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.
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.
Former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street condemns Reform UK's divisive politics while launching Prosper UK, a new centre-right movement aiming to attract politically homeless voters ahead of Birmingham's all-out council elections in May.
The Department for Work and Pensions is funding emergency support payments for City of London residents facing crises. Learn about the 12 qualifying benefits and eligibility criteria.
The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive Local Media Strategy featuring a £12 million fund to support digital innovation, community radio, and tackle news deserts affecting millions.
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing Household Support Fund cash to councils, with East Sussex offering 'extra' payments to eligible households facing financial hardship.
The UK government announces a £50 million heating oil support package through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, with £35 per household for 1.5 million homes starting April 1.
Dudley's Liberal Democrats have launched their local election manifesto, featuring a pledge for zero-interest loans to make homes greener, alongside promises on potholes, climate action, and community safety.
The government's new Local Media Strategy recognizes the vital role of local journalism in democracy, but industry leaders argue more support is needed to sustain this essential civic infrastructure.
Royal author Tom Bower alleges Buckingham Palace sent an emissary to Sandringham to ask Andrew to voluntarily renounce his place in the line of succession, describing it as an offer the former prince cannot refuse.
Pat McFadden argues public wants welfare system to promote work and value for money, as new cuts target youth unemployment with apprenticeship grants.
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reassured state pensioners that those relying solely on the new state pension will not face income tax during this Parliament, despite upcoming Triple Lock increases potentially pushing some into taxable territory.
The Department for Work and Pensions announces significant Universal Credit modifications starting April, including removal of the two-child benefit cap and an above-inflation payment increase, while reducing health top-ups for new claimants.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announces the fuel duty cut extension until September, introduces Fuel Finder tool, and discusses Middle East tensions impacting energy costs.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a £53 million cost of living package for heating oil users, alongside energy bill caps and fuel duty extensions amid Middle East tensions.
The Department for Work and Pensions is using new powers to verify Winter Fuel Payment and Pension Credit awards through bank account checks, sparking privacy concerns from civil liberties groups.
The Government has extended the Warm Home Discount scheme, providing a £150 energy bill reduction to around six million low-income households this winter.
Tandridge Council announces one-off £225 payments for state pensioners and other vulnerable groups through the Winter Support Scheme, funded by the DWP's Household Support Fund.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has launched the Crisis and Resilience Fund, offering emergency cash payments to households struggling with essentials like food and energy bills from April.
A new report from the Centre for Social Justice urges the Labour government to address declining birth rates to prevent the state pension age from rising substantially to 75 by 2039.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will hold a press conference on Monday to announce tens of millions in support for 1.7 million households affected by rising energy bills driven by Middle East conflicts.
The National Audit Office launches an inquiry into HMRC's anti-fraud system that incorrectly suspended child benefit payments for thousands of families using faulty travel data.
Walsall Council reveals a council tax loophole where properties expanded since 1993 pay lower rates, as bills rise by 4.99% for 2026/27. Councillors call for reform to address unfairness in the system.
The Labour government is increasing face-to-face PIP assessments from 6% to 30% starting April, potentially affecting over one million claimants as part of a £1.9 billion savings plan.
State pensioners face £34 monthly deductions from HMRC if they don't opt out of Winter Fuel Payment by April 1, with experts warning of double repayments for high earners.
Dudley Council faces a £6.9m cost for staff sick days, with mental health issues and work-related stress cited as leading causes. Councillors debate the impact of budget cuts on employee wellbeing.
The Home Office has reversed a controversial rule requiring dual nationals with EU settlement status to present a British passport for UK entry, following backlash from affected citizens.
Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch faces a crucial no-confidence vote, with nine Conservative councillors positioned as kingmakers in a tense political showdown.
The Labour government has announced that survivors of Ireland's mother and baby homes living in Britain will not have their DWP benefits cut if they accept compensation payments from Dublin.
The Department for Work and Pensions is raising the state pension age from 66 to 67, a change first announced in 2011. The transition will complete by early 2028, affecting retirement plans and potentially increasing income poverty rates among affected gr