The Department for Work and Pensions has been given extensive new powers to check bank accounts of benefit claimants to combat fraud, but a watchdog warns of overreach risks and trust issues.
Dudley Council's Conservative leadership pulled a 4.8% rent hike vote from full council, moving it to cabinet after admitting they lacked support. Labour councillors accuse them of denying tenants transparency.
New legislation empowers the Department for Work and Pensions to compel banks to provide three months of statements from benefit claimants' accounts to verify eligibility and prevent fraud.
Perry Barr MP Ayoub Khan caused laughter in Parliament with a quip about rubbish 'beneath my nose' during PMQs, prompting Reform UK's Richard Tice to respond 'easy tiger'.
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The Department for Work and Pensions gains new powers to access joint accounts and cryptocurrency under a recently passed bill, amid concerns over safeguards and public trust.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged the need to resolve the ongoing Birmingham bins strike after being pressed during PMQs. The industrial action has now entered its second year with workers voting to extend it until September.
A petition calling for a doubled personal tax allowance for state pensioners, raising it to over £25,000, is nearing the 100,000 signatures required for parliamentary debate. The proposal targets tax relief for retirees while ensuring wealthier pensioners
The UK Statistics Authority has ruled that Chancellor Rachel Reeves should have been clearer about the impact of her business rate changes, which could raise costs for pubs despite a lower multiplier.
The Department for Work and Pensions is implementing new bank account checks with a multi-stage process, including sending letters to suspected benefit fraud cases before any funds are seized, following a critical Public Affairs Committee report.
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The Public Accounts Committee warns DWP's new bank-checking powers under the 2025 Act risk government overreach and must include strict safeguards and transparency.
A Public Affairs Committee report reveals DWP plans to extend anti-fraud bank account checks to pensioners claiming Pension Credit, following similar measures for Universal Credit.
MPs warn new DWP powers to check bank accounts will target state pensioners, despite department assurances of safeguards and independent oversight.
New government powers allow the DWP to make salary deductions from working benefits claimants, with employers legally required to comply. The measures aim to recover overpayments but face criticism over privacy and fairness concerns.
A parliamentary committee has raised serious concerns about the DWP's extensive new authority to access bank information and recover funds directly from accounts under the 2025 Fraud Act.
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Somerset Council's interim finance chief states the authority is not facing immediate bankruptcy risk, though significant budget challenges remain as demand for services rises.
The Department for Work and Pensions has refused a petition demanding apology and compensation for WASPI women, despite 60,000 signatures. DWP offers limited apology for communication failures.
An online petition demands the DWP's £10 Christmas bonus be raised to £171 to match inflation since 1972, with millions of benefit claimants affected.
Brentwood MP Alex Burghart details the six-hour debate that compelled the government to release documents on Peter Mandelson's appointment and his Epstein ties.
Birmingham City Council plans to raise its pest control charge for rats to £27.60, a 4.55% hike, as part of broader fee increases amid an ongoing bins strike.
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Birmingham City Council proposes increasing its controversial pest control charge for rats to £27.60, part of wider service fee hikes as the authority navigates post-bankruptcy financial challenges.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is set to approve a £3 billion budget, focusing on transport, housing, and culture to ensure economic benefits reach all boroughs.
Birmingham City Council says it is monitoring the situation after national flags were raised and removed in Moseley and Stirchley, causing community divisions and police involvement.
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton publicly supports Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasising Labour's focus on improving lives rather than leadership changes during council recovery.
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms permanent secretary Peter Schofield will step down this summer after eight years leading the department overseeing 24 million benefits claimants.
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Dudley Council faces criticism for holding a crucial scrutiny meeting on proposed 4.8% rent increases behind closed doors, sparking transparency concerns.
Calderdale Council is distributing direct payments of up to £85 to households receiving Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit, as part of the DWP's Household Support Fund initiative.
Households in specific Birmingham postcodes can apply for £200 hardship grants from the council's fund, supported by DWP money to help with food and energy bills.
The Labour government confirms the Warm Home Discount scheme will provide £150 annually until 2030/31, offering £900 total support to eligible benefit claimants.
Fifty Labour MPs are urging the government to reconsider its refusal to compensate women affected by state pension age changes, calling it a 'wrong decision'.
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British Army veteran Peter Sanguinetti speaks out about the frozen state pension policy affecting over 100,000 retirees living in Canada, forcing many to work into their 80s.
