National government

Number of working-age adults claiming Pip in Worcestershire revealed

National government

Number of working-age adults claiming Pip in Worcestershire revealed

Tom Collins MP for Worcester hosted a roundtable on improving support for survivors of sexual violence

Tom Collins MP for Worcester hosted a roundtable on improving support for survivors of sexual violence

National government

Worcester among first areas for new domestic abuse support programme

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as 80,000 people have joined calls to lower the state pension age to 65

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as 80,000 people have joined calls to lower the state pension age to 65

Department for Work and Pensions

DWP State Pension age row deepens as 80,000 demand retirement at 65

Water bills set to fall by £240million – but households face a catch

Water bills set to fall by £240million – but households face a catch

Water bills set to fall by £240million next year – but households face a catch

Martin Lewis has thanked Angela Rayner after council tax debt collection reforms were announced, including more time to pay, clearer warnings and extra council support.

Martin Lewis has thanked Angela Rayner after council tax debt collection reforms were announced, including more time to pay, clearer warnings and extra council support.

Martin Lewis says 'thank you' as he reveals major council tax change after campaign

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as the DWP has put out new guidance saying the poorest pensioners could be missing out on £4,500 a year in DWP benefits

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as the DWP has put out new guidance saying the poorest pensioners could be missing out on £4,500 a year in DWP benefits

Department for Works and Pensions

Pensioners could be missing out on £4,500 a year in DWP benefits says new report

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, as a campaign calling for 12 weeks of maternity pay at 90% of salary has received a Government response, with ministers pointing to an ongoing review of parental leave and pay.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, as a campaign calling for 12 weeks of maternity pay at 90% of salary has received a Government response, with ministers pointing to an ongoing review of parental leave and pay.

Nearly 69,000 want maternity pay changed – now the Government has responded

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden. The DWP has set out new benefit eligibility checks involving banks, conforming which account information can be shared, which benefits are affected and what happens if your claim is reviewed.

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden. The DWP has set out new benefit eligibility checks involving banks, conforming which account information can be shared, which benefits are affected and what happens if your claim is reviewed.

Department for Works and Pensions

DWP benefit checks explained as new bank account rules come into force

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as the IMF has raised its UK inflation forecasts for 2026 and 2027, warning that the Middle East conflict could push up food and energy prices while slowing economic growth.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as the IMF has raised its UK inflation forecasts for 2026 and 2027, warning that the Middle East conflict could push up food and energy prices while slowing economic growth.

IMF issues new warning over UK inflation as food and energy prices

New research reveals how long Brits spend talking about money, why 68% lose sleep over financial worries and how Gen Z are managing their finances.

New research reveals how long Brits spend talking about money, why 68% lose sleep over financial worries and how Gen Z are managing their finances.

The one thing Brits can't stop talking about as autumn Budget draws closer

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will tell MPs that failing to seek a new deal with the EU would be a dereliction of duty, reiterating closer ties could boost growth

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will tell MPs that failing to seek a new deal with the EU would be a dereliction of duty, reiterating closer ties could boost growth

Andy Burnham to tell MPs Britain must seek closer relationship with EU

Former Liberal Democrat pensions minister Sir Steve Webb is part of a report suggesting a pension-style social care scheme could help people protect their savings from care costs.

Former Liberal Democrat pensions minister Sir Steve Webb is part of a report suggesting a pension-style social care scheme could help people protect their savings from care costs.

Millions aged 40 and over could be automatically signed up to new social care scheme

Nigel Huddleston MP

Nigel Huddleston MP

National government

MP welcomes Conservative inheritance tax plans

Winter Fuel Payments are expected to reach most eligible pensioners in November or December 2026. Find out when letters will arrive, who qualifies and how much you could get.

Winter Fuel Payments are expected to reach most eligible pensioners in November or December 2026. Find out when letters will arrive, who qualifies and how much you could get.

Winter Fuel Payment

When will Winter Fuel Payments arrive? Pensioners could get up to £300 this winter

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as pensioners call for a bigger tax-free allowance increase.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as pensioners call for a bigger tax-free allowance increase.

Pensioners could get a bigger HMRC tax-free Personal Allowance under new calls

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has welcomed a new way to compare petrol and diesel prices, helping motorists find the best price at the pump.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has welcomed a new way to compare petrol and diesel prices, helping motorists find the best price at the pump.

Andy Burnham introduces major petrol station price change from today

DEPLORABLE: Adrian Kriss, a prominent member of the Jewish community, has slammed the Green Party's actions

DEPLORABLE: Adrian Kriss, a prominent member of the Jewish community, has slammed the Green Party's actions

Jewish people 'don't feel safe' in Worcester as Greens' anti-Zionist vote slammed

Britons planning to retire abroad are being warned their State Pension could be frozen depending on where they live, potentially costing thousands over retirement.

