Government Payment Increases Start April 2026
Nearly 24 million people across the UK will see higher State Pension and benefit payments from April 6, 2026, as the DWP updates rates to help with living costs until 2027.
Category : Council Meetings
State Pensioners Exempt from DWP PIP Changes
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms state pensioners will not face Personal Independence Payment changes requiring higher daily living scores, as Labour's pensions minister explains new rules targeting sustainability.
Pensioners Face Unexpected HMRC Tax Forms as Thresholds Freeze
Vulnerable state pensioners may be unaware they must soon complete HMRC forms to settle tax bills due to frozen thresholds, with 600,000 expected to be affected this year.
Trump's Pearl Harbor Joke Stuns Japanese PM at White House
US President Donald Trump made an inappropriate joke referencing Pearl Harbor during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leaving the Oval Office in stunned silence. The leaders discussed Iran conflict and energy security.
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Birmingham Bin Strike: Council Leader Seeks Urgent Talks
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton has called for an urgent meeting with Unite union to resolve the year-long bin strike, while stressing the need for realism and maintaining fair pay progress.
DWP Warned Over 'Extreme' State Pension Changes
The Department for Work and Pensions faces warnings that the New State Pension is unsustainable due to an ageing population and rising costs, with experts calling for gradual adjustments.
Birmingham's Potential vs Reputation Crisis: Street Speaks
Former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street acknowledges Birmingham's 'crippled' reputation due to council bankruptcy and bins strike, but insists the city's economic fundamentals and investment potential remain strong, calling for new leadership to drive forw
Final £110 Payments for State Pensioners Over 66
The DWP is distributing last £110 Household Support Fund payments to eligible state pensioners over 66 in March, with Derbyshire Council extending support through its Discretionary Fund.
Final DWP Household Support Fund Payments Before March 31
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing last payments from the Household Support Fund, which ends March 31, 2026. Doncaster Council details eligibility criteria and application process for residents receiving specific benefits.
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State Pension Rise Creates £133 Gap Between Recipients
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms a £11 weekly increase for new state pensioners, while older recipients receive only £8.45, creating a £133 annual disparity starting April 2026.
DWP Bonus Payments: Two Groups Excluded from Support Scheme
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing one-off bonus payments through the Household Support Fund, but two specific groups of benefits claimants are excluded from receiving this emergency assistance in Greenwich.
DWP Targets 30-Day Processing for Attendance Allowance Claims
The Department for Work and Pensions is implementing measures to streamline Attendance Allowance processing, targeting 90% of new claims within 30 days. Over 1.7 million pensioners currently receive this benefit.
WASPI Women Launch Legal Challenge Over Pension Compensation
WASPI campaigners are preparing a formal legal challenge against the Labour government's decision to deny £2,950 compensation to 3.6 million women affected by state pension age changes.
Birmingham's Reputation 'Crippled' by Council Crisis and Bins Strike
Former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says Birmingham's global reputation has been severely damaged by the council's financial woes and ongoing bins strike, despite strong investment potential.
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Cornwall Wins Independent Devolution, Devon Merger Ruled Out
Cornwall Council has voted to accept a government proposal to explore becoming a Single Foundation Strategic Authority, firmly rejecting any merger with Devon and advancing its distinct devolution ambitions.
Labour Urged to Prepare Emergency Energy Bill Support
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition warns 13 million households could spend over 10% of income on energy without intervention, calling for a fair-funded emergency framework.
State Pension Age Rises to 68, Starting with 67 from April 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms state pension age will increase to 68, with the first phase raising it to 67 starting April 2026 for those born after April 1960.
Calls to Review 3,100 PIP Claims for Anxiety and Depression
New figures reveal over 100 people daily are awarded PIP for anxiety and depression, prompting political pressure for a welfare system overhaul.
Starmer Announces £53M Cost-of-Living Support for Heating Oil Users
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a targeted £53 million support package for low-income households using heating oil, alongside a £117 reduction in energy bills from April, amid the Middle East conflict's impact on prices.
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Birmingham Council Fortifies Support as Iran War Sparks Price Fears
Birmingham City Council has secured £86 million in government funding to extend its cost-of-living programme, while officials warn that the conflict in Iran could drive up fuel and food costs for local residents.
DWP Bonus for 12 Benefits: Full List Before March 31
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing discretionary funds through local councils via the Household Support Fund. Claimants must meet strict criteria including age, savings limits, and specific benefit receipt.
DWP Final Household Support Payments for Pensioners in London
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing last payments under the Household Support Fund to Attendance Allowance, state pension, and Pension Credit claimants in Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster, with strict eligibility criteria.
Final £200 DWP Payments to Universal Credit Claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing the last Household Support Fund payments of £200 to eligible Universal Credit, ESA, and Housing Benefit recipients through local councils before March 31.
Final ESA Payments Sent as Universal Credit Overhaul Expands
The Department for Work and Pensions is issuing the last Employment and Support Allowance payments before rolling it into Universal Credit, affecting over 1.3 million claimants who must apply to avoid losing benefits.
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Universal Credit: £295 Extra for Millions, Not All
The DWP confirms a £295 annual increase for nearly 4 million Universal Credit households from April, marking an above-inflation boost. Single claimants aged 25+ will see monthly payments rise by £24.76.
Airport Sale Collapse Puts Council Finances at Risk
The collapse of the £25m sale of Gloucestershire Airport to Horizon Aero Group raises serious concerns about the financial recovery plans of Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council, with opposition leaders demanding transparency and new str
Wolverhampton Venue Keeps Licence After Fight
Vaal & Vaal in Raglan Street retains its licence despite an after-hours fight leaving a man unconscious. The council imposes new CCTV and security requirements.
Council Approves Urgent Roof Repairs for Safety of Families
Birmingham City Council has approved £800,000 in funding for urgent roof repairs at Lifford House in Stirchley, a key children's social care facility, to address safety risks from long-standing leaks.
BBC TV Licence Fee Rises to £180 from April 1
The annual BBC TV licence fee will increase by £5.50 to £180 starting April 1, 2026, in line with inflation. Free licences remain for over-75s on Pension Credit, with reduced fees for care home residents and blind individuals.
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Lib Dem Conference: Unity, Policy, and Women's Day Events
A Liberal Democrat MP reflects on the party's spring conference in York, emphasizing community and policy discussions on national security and women's healthcare.
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