Somerset Council's Financial Outlook: Budget Update
Somerset Council's interim finance chief states the authority is not facing immediate bankruptcy risk, though significant budget challenges remain as demand for services rises.
Somerset Council's interim finance chief states the authority is not facing immediate bankruptcy risk, though significant budget challenges remain as demand for services rises.
The Department for Work and Pensions has refused a petition demanding apology and compensation for WASPI women, despite 60,000 signatures. DWP offers limited apology for communication failures.
An online petition demands the DWP's £10 Christmas bonus be raised to £171 to match inflation since 1972, with millions of benefit claimants affected.
Brentwood MP Alex Burghart details the six-hour debate that compelled the government to release documents on Peter Mandelson's appointment and his Epstein ties.
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RecommendedBirmingham City Council plans to raise its pest control charge for rats to £27.60, a 4.55% hike, as part of broader fee increases amid an ongoing bins strike.
Birmingham City Council proposes increasing its controversial pest control charge for rats to £27.60, part of wider service fee hikes as the authority navigates post-bankruptcy financial challenges.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is set to approve a £3 billion budget, focusing on transport, housing, and culture to ensure economic benefits reach all boroughs.
Birmingham City Council says it is monitoring the situation after national flags were raised and removed in Moseley and Stirchley, causing community divisions and police involvement.
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton publicly supports Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasising Labour's focus on improving lives rather than leadership changes during council recovery.
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RecommendedThe Department for Work and Pensions confirms permanent secretary Peter Schofield will step down this summer after eight years leading the department overseeing 24 million benefits claimants.
Dudley Council faces criticism for holding a crucial scrutiny meeting on proposed 4.8% rent increases behind closed doors, sparking transparency concerns.
Calderdale Council is distributing direct payments of up to £85 to households receiving Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit, as part of the DWP's Household Support Fund initiative.
Households in specific Birmingham postcodes can apply for £200 hardship grants from the council's fund, supported by DWP money to help with food and energy bills.
The Labour government confirms the Warm Home Discount scheme will provide £150 annually until 2030/31, offering £900 total support to eligible benefit claimants.
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RecommendedFifty Labour MPs are urging the government to reconsider its refusal to compensate women affected by state pension age changes, calling it a 'wrong decision'.
British Army veteran Peter Sanguinetti speaks out about the frozen state pension policy affecting over 100,000 retirees living in Canada, forcing many to work into their 80s.
Keir Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigns, citing responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Peter Mandelson, whose Epstein links damaged the party.
Birmingham City Council explains how households can receive a £0 council tax bill in February by opting for Direct Debit payments spread over 10 months, with details on setup and the BRUM account system.
Nine Walsall councillors oppose the cabinet's decision to relocate the Leather Museum, arguing it breaches the constitution by not involving all elected members.
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RecommendedMillions of low-income households on Universal Credit have received a £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, with the scheme extended to reach more families for the first time.
Shahid Butt, a convicted terrorist running for Birmingham councillor, has welcomed Sharon Osbourne's potential challenge in Sparkhill ward, admitting he shares some views with the Far Right.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms Winter Fuel Payment eligibility rules for 2026, with pensioners earning over £35,000 annually excluded from the cost of living support.
Birmingham Council leader John Cotton expresses optimism for the city's future ahead of May's all-out election, despite ongoing bin strike turmoil and union warnings of electoral consequences.
Campaigners and refugees call on Birmingham Council to reject government migration reforms that could extend settlement waits to 20 years, amid concerns over community impact.
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RecommendedA Coventry City Council employee stole 210 laptops in 2022, receiving a suspended sentence and dismissal, prompting new routine audits and stricter stock checks.
Millions of UK households will face a £5.50 annual increase in the BBC TV licence fee from April, taking the total cost to £180 per year. The rise comes despite earlier agreements to cap the fee below £175.
A new £300 cost of living payment is being distributed to eligible households in Worcestershire on specific DWP benefits to help with energy bills, with strict criteria including income limits and support service engagement.
Worcestershire County Council is distributing £300 payments to eligible residents in multiple towns through the Household Support Fund to help with energy bills and financial hardship.
Thousands of state pensioners are seeing £17 monthly deductions as HMRC claws back Winter Fuel Payments from those with incomes over £35,000 under new government rules.
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RecommendedThe family of late Birmingham councillor Waseem Zaffar welcomes baby Muhammad Shazain Waseem Zaffar, a moment of joy following his sudden death in Kashmir last week.