The DWP said the measure aims to free up health professionals to carry out more face-to-face assessments and deliver more Work Capability Assessment (WCA) reassessmentsLinda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Ashlea Hickin Content editor 03:28, 07 May 2026The measure is part of plans to reduce the Work Capability Assessment backlog and separate from the Timms Review(Image: Alphotographic via Getty Images)The UK Government unveiled proposals to extend the duration of awards for individuals making fresh claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) this year, in a bid to help clear the backlog of Work Capability Assessments (WCA). The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated the initiative seeks to enable health professionals to conduct more face-to-face assessments and complete additional WCA reassessments.Currently, the interval between PIP award reviews can be as brief as nine months, and the majority of recipients do not experience any alteration to their award at review. This is set to be extended for most PIP claimants aged 25 and above to a minimum of three years for fresh claims, increasing to five years at their subsequent review should they continue to qualify.These operational modifications are distinct from the Timms Review, which will examine the function of PIP, eligibility for the daily living and mobility components, assessment process and the criteria in supporting disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence.The new measure was implemented in April alongside amendments to Universal Credit that reduce the disparity between what individuals receive for unemployment compared to long-term sickness. The changes will see the UK Government honour a pledge made in the Pathways to Work Green Paper to increase face-to-face assessments, following their reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contracts agreed by the previous government had required 80 per cent of assessments to be conducted remotely — by telephone, video call, or paper-based means.The proportion of face-to-face assessments is set to rise significantly, with PIP assessments increasing from six per cent in 2024 (57,000) to 30 per cent of all assessments, and the WCA from 13 per cent in 2024 (74,000) to 30 per cent, reports the Daily Record.The UK Government stated it is delivering these changes and “reforming the broken welfare system it inherited” by extending the intervals between assessments to verify whether a claimant’s condition still qualifies them for PIP, freeing up healthcare professionals to conduct more face-to-face assessments and carry out additional WCA reassessments.It added: “Reassessments play an important role in taking account of how changes in health conditions and disabilities affect people over time.”Collectively, the measures are anticipated to save the UK taxpayer £1.9 billion by the end of 2030/31, and are accompanied by employment support initiatives targeting sick or disabled individuals, including Connect to Work and the redeployment of 1,000 work coaches.Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden recently said: “We’re committed to reforming the welfare system we inherited, which for too long has written off millions as too sick to work.”That is why we are ramping up the number of assessments we do face-to-face and taking action to tackle the inherited backlog of people waiting for a Work Capability Assessment.”These reforms will allow us to save £1.9 billion, creating a welfare state that supports those who need it while helping people into work and delivering fairness to the taxpayer.”
Author: admin
New DWP PIP claims to receive longer payment awards
Key appointments to help Staffordshire SMEs access finance
BCRS Business Loans has announced the appointment of a new business development manager to support Staffordshire SMEs looking to access finance.
Charlie Sangha (pictured) joins BCRS with 25 years’ experience in the banking sector, having worked for firms including Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Santander and more recently, Metro Bank as commercial relationship manager.
In his role as business development manager, Charlie will be working with businesses across Lichfield, Tamworth, Burton upon Trent and surrounding areas to contribute to BCRS’s mission of supporting local SMEs to grow and thrive.
Charlie said: “I’m looking forward to contributing to BCRS Business Loans’ mission to strengthen local economies by helping SMEs thrive, with a personal focus on supporting businesses across Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Lichfield, Burton-on-Trent, and surrounding areas, while also connecting and collaborating with professionals in this sector.”
Stephen Deakin BCRS Business Loans chief executive commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Charlie Sangha to our team.
His extensive background in banking and commercial finance will be invaluable as we continue our commitment to supporting SMEs across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.
Charlie’s expertise and passion for helping businesses to grow strongly reflect our mission to strengthen local economies.”
BCRS Business Loans provides funding to businesses that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders. Businesses can secure loans from between £10,000 and £250,000 from BCRS Business Loans to support growth and recovery plans.
These new ‘Halo Points’ will help protect people at night across Liverpool City Centre
Merseyside Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Liverpool City Council has launched Halo Points as part of Operation Halo.
This marks the next phase of the initiative to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and better protect people across Liverpool’s night‑time economy.
