Personal Independence Payment rates will increase by 3.8% from April 2026, with maximum weekly payments rising to £194.60. This change comes as the Timms Review examines the PIP system, while Universal Credit health payments face cuts for new applicants.
MPs and financial experts warn that councils are too quick to issue court summons for small council tax debts, adding £75 fees and worsening financial hardship for vulnerable residents.
The DWP confirms that 453,000 pensioners living abroad, primarily in Commonwealth countries, will not receive the 4.8% Triple Lock increase in April due to frozen pension rules, affecting their weekly payments significantly.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves calls on Unite union to halt Birmingham bins strike, citing damage to city's reputation and disruption for residents and businesses.
A High Court judge has reserved his decision on Birmingham City Council's bid for an injunction to stop protesters blocking bin lorries, with a verdict expected within three months.
An independent investigation reveals multiple failings in Cardiff Capital Region's procurement process for a £30m Aberthaw Power Station demolition contract, including accepting a late bid and scoring inconsistencies.
Ed Cox has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority after serving as interim since June 2025. The appointment was confirmed at a Board meeting on February 13, 2026.
Shropshire, Worcestershire, and North Somerset councils have been authorized to increase council tax by up to 9%. County Councils Network warns of a challenging three-year period ahead with significant funding gaps.
Birmingham City Council seeks court injunction to prohibit solidarity protests at bin depots during ongoing strike, drawing condemnation from unions and politicians who label the move 'cowardly'.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has clarified that individuals whose sole income is the state pension will not be subject to income tax, addressing concerns over frozen tax bands and rising pension rates under the triple lock system.
The Department for Work and Pensions will begin accessing bank accounts after February 27, with up to 100,000 benefit claimants identified for potential overpayment recovery.
Birmingham City Council is in court today seeking an injunction to prevent bin strike supporters from blocking trucks and delaying waste collections across the city.
Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to address the unfair difference between Basic and New State Pension rates, highlighting how 8.3 million older people are affected by unequal uprating mechanisms.
The Department for Work and Pensions is considering extending bank account surveillance powers to include households not receiving benefits, as part of efforts to combat welfare fraud and error.
Staffordshire County Council remains without a permanent leader after a heated meeting where members accused each other of racism and 'hurtful' social media comments. Reform UK administration faces internal turmoil.
The Department for Work and Pensions is set to enforce strict daily £300 penalties for non-compliance on Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit claimants as part of a Labour-led crackdown on benefit fraud and error.
Hyndburn Mayor Josh Allen pays tribute to the late Councillor Marlene Haworth, reflects on school visits, royal engagements, and promotes upcoming charity ball for local causes.
Senior Labour councillor Jamie Tennant investigated after complaint he made abusive comments to 19-year-old Conservative opponent during election count. Councillor has been 'spoken to' and 'reminded of party values'.
Rossendale Borough Council leader Alyson Barnes encourages residents and businesses to participate in a government consultation on replacing Lancashire's two-tier council system with unitary authorities to improve efficiency and services.
A widespread council tax error has resulted in approximately 400,000 UK households overpaying on their bills, with many owed substantial refunds. Experts urge homeowners to check their tax bands, as valuations may be decades out of date.
The Department for Work and Pensions is urging people on six specific benefits to claim their £150 Warm Home Discount before the February 27 deadline. Eligible households will receive this support annually until 2030/2031.
The Department for Work and Pensions gains new powers to suspend driving licenses from Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit claimants owing over £1,000 in welfare debts.
The Department for Work and Pensions is raising the state pension age from 66 to 67 starting April, with experts warning it will catch many retirees off guard and create income gaps.
The government will debate a petition-backed proposal to double the HMRC Personal Tax-Free Allowance to £25,000, with 100,000 signatures forcing parliamentary discussion ahead of the Spring Statement.
The Department for Work and Pensions is expanding intensive bank account monitoring powers to Pension Credit claimants, raising concerns about targeting elderly pensioners and potential overreach.
The Department for Work and Pensions receives new authority under Labour government legislation to directly deduct funds from benefits claimants' accounts following a mandatory 28-day notification period aimed at reducing fraud.
The Department for Work and Pensions will require banks to provide bank statements and salary details of benefits claimants under new powers to combat fraud and recover debts.
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.