Britons planning to retire abroad are being warned their State Pension could be frozen depending on where they live, potentially costing thousands over retirement.

Department for Works and Pensions

DWP State Pension warning as some won't get annual increases or Winter Fuel Payments

Prime Minister Andy Burnham (left) with Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey

Prime Minister Andy Burnham (left) with Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey

Budget 2026 - when is it and what is John Healey expected to announce?

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden as the Government has responded to a petition calling for ambulance workers to have a pension age of 60

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden as the Government has responded to a petition calling for ambulance workers to have a pension age of 60

Government responds to calls for major pension age change for 'front line workers'

Prime Minister Andy Burnham with his wife Marie France Van Heel prior to delivering his keynote speech to the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham with his wife Marie France Van Heel prior to delivering his keynote speech to the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool.

Could pensioners keep their homes under Andy Burnham's national care service plan?

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey as campaigners are calling for an “emergency heat tariff” as energy bills could rise by £276 in January, taking the typical annual bill close to £2,000.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey as campaigners are calling for an “emergency heat tariff” as energy bills could rise by £276 in January, taking the typical annual bill close to £2,000.

Calls for urgent help as 'energy bill emergency' tips £276 January rise

Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivering his keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool. He has pledged that low-income pensioners will not be dragged into paying Income Tax during this Parliament as he sets out his national

Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivering his keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool. He has pledged that low-income pensioners will not be dragged into paying Income Tax during this Parliament as he sets out his national

Pensioners given major tax promise as Andy Burnham reveals new care plan

Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivering his keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivering his keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool.

Department for Works and Pensions

Andy Burnham announces plans to end pension triple lock to fund social care service

Prime Minister Andy Burnham (left) with Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as the state pension triple lock is facing renewed pressure ahead of the October Budget.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham (left) with Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as the state pension triple lock is facing renewed pressure ahead of the October Budget.

Department for Works and Pensions

What is the triple lock? The DWP state pension rule facing Budget pressure

Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivering his keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivering his keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool.

Andy Burnham announces VAT cut on energy bills 'from this Thursday' in keynote speech

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden (left) and Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock, leave following a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street. A petition is calling for the State Pension age to be lowered to help free up jobs for young adults.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden (left) and Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock, leave following a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street. A petition is calling for the State Pension age to be lowered to help free up jobs for young adults.

The DWP State Pension age change being proposed to help young adults get jobs

Around 3.2 million pensioners are due HMRC refunds after a state pension tax calculation error.

Around 3.2 million pensioners are due HMRC refunds after a state pension tax calculation error.

Millions of pensioners could be owed money after HMRC mistake

Four million households without smart meters are urged to submit a meter reading before October 1 as energy prices rise and bills increase.

Four million households without smart meters are urged to submit a meter reading before October 1 as energy prices rise and bills increase.

One simple task millions need to do before energy bills rise next week October 1

Pension withdrawals have soared by 70% in two years ahead of a major inheritance tax change due from April 2027

Pension withdrawals have soared by 70% in two years ahead of a major inheritance tax change due from April 2027

Pension warning as savers rush to access their money before death tax changes

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden (left) and Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock, leave following a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street. A petition is calling for the State Pension age to be lowered to help free up jobs for young adults.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden (left) and Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock, leave following a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street. A petition is calling for the State Pension age to be lowered to help free up jobs for young adults.

The DWP State Pension age change being proposed to help young adults get jobs

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as the government is urging people to see if they could be eligible for a payment - HMRC says 827,000 matured Child Trust Funds remain unclaimed

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as the government is urging people to see if they could be eligible for a payment - HMRC says 827,000 matured Child Trust Funds remain unclaimed

Thousands could be sitting on £2,310 without even realising it, says HMRC

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden as pensioners are calling for a £14,500 State Pension after a petition passed 23,000 signatures.

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden as pensioners are calling for a £14,500 State Pension after a petition passed 23,000 signatures.

Department for Work and Pensions

Pensioners hoping for £14,500 State Pension get major DWP response

A new report says households could cut bills by using power when it is cheapest.

A new report says households could cut bills by using power when it is cheapest.

Britain sometimes has so much 'free' electricity it pays wind farms to switch off

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as more than £300m has been paid through Help to Save

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as more than £300m has been paid through Help to Save

How to apply for government £1,200 bonus as thousands more set to qualify

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey flanked by members of the cabinet. If a petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it is considered for a debate in the house of commons.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey flanked by members of the cabinet. If a petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it is considered for a debate in the house of commons.

Taxpayers have days left to back £18,000 HMRC tax-free personal allowance call

Only four fixed energy deals currently beat the October price cap, with the cheapest tariffs just 2% lower.

