system is delayed until July 2026, with costs projected at £144 million amid ongoing political tensions.
Millions of petrol, diesel, and electric vehicle owners will see significant car tax increases from April 2026, with the highest polluters facing the steepest rises as outlined in the Autumn Budget.
British travellers will face higher passport renewal costs from April 8, 2026, with adult online fees rising to £102 and children's to £66.50. The Home Office cites cost recovery as the reason.
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Cardiff Council's proposed higher parking charges for heavy vehicles would inadvertently apply to around 1,000 council-owned vehicles, drawing criticism from taxpayers' groups.
The Labour government confirms Vehicle Excise Duty hikes from April 2026, with rates rising in line with RPI and pay-per-mile for electric cars launching in 2028.
Royal Mail warns of delivery disruptions affecting 62 postcode areas nationwide, including 12 in Birmingham, due to issues at local offices. Stamp prices are also set to rise next month.
The HM Passport Office has issued an urgent alert that passports remain invalid until signed with a black ballpoint pen, warning thousands may be unaware.
Royal Mail has issued a warning about potential delivery delays affecting over 60 postcode areas nationwide, including Birmingham and Lichfield, due to local office issues.
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The UK Foreign Office has issued travel advisories for eleven Middle East countries, warning against all or essential travel due to escalating regional conflict and security risks.
Walsall Council has unveiled plans to install permanent flagpoles at Brownhills Miner Island, aiming to create a managed patriotic display following months of divisive flag installations.
Exclusive polling forecasts a dramatic shift in Birmingham City Council, with Independents set to become the largest group and Labour facing major losses after 14 years of leadership.
Walsall Council approves next steps for the £20 million Pride in Place programme in Blakenall, with a resident-led board to decide spending. The council must submit board members by July 2026.
Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch faces allegations of discussing redundancies loudly near staff before Christmas. He narrowly survived a no-confidence vote this week.
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Wolverhampton councillors have approved compulsory purchase powers to acquire the derelict former Beatties department store, empty since 2019, aiming to revive it with housing and commercial space.
