New Tax Codes for Pensioners' Winter Fuel Repayments
Millions of state pensioners will receive updated tax codes from HMRC to recover winter fuel payments from those with incomes over £35,000, following a rule change by the Labour government.
Category : Council Meetings
Unison Chief Urges End to Bin Strike and Budget Fix
Unison's general secretary Andrea Egan calls on Birmingham City Council to resolve the 14-month bin strike and pass a lawful budget, citing government funding increases and commissioner failures.
Birmingham Council Budget Sparks 'Powerhouse' vs 'Cesspit' Row
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.
DWP's New Bank Account Check Powers for Benefit Fraud
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.
Birmingham Council Budget Meeting Adjourned Amid Strike Fury
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 Reputation Row: 'Powerhouse' vs 'Cesspit' Debate
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.
Pensioners Over £35,000 Face Winter Fuel Payment Clawback
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.
MP Hails Child Poverty Reduction as Benefit Cap Scrapped
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.
Reform Party to Restore Two-Child Benefit Cap If Elected
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 Council Budget Meeting Deadlock Forces Second Session
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.
Government Must Manage Expectations on Andrew Info Release
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.
Dudley Budget Passes with Lib Dem Ward-Focused Amendments
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.
Sandwell Councillors Plead Not Guilty to Assault, Affray
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.
Council Tax Hike Funds 20mph Zone Rollout in Two Councils
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.
£17 Monthly Cut for Some Pensioners Under New Rules
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 Budget Meeting Sparks Protests as Leader Vows No Backtracking
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.
DWP Staff Get £12.7m Bonuses and 57,000 Vouchers
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.
State Pensioners: Check Winter Fuel Payments Before March 31
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 Budget Approved Amid Controversy
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.
State Pension: £44 Monthly Rise for Post-1950 Retirees
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.
Monarchy's £510m Cost Sparks Spending Debate
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.
DWP Issues Thousands of Bonuses Despite Warnings
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.
DWP Pays £12.7 Million in Staff Bonuses, Critics Call It 'Beyond Parody'
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.
MP Meets Chelmsford Businesses and Hospital Staff in Recess
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.
DWP Sends Automatic Cold Weather Payments to 1.5M Homes
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.
Walsall Council Quizzed on Museum Deal, Fly-Tipping and Crime
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.
Dudley Council Chief's Pay to Top £200,000 with Rise
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 Gets £121M Top UK Support for Services
Shropshire Council leads 37 financially struggling UK authorities receiving exceptional support, with £121 million allocated to improve frontline services and address deprivation.
Turns Down VED Cut for 1987-2006 Cars
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.
MPs Slam Government on Maccabi Ban; Birmingham Budget Vote in Doubt
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.
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