Pirate Ship Home on River Severn Faces Demolition Threat
A father who built a unique £60,000 pirate ship home on the River Severn without planning permission now fears it could be torn down by the council as he seeks retrospective approval.
Category : Politics
453,000 Overseas Pensioners Miss April Pension Rise
The DWP confirms that 453,000 pensioners living abroad, primarily in Commonwealth countries, will not receive the 4.8% Triple Lock increase in April due to frozen pension rules, affecting their weekly payments significantly.
Solihull Council Clashes Over Future 9.99% Tax Rise Plans
Solihull councillors clash over potential council tax increases, with a 4.99% rise this year and warnings of up to 9.99% hikes in 2027/28 and 2028/29. The Conservative-led council faces budget challenges amid national funding reforms.
Tamworth Wedding Venue Fees Could Soar 220% in Budget
Tamworth Borough Council proposes hiking Assembly Rooms wedding hire fees by up to 220%, while reducing 3G pitch costs for community groups. The changes aim to align with market rates and generate revenue.
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Solihull Green Belt Development Approved for 145 Homes
Solihull planners have unanimously approved a 145-home development on green belt land between Solihull and Knowle, despite opposition from MP Saqib Bhatti and local residents over concerns about loss of green space and infrastructure strain.
Harborne Police Station to be Demolished for New Homes
Birmingham City Council has recommended approval for plans to demolish the former Harborne Police Station and construct new townhouses and apartments on the site, citing brownfield land use and economic benefits.
Dudley Council to Rule on 34-Bed HMO in Office Block
Dudley Council planners will consider two HMO applications, including converting Regent House into a 34-bedroom HMO, amid police concerns over parking and crime rates.
Council Leader Slams Aldi Over 'Continuous Lies' in Access Row
Warwick District Council leader criticizes Aldi and developers for misleading residents over store access changes in Leamington Spa, as safety concerns delay planning decision.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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'.
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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.
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.
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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.
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