Mandelson Files Published Today by Starmer
Prime Minister Keir Starmer publishes initial documents on Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to Washington, amid vetting questions and Epstein links.
Category : Council Meetings
Birmingham Bins Strike: One Year On, No End in Sight
The Birmingham bins strike has reached a grim one-year milestone, with ongoing industrial action causing widespread disruption. Council leader John Cotton cites decades of service failures, while Unite union disputes pay cuts. The strike's future remains
MP Joins Forces Scheme, Highlights Women Veterans
Lisa Smart MP marks International Women's Day by joining the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, highlighting the 341 women veterans in her constituency and 16,300 serving women in the UK Regular Armed Forces.
DWP Denies Pension Payments to Mixed-Age Couples
Mixed-age couples face benefit denial as DWP rules force them onto Universal Credit until both partners reach state pension age, impacting financial support.
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Labour Issues Update on Freeview Switch-Off Petition
The Labour government has responded to a petition with 110,000 signatures warning about the impact of turning off Freeview in areas with poor broadband connectivity.
Labour Clarifies State Pension Tax Rules in Spring Statement
The Labour Party has released its Spring Statement, detailing tax implications for state pensioners. Most retirees will see no increase, with changes targeting higher-income households.
Birmingham Bin Strike Hits One-Year Mark in Ongoing Dispute
The Birmingham bin strike has now lasted an entire year, with roots stretching back decades. Council leader John Cotton cites past political failures and financial crises as key factors, while negotiations remain stalled.
DWP Holiday Rule: Pensioners Risk Losing £18,000 Payments
State pensioners must follow strict DWP holiday rules or risk losing Pension Credit payments worth up to £18,000. The four-week limit applies to trips abroad with specific exceptions for bereavement.
Dudley Council Report Shows Half of Targets Missed
Dudley Council's latest performance report shows nearly half of its targets were missed, with staff sickness rates worsening and debt collection exceeding goals. The scrutiny committee will review the data.
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State Pension to Rise £575 in Weeks, DWP Confirms
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed state pension payments will increase by 4.8% in April, providing up to £575 extra annually for pensioners through the triple lock commitment.
Youngest Council Leader Faces No Confidence Vote in Warwickshire
Green Party councillor Jonathan Chilvers tables a motion of no confidence against Reform UK's George Finch, citing attacks on officers and breaches of democratic norms. The vote's outcome hinges on Conservative councillors' support.
Yakoob Questioned by Police Over Flag Burning at Protest
Controversial activist Akhmed Yakoob was interviewed by West Midlands Police following a demonstration where an Israeli flag was set alight and anti-Israel chants were heard. He claims no charges were filed and defends the actions as not criminal.
£150 Warm Home Discount Confirmed for 2026, Aiding Millions
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the £150 Warm Home Discount for 2026, extending support to millions more households, including all Universal Credit claimants, to help with winter energy bills.
BBC Licence Fee Reform Could Expand Payment Requirements
The BBC warns its current funding model is unsustainable as 94% of adults use services monthly but only 80% pay the £180 licence fee, with reforms potentially affecting more households.
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Starmer Pledges Support Amid Middle East Crisis Economic Impact
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses concerns over rising oil prices and market turmoil from the Middle East conflict, promising to protect UK households from financial fallout.
John Profumo Dies at 91, 1963 Scandal Figure
John Profumo, the British politician whose 1963 affair with Christine Keeler sparked a major Cold War scandal, passed away in 2006 at age 91, marking a somber historical note.
Tax Bands Freeze to Affect Pensioners with Private Pensions
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism as frozen tax thresholds will push over 600,000 pensioners into income tax by 2027, targeting those with modest private pensions.
DWP Launches Third State Pension Age Review
The Department for Work and Pensions has initiated its Third State Pension Age Review, with the Labour government considering adjustments based on new life expectancy evidence and independent reports.
Reeves 'Stealth Tax' to Hit 600,000 Pensioners, Critics Warn
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under fire as frozen tax bands will force 600,000 more pensioners to pay income tax this year, with critics calling it an unfair 'stealth tax' on retirees.
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DWP Support Fund Ends, New Crisis Fund Announced
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms the Household Support Fund will conclude on March 31, with a new Crisis Resilience Fund launching afterward for eligible households in England.
£117 Energy Bill Cut for All Households from April
The UK Government has announced a £117 reduction in annual energy bills for typical households starting April, though Middle East tensions could threaten future savings.
Cost of Living Vouchers for Non-Benefit Households
The UK Government has extended the Household Support Fund, offering vouchers for supermarkets and energy bills to households not on DWP benefits but facing financial hardship.
State Pension Triple Lock Change Brings £575 Boost
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed new state pension rates for 2026/27, with the triple lock policy ensuring a £575 yearly increase for the full pension and £440 for the basic version from April.
Universal Credit £608 Boost for Families from April
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces scrapping of two-child benefit cap, delivering significant monthly increases for larger families as part of Labour's child poverty strategy.
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HMRC Urges Parents Under £80k to Claim Child Benefit
HMRC is reminding UK parents earning less than £80,000 annually to claim Child Benefit, which provides weekly payments and builds National Insurance credits for State Pension eligibility.
Gloucester Christmas Lights Remain Up in March
Gloucester city centre's Christmas decorations are still hanging in early March, with council officials citing storage problems as the cause. The lights are expected to be removed next week.
Academy Trust to Face Council Grilling After Teacher Strikes
Warwickshire councillors plan to question academy trust bosses following staff strikes over proposed redundancies. The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, which runs 20 Midlands schools, faces scrutiny over financial management.
Dudley Council Approves Support for Struggling Pubs
Dudley Council has approved a motion to provide financial and planning support for struggling pubs, including lobbying the government for tax cuts and enhanced protections.
Universal Credit: £608 Monthly Boost for Larger Families
Labour's decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap will see Universal Credit claimants with four children receive an extra £608 per month, providing significant cost-of-living relief.
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Birmingham Council Tax Increases 4.99% for 2026/27
Birmingham City Council has approved a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, affecting residents differently based on location and property band. Council leader John Cotton defended the decision while opposition councillors criticized the administration
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