Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper is under urgent investigation by Reform UK after allegations of racist and bigoted social media comments. Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate published the claims.
Labour ministers agree to a full review of the response to the Ombudsman's report on WASPI injustice, with a 12-week deadline set. Campaigners urge women to contact MPs.
Parents can now use supermarket loyalty points to buy baby formula, a reform announced by PM Keir Starmer that could save families up to £500. Learn how this change tackles high costs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms frozen tax bands, dragging millions into higher rates. Discover how fiscal drag impacts your income and pension. Sign up for our money-saving newsletter.
HMRC confirms Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance will rise by 3.8% from April 2026. Plus, how families can save £2,000 yearly with Tax-Free Childcare.
Royal Mail urges UK parents not to miss the December 10 deadline for children's letters to Santa to get a free, personalised reply. Ensure your child's Christmas magic.
New DWP figures reveal over 114,000 people on key benefits are waiting for a Work Capability Assessment. Get the latest on the assessment backlog and what it means for claimants.
Over four million UK households will receive automatic £25 Cold Weather Payments from DWP to help with heating bills this winter. Find out if you qualify.
The DWP gains seven new powers, including bank account checks and direct cash deductions, to tackle benefits fraud. Critics warn of risks to privacy and vulnerable claimants.
Birmingham City Council's new Local Plan proposes 15 Green Belt sites in Sutton Coldfield for housing, with over 8,200 potential homes. Public consultation extended to December 19.
Birmingham City Council leaders faced intense public anger over the year-long bins strike, which has cost over £14 million. Read the full details of the heated meeting.
The WASPI campaign forces a government climbdown, securing a 12-week review of the DWP compensation decision. Campaigners warn they are ready for fresh legal action in the New Year.
Birmingham City Council faces public fury over the year-long bins strike, with costs exceeding £14m. Read the latest on the political fallout and why a resolution remains elusive.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirms the Warm Home Discount scheme is providing £150 off energy bills for six million low-income households this winter. Find out if you're eligible.
Reform UK councillor accuses Tories of 'misogynistic bullying' over MP attack. Row erupts over future of Sedgley's Ladies Walk centre. Read the full story.
Labour councillor Jack Deakin resigns from Birmingham City Council after attending just two meetings in two years. The move leaves his ward without a representative for six months.
The DWP has called a WASPI campaign update a 'mischaracterisation' after it agreed to withdraw a judicial review. The government commits to a fresh decision within 12 weeks.
New laws grant the DWP powers to reclaim cash directly from bank accounts of benefit cheats and check financial data to verify claims. Find out how the crackdown works.
Millions in the UK will receive a £10 tax-free Christmas Bonus from the DWP this December. Find out if you're eligible and when the payment arrives automatically.
A row erupts in Dudley as a £8,000 consultation for a new Cradley parish council is overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Calls for apologies over 'waste' of taxpayer cash. Full story.
A public inquiry into 115 homes on Walsall green belt land has started. Developers accuse the council of a 'catastrophic failure' in housing supply. Read the latest.
A public inquiry into 115 homes on Walsall green belt hears claims of 'catastrophic' council housing failure and debates 'grey belt' status. Inspector's decision due by January 2026.
New DWP powers to check bank accounts for benefit fraud receive royal assent. Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit are the first targets. Find out the consequences for fraudsters.
DWP minister Stephen Timms has ruled out a state pension-level income for terminally ill people under 66, but outlined existing fast-track benefit support. Learn about the Special Rules for End of Life.
Sandwell Council approves a new 'mini' service station near the M5 in West Bromwich, featuring EV charging points and commercial units, despite planning policy conflicts.
Nottingham Council reopens its Household Support Fund, offering 10,000 £100 supermarket vouchers via a random draw. Apply between 1-7 December for vital winter support.
WASPI campaigners secure a government deal for a swift review of state pension compensation, vowing to return to court if justice is delayed again. Read the latest update.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden refuses to rule out benefit cuts, sparking fears for 24 million claimants. Read the full story and political reaction.
Labour demands apology after £8,000 survey on Cradley parish council, funded as part of a Tory-Lib Dem budget deal, is overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Read the full story.
Gloucester City Council faces a 'financial black hole' and is applying for up to £17.5m in emergency government loans to avoid effective bankruptcy, with severe cuts to services planned.