Only four fixed energy deals currently beat the October price cap, with the cheapest tariffs just 2% lower.

Cheaper energy deals are vanishing as wholesale prices surge and bills tipped to rise

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden as pensioners are calling for a £14,500 State Pension after a petition passed 23,000 signatures.

DWP Secretary Pat McFadden as pensioners are calling for a £14,500 State Pension after a petition passed 23,000 signatures.

Department for Work and Pensions

Pensioners hoping for £14,500 State Pension get major DWP response

Do you think voting should be compulsory?

Do you think voting should be compulsory?

Labour figures urge Andy Burnham to introduce compulsory voting

From bus passes to benefits, pensioners could be missing out on valuable benefits and discounts without realising it. Here are the schemes to check and how to apply.

From bus passes to benefits, pensioners could be missing out on valuable benefits and discounts without realising it. Here are the schemes to check and how to apply.

Department for Work and Pensions

Full list of DWP benefits, bus passes and freebies for people of State Pension age

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is under pressure as pensioners are calling for the £12,570 Personal Allowance to rise by at least £1,000

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is under pressure as pensioners are calling for the £12,570 Personal Allowance to rise by at least £1,000

Department for Work and Pensions

£12,570 Personal Allowance could rise by £1,000 for pensioners in fresh calls

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as it has been revealed that mental health-related PIP claims are rising sharply and the number of people entitled to the disability benefit hit a record 4.09 million.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as it has been revealed that mental health-related PIP claims are rising sharply and the number of people entitled to the disability benefit hit a record 4.09 million.

DWP PIP claims hit record 4.09 million as anxiety, depression and ADHD cases rise

Winter Fuel Payment recipients soared by 9.6 million to 10.9 million in England and Wales last winter after the Government widened eligibility.

Winter Fuel Payment recipients soared by 9.6 million to 10.9 million in England and Wales last winter after the Government widened eligibility.

Winter Fuel Payment recipients soar by 9.6 million after major Government U-turn

Martin Lewis from Money Saving Expert has highlighted a key issue as HMRC is sending 311,000 letters to people who could be missing Home Responsibilities Protection, with successful claims averaging £8,000 in pension arrears.

Martin Lewis from Money Saving Expert has highlighted a key issue as HMRC is sending 311,000 letters to people who could be missing Home Responsibilities Protection, with successful claims averaging £8,000 in pension arrears.

Department for Works and Pensions

HMRC writing to 311,000 people over a State Pension boost – you could be owed £8,000

Winter Fuel Payment warning as 53,000 pensioners opt out and millions face clawback

Winter Fuel Payment warning as 53,000 pensioners opt out and millions face clawback

53,000 pensioners opted out Winter Fuel Payments – and millions had cash clawed back

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation increased to 3.1% in August, compared with 2.9% in July.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation increased to 3.1% in August, compared with 2.9% in July.

DWP claimants could get more money from April 2027 as new figures released

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as millions of pensioners could see the state pension rise by £488 a year in April, but the increase could push the new rate above the tax threshold.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as millions of pensioners could see the state pension rise by £488 a year in April, but the increase could push the new rate above the tax threshold.

Department for Works and Pensions

State pension expected to rise by £488 a year – but millions face tax warning

More than 900,000 households are missing out on £2bn of Pension Credit as financial insecurity grows among people in their 60s.

More than 900,000 households are missing out on £2bn of Pension Credit as financial insecurity grows among people in their 60s.

Almost one in three people in their 60s face this worrying money crisis

HMRC is warning about a State Pension mistake millions make every year

HMRC is warning about a State Pension mistake millions make every year

HMRC issues warning about State Pension mistake millions have already made

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as new analysis shows a new state pension tax break could help just 1 in 16 pensioners

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as new analysis shows a new state pension tax break could help just 1 in 16 pensioners

Just 1 in 16 pensioners could benefit from new State Pension tax break

Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street, London

Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street, London

‘I was whispering in her ear about my dad’ Andy Burnham’s tribute to dad Roy

BRIEFING: Jim McMahon spoke to council leaders and chief executives after the government paused its plans to reform local councils

BRIEFING: Jim McMahon spoke to council leaders and chief executives after the government paused its plans to reform local councils

Local Government Reorganisation

Government minister's LGR briefing was 'complete cock-up', says council chief

HMRC has warned that more pensioners will interact with the tax system as bank savings data, rising pensions and frozen tax thresholds affect their tax bills.

HMRC has warned that more pensioners will interact with the tax system as bank savings data, rising pensions and frozen tax thresholds affect their tax bills.

Pensioners face shock demands from HMRC as bank interest is checked

Worcester Real Conversations have explored immigration, integration and community cohesion

Worcester Real Conversations have explored immigration, integration and community cohesion

National government

Residents urged to join community action plan conversation