The Labour government has detailed a wide-ranging support package for 2026, including wage rises, rail fare freezes, energy bill reductions, and childcare expansions to ease financial pressures.
Birmingham's ongoing bin strike threatens to dominate the May council elections as Unite union warns of 'apocalyptic' consequences for Labour if dispute continues unresolved.
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing £200 payments to eligible residents in England through local councils to help with rising living costs.
A masterplan for 1,550 homes and new transport links near the M60 motorway junction is set for approval, forming part of the wider Atom Valley employment and innovation scheme.
Former Labour MP Lord Peter Mandelson resigns party membership following revelations about financial payments from Jeffrey Epstein, stating he wishes to avoid causing 'further embarrassment'.
Donald Trump issues fresh warnings to Iran, stating 'big powerful ships' are en-route following earlier 'Armada' claims, as Supreme Leader Khamenei threatens regional war.
UK households can cancel their TV licence ahead of an expected increase to over £180 in April. Learn the valid reasons for cancellation and the latest on the BBC funding debate.
A government review considering scrapping Freeview TV by 2034 could force millions of pensioners to pay for broadband or lose television access, sparking a petition with 95,000 signatures.
Local authorities across England are distributing payments of up to £300 to eligible households through the government's Household Support Fund scheme, with a deadline of March 31, 2026.
A second application to convert a six-bedroom house in Winterbourne Road into a children's care home has been withdrawn by the applicant following initial refusal.
Coventry councillors warn that shop windows covered in stickers and signs create safeguarding risks for children by blocking visibility into stores.
The Department for Work and Pensions is urging state pensioners to check eligibility for thousands in back payments due to historical errors, with very few claims made despite available funds.
Dudley Council has refused a lawful development certificate for a six-bedroom HMO in Selborne Road due to insufficient evidence, while approving Victorian-style restoration works for a listed building in Stone Street.
Dudley councillors express frustration after being told they could not ask questions during crucial budget scrutiny meetings, calling for clearer procedures.
Dudley councillors are canvassing for May 2026 local elections where voters will decide representatives across 24 wards, with key seats contested.
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms the Winter Fuel Payment system will continue in 2026, with eligibility based on income and a recovery process for ineligible recipients.
Royal experts warn Princess Charlotte may confront the same 'very difficult' constitutional position as Prince Harry, facing the historical 'spare' issue when Prince George becomes King.
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Birmingham City Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE, who has died aged 44. Council leader John Cotton and community figures remember his dedication to the city.
Dunedin Homes challenges Sandwell Council's refusal of six new homes on a Cradley Heath estate plagued by landslides, raising resident concerns about safety and privacy.
Dudley Council tenants face a wait for rent decisions after legal advice revealed procedural errors in previous years' approval processes, causing political confusion.
Solihull Council warns residents of potential council tax increases above 4.99% in future years to address substantial funding shortfalls, despite avoiding hikes this year.
Tributes pour in for Birmingham councillor Waseem Zaffar, who died suddenly aged 44. The Lozells representative was a passionate clean air campaigner and devoted family man.
A controversial 11-bed HMO in Smethwick, previously rejected by Sandwell Council, could still be approved through a government appeal, raising concerns about waste and vermin issues.
Senior Dudley councillors have apologised for voting to remove 500 grit bins during budget cuts, admitting the decision put public safety at risk during recent winter storms.
HMRC has reinstated Child Benefit payments for 17,000 people after wrongly freezing them in a government crackdown targeting parents who left the UK.
A planning agent accuses Walsall Council of environmental disregard over £50m school plans at Reedswood Park, claiming a 'two-tier planning system' favours affluent areas.
Tamworth Borough Council proposes a 2.99% council tax rise and 4.8% rent increase from April, alongside funding changes and savings measures.
A political row erupts over Barston Bridge's future, with MP Saqib Bhatti accusing Solihull Council of a flawed consultation process as closure remains a £2m repair alternative.
Wolverhampton Council has rejected plans to reopen an off-licence that was shut down twice for selling alcohol to children and operating illegally after licence revocation.
After council and government inspectors rejected an unauthorised marquee at Amritsar Sweets in Wolverhampton, owners propose a new 20-seat cafe and takeaway development behind the Dudley Road shop.