Halo Points are clearly identifiable, designated safe spaces located across key locations within Liverpool City Centre. There are nine points in total, which are well-lit and highly visible. They provide a place where anyone who feels unsafe, or at risk can seek immediate support, reassurance and practical help. Their visibility acts as a deterrent to offenders, while ensuring those who need help can access it quickly and discreetly. Each point will offer direct contact with emergency services via 999 and will be linked to City Watch CCTV, offering immediate reassurance and rapid intervention by VAWG champions or police officers for anyone feeling vulnerable or in distress.
The launch builds on the earlier introduction of VAWG Champions, who are already embedded across venues and trained to recognise vulnerability, challenge harmful behaviour and respond effectively to incidents such as spiking.The development of Halo Points follows a Strategic Threat Risk Assessment carried out in 2023, which highlighted that VAWG offences are most likely to occur in busy nightlife areas, town centres and high-footfall locations. Operation Halo has been designed to address this risk through joined-up working between police, Liverpool City Council and licensed premises within the night-time economy.
The initiative is being funded by the Hyper-Local Policing Fund, awarded by the Home Office and secured by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and Merseyside Police.
Constable Frank Stevens, Merseyside Police, who came up with the idea, said:
“The launch of Halo Points is a significant step forward in our work to tackle violence against women and girls and to keep people safe during a night out in Liverpool. These highly visible points provide immediate reassurance and access to support for anyone who feels vulnerable, while acting as a strong deterrent to offenders.
“This work would not be possible without the commitment of our partners, and we would like to thank Liverpool City Council, in particular the Highways team, whose support has been vital in identifying locations, ensuring the Halo Points are clearly visible and accessible. Alongside our VAWG Champions already working across venues, this partnership approach is helping us build a stronger culture of safety across Liverpool’s night‑time economy.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:
“Everyone deserves to feel safe when enjoying Liverpool’s night‑time economy, and Halo Points are a clear, practical step towards making that happen. These highly visible safe spaces will provide reassurance and rapid access to help for anyone who feels vulnerable or at risk while out in the city.
“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for me, and Operation Halo shows the difference strong partnership working can make. By combining Halo Points with trained VAWG Champions and CCTV coverage, we are strengthening prevention, deterrence, and support, and making it clear that harmful behaviour will not be tolerated.
“I’m grateful to the officers, council teams and partners who have helped bring this innovative initiative to life. Together, we are Taking Action to make our city centre even safer and make sure more people, particularly women and girls, can enjoy a night out in Liverpool.”Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene at Liverpool City Council said:
“Liverpool is already recognised as one of the safest cities for a night out, as demonstrated by our Purple Flag status. Even so, we remain committed to ending violence against women and girls in our city.
“These new Halo Points reinforce our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city with confidence. No matter what concerns someone may have, they can be assured that there will always be someone available to help and to keep them safe.”
By launching Halo Points and expanding the network of trained VAWG Champions, Merseyside Police and partners are continuing to build a culture of safety across Liverpool’s night-time economy, ensuring more people, particularly women and girls, can enjoy a safer night out.
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Fears over school closures as Central Bedfordshire faces 10,000 empty places
Councillors warned of an education “crisis” as falling pupil numbers push more schools towards deficit budgets.Warning of education ‘crisis’ as Central Bedfordshire faces 10,000 empty school placesAuthor: Emma SmithPublished 12 hours agoLast updated 12 hours agoCentral Bedfordshire is facing what councillors have described as an education “crisis”, with more than 8,000 school places currently sitting empty — a figure expected to rise above 10,000.A council meeting heard that at least 25 schools are forecast to be running at a financial deficit by 2026/27, with falling pupil numbers and surplus places putting growing pressure on budgets. Councillor Hayley Whitaker warned the situation was worsening year-on-year and called for urgent action from the council. She said: “We’re consistently in the lowest quartile for school performance and that shows no sign of improving.” The meeting also heard concerns over SEND reforms, falling attainment levels and the impact of future housing growth creating extra school capacity while pupil numbers decline. Council leaders acknowledged the scale of the challenge, saying work was already under way with schools, academy trusts and families to tackle financial pressures and improve education outcomes. But councillor John Baker warned the number of spare places could eventually lead to “very difficult decisions” over potential school closures. The motion calling for action on the issue was backed unanimously by councillors.
