Burnham urged to scrap state pension triple lock
Andy Burnham faces fresh calls to scrap the state pension triple lock. IFS deputy director Jonathan Cribb suggests an Australian-style earnings-linked system with a temporary lock.
Category : Politics
Banned Birmingham driver caught again after failing test
Amando Lawrence, 34, of Terrace Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on September 1.
16 autumn days out with indie shops and cafes near Birmingham
Explore 16 free autumn day trips from Birmingham, featuring indie shops in Shrewsbury, Tewkesbury, Ledbury, and cosy cafes, plus scenic spots like Kinver Edge and Bibury.
Burnham backs council tax shake-up after 30-year freeze
PM Andy Burnham backs reforming council tax bands A-H, unchanged for over 30 years, citing unfairness where London homes pay less than Greater Manchester properties. Changes could cut some bills but raise others.
Costa Coffee drive-thru plan returns without Greggs
New plans for a Costa Coffee drive-thru at the former Colliers car site in Erdington, Birmingham, have been submitted after a previous scheme including Greggs was refused.
£200 cost-of-living payments entering bank accounts in September
Households can apply for new £200 cost-of-living payments from Andy Burnham's Government in September, with Birmingham City Council distributing grants. Applications are open to all, not just benefit claimants.
Birmingham defends 20mph plans amid 'clickbait' row
Birmingham council leader Roger Harmer defends 20mph standard on local roads, citing 14-year policy and dismissing 'misinformation' as national debate intensifies.
New school uniform rule: max three branded items
From autumn term 2026, schools in England can require only three branded uniform items. The new law affects jumpers, blazers, trousers, and skirts.
Farage speech at Birmingham Reform UK conference interrupted
Nigel Farage's Reform UK conference speech at the NEC in Birmingham was delayed by a security alert and stopped four times by protesters, with audience members removed.
MAFS Australia 2027 cast face strict new alcohol rules
MAFS Australia series 14 introduces strict alcohol limits for dinner parties and apartments to curb toxic behaviour, following incidents involving Brook Crompton and Bec Zacharia.
Ofsted confirms 10-day notice for neglect inspections from 2026
From autumn 2026, Ofsted and partner agencies will inspect local multi-agency responses to neglect in younger children, with 10 working days' notice to local leaders.
HMRC clarifies inheritance tax rules for households
HMRC confirms fewer than 5% of UK deaths in 2023-24 resulted in inheritance tax, with up to £1 million passable tax-free for qualifying estates.
Burnham and Nandy pledge ticket touting ban soon
Lisa Nandy confirmed in the Commons that legislation to ban ticket touting will be introduced 'as soon as possible', promising a priority for the new Burnham government.
DWP plans personalised sanctions for benefits claimants
DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms confirms benefits sanctions will be tailored to individual circumstances, with multiple checks before any punishment is imposed.
Mayor's job offer to ex-council leader under review
Richard Parker's job offer to ousted Sandwell Labour leader Kerrie Carmichael is under internal review after BirminghamLive raised cronyism concerns. Flaws found in appointment process.
Birmingham 20mph plans 'not the answer', councillor says
Councillor Shehryar Kayani has launched a petition against Birmingham City Council's 20mph blanket speed limit plans, citing potholes and a lack of evidence.
Andy Burnham urged to axe pension triple lock by key ally
Jim O'Neill, a former economic adviser to Andy Burnham, has told the new PM to cut the state pension triple lock and welfare spending to calm markets, warning of severe debt costs.
Solihull planners reject Castle Bromwich children's care home plan
Solihull Council refused a lawful development certificate for a three-bedroom home in Relient Close, Castle Bromwich, to become a two-child care home, citing insufficient operational evidence.
Judge sets timetable for Birmingham flag injunction hearing
A High Court judge has set urgent deadlines ahead of Birmingham City Council's injunction bid against flaggers who have put up 20,000 flags across the city.
Inspector grants 80 Hockley Heath homes after council refusal
A planning inspector has granted permission for 80 homes in Hockley Heath, overturning Solihull Council's refusal and ordering the council to pay costs for unreasonable behaviour.
Wealthy families hit by steeper cost rises than low-income
Wealthy UK families saw costs rise 2.8% in year to June 2026, outpacing the 2.7% rise for low-income households, the first such gap since March 2025, ONS data shows.
Government to decide Aldridge green belt homes appeal
An appeal has been lodged for 355 homes on Aldridge green belt land off Stonnall Road, with a government planning inspector set to decide the fate of the 14.1-hectare site.
Burnham pressed on PIP cuts at first PMQs
Andy Burnham faced Kemi Badenoch at his first PMQs, defending welfare cuts and PIP review delays until 2027, focusing on youth support.
MP to oppose new assisted dying bill
Brentwood MP Alex Burghart will vote against the reintroduced Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, citing concerns over safeguards and implementation.
DWP triple lock under fresh pressure as poverty gap widens
New analysis shows pensioner poverty fell to 14% while working-age poverty stays at 20%, fueling calls to scrap the triple lock.
Walsall councillors to decide on Reedswood school plan
Plans for a 1,000-place school on 13.7 acres of Reedswood Park woodland go before Walsall councillors on Thursday, despite local opposition and Highways objections.
Smethwick HMO plan revised after council rejection
Developers have revised plans for the former Smethwick police training centre, reducing co-living rooms from 76 to 69 after Sandwell Council rejected the previous HMO scheme.
Birmingham QR adverts target Victims' Code awareness
Digital adverts with QR codes roll out across West Midlands from September to boost awareness of Victims' Code after survey found only 2.5% know their rights.
Paradise Circus renamed Lyon Queensway in 2018
Birmingham's Paradise Circus was renamed Lyon Queensway in December 2018, but the change went largely unnoticed. The road is now closed to through traffic until winter.
Lloyds under fire over £5,500 church funds delay
Lloyds Bank faces criticism after parish church treasurer says £5,500 in funds is inaccessible, forcing borrowing for repairs and bills.
Page 5 of 206