Category : Council Meetings


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 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.

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.

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.

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