Highcross celebrates retail excellence as annual awards return – Love Business East Midlands
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 6 May 2026
Highcross Leicester has recognised the standout performers within its retail and dining community at its annual retailer awards.
Returning after a five year hiatus, the awards—presented by BBC Radio Leicester’s Ady Dayman—honour 140 stores, kiosks, leisure venues and restaurants at the centre, in addition to individuals that make up the team, both at Highcross and its retailers.
This year’s awards, hosted at Showcase Cinema and welcoming over 150 guests, were evaluated across 15 different categories, including Best Health and Beauty Retailer, Best Café/Takeaway and Best on the Mall Retailer.
Among the most prestigious awards of the night, were ‘Retailer of the Year’, which went to Hotel Chocolat, for its team’s personable and knowledgeable customer service as well as its experience-led space.
Representing the independent, local brands, Spirit Crystals was crowned ‘Newcomer of the Year’, thanks to its unique environment and product selection where, inside its ‘magical cave’, shoppers can buy healing crystals, smash geodes and make potions.
Opened in April by former DMU student-turned-entrepreneur, Jelle Hoefnagel, the space features an immersive, cavern-inspired store that transports shoppers from the mall into a tranquil, naturalistic retreat. Since its opening, the shop has proven to be an early fan-favourite, with regular queues out the doors.
East Midlands-born, Tamatanga, scooped Highcross’ top dining spot, as ‘Best Restaurant of the Year’; loved for its Indian-style cuisine and cocktails. Despite opening in the centre almost seven years ago, the restaurant remains one of its most popular destinations.
Other notable mentions include:
MenKind, receiving the ‘Best Toys, Gifts and Cards Retailer’ award
‘Best on Mall Retailer’ went to kiosk, Mobilise, for its good quality repairs service
‘Best Tech Retailer’ was presented to Apple—the only one of its kind in the East Midlands
Preparing to celebrate its first anniversary at Highcross, beauty giant, Space NK, took home ‘Best Health and Beauty Retailer’
John Lewis & Partners took home ‘Best Large Store’
Goldsmiths received the ‘Best Jewellery Retailer’ award
Next won for its commitment to community as a result of its support to local charity, LOROS
Greggs secured the ‘Best Café/Takeaway’ category, thanks to its value for money, customer service and famous pastries
‘Best Footwear Retailer’ went to JD Sports
‘Best Fashion Retailer’ went to Luke1977, on the lower mall, for its memorable staff and impressive online presence.As well as honouring food and retail offering, the awards also shone a light on the centre’s standout individuals, including Highcross’ Technical Services Coordinator, Mark Tunaley, who took home the ‘Employee of the Year’ award, while the ‘Store Manager of the Year’ award went to Natalie Harty from Urban Outfitters.
Commenting on the return of the awards night, which included an exclusive performance by local soul jazz band, Cashmere FM, Centre Director at Highcross, Michelle Menezes, said:
“I joined Highcross in January 2025 with a clear ambition: to drive positive change and meaningful impact—for our visitors, occupiers, our own team and for the wider city that we’re proud to live and work in.
“Having started my own career in retail, I understand first-hand the dedication, resilience and passion that retail demands. That’s why it fills me with such pride to celebrate the talent, hard work and commitment of everyone who calls Highcross ‘home’ at this year’s Retailer Awards. Thanks again to everyone involved for bringing to life such a fantastic evening.”
For more information on Highcross, visit www.highcrossleicester.com, or check out its social media channels, on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram.
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Fines total up to £1 million in first year of Mill Road bus gate
Thousands of fines were issued to drivers illegally using the bus gateThousands of fines have been handed out in the first year of the bus gate’s operation(Image: LDRS)More than £1 million worth of fines have been issued to drivers for illegally using a bus gate introduced last year. The Mill Road bridge bus gate in Cambridge came into effect on March 11, 2025, banning vehicles except for buses, emergency services, taxi and blue badge holders’ registered vehicles from driving the full length of the road.A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service reveals that thousands of fines have been issued in the year since. Cambridgeshire County Council has issued a total of 15,483 fines to drivers as of April 29 – worth up to a total value of £1,083,810.This figure does not take into account any discounts applied – such as the 50 per cent reduction if the fine is paid within three weeks. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said the restrictions are “clearly signposted” and help make Mill Road an “enjoyable” and “safe place to visit”.They said: “Mill Road bridge is open to buses, those walking, wheeling, and cycling, emergency services, taxis, and vehicles that are exempt, such as those being driven by blue badge holders.“Mill Road is the centre of a community. We want it to be an enjoyable, safe place to visit and to encourage more people to come into the area. Reducing motorised through traffic and installing the bus gate helps achieve this.”Anyone driving illegally through the bus gate can be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Failure to pay the fine within 28 days will result in the charge increasing to £105.It was the second time Cambridge County Council agreed to issue a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to install the bus gate after a first attempt was quashed after a legal challenge.In the first seven weeks of the bus gate being fully operational, 4,677 fines were issued to drivers who breached the restrictions. A formal warning period was in place at the start of 2025, issuing warnings to drivers who breached the restrictions but not actual fines.
