DWP to Check Joint Accounts in New Crackdown Bill
The Department for Work and Pensions gains new powers to access joint accounts and cryptocurrency under a recently passed bill, amid concerns over safeguards and public trust.
Category : Politics
PM Starmer Urged to Intervene in Birmingham Bins Strike
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged the need to resolve the ongoing Birmingham bins strike after being pressed during PMQs. The industrial action has now entered its second year with workers voting to extend it until September.
Petition Could Force HMRC to Double Pensioner Tax Allowance
A petition calling for a doubled personal tax allowance for state pensioners, raising it to over £25,000, is nearing the 100,000 signatures required for parliamentary debate. The proposal targets tax relief for retirees while ensuring wealthier pensioners
Watchdog Criticizes Chancellor Reeves on Tax Plans
The UK Statistics Authority has ruled that Chancellor Rachel Reeves should have been clearer about the impact of her business rate changes, which could raise costs for pubs despite a lower multiplier.
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DWP Sends Letters Before Bank Account Seizures in 22 Days
The Department for Work and Pensions is implementing new bank account checks with a multi-stage process, including sending letters to suspected benefit fraud cases before any funds are seized, following a critical Public Affairs Committee report.
Woman to Stand Trial Over False Abuse Allegations
Esther Baker has been charged with four counts of perverting justice over false sexual abuse claims against former politicians and officials. A six to eight week trial is scheduled for March 2027.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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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