AI Overhaul Sparks US Data Access Fears in Gloucestershire
A £3.4m AI modernisation plan by Gloucestershire County Council faces scrutiny over potential US government access to residents' personal data under American laws like the Cloud Act.
Category : Politics
Hyndburn Council Registers New Planning Applications (20.04.2026)
Hyndburn Borough Council has received several planning applications, including a major proposal for 91 dwellings in Altham and commercial developments in Church and Great Harwood.
Birmingham's May Election: Most Unpredictable Yet
With crucial local elections days away, Birmingham faces its most uncertain political future. The bins strike, financial crisis, and five-party battle make forecasting impossible.
Dudley Council Works 7 Days to Clear Bin Backlog
Dudley Council is deploying extra staff and vehicles, working seven days a week to catch up on delayed rubbish and recycling collections amid resident complaints.
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Dispatch Hustings Sells Out, New Street Escalators Get £17m Refurb
Birmingham Dispatch's first election hustings sells nearly all tickets with ITV's Lewis Warner moderating. Meanwhile, New Street Station begins a £17m escalator replacement project affecting 24 units installed just 11 years ago.
Starmer Faces MPs Over Mandelson Vetting Row
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confronts MPs about the Peter Mandelson ambassador appointment, amid claims he wasn't informed of failed security clearance, sparking calls for resignation.
DWP May Payment Changes for Pensions and Benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed adjustments to payment dates for state pensions, Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, and other benefits in May due to bank holidays.
Petition: Increase DWP Christmas Bonus to £180 for Pensioners
A parliamentary petition calls for the DWP to uprate the £10 Christmas Bonus for state pensioners to £180, reflecting inflation since its 1972 introduction, with over 5,000 signatures already gathered.
DWP Early £965 Pension Payments in May Due to Bank Holidays
State pensioners may receive their £965 payments early in May because of bank holidays. The DWP is adjusting schedules for May 4 and 25, affecting those with due dates on these days.
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DWP Mortgage Support: £610 Monthly for Benefit Claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions' Support for Mortgage Interest scheme provides up to £610 monthly to help cover interest payments for eligible households on five key benefits, with claims rising significantly.
DWP Approves £300 Winter Fuel Bonuses for Pensioners
The Department for Work and Pensions has reinstated automatic Winter Fuel Payments, providing £300 to eligible pensioners in England and Wales without requiring any action from recipients.
State Pension Boost: DWP Increases Weekly Payments by £11.05
The Department for Work and Pensions has raised the new state pension by £11.05 weekly, bringing payments to £241.30. This increase benefits those born after specific dates, providing an extra £45 in May.
DWP to Check Bank Accounts of Pensioners on Three Benefits
State pensioners receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or ESA face bank account checks under new DWP powers aimed at reducing welfare fraud and errors.
DWP Withholds £575 from 450,000 Overseas Pensioners
The Department for Work and Pensions is denying a £575 state pension increase to 450,000 expats in countries without uprating agreements, potentially costing retirees over £77,000.
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DWP to Pay Pensioners £965 in May 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions will provide a £965 payment to state pensioners aged 66 to 75 in May 2026, with the full new State Pension rate set at £241.30 weekly.
New Cemetery Entrance Plan to Ease Birmingham Traffic Chaos
Birmingham City Council has submitted a planning application to create a second entrance at Sutton New Hall Cemetery to address dangerous traffic congestion and conflicts between mourners and residents.
Dudley Lib Dem Leader Defends 'Potholes by Postcode' Deals
Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Ryan Priest faces criticism for securing road repair priorities in exchange for budget support, arguing it's effective local representation ahead of May elections.
Universal Credit Claimants Get £150 Winter Energy Bonus
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that millions of Universal Credit claimants will receive a one-off £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, extending support to three million additional households.
Winter Fuel Payment: £100 Boost for Eligible Pensioners
Millions of state pensioners will receive increased Winter Fuel Payments this year, with some eligible for an extra £100. Payments are now income-linked, targeting those with annual incomes under £35,000.
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Martin Lewis Emotional Over Council Tax Debt Rule Changes
Money expert Martin Lewis expressed emotion as the government confirmed changes to aggressive council tax debt collection practices, extending deadlines and capping fees.
Veterinary Hospital to Replace Old Land Rover Dealership in Wolverhampton
City of Wolverhampton Council has given the green light to demolish the former Land Rover showroom on Stafford Street and construct a new two-storey veterinary hospital offering 24/7 animal care.
DWP Axes Two Benefits, No More Payments to Be Made
The Department for Work and Pensions has permanently ended Income Support and income-related Jobseeker's Allowance, requiring claimants to switch to Universal Credit. Hundreds of thousands risk losing payments by missing the application deadline.
Castle Bromwich 'Monstrosity' House Approved Over Pub Design
Solihull Council planners have approved a controversial seven-bedroom house in Castle Bromwich, with officers citing its design resemblance to the Toby Carvery pub opposite as justification.
Universal Credit Payment Changes for May Bank Holidays
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms adjustments to Universal Credit payment dates in May due to bank holidays, affecting when money lands in accounts.
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West Bromwich's 143-Year-Old Church to Become Flats
New plans propose converting the historic Hallam Street Methodist Church in West Bromwich into residential flats, following earlier demolition concerns from Sandwell Council.
Rachel Reeves Confirms State Pension Triple Lock Commitment
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has firmly stated Labour will maintain the state pension triple lock until the end of Parliament, despite ongoing government spending cuts and welfare reduction pressures.
7-Bed Home Approved for Resembling Toby Carvery Pub
A controversial seven-bedroom house in Solihull, dubbed a 'monstrosity' by a councillor, gets planning approval as its design aligns with a nearby Toby Carvery pub, despite local objections over size and character.
Reeves Pension Tax Policy Draws Criticism Over Senior Impact
Hundreds of thousands more pensioners face income tax bills due to frozen tax thresholds extended by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with critics labeling it unfair as modest savings trigger taxation.
DWP Can Now Suspend Driving Licences in Benefit Crackdown
The Department for Work and Pensions will receive new authority to temporarily disqualify benefit claimants from driving as part of a major fraud crackdown targeting Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit recipients.
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Appeal Fails for Ex-Irish Club Conversion in Tyseley
Birmingham City Council's rejection of a plan to turn the former Scanlon's Club into a community and prayer facility has been upheld on appeal due to road safety and parking concerns.
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