The Home Office proposes an 8% hike in UK passport fees from April 8, 2026, potentially pushing adult costs above £100 for the first time. Children's and pensioners' fees will also increase, subject to parliamentary approval.
MPs press government to implement benefits top-up system as state pension age rises from 66 to 67, with experts warning of poverty risks and proposing Universal Credit adjustments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New figures reveal over 100 people daily are awarded PIP for anxiety and depression, prompting political pressure for a welfare system overhaul.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.