Student with homemade gunpowder threatened to blow up Stafford College
Staffordshire Police seized chemicals and a homemade powderJagger StrangTeenager Jagger Strang told students he was planning to blow up their college – before police found a ‘manifesto’ and chemicals in his home. Now the 18-year-old is awaiting his fate over the treats to destroy Stafford College.Detectives with Staffordshire Police have dubbed it a ‘deeply concerning case’. Strang’s ‘plot’ came to light when the force was contacted by a safeguarding officer at the college following reports that the defendant had told fellow students he had ‘numerous weapons and had plans to blow up the site’.During a search of his Stafford home cops seized a number of chemicals along with ‘homemade black powder/gunpowder’ and thermite. A blow pipe was also found.During an examination of the teenager’s phone the force found ‘concerning material’ that included a manifesto alongside recent internet searches relating to notorious mass killers and instructions on how to make bombs and remote detonators.Items found in Jagger Strang’s Stafford homeStrang was charged and remanded in custody. Today he appeared at Leicester Crown Court where the teenager pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an explosive substance, two counts of possession of information likely to be useful for terrorist purposes, making a threat to kill, threatening to destroy or damage property, and possession of a prohibited weapon in a private place. The pleas were entered on the day his trial was due to begin.The court heard Strang had pleaded guilty on the basis that “he had no intention to build a bomb”. The pleas were accepted by prosecutors, who said they would not be proceeding with a trial for the remaining charges.Items found in Jagger Strang’s Stafford homeHe will remain in custody ahead of a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on June 29 where Strang is due to be sentenced.Detective Inspector Dave Rowlands said: “This was a deeply concerning case involving threats that understandably caused significant alarm to the students that Strang talked to and staff at the college. Thanks to the vigilance of the college’s students and staff and the swift actions of our officers, we were able to intervene quickly and prevent any potential harm. We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously. The outcome of this case demonstrates our commitment to working closely with partner agencies to identify risks early and to take robust action to protect the public.”Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search
Historic house in Liverpool park to go up for sale
Liverpool Council is to sell the building set within Newsham Park13:50, 06 May 2026Updated 13:54, 06 May 2026Newsham ParkA residence once fit for Queen Victoria, royalty and senior judges set within a Liverpool grade II listed park is to go on sale. Newsham House has played host to some of the most prominent figures in British public life.The Liverpool mansion, set within Newsham Park, is being made available to buy. Liverpool Council confirmed the landmark Grade II listed building will shortly be brought to market.Built in the late 18th century for Thomas Molyneux of West Derby, Newsham House was originally a substantial private residence overlooking what would later become Newsham Park. The house and surrounding estate were acquired by Liverpool Corporation in the mid-19th century, bringing the building into public ownership as part of the wider purchase of land that enabled the creation of one of the city’s great Victorian public parks.The building was later altered and extended in the 19th century and was formally designated a Grade II listed building in 1975, recognising its architectural and historic significance. Historic records show that the house accommodated Queen Victoria, members of the Royal Family and other distinguished guests during official visits to Liverpool, as well as senior figures from the judiciary.Its long association with public life and ceremonial use has made Newsham House one of the most recognisable historic buildings connected to Newsham Park and the city’s civic heritage. Newsham House was let out to the Ministry of Justice for accommodation for judges, however once they vacated, it was considered surplus to the council’s operational requirements.Newsham Park, Liverpool. Photo by Colin Lane(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)The decision to market the building set within 2.8 acres of mature planted grounds reflects a review of authority property. As a Grade II listed location, any future use of Newsham House will be subject to heritage protections, ensuring its architectural and historic significance is preserved.The building has been secured and managed by Liverpool Council, and moveable contents have been removed to allow it to be properly assessed and facilitate viewing inspections by potential buyers through appointment with the marketing agent.Planning policy and council asset disposal stipulations will prevent future house of multiple occupation (HMO) or similar high density hostel type use.A cold and frosty morning in Newsham ParkProposals for high quality redevelopment sympathetic to the conservation area status and character of Newsham House and the adjacent stable-carriage block are to be sought.Mature trees within the grounds are subject to tree protection orders and any intended use of the property and grounds with a potential impact will be subject to a full Arboriculture Impact Assessment.Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, said: “Newsham House is an important historic building with a long public history. As part of our ongoing work to manage the Council’s property assets responsibly, we have taken the decision to bring the building to market, as it is not needed for current operational purposes.“Any future use will need to respect the building’s listed status and heritage value. The council is committed to protecting Liverpool’s historic built environment while ensuring public assets are managed in a way that is appropriate, transparent and sustainable.”
