Birmingham MP's Bin Strike Joke at Reform UK in PMQs
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'.
Category : Council Meetings
DWP to Check Joint Accounts in New Crackdown Bill
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.
PM Starmer Urged to Intervene in Birmingham Bins Strike
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.
Petition Could Force HMRC to Double Pensioner Tax Allowance
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
Watchdog Criticizes Chancellor Reeves on Tax Plans
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.
DWP Sends Letters Before Bank Account Seizures in 22 Days
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.
DWP Bank Check Powers: PAC Warns of Overreach Risks
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.
DWP Bank Checks Target Pension Credit After Universal Credit
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.
DWP Bank Account Checks to Include State Pensioners
MPs warn new DWP powers to check bank accounts will target state pensioners, despite department assurances of safeguards and independent oversight.
DWP to Dock Wages of Working Benefits Claimants
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.
MPs Warn DWP Over New Bank Account Check Powers
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.
Somerset Council's Financial Outlook: Budget Update
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.
DWP Rejects WASPI Petition, Issues Compensation Update
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.
DWP Christmas Bonus Should Be £171 in 2026, Says Petition
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.
MP Forces Disclosure on Mandelson-Epstein Scandal
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's 'Rat Tax' to Increase Again
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.
Birmingham's 'Rat Tax' Set to Rise Again
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.
Burnham's £3bn Budget for Manchester Growth
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.
Council Monitoring Flag Row Tensions in Birmingham
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 Council Leader Backs Starmer as PM Faces Pressure
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.
DWP Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield Announces Departure
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.
Dudley Council Accused of Railroading Rent Increases
Dudley Council faces criticism for holding a crucial scrutiny meeting on proposed 4.8% rent increases behind closed doors, sparking transparency concerns.
£85 Cost of Living Payments Issued by Calderdale Council
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.
Birmingham Postcodes Set for £200 Cost of Living Payments
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.
Warm Home Discount: £900 Support Extended to 2031
The Labour government confirms the Warm Home Discount scheme will provide £150 annually until 2030/31, offering £900 total support to eligible benefit claimants.
Labour MPs Challenge WASPI Compensation Refusal
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'.
UK Pensioners in Canada Feel 'Second Class' Over Frozen Payments
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.
McSweeney Resigns Over Mandelson Appointment
Keir Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigns, citing responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Peter Mandelson, whose Epstein links damaged the party.
Birmingham £0 Council Tax Bills in February Explained
Birmingham City Council explains how households can receive a £0 council tax bill in February by opting for Direct Debit payments spread over 10 months, with details on setup and the BRUM account system.
Council Accused of Breaching Constitution in Museum Decision
Nine Walsall councillors oppose the cabinet's decision to relocate the Leather Museum, arguing it breaches the constitution by not involving all elected members.
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