Dudley’s benefit payments have escalated by 58 percent over the past five years, exceeding £1 million per day. Recent analysis by The Taxpayers Alliance, drawing on government data, reveals that in March 2026 the borough’s …
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a change to earnings rules affecting more than 325,000 people living in supported housing and temporary accommodation. Starting Monday, 5 October, those claimants will …
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is considering extensive reforms to welfare programmes, including potential changes to the Motability Scheme, which enables disabled individuals to lease vehicles using …
The NHS will provide free flu vaccinations to homeless individuals across England for the first time, under the leadership of Prime Minister Andy Burnham. This initiative aims to protect tens of thousands of people who are …
Sandwell Council is unable to meet more than 45% of the government’s housing target of 26,000 new homes by 2041 due to a severe shortage of available land. Only about 11,900 homes can be built within the borough using all …
The NHS has extended its free flu vaccination programme in Birmingham to include people experiencing homelessness for the first time this autumn. This expansion aims to protect a vulnerable group at high risk from winter …
John Healey faces increasing pressure to introduce additional energy support measures in his upcoming Autumn Budget as household energy bills continue to rise sharply. Labour MPs and cabinet members have expressed concerns …
Almost 10,000 parents in Birmingham have been issued fines this year by schools for taking their children on holidays during term time, according to an investigation. This follows a renewed crackdown coinciding with the start …
Andy Burnham, the newly appointed Prime Minister and Makerfield MP, is expected to announce plans to review the Department for Work and Pensions' state pension triple lock during his speech at the forthcoming Labour Party …
The leader of Reform UK in Dudley, Councillor Marco Longhi, has sharply criticised upcoming government planning reforms, describing them as a major blow to local councillors' ability to represent their communities. The new …
A minister in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government has highlighted the persistent issue of youth unemployment in Birmingham, emphasising the importance of preventing young people from becoming reliant on welfare benefits. …
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that 154,100 individuals incurred withdrawal penalties totaling nearly £119 million last year from Lifetime Individual Savings Accounts (Lifetime ISAs or LISAs). In contrast, 99,750 …
Overall crime and anti-social behaviour in the West Midlands has decreased, despite significant challenges facing local policing. In his annual report, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster highlighted that …
During a recent visit to Birmingham, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden recognised that the government can do more to ensure that the voices of disabled people are effectively heard. Mr McFadden, also the …
A woman who endured child rape and fought tirelessly to see her abuser jailed has been subjected to a fresh ordeal caused by confusion over his prison release date. The survivor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has revealed …