DWP can now access bank accounts to seize cash
New DWP powers allow direct access to bank accounts to recover benefit overpayments and fraud. The law change aims to save £1.5bn. Find out what it means.
Category : Politics
Wolverhampton Lidl alcohol licence hearing on Jan 8
A council hearing on 8 January will decide if a new Lidl in Wolverhampton gets an alcohol licence, amid police and public health concerns over high-strength sales. Read the latest.
Developers Target 'Grey Belt' Land for New Housing
Labour's planning policy change is leading developers to argue for 'grey belt' status on green belt land, with major housing applications now pending across the West Midlands. Explore the key sites and local impacts.
Dudley Council's turbulent 2025: Budget, protests & politics
Dudley Council battled a £42m financial crisis, political defections, and protests over asylum seeker housing in a tumultuous 2025. Explore the key events shaping the borough's future.
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Two major pension changes coming in 2026
Pension rules are changing from 2026. The state pension age is rising and payments are increasing. Find out how these updates will affect your retirement plans.
Prince George, Charlotte & Louis at Christmas Service
See 10 charming photos of the Wales children at the annual Sandringham Christmas service. The young royals greeted crowds and received gifts on the big day.
New Flats Plan After Surgery Demolished Without Permission
A Sandwell Council committee is set to decide on a new plan for eight flats in Great Barr after the developer demolished the former GP surgery without permission. Read the latest.
Five Car Tax Changes for UK Drivers in 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces five key car tax changes for 2026, affecting EVs, vans, HGVs, and company cars. Learn how the new measures will impact your motoring costs.
Universal Credit test for migrants labelled 'absurd'
Fury erupts as data shows a migrant becomes eligible for Universal Credit every 43 seconds. The number of foreign nationals entitled to claim has nearly doubled in two years. Read the full story.
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Five Major Developments Reshaping Birmingham
Birmingham's skyline is set for a dramatic overhaul with five multi-million-pound regeneration schemes. Discover how Smithfield, Martineau Galleries, and other projects will deliver thousands of homes and jobs.
3.3m hit by pension tax change from 2029
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice pension contributions, affecting 3.3 million workers. Experts warn it could reduce savings. Read the full analysis.
Birmingham leader on 'grown up' talks not 'megaphone war'
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton explains his 'practical' approach to tackling child poverty, defending his relationship with government ministers. Read his full Q&A.
SNP demands pension age freeze for Scots in UK review
SNP MSP warns Scotland faces being 'punished again' as UK Labour government reviews state pension age. Calls for halt to increase due to lower life expectancy.
Five Major Birmingham Developments Approved in 2025
Birmingham's landscape is set for a dramatic overhaul as five major schemes, including a new stadium and market demolition, received planning approval in 2025. Discover the details.
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Vinnie Jones shooting retreat plan sparks backlash
Over 12,000 people oppose Vinnie Jones's plan for a luxury shooting retreat on his West Sussex farm. Campaigners say it threatens wildlife in the South Downs National Park.
Claim Backdated Child Benefit of £897, HMRC Says
HMRC urges UK households to claim backdated Child Benefit payments, worth up to £897 annually per child. Learn how to claim and eligibility details.
Reform UK Pledges to Prosecute Civil Servants
Reform UK announces plans to create a new criminal offence for civil servants who 'dishonestly' grant asylum to sex offenders, with potential jail time. Read the full story.
Middle earners up to £52k hit hardest by budget changes
Analysis reveals workers earning up to £52,000 will be worst affected by a 'triple whammy' of tax and policy changes from the Autumn Budget. Discover the key impacts.
Angola and Namibia agree to take back illegal migrants
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's visa ban threat prompts Angola and Namibia to cooperate on deportations. The DRC faces sanctions for non-compliance. Read the latest on UK immigration policy.
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Trump-Zelensky Florida Talks on Ukraine War
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky meet face-to-face in Florida to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on security guarantees and territorial disputes. Read the latest on the high-stakes peace negotiations.
Two countries agree to take back migrants after UK visa threat
Angola and Namibia agree to accept deported citizens after UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's visa ban warning. The DRC faces sanctions for non-cooperation.
Starmer criticised for welcoming freed Egypt detainee
PM Keir Starmer is criticised for celebrating Alaa Abd El-Fattah's UK return. Jewish groups and Tories condemn move over activist's past social media posts. Read the full story.
Sunday Quiz: 1970s & 1960s UK History and Culture
Challenge yourself with our Sunday quiz, featuring questions on iconic 1970s events, music, and politics, plus a bonus round on the Swinging Sixties. How many can you get right?
Universal Credit to rise by nearly £300 for single claimants
The DWP confirms a £24.76 monthly increase for single Universal Credit claimants from April 2026, part of wider benefit changes and a National Living Wage hike. Discover how the reforms will affect you.
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No Public Inquiry into Birmingham Council Collapse
Labour leaders block a public inquiry into Birmingham City Council's financial collapse. Critics warn of a lack of accountability and say the party will pay at the ballot box. Read the full story.
UK Driving Test Overhaul for 2026 Announced
The DVSA reveals major 2026 driving test updates, including new hazard perception scenarios, focus on driver-assist tech, and digital licences. Learn what it means for new drivers.
Walsall's £1.5bn transformation projects update for 2026
A detailed look at the major projects across Walsall, from town centre regeneration to new railway stations, as the borough's £1.5bn transformation programme advances into 2026.
Dudley's most popular 2025 petition debated by council
A petition on housing asylum seekers in Dudley, gaining over 3,000 signatures, triggered a full council debate. Discover the other local issues that mobilised residents in 2025.
Abuse trial adjourned to 2027 as court backlog hits victim
A West Midlands man alleges historical sexual abuse from the 1980s. His trial, delayed until July 2027, highlights a crown court backlog now nearing 80,000 cases. Read how delays are impacting justice.
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Birmingham's Villa Park, Edgbaston Set for Big Changes
Birmingham's iconic Villa Park, Edgbaston Stadium, Botanical Gardens and Jewellery Quarter are all set for major redevelopment, securing their future and boosting the local economy. Discover the plans.
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