Solihull Council planners have approved a controversial seven-bedroom house in Castle Bromwich, with officers citing its design resemblance to the Toby Carvery pub opposite as justification.
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms adjustments to Universal Credit payment dates in May due to bank holidays, affecting when money lands in accounts.
New plans propose converting the historic Hallam Street Methodist Church in West Bromwich into residential flats, following earlier demolition concerns from Sandwell Council.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has firmly stated Labour will maintain the state pension triple lock until the end of Parliament, despite ongoing government spending cuts and welfare reduction pressures.
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A controversial seven-bedroom house in Solihull, dubbed a 'monstrosity' by a councillor, gets planning approval as its design aligns with a nearby Toby Carvery pub, despite local objections over size and character.
Hundreds of thousands more pensioners face income tax bills due to frozen tax thresholds extended by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with critics labeling it unfair as modest savings trigger taxation.
The Department for Work and Pensions will receive new authority to temporarily disqualify benefit claimants from driving as part of a major fraud crackdown targeting Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit recipients.
Birmingham City Council's rejection of a plan to turn the former Scanlon's Club into a community and prayer facility has been upheld on appeal due to road safety and parking concerns.
The Department for Work and Pensions and Motability Operations are implementing significant changes to the Motability Scheme from July 1, 2026, affecting drivers across the UK except Scotland.
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The Department for Work and Pensions has raised the basic state pension rate, providing an extra £30 per month for men born before 1951 and women born before 1953, due to the Triple Lock mechanism.
The Department for Work and Pensions will issue state pension payments early in May due to bank holidays, affecting households with scheduled dates on May 4 and 25.
A parliamentary petition urges the Labour government to raise the tax-free Personal Allowance from £12,570 to £18,000, citing fiscal drag concerns and fairness issues.
A comprehensive guide to the expected declaration times for the 2026 local elections across Birmingham and the West Midlands, including key battlegrounds and political stakes.
Millions of UK pensioners are seeing increased state pension payments for 2026/27, with those born after 1950 receiving an extra £48 per month. The triple lock policy continues to widen the gap between the new and basic pension rates.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves is evaluating targeted cost-of-living payments for vulnerable households, amid concerns over rising petrol and energy costs due to the Middle East crisis.
Sandwell Council has refused planning permission for a 14-bed HMO above Ashworth Pharmacy in Smethwick, citing noise concerns, inadequate natural light, and insufficient parking spaces.
Birmingham City Council's plan to sell 60% of South Parade car park and a neighbouring brownfield site has raised fears it will 'stunt growth' and harm local businesses by reducing critical parking.
The Department for Work and Pensions has implemented new rules effective February 23 for claimants of Attendance Allowance, PIP, DLA, or Carer's Allowance who permanently relocate from England or Wales to Scotland.
The Government launches the Crisis and Resilience Fund, offering £200 payments to households struggling with daily essentials like food and energy, with applications through local councils.
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The Labour government announces a High Value Council Tax Surcharge, affecting 165,000 homes worth over £2 million from April 2028, with charges ranging from £2,500 to £7,500 annually.
Warwick District Council risks being stripped of authority over significant developments after too many refusals were overturned on appeal, potentially entering special measures.
Dudley Council unanimously approved a review of Disabled Facilities Grants after hearing patients with motor neurone disease wait nearly a year for vital home adaptations.
Birmingham City Council confirms additional time needed to resubmit Druids Heath regeneration plans after a legal challenge quashed original approval, with councillors criticising transparency.
Dudley Liberal Democrats propose a voluntary Citizens Investment Fund and community skips to empower residents ahead of May local elections.
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The Department for Work and Pensions confirms five specific groups will not receive the Winter Fuel Allowance in 2026/27, despite the return of £200-£300 payments for most retirees this winter.
Black Country Party leader Cllr Pete Lowe calls for an end to austerity and urges Dudley Council to think creatively about funding and service provision ahead of local elections.
BirminghamLive tested Royal Mail's next-day first class delivery promise by sending chocolate bars across the West Midlands. Only two of six arrived on time, with one opened envelope, raising questions about service quality after recent price increases.
New data reveals UK households lose access to benefits like Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance once they hit State Pension age, with rates now up to £241.30 weekly.
The Department for Work and Pensions will issue letters to eligible state pensioners in England and Wales this autumn, detailing winter fuel payments of £200 or £300 to help cover heating costs during the 2026/27 winter season.
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Royal Mail has issued delay alerts for 13 postcodes across six delivery offices in England, citing local issues like staff shortages and resource challenges.