Family of Beavers Released into the Wild in Area They Went Extinct 400 Years Ago
The beavers being released, a beaver after being released.Credit: SWNSNEED TO KNOWA family of beavers — an adult Eurasian male and female and two Eurasian baby beavers — has been released into an area where they previously went extinct during the 16th century”This has been a long and complex journey, with challenges we didn’t always know we would overcome,” the owner of estate where the beavers were released”We hope the return of beavers will be the first of many lost species to find a home at Southill,” the owner addedA family of beavers has been released into the wild in an area where they had long been extinct more than 400 years ago.Two adult Eurasian beavers and two Eurasian baby kits, or pups, were released on the Southill Estate in Bedfordshire, a county in eastern England, according to SWNS News.The species were hunted to extinction in the area in the 16th century, driven by a demand for their fur, meat and castoreum, which is a chemical excreted from a gland at the base of their tails that was used for food flavoring, as well as the perfume industry, per the outlet.The beavers being released.Credit: SWNSThe recent release took place in two phases: the adult male and two kits were brought from Scotland and released into an enclosure on the estate.The adult female, who had been in rehabilitation for 14 months, was introduced to the enclosure several days later.”This has been a long and complex journey, with challenges we didn’t always know we would overcome, and there were moments when we genuinely wondered whether this day would ever come,” Charles Whitbread, the owner of the estates, said of the release, per SWNS.Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.”To finally see the beavers released and swimming in the landscape was truly wonderful, and something I will not forget,” he continued.He added, “We hope the return of beavers will be the first of many lost species to find a home at Southill, and that what we are building here will continue to grow in ambition for years to come.”Bedfordshire has become one of the driest areas in the region, and the hope is that the introduction of beavers will help restore natural balance to the county.The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!A beaver after being released.Credit: SWNS”Beaver dams slow water flow, helping to retain water in the landscape, [which is] a critical function,” explained a specialist from the nature restoration company RESTORE, which provided management planning for the release project.”By attenuating peak flows, they contribute to natural flood mitigation within the River Ivel chalk stream catchment,” they added.Read the original article on People
Major disruption to Oxfordshire train services after derailment
Rail disruption in Oxfordshire is expected to continue for the rest of the day after a train was derailed in an incident yesterday.CrossCountry trains calling at Oxford and Banbury railway stations are expected to be delayed for the rest of today, Wednesday, May 6.The services between Reading and Birmingham New Street or Manchester Piccadilly is just one of five routes affected by a ‘low speed’ train derailment in Wolverhampton.The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 5, but disruption continues and the line between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury could be closed until tomorrow.Trains which call at Oxford Railway Station are affected (Image: Network Rail)READ MORE: Emergency response to A34 Oxford crash as lane blockedSome trains are running just part of their usual journeys while others are delayed by up to 60 minutes or cancelled, with no trains running between Wolverhampton and Telford Central in either direction.A statement from National Rail said: “A low speed derailment in the Wolverhampton area means that all lines between Wolverhampton and Stafford / Shrewsbury are disrupted.”As a result of this incident, trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.”Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”Customers travelling with Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, West Midlands Railway and Transport For Wales are likely to be most affected by the line closure.Passengers are advised to check before they travel and seek information on shorter services or rail replacement services where needed.
