Midlands Cities Rank Among Poorest in England Based on Disposable Income Study Monday, March 30, 2026 midlands disposableincome poverty deprivation leicester wolverhampton walsall birmingham costofliving economy A recent study has highlighted some of the poorest areas in England, with several cities in the Midlands notably affected. The research focused on average disposable income—the money families have remaining each month after … Read More
DWP to Protect Four Groups of Universal Credit Claimants from Benefit Cuts Under New Rules Monday, March 30, 2026 universalcredit dwp disability benefits welfarereform healthassessment claimants poverty government disabilityrights The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is introducing changes to Universal Credit health-related benefits, set to take effect from 6 April 2026. Under the new rules, claimants whose conditions are not considered lifelong … Read More
Visiting Willenhall: A Town Struggling Yet United by Strong Community Spirit Saturday, March 21, 2026 willenhall community deprivation festivals poverty redevelopment history foodbank unemployment resilience A lively voice cuts through the hum of music, traffic, and chatter at Willenhall’s bustling outdoor market. A butcher, clad in a black and white apron, enthusiastically shouts about his fresh products from his shop doorway. … Read More
DWP Implements Long-Announced State Pension Age Increase from 66 to 67 Saturday, March 14, 2026 pension dwp statepension retirement ageincrease policy poverty employment ifs legislation The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to raise the state pension age from 66 to 67 starting next month, with the full transition expected to complete by early 2028. This significant change, initially announced … Read More
DWP to Increase Universal Credit Payments by £608 for Large Families with New Rule Change Saturday, March 7, 2026 universalcredit dwp childbenefit welfare twochildcap labour costofliving familysupport poverty politics The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to implement a significant change to Universal Credit rules, allowing families with more than two children to receive substantially higher payments. Beginning in April, the … Read More
Birmingham's Poorest Areas to Gain Hundreds More Each Month from Universal Credit Reform Sunday, March 1, 2026 birmingham universalcredit childbenefit poverty welfare labour hardship familysupport income policy Several of Birmingham’s most deprived communities stand to benefit significantly from a major upcoming change to Universal Credit rules. Areas such as Sparkhill North, Sparkbrook South, Small Heath Park, Saltley East, … Read More