Dudley's 2026 budget has been approved after Liberal Democrats secured amendments for infrastructure projects in their wards, sparking criticism from opposition councillors who call it political opportunism.
Two Sandwell councillors, Daniel Millard and Claire Mayo, have entered not guilty pleas to charges of affray and assault following an alleged incident in Cradley Heath last year. They will appear in court next month.
Households in council tax band D will see an £84 annual increase as Gloucestershire and Hertfordshire councils implement maximum tax rises to fund £3.5 million 20mph zone expansion projects.
Certain state pensioners with incomes over £35,000 will see £17 monthly deductions as HMRC claws back Winter Fuel Payments under new eligibility rules announced by the Government.
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Birmingham Council leader John Cotton declared the authority has 'turned a corner' during a tense budget meeting, while bin workers and residents protested outside over ongoing cuts and strikes.
The Department for Work and Pensions has paid out £12.7 million in staff bonuses and distributed over 57,000 reward vouchers, sparking widespread criticism as the benefits bill remains high.
Nine million retirees must verify receipt of Winter Fuel Allowances under DWP rule changes, with a crucial deadline of March 31, 2026, to claim payments.
Dudley Council's budget for the next financial year has been approved in controversial circumstances, with a 4.99% council tax increase and Liberal Democrat amendments securing Conservative support.
The Government has confirmed new state pension rates for 2026/27, with a £44 monthly increase for those on the full pension. The triple lock policy drives the rise, widening the gap between older and newer pensioners.
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Campaigners argue the £510 million annual taxpayer cost of the Royal Family could be redirected to address child poverty, housing crises, and social welfare in Birmingham and across the UK.
The Department for Work and Pensions distributed over £12.7 million in bonuses to staff last year, averaging £141 each, despite calls to reduce such payments for routine work.
The Department for Work and Pensions distributed £12.7 million in bonus payments to nearly 200 senior civil servants and over 86,000 junior staff, sparking controversy from taxpayer groups.
During Parliament's recess, Marie Goldman MP attended a business breakfast on rates and held a confidential roundtable with Broomfield Hospital frontline staff to discuss challenges.
The Department for Work and Pensions has automatically issued £25 Cold Weather Payments to 1.5 million low-income households across England and Wales this winter to help with heating costs.
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Council bosses in Walsall will answer tough questions on ten key issues including the Leather Museum relocation, fly-tipping enforcement and antisocial behaviour at a public meeting this Thursday evening.
Dudley Council's chief executive is set to receive a 3.1% pay increase, pushing her salary above £200,000, while senior officers could earn up to £159,960. The council's lowest-paid staff will get a 1.5% raise.
Shropshire Council leads 37 financially struggling UK authorities receiving exceptional support, with £121 million allocated to improve frontline services and address deprivation.
HM Treasury has officially responded to a petition with nearly 40,000 signatures calling for a 50% Vehicle Excise Duty reduction for cars aged 20-39 years. The government maintains its current tax structure with no plans for changes.
A parliamentary report condemns the government's handling of the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban at Villa Park, while Birmingham Labour scrambles to secure votes for the city's crucial budget approval amid political tensions.
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From April 2026, UK expats must pay £923 yearly for voluntary National Insurance contributions, a major increase from £182, risking state pension eligibility for 450,000 people.
HMRC is contacting millions of state pensioners to reclaim Winter Fuel Payments if their income exceeds £35,000, with automatic deductions via tax codes.
A petition urging Labour to raise the personal tax-free allowance to £20,000 has 75,000 signatures, needing 100,000 by February 28 to trigger a Commons debate on easing financial burdens.
Labour's Triple Lock commitment and Pension Credit campaign will increase State Pension by up to £2,100 over this Parliament, benefiting millions of pensioners.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was allowed just one luxury item during his eight-hour police custody stay, with sources noting the irony of the royal connection.
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Thousands of UK households in England may be overpaying council tax due to outdated 1991 property valuations. Experts reveal how challenging your band could secure refunds and reduce monthly bills significantly.
Following his arrest for misconduct, a senior MP urges Parliament to consider treason charges against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over alleged document leaks to Jeffrey Epstein.
Retirees receiving the Winter Fuel Payment may need to refund it if their income exceeds £35,000, they fail to report changes, receive overpayments, or provide incorrect information to the DWP.
A damning parliamentary report criticizes Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, West Midlands Police, and the Government for a 'that'll do' attitude that led to the controversial ban on Israeli football fans.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has sent detailed letters to multiple police forces urging further investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's activities during his time as UK trade envoy, including concerns about RAF flights and document sharing.
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The UK government has announced new BBC TV licence fees for 2026, with black-and-white licences rising to £60.50 and discounts maintained for blind and elderly viewers.
