Three Councils Can Raise Council Tax by 9%

Shropshire, Worcestershire, and North Somerset councils have been authorized to increase council tax by up to 9%. County Councils Network warns of a challenging three-year period ahead with significant funding gaps.

MP Urges DWP to Close State Pension Gap

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to address the unfair difference between Basic and New State Pension rates, highlighting how 8.3 million older people are affected by unequal uprating mechanisms.

Staffordshire Council Leaderless After Racism Row

Staffordshire County Council remains without a permanent leader after a heated meeting where members accused each other of racism and 'hurtful' social media comments. Reform UK administration faces internal turmoil.

Rossendale Leader Calls for Views on Council Reorganisation

Rossendale Borough Council leader Alyson Barnes encourages residents and businesses to participate in a government consultation on replacing Lancashire's two-tier council system with unitary authorities to improve efficiency and services.

Dudley Tories Launch Campaign, Challenge Reform UK Influence

Dudley Conservatives have launched their local election campaign, aiming to secure overall council control while challenging Reform UK's influence. Group leader Patrick Harley emphasized hard work and voter turnout as crucial for May's elections.

Council Tax Error Leaves 400,000 Owed Refunds

A widespread council tax error has resulted in approximately 400,000 UK households overpaying on their bills, with many owed substantial refunds. Experts urge homeowners to check their tax bands, as valuations may be decades out of date.

Reeves to Debate Doubling Tax Allowance to £25,000

The government will debate a petition-backed proposal to double the HMRC Personal Tax-Free Allowance to £25,000, with 100,000 signatures forcing parliamentary discussion ahead of the Spring Statement.

DWP Extends Bank Account Checks to Pension Credit

The Department for Work and Pensions is expanding intensive bank account monitoring powers to Pension Credit claimants, raising concerns about targeting elderly pensioners and potential overreach.

DWP Can Raid Bank Accounts After 28-Day Notice Period

The Department for Work and Pensions receives new authority under Labour government legislation to directly deduct funds from benefits claimants' accounts following a mandatory 28-day notification period aimed at reducing fraud.

DWP Demands Bank Details for Fraud Crackdown

The Department for Work and Pensions will require banks to provide bank statements and salary details of benefits claimants under new powers to combat fraud and recover debts.

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