BBC Licence Fee Update for Streaming Users
The Labour government has ruled out extending the BBC licence fee to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, rejecting a levy on streamers.
Category : Politics
Jury Retires in Tipton Truck Driver Murder Trial
Jurors have retired to consider verdicts in the murder trial of Mohammed Azim, accused of using his truck to kill girlfriend Lily Whitehouse, 19, in Oldbury.
Walsall Council Breached FOI Rules Over Leather Museum
The Information Commissioner's Office ruled Walsall Council violated FOI rules by failing to respond to a campaigner's request about the Leather Museum relocation, ordering compliance by June 13, 2026.
16 BBC Shows Axed or Altered in Major Cuts - Full List
Details of major BBC cuts announced yesterday include 16 shows cancelled or changed, with radio schedule hit hard and presenter roles reviewed for efficiency.
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Government Issues VPN Ban Update Affecting All Ages
The Labour government considers age-gating VPN use to protect under-16s, with a July update expected. Children born 2010-2026 could be impacted.
Petition: Raise Tax-Free Allowance to £14,000 for Everyone
A new petition urges HMRC and the Labour government to raise the personal tax-free allowance from £12,570 to £14,000, aiming to equalise tax treatment for all pensioners.
BoE Holds Rates at 3.75%, Cuts Off Until Winter
The Bank of England holds its base rate at 3.75% as inflation stays at 2.8%, with experts predicting no rate cuts until winter. Mortgage cuts may continue.
DWP Plans to End Housing Benefit and ESA from June 30
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced its intention to stop Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance from June 30, 2026, as part of the Move to Universal Credit programme.
New six-week rule for smart meter households confirmed
Energy firms must fix smart meter issues within six weeks under new consumer protection rules, with faster ombudsman decisions and stronger compensation.
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New Funeral Rule Proposed for All Ceremonies in England
The government is urged to regulate funeral directors in England and Wales after scandals. A petition calls for independent, statutory regulation to ensure dignity and transparency.
BBC TV Licence Fee of £180 Branded 'Ridiculous' Could Be Reduced
Former BBC One controller Lord Michael Grade calls the £180 licence fee 'ridiculous' and suggests it should be reduced to maintain public support for the broadcaster.
Hyndburn Planning Applications June 8-14
A roundup of planning applications registered with Hyndburn Borough Council between June 8 and June 14, including prior approval, discharge of conditions, and full plans.
Rachel Reeves Confirms New VAT Charges from Next Thursday
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a temporary 5% VAT rate from June 25 to September 2026, applying to children's meals, family attractions, and cultural events.
War of 1812 Began on This Day in History
On June 18, 1812, President Madison signed a declaration of war against Britain, starting the War of 1812. Also, trivia answers for June 17 are provided.
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DWP Home Visit Catches Universal Credit Cheat Neil Rayner
Neil Rayner, 49, claimed Universal Credit for a Stockton home he didn't live in, even inventing a fake landlord. He was caught after a DWP visit and sentenced to 38 weeks.
Starmer Responds to July Bank Holiday Calls for England World Cup Win
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addresses an early day motion for a bank holiday on July 20 if England wins the World Cup, speaking at the G7 summit.
VPN Ban in UK? Facts Ahead of Government Decision
No total ban on VPNs in the UK, but restrictions for under-16s proposed. Age verification and Ofcom enforcement under consideration amid privacy backlash.
HMRC Issues 48-Hour Warning for New Tax Rules on £20,000+ Incomes
HMRC warns workers earning over £20,000 from property or self-employment about new Making Tax Digital rules, with webinars starting June 19.
Extra Bank Holiday for England Proposed After World Cup Win
MPs propose an extra bank holiday in England on July 20, 2026, if the national team wins the FIFA World Cup, following a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
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DWP Urged to Stop PIP for Anxiety and ADHD
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith calls for PIP to stop covering anxiety and ADHD, citing 16,728 ADHD and 60,292 anxiety awards last year, with many at enhanced rate.
Dudley Council Cuts £40m Borrowing Amid Financial Strain
Dudley Council reduced its long-term borrowing by over £40m in 2024/25 as reserves dropped to critical levels. Audited accounts show spending cuts and a governance delay over a leisure centre sale.
Birmingham primary school ranks among worst in city
Bordesley Village Primary School received a food hygiene rating of '1' after failing management of food safety, making it one of the lowest-rated schools in Birmingham.
DWP Urged to Cut PIP for 71,000 with Treatable Conditions
The DWP faces pressure to stop PIP for 71,000 claimants with treatable conditions like constipation and acne, as the bill reaches £4 million.
Reeves Warned as 1 Million Pensioners Face Tax for First Time
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under fire after data shows one million pensioners will be brought into income tax by 2030-31 due to frozen thresholds, a move critics call a 'political choice'.
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HMRC Delays Reporting for 94 Benefits Until 2027
HMRC has postponed mandatory real-time reporting of income tax and NICs for 94 benefits in kind, now phased from April 2027, starting with motoring and medical benefits.
UK VPN Age-Gate Rules Coming in July
The UK government will reveal VPN regulations in July as part of the under-16 social media ban, with options including age-gating VPN use to prevent children bypassing restrictions.
Rachel Reeves Cuts HGV Tax to £1 for 12 Months
Chancellor Rachel Reeves reduces VED to £1 for HGVs over 3,500kg from July 2026, saving up to £912 per vehicle, but no refunds for earlier payments.
Amateur Bakers Face £370 Fee for Driveway Cake Sales
Cannock Chase Council demands £370 annual fee and DBS checks for home bakers selling cakes from driveways, classifying them as street traders.
Five-Bedroom House Plan Behind Balsall Common Pub
A planning application for a five-bedroom house on green belt land behind Ye Olde Saracens Head in Balsall Common has been submitted, arguing it's suitable 'grey belt' development.
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Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Jailed for Life
Rex Heuermann, 62, was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of eight women in the Gilgo Beach killings. Victims' families confronted him in court, with one sister saying 'I'll see you in hell.'
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