Birmingham bins strike talks 'not viable', report finds
Government commissioners say resuming negotiations to end Birmingham's year-long bins strike is not viable, praising the council's 'fortitude'. Read the latest on the dispute.
Category : Politics
Birmingham Mobile Tip Lorry Dates and Locations for 2026
Birmingham City Council has released the 2026 schedule for its free mobile household waste service. Find out where and when the tip lorries will be in your area this week.
New £525 Cost of Living payments open for applications
Hard-up families in Surrey can apply for combined support of up to £525 from Monday. Two separate council schemes offer cash and vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tax Freeze to Cost UK Households £500 a Year by 2030
Analysis reveals UK workers on £50k will be £500 worse off annually by decade's end due to extended tax threshold freeze. Discover the full impact of fiscal drag.
£200 Cost-of-Living Payments Open for Applications
Hard-up households across the UK can apply for emergency cash grants from their local council, even if not on benefits. Find out how to access the Household Support Fund.
Council Tax Break: Two-Month Holiday for UK Homes in 2026
Millions of UK households will get a two-month council tax break in 2026 ahead of new property bands. Find out if you're eligible and how the new high-value surcharge will work.
Benefit fraud gang to repay just £2m of £54m stolen
A criminal gang behind Britain's largest benefit fraud, stealing £54m, has been ordered to repay just £2m. Read the shocking details of their lavish spending and the ongoing recovery efforts.
Calls to end state pension triple lock intensify
Pressure mounts on the DWP to review the costly state pension triple lock as experts warn of fairness for younger generations. Read the full analysis.
More UK Postcodes Get Cold Weather Payments
The DWP has triggered Cold Weather Payments for additional postcodes, including parts of the West Midlands, as a severe cold snap continues. Find out if your area is eligible.
WMP could lose 80 officers in 2026 funding crisis
West Midlands Police may lose up to 80 officers in 2026 due to a £41m government funding shortfall, warns PCC Simon Foster. This could push officer numbers to 600 below 2010 levels. Join the conversation.
Anton Du Beke Rumbled as Arctic Fox on The Masked Singer
Viewers of ITV's The Masked Singer are convinced Strictly judge Anton Du Beke is the Arctic Fox after his first performance. See the clues and fan reactions.
£300 Supermarket Vouchers for Surrey Households
Eligible Surrey households can claim £300 e-vouchers for nine major supermarkets from January 1. Learn how to apply for this Government-funded cost-of-living support.
New £200 Cost-of-Living Fund for Vulnerable Households
The Labour government announces a new three-year Crisis and Resilience Fund, launching in April 2026, to provide targeted cash support for vulnerable UK households struggling with bills.
Universal Credit health element cut for new claimants
The DWP confirms a near 50% cut to the Universal Credit health top-up for new claimants from April 2026, sparking criticism from MPs and disability groups. Read the full details.
Birmingham gritting admission as teens tackle icy roads
Birmingham City Council says it's 'not possible' to grit every street after two teenagers took action on icy roads. With more snow forecast, read the full story.
Starmer on Trump's Venezuela move and WW3 fears
UK PM Keir Starmer reacts to the US capture of Venezuela's Maduro. Read the latest on the military action and its global implications for Taiwan and Ukraine.
Nicolas Maduro arrested in US special forces operation
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro captured in daring raid, paraded through DEA HQ. Facing narco-terrorism charges in New York. Read the full story.
Nicolas Maduro arrested, paraded through DEA HQ in New York
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was captured on camera grinning and greeting officers during his arrest procession in Manhattan. Read the full details of the dramatic US special forces operation.
New £300 Cost of Living Payments Announced for UK
Eligible households in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole can apply for new £300 support grants. The final application window closes on 30 January 2026. Act now to secure vital help.
Starmer: I'll be PM in 2027, won't return to Tory chaos
Prime Minister Keir Starmer insists he will lead the country until the next general election, dismissing rumours of an internal party challenge. He warns against a return to Conservative-era 'chaos'.
Sandwell's Lost and Found Pubs in 2025
A look at the fate of Sandwell's historic pubs in 2025, from closures and demolition to surprising plans for revival and redevelopment across the borough.
Pension age rises to 67 from 2026, impacting millions
Major state pension changes from 2026 will see the age rise from 66 to 67, forcing millions to delay retirement. Learn how to plan your finances now.
New Birmingham Skyscrapers Approved in 2025
Birmingham's skyline is set for a dramatic change with two major skyscraper projects approved in 2025. Discover the 41-storey residential tower and the multi-tower 'gateway' development.
Reform UK's Impact on 2026 Dudley Council Vote
Dudley Council's 2026 elections could see a major shift as Reform UK surges. With 24 wards up for grabs, local political dynamics are set for a dramatic change. Read the full analysis.
Check now for missing DWP Christmas bonus payment
Millions on DWP benefits urged to verify receipt of £10 Christmas bonus. If missing, contact your Jobcentre Plus or Pension Service office immediately.
Tories pledge to scrap fortnightly bin collections in Birmingham
Birmingham Conservatives promise to restore weekly bin rounds and end the long-running strike as part of a six-point local election plan. Discover their full strategy.
Claim £200 Cost of Living Payment in Portsmouth by Jan 29
Portsmouth households on low incomes can apply for a free £200 payment to help with energy and water bills. Check eligibility and apply before the January 29, 2026 deadline.
2026 Bank Holidays: England Has Fewest Days Off
The 2026 UK bank holiday dates are out. Discover why England and Wales have the fewest days off and the long summer gap causing public frustration.
350,000 families could get extra DWP handouts
New analysis reveals nearly 350,000 foreign-born families could receive increased welfare payments following Labour's Autumn Budget, sparking political controversy. Discover the key figures and reactions.
Tories pledge to scrap 2030 petrol car ban and subsidies
The Conservative Party vows to remove the 2030 petrol and diesel ban and billions in net zero vehicle subsidies if re-elected. Kemi Badenoch says the move will protect industry and taxpayers.
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