Labour Rejects Changes to State Pension Triple Lock

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms Labour will not alter the DWP's state pension triple lock despite pressure to cut welfare spending for defence funding, as all major parties commit to maintaining the policy.

Labour Supports Welfare Cuts for Defense Funding

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly supported reducing the welfare budget to allocate more funds to defense, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves warns of difficult financial choices ahead.

Shell Petrol Station Expansion Approved in Solihull

Solihull Council's planning committee unanimously approved Shell's revised plan to expand a Warwick Road petrol station, despite objections from local residents and a councillor over increased noise and disturbance.

Trump Warns Iran of 'Nuclear Holocaust' After Ceasefire

Donald Trump threatened Iran with a 'nuclear holocaust' unless it accepts a US deal, just hours after claiming credit for a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and inviting both leaders to White House peace talks.

Mayor Urges Developer to Protect Historic Electric Cinema

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Council Leader John Cotton have written an open letter to property developer Glenbrook, expressing serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of the UK's oldest working cinema and calling for urgent action to

Birmingham HS2 Station Public Realm Plans Approved

Birmingham City Council has approved major public space designs around the new Curzon Street HS2 station, aiming to create a world-class landmark destination with distinct character areas including Station Square and Curzon Promenade.

Government Inspector Overrules Council on HMO Plans

A government planning inspector has approved two HMOs in Wolverhampton after overturning the council's rejection. The inspector dismissed crime and parking concerns raised by local authorities and police.

State Pension: DWP to Pay £966 in May After 4.8% Rise

The Department for Work and Pensions will pay state pensioners £966 in May due to a 4.8% increase in the new flat rate, raising weekly payments to £241.30. This annual rise of £575 results from the Triple Lock pledge, with eligibility requiring National I

DWP £70 Weekly Mortgage Loans for Benefit Claimants

The Department for Work and Pensions provides little-known loans averaging £70.30 weekly to help Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and ESA claimants cover mortgage interest payments, with 14,500 households currently claiming.

Council Tax Rule Change Offers £41 Monthly Discount

A major council tax reform in England will extend payment periods to 12 months by default, reducing monthly bills by £41 for many households and requiring councils to collaborate on sustainable repayment plans.

Pension Age Rise to 67 for 1960-1977 Born

The Department for Work and Pensions confirms incremental increases to state pension age for individuals born from 1960 to 1977, sparking parliamentary debate over support measures.

Solihull Councillors Vote Against Pay Rise Recommendation

Solihull councillors have voted against increasing their basic allowance by £472, with many arguing it's not the right time during the cost of living crisis, though some advocated for the rise to ensure diverse representation.

Trump Shares Second AI 'Jesus' Image, Warns of Offense

US President Donald Trump has posted a second AI-generated image depicting himself with Jesus, warning it might offend 'radical left lunatics'. This follows a deleted post showing him as a Jesus-like figure healing a sick man, amid a feud with Pope Leo XI

Five-Storey Apartment Block Planned Next to Barons Quay

Courts Developments has submitted an outline application for an 84-flat, five-storey apartment block with retail space on Tabley Street in Northwich, which would become one of the tallest buildings in the town centre.

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