75 m. ago How a million people face losing up to £6,300 per year under Labour's benefits squeeze... unless they need help washing between the waist and shoulders or managing toilet needs

Under plans announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, the Government will legislate for changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Economics

9 h. ago Trump administration may fire more than 1,000 EPA scientists and scrap research office, Democrats say

The potential layoffs listed in documents reviewed by Democrats are part of the White House'’s broader push to shrink the federal governmentThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to eliminate its scientific research office and could fire more than 1,000 scientists and other employees who help provide the scientific foundation for rules safeguarding human health and ecosystems from environmental pollutants.As many as 1,155 chemists, biologists, toxicologists and other scientists – 75% of the research programme’s staff – could be laid off, according to documents reviewed by Democratic staff on the house committee on science, space and technology. Continue reading...

Politics

14 h. ago Map shows one in three households are reliant on benefits in parts of Wales

It comes after the UK Government changed PIP payments and outlined plans to get more people back to work and cut billions from the rising benefits bill

Politics

16 h. ago France preparing ‘survival manual’ for every household, report says

Booklet to give guidance on preparing for ‘imminent threats’ including armed conflict and natural disasterThe French government is reportedly planning to send a “survival manual” to every household in the country with instructions on how to prepare for an “imminent threat” including armed conflict, a health crisis or a natural disaster.If approved by François Bayrou, the prime minister, the 20-page booklet will be sent to households before the summer, French media reported. Continue reading...

Events

21 h. ago Work and Pensions Secretary sets out overhaul of benefits system

The Government has announced announced a series of planned reforms to the welfare system.

Economics

37 h. ago Government has ‘no plans at this stage’ to legislate for smacking ban in England

Education minister Stephen Morgan responded to calls for change by saying the Government wants to look at evidence from Scotland and Wales.

Politics

38 h. ago Welfare needs reforming – but Liz Kendall must show her workings

Editorial: To be unveiled this week in a green paper, the government’s plans to move people off benefits and into worthwhile employment will help balance the nation’s books and prove a vote-winner, too. Some dispassionate evidence now would help the reforms command even more public confidence

Economics

39 h. ago MPs encouraged to support proposal to ban smacking in England

An amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill would remove the ‘reasonable punishment’ defence for parents and carers.

Politics

45 h. ago What could the Government’s plans to ‘cut red tape’ mean for households?

The Government is aiming to reduce duplication by different bodies and help drive economic growth.

Politics

45 h. ago Politics Weekly Westminster: the cabinet revolt over benefits cuts

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether the backlash to the government’s planned benefit cuts will result in a U-turn. And which other departments could face eye-watering cuts?To purchase tickets for Pippa Crerar’s live conversation with the health secretary, Wes Streeting, please visit: theguardian.com/WesStreetingEvent Continue reading...

Politics

45 h. ago Politics Weekly Westminster: The cabinet revolt over benefit cuts

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether the backlash to the government’s planned benefit cuts will result in a U-turn. And which other departments could face eye-watering cuts?To purchase tickets for Pippa Crerar’s live conversation with the health secretary, Wes Streeting, please visit: theguardian.com/WesStreetingEvent Continue reading...

Politics

45 h. ago Politics Weekly Westminster: cabinet fears over benefit cuts

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether the backlash to the government’s planned benefit cuts will result in a U-turn. And which other departments could face eye-watering cuts?To purchase tickets for Pippa Crerar’s live conversation with the health secretary, Wes Streeting, please visit: theguardian.com/WesStreetingEvent Continue reading...

Politics

47 h. ago China plans to ‘vigorously boost consumption’ to shore up economy

Communist party aims to ‘promote reasonable wage growth’ and to reduce financial burdens amid Trump tariffsBusiness live – latest updatesChina’s government has announced ambitious plans to “vigorously boost consumption” by putting up pay and reducing financial burdens, in its latest attempt to increase consumer confidence and lift its struggling economy.The plans, announced by the ruling Chinese Communist party’s (CCP) central committee and state council on Sunday, include aims to “promote reasonable wage growth” and to improve the mechanisms for adjusting the minimum wage. Continue reading...

Politics

48 h. ago Tensions grow over UK government plan to cut welfare payments

Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall prepares to slash spending on health-related benefits

Politics

49 h. ago Diane Abbott rejects Starmer’s proposal to cut disability benefits: ‘It’s not a Labour thing to do’

Diane Abbott has strongly condemned the government's plans to cut benefits, arguing that reducing financial support is not the answer to helping people move off welfare.

Politics

59 h. ago Reeves may be forced to hike taxes as ministers refuse to rule out welfare U

Think tank describes government plans to slash welfare as ‘regressive and rushed’

Politics

59 h. ago Reeves to outline plan to cut regulation costs and boost growth

Chancellor will meet regulators after calling for action to restrict their scope in bid to save businesses billionsRachel Reeves will meet UK regulators on Monday after calling for more action to restrict red tape and spur economic growth.The chancellor argued that government plans would reduce costly delays and disputes, saving businesses billions, and said regulators must accept a more streamlined decision-making process. Continue reading...

Politics

68 h. ago Wes Streeting warns of mental health 'overdiagnosis' as he defends DWP benefit shake

The Government is understood to have dropped plans to freeze the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from upcoming reforms designed to reduce the size of the welfare bill

Events

3 d. ago DWP update on PIP changes as the Government's 'plan for change' unveiled

Currently, nearly four million working-age adults in England and Wales claim incapacity or disability benefits

Politics

3 d. ago Health Secretary declines to be drawn on benefit freeze ‘speculation’

Reports suggest the Government could be preparing to abandon plans to freezethe personal independence payment.

Society