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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
MPs warn new DWP powers to check bank accounts will target state pensioners, despite department assurances of safeguards and independent oversight.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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 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 interim finance chief states the authority is not facing immediate bankruptcy risk, though significant budget challenges remain as demand for services rises.
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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 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 Borough Council plans a 2% council tax discount for households in 2026/27, offering average £41 savings while protecting social services funding.
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 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.
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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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 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 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.
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 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.
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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.
