Birmingham City Council's budget debate erupted into a fiery clash over the city's reputation, with Labour leader hailing a 'thriving powerhouse' while opposition branded it a 'cesspit of Europe' amid financial turmoil.
The DWP has issued a warning to millions of claimants about its three main powers for bank account checks under new fraud laws. A consultation on strict rules ends February 27, with £45 billion overpaid since the pandemic.
A dramatic Birmingham City Council budget meeting was adjourned amid protests over the ongoing bins strike, with opposition councillors slamming Labour's leadership and claims of 'cat-sized rats' in rubbish piles.
Birmingham's reputation became a heated battleground as council budget plans sparked intense debate, with leaders clashing over whether the city is a thriving powerhouse or a European cesspit.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced new financial rules affecting state pensioners with incomes exceeding £35,000. These individuals will see deductions from their payments as HMRC recovers Winter Fuel Payments they no longer qualify for.
Navendu Mishra MP details how scrapping the two-child benefit cap will lift thousands of children out of poverty in Stockport, alongside expanded free school meals and breakfast clubs.
The Reform Party has announced it will fully restore the two-child benefit cap if it wins the next general election, alongside changes to welfare eligibility and the Motability scheme.
Birmingham City Council's crucial budget meeting concluded without a decision after Labour failed to secure enough votes. A second meeting must be held before March 11 to pass a legal budget, with cross-party negotiations now underway.
A minister warns the public to be patient as the large volume of historical material in the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigation could delay information release.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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HMRC is contacting millions of state pensioners to reclaim Winter Fuel Payments if their income exceeds £35,000, with automatic deductions via tax codes.
