DWP Bank Check Powers: PAC Warns of Overreach Risks
The Public Accounts Committee warns DWP's new bank-checking powers under the 2025 Act risk government overreach and must include strict safeguards and transparency.
Category : Politics
DWP Bank Checks Target Pension Credit After Universal Credit
A Public Affairs Committee report reveals DWP plans to extend anti-fraud bank account checks to pensioners claiming Pension Credit, following similar measures for Universal Credit.
DWP Bank Account Checks to Include State Pensioners
MPs warn new DWP powers to check bank accounts will target state pensioners, despite department assurances of safeguards and independent oversight.
DWP to Dock Wages of Working Benefits Claimants
New government powers allow the DWP to make salary deductions from working benefits claimants, with employers legally required to comply. The measures aim to recover overpayments but face criticism over privacy and fairness concerns.
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Wolverhampton's 100-Year-Old Building Gets Regeneration Approval
City of Wolverhampton Council approves plans to transform a vacant 100-year-old building into student flats, retail units, and leisure facilities, promising significant investment and job creation.
MPs Warn DWP Over New Bank Account Check Powers
A parliamentary committee has raised serious concerns about the DWP's extensive new authority to access bank information and recover funds directly from accounts under the 2025 Fraud Act.
Birmingham Budget Row: 'Smoke and Mirrors' Claim
Birmingham's Labour council unveils its 2026/27 budget, claiming to have closed a £300m gap and shed its 'bankrupt' tag, but opposition councillors dismiss it as deceptive amid ongoing service cuts and tax hikes.
Smethwick Desi Pub Demolition Plans for Flats
Plans submitted to Sandwell Council propose demolishing Desi 2 pub in Smethwick for a 22-flat development, citing post-pandemic struggles and changing consumer habits.
Stourbridge Left Without Investment for 35 Years, Says Ex-Mayor
A former Dudley mayor has launched a blistering attack on regeneration efforts, claiming Stourbridge has seen no major council investment in 35 years and feels deliberately neglected.
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Liverpool's £1bn Tower Decision Could Transform Waterfront
Liverpool City Council is set to decide on a 28-storey residential tower that would launch a £1bn transformation of the city's northern docklands waterfront skyline.
Somerset Council's Financial Outlook: Budget Update
Somerset Council's interim finance chief states the authority is not facing immediate bankruptcy risk, though significant budget challenges remain as demand for services rises.
General Election Petition Milestone Reached
An online petition demanding a General Election has surpassed 188,000 signatures, triggering a government response. The petition accuses Labour of implementing policies not in its manifesto.
Birmingham Council Tax Rise: 5% Increase Proposed
Birmingham City Council has advanced plans for a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, potentially raising Band D bills by over £116. The Labour-run authority claims it has closed a £300 million budget gap.
Rochdale Council Tax Discount Plan for Residents
Rochdale Borough Council plans a 2% council tax discount for households in 2026/27, offering average £41 savings while protecting social services funding.
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DWP Rejects WASPI Petition, Issues Compensation Update
The Department for Work and Pensions has refused a petition demanding apology and compensation for WASPI women, despite 60,000 signatures. DWP offers limited apology for communication failures.
Birmingham Council Proposes 5% Tax Rise Post-Bankruptcy
Birmingham City Council plans a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, marking another hike as it recovers from financial crisis, with Band D bills rising over £116.
Universal Credit: £295 Increase Announced in New Legislation
The Department for Work and Pensions has laid legislation in Parliament introducing a £295 annual increase for millions on Universal Credit's standard rate, alongside reforms to health element payments.
DWP Christmas Bonus Should Be £171 in 2026, Says Petition
An online petition demands the DWP's £10 Christmas bonus be raised to £171 to match inflation since 1972, with millions of benefit claimants affected.
Birmingham Council Proposes 4.99% Tax Rise in Budget
Birmingham City Council has advanced plans for a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, marking a step in its recovery from effective bankruptcy declared in 2023.
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MP Forces Disclosure on Mandelson-Epstein Scandal
Brentwood MP Alex Burghart details the six-hour debate that compelled the government to release documents on Peter Mandelson's appointment and his Epstein ties.
£500k MOD Funding for Armed Forces Day Events
The Ministry of Defence is offering up to £500,000 in matched funding for community Armed Forces Day events this June, with grants of up to £10,000 available for organisers nationwide.
Winter Fuel Payment Deadline: Claim by March 31
The DWP warns pensioners of a crucial March 31, 2026 deadline to manually claim Winter Fuel Payments. Those not receiving State Pension automatically must apply to secure up to £300 for heating costs.
Seven Councils Allowed Above-Average Council Tax Rises
Seven English councils have been granted special permission to raise council tax beyond the standard 5% limit, with some allowed increases up to 9%, as part of a new three-year funding settlement.
Royal Mail: 127 Postcodes Face Major Delivery Delays
Royal Mail has issued a warning as 127 postcodes across the UK face significant delivery delays due to high levels of staff sickness, with targeted support being deployed.
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Druids Heath Regeneration Delayed After Legal Challenge
A Birmingham councillor calls for transparency after the High Court quashes planning permission for the Druids Heath regeneration scheme, citing concerns over affordable housing.
Birmingham's 'Rat Tax' to Increase Again
Birmingham City Council plans to raise its pest control charge for rats to £27.60, a 4.55% hike, as part of broader fee increases amid an ongoing bins strike.
Seven Councils Allowed Above 5% Council Tax Rises
Seven local authorities have received special permission to increase council tax beyond the standard 5% cap, with some allowed rises up to 9% to address financial pressures.
Birmingham's 'Rat Tax' Set to Rise Again
Birmingham City Council proposes increasing its controversial pest control charge for rats to £27.60, part of wider service fee hikes as the authority navigates post-bankruptcy financial challenges.
New Dog Law: £1,000 Fines for Livestock Disturbance
A major update to dog control laws in England and Wales takes effect on March 18, 2026, introducing stricter penalties for owners whose dogs alarm livestock.
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Chelmsford WASPI Women Demand Justice Over Pension Age
MP Marie Goldman meets Chelmsford women affected by state pension age changes, hearing powerful stories of financial hardship and campaigning for compensation.
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