Legal Bullying Lawsuits Silence UK Journalists, Harm Democracy
Media outlets across the UK are uniting in a Day of Action to demand anti-SLAPP protections in the King's Speech, as abusive lawsuits silence journalists and undermine local democracy.
Category : Council Meetings
Walsall Councillors Attack Leadership in Final Meeting
Three departing Conservative councillors in Walsall have launched a fierce criticism of the council leadership, accusing them of running the town with an iron fist and bullying members who speak out.
Media Demands Anti-SLAPP Laws to Shield Journalists from Legal Bullies
Media outlets across the UK are joining a national Day of Action, urging the government to include anti-SLAPP protections in the King's Speech to defend journalists and campaigners from abusive lawsuits.
New £200 Spring Cost-of-Living Payments for UK Households
UK households can apply for emergency payments from the new Crisis and Resilience Fund to help with essentials like food and utilities, with no benefits requirement.
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HMRC Reclaims Winter Fuel Payments from Higher Earners
HMRC will recover Winter Fuel Payments from state pensioners earning over £35,000, charging £17 monthly via tax code adjustments starting April 2026.
DWP Stops Two Benefits as Universal Credit Transition Continues
The Department for Work and Pensions has ceased payments for Income Support and income-related Jobseeker's Allowance, rolling them into Universal Credit as part of a major welfare system overhaul affecting hundreds of thousands of claimants.
Tory Councillor Suspended After Voting Against Reform Leader
Conservative councillor Jan Matecki has been suspended from his party group for three months after supporting a no-confidence motion against Warwickshire County Council's Reform UK leader George Finch.
Labour Rejects Petition to Scrap New PIP and DLA Rules
The Labour Party government has formally rejected a petition with 30,000 signatures calling for the cancellation of new tax rules for the Motability Scheme affecting PIP and DLA users starting July 1.
Reform UK Council Paid £457k in NDA Deal
Staffordshire County Council, led by Reform UK, reportedly paid an employee £457,500 in a non-disclosure agreement during 2024/25, sparking criticism over public spending.
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Dudley Council Staff Morale Crisis in Union Survey
A Unison survey of Dudley Council staff reveals 73% feel undervalued and 67% report unmanageable workloads, sparking heated debate at a full council meeting.
Council Tax Discounts for Severe Mental Impairment Explained
Households with someone diagnosed with a severe mental impairment may qualify for council tax discounts of 25% to 100%, reducing or eliminating bills from April 2026.
DWP Issues £200 Winter Fuel Payments to State Pensioners
The Department for Work and Pensions is automatically distributing £200 Winter Fuel Payments to state pensioners aged 66 to 79 in England and Wales, with higher rates for those over 80.
DWP Automatic £200 Payment for Pensioner Couples 66-80
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms automatic £200 Winter Fuel Payments for state pensioner couples aged 66 to 80, with higher amounts for older pensioners, amid criticism over income thresholds.
Politician's 'Women as Queens' Remarks Spark Equality Debate
Akhmed Yakoob, a Birmingham political candidate, claims all women prefer staying home and being 'looked after' by men, drawing criticism for outdated gender views.
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DWP Cuts Winter Fuel Payments by £100 for Younger Pensioners
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed Winter Fuel Allowance rates for 2026/27, with a £100 reduction for state pensioners born after September 1946. Eligible recipients will receive letters in October or November detailing their payments.
UK Woman Stranded Abroad by New Border Rules
Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa, born in London, was denied re-entry to the UK from Amsterdam due to new regulations requiring dual nationals to present specific documentation.
Rachel Reeves Hints at Keeping 5p Fuel Duty Discount
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicates the 5p fuel duty discount could be maintained amid rising energy costs due to Middle East tensions, promising responsible economic decisions.
DWP Benefits Crackdown: Thousands Affected, Savings Overstated
Thousands face restricted access to DWP benefits under new migration rules, but analysis shows savings will be far less than the claimed £10 billion, raising questions about the policy's impact.
Birmingham Council May See No Overall Control in Local Elections
A new forecast predicts Birmingham City Council could end up with no overall control after May's local elections, with Labour projected to suffer a dramatic collapse from 65 to just 13 councillors.
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One-Week Deadline for UK Households to Register to Vote
Households across the UK must register to vote by April 20 to participate in the upcoming local council and mayoral elections on May 7, 2026, with voter ID requirements also enforced.
Automatic Winter Bonus for Pensioners Under £35,000
Millions of state pensioners with annual incomes below £35,000 will receive automatic Winter Fuel Payments this year, as the DWP confirms eligibility criteria for 2026.
Birmingham Monday Briefing: Elections, Counterfeit Trade, Teen Link-Ups
This week's briefing covers local election tensions, a £2m counterfeit Gucci operation in Acocks Green, and updates on teen gatherings in the city centre. Plus, plans to save the Electric Cinema.
Conservatives Face Nine Questions at Final Walsall Council Meeting
The ruling Conservatives will be questioned on nine issues including fly-tipping fines, the Saddlers Centre, and canal incidents at the final Walsall Council meeting before the all-out elections next month.
DWP Sets 2026 Winter Fuel Payment Rules for Pensioners
The Department for Work and Pensions has detailed eligibility criteria for Winter Fuel Payments in 2026, with a £35,000 income threshold determining who receives the £200-£300 support.
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Birmingham Labour Leader Confident Despite Polling Predictions
Birmingham Labour leader John Cotton expresses confidence in retaining council control in May's local elections, dismissing predictions of catastrophic defeat and highlighting party's positive agenda.
Pensioners Get £575 as Triple Lock Called 'Timebomb'
State pensioners have received a £575 annual increase due to the Triple Lock mechanism, but economists warn it's a 'ticking timebomb' that could cost billions and drive fiscal crisis.
DWP Announces Two New Cost of Living Payments for 12 Reasons
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched the Crisis and Resilience Fund, offering two new payments to support low-income households with 12 essential needs from April 2026.
Birmingham Labour Leader on Bins Strike, 20mph Limits, Election
Council leader John Cotton discusses the ongoing bins dispute, defends 20mph speed limits, and addresses unemployment figures as all 101 council seats face election in May.
DWP Announces £50M Heating Oil Support After April Change
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing £50 million in immediate cost of living payments to vulnerable households using heating oil, with funding available through local councils from April 1.
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Reform UK Set to Win 23 West Midlands Seats in Poll
A new YouGov poll forecasts Reform UK gaining 23 constituencies in the West Midlands, including traditional Labour strongholds in Birmingham and the Black Country, with Greens also making significant gains.
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