DWP Blocks State Pension for Ages 49-55: £16,500 at Risk
State pension payments of up to £16,500 a year could be blocked for people aged 49-55 as the DWP plans to raise the retirement age to 68 by 2037, seven years earlier than planned.
Category : Local Policies
DWP Confirms Christmas Bonus Freeze Under New PM Burnham
The DWP has confirmed the Christmas Bonus will remain frozen at £10 under incoming Labour PM Andy Burnham, despite other benefits rising with inflation. The one-off tax-free payment is paid automatically to eligible claimants in December.
Andy Burnham's £130 Energy Bill Discount Plan
Incoming PM Andy Burnham plans to cut household energy bills by £130 a year through a radical reform of gas charging and policy levies, funded by £3.2bn annually from taxpayers.
Andy Burnham HMRC Income Tax Shake-Up Confirmed
Andy Burnham will hand billions in income tax to mayors as PM, with plans for income tax-sharing announced in his first days in office.
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Mahmood Tipped as Chancellor Amid DWP Cuts Debate
Shabana Mahmood is Andy Burnham's pick for Chancellor, tasked with selling welfare cuts as DWP spending balloons. A review of PIP and rising Neets numbers looms.
DWP Breaks Silence on Universal Credit Capital Limits
The DWP has responded to calls to update Universal Credit capital limits, which have remained unchanged for 20 years, with a single mother describing the system as a 'poverty trap'.
Shabana Mahmood Backs £3,740 Tax Hike for High Earners
Shabana Mahmood, expected to be Chancellor under Andy Burnham, supports raising the 45p income tax rate to 50p, costing those earning £200,000 an extra £3,740 annually.
Three Possible Announcements by Shabana Mahmood
Shabana Mahmood may announce a cost of living package as Chancellor, including energy bill support, rent freeze, and bus fare cap, according to reports.
Energy Drinks Banned for Under-16s in England
England bans high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s from April 2027, affecting all shops and vending machines, as 100,000 children consume them daily.
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Dudley local plan adopted despite outdated housing targets
Dudley Council has formally adopted its new local plan, protecting green belt, but new government housing targets more than double requirements, making the plan instantly out of date.
HMRC Child Benefit Tax Charge Rules for £60k+ Earners
HMRC confirms the High Income Child Benefit tax charge applies to individuals earning over £60,000, with a tapered charge up to £80,000, and full repayment above that. Couples with individual incomes under £60,000 are unaffected.
Walsall teen hacker jailed for TfL cyber attack
Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall, was jailed for five years and six months for a cyber attack on Transport for London that cost £29 million and disrupted thousands of customers.
Tax-free allowance rises to £21,330 for couples and landlords
Households can now receive up to £21,330 tax-free by combining Marriage Allowance and Rent-a-Room scheme, while the Personal Allowance remains frozen at £12,570 until 2031.
Friday State Pensioners to Receive Double Payments in July
State pensioners paid on Fridays will receive two payments in July, on July 3 and July 31, due to the DWP's four-week payment schedule.
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HMRC Tax-Free Allowance Rises to £18,570 for Low-Income Earners
HMRC's new rule allows low-earners to earn up to £18,570 tax-free by combining Personal Allowance, Starting Rate for Savings, and Personal Savings Allowance.
Landlord Insurance Checklist for Renters' Rights Act
The Renters' Rights Act introduces new legal requirements for landlords, making updated insurance essential. Our checklist covers key changes and coverage needs.
HMRC Confirms Tax Charges for Pre-1951 Pensioners
HMRC has confirmed that tax relief on personal pension contributions stops at age 75, affecting state pensioners born before 1951. Key changes for death benefits from April 2027.
HMRC Confirms VAT Fuel Scale Charges Until April 2027
HMRC has confirmed new VAT road fuel scale charges for petrol and diesel cars, effective from May 1, 2026, until April 30, 2027, with rates based on CO2 emissions.
Walsall hacker faces jail for £39m TfL cyber attack
Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall, part of the Scattered Spider hacking group, faces jail for a £39m cyber attack on Transport for London, affecting 28,000 employees and Oyster refunds.
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DWP PIP Overhaul 2027: Benefit 'No Longer Working'
An interim report finds PIP 'no longer working' ahead of 2027 reforms. DWP minister hints at fewer claims for anxiety and depression, aiming to reduce welfare bill and boost employment.
DWP to Merge Pension Credit and Housing Benefit
The DWP confirms plans to merge Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, aiming to simplify claims for millions of pensioners, with a pilot online service from autumn 2026.
Burnham Urged to Act as Tax Rate Hits 62%
Andy Burnham faces calls to reform tax after a report reveals marginal rates of 62% for earners between £100,000 and £125,140, with some facing over 100% due to benefit withdrawal.
Burnham Urged to Tax Online Sales for Business Rates Cut
Andy Burnham is urged to introduce a 2% online sales tax to fund a 37% cut in business rates for physical shops, as the Real Rates Reform Alliance calls for reform.
Reeves Tax Charges for 12 Million Pensioners
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms pensioners solely on state pension won't pay income tax before 2030, but 12 million others face charges, sparking fairness concerns.
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Reeves confirms state pensioners tax exemption
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that one million state pensioners will be exempt from income tax until 2030, as the triple lock pushes pensions closer to the threshold.
Rachel Reeves Announces Universal Credit Bonus Payments
Outgoing Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms bonus payments for Universal Credit households, scrapping the two-child benefit cap to lift children out of poverty.
Lloyds Warns Halifax Customers of Scams as Brand Axed
Lloyds Bank has written to Halifax customers warning of scams as the Halifax brand is phased out from UK high streets next year, with accounts transitioning to Lloyds.
Sefton Residents Urged to Join Housing Consultation Before Deadline
Residents, builders, and property owners in Sefton are urged to participate in a national online consultation on housing challenges, with a deadline of 11:50pm on Monday, 13 July 2026.
Solihull Council Renews HMO Commitment After Debate
Solihull councillors have renewed their commitment to tackle the growing number of HMOs, with plans to consult on an Article 4 directive by year-end, despite clashes over immigration references.
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HMRC £1,260 Marriage Allowance: Millions Eligible to Claim
Millions of married couples and civil partners can claim up to £1,260 in backdated Marriage Allowance from HMRC, worth £252 per year, with claims possible for up to five tax years.
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