National government

Dr Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) speaking at the launch of their annual report, at the NCSC headquarters in central London.

GCHQ alerting UK businesses after cyber attacks hit freezers across Europe

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden as The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67, with another group affected from November 6.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden as The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67, with another group affected from November 6.

Department for Works and Pensions

DWP confirms State Pension age change - people with these birthdays face longer wait

Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street, London, as a State Pension Age campaign passes 112,000 in a call to boost for jobs for younger workers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street, London, as a State Pension Age campaign passes 112,000 in a call to boost for jobs for younger workers

Department for Works and Pensions

Calls to cut state pension age to 65 and free up jobs for younger workers grow

Major solar farm project granted development consent by energy secretary

The hotel, which closed to paying guests in April 2023 before being brought into use as asylum accommodation, will no longer be used for that purpose following years of concerns raised by residents and local representatives.

The hotel, which closed to paying guests in April 2023 before being brought into use as asylum accommodation, will no longer be used for that purpose following years of concerns raised by residents and local representatives.

Local government

Holiday Inn in Cheshire to stop housing asylum seekers from January

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as DWP Cold Weather Payments return, with £25 available for every seven-day period of freezing weather.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as DWP Cold Weather Payments return, with £25 available for every seven-day period of freezing weather.

Cold Weather Payments

Cold Weather Payment launches today to help thousands with winter heating bills

Prime Minister Andy Burnham

Prime Minister Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham - 'Journalism is a vital part of our national infrastructure'

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons. (Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons. (Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)

National government

130,000 Cheshire families to receive £100 help with energy costs

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell, Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby, Financial Secretary to the Treasury James Murray, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds, Exchequer Secretary to the

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell, Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby, Financial Secretary to the Treasury James Murray, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds, Exchequer Secretary to the

DWP new State Pension to rise almost £500 to more than £13,000 a year

Home care provider impresses with 'Good' rating across the board in recent inspection

How to check if you are one of the 20 million households who will get £100 from the Government this winter to help with energy bills

How to check if you are one of the 20 million households who will get £100 from the Government this winter to help with energy bills

How to check if you will receive £100 energy bill support payment

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to replace the Carers’ Allowance earnings cliff edge with a taper, in cost-of-living measures ahead of the Budget.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to replace the Carers’ Allowance earnings cliff edge with a taper, in cost-of-living measures ahead of the Budget.

Budget shake-up expected to bring major DWP benefit changes for households

Retailers have seen an increase in sales of essential goods after advice was issued by the goverment as part of its Be Ready campaign

Retailers have seen an increase in sales of essential goods after advice was issued by the goverment as part of its Be Ready campaign

National government

Retailers see surge in sales of essential goods following government advice

Prime Minister Andy Burnham making a statement, as a petition calling for the state pension age to be cut to 65 for everyone has passed 100,000 signatures

Prime Minister Andy Burnham making a statement, as a petition calling for the state pension age to be cut to 65 for everyone has passed 100,000 signatures

Department for Works and Pensions

State pension age could be cut to 65 under calls that would free up jobs for young

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked the Chancellor and Energy Secretary to examine removing standing charges from gas bills

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked the Chancellor and Energy Secretary to examine removing standing charges from gas bills

Andy Burnham orders review of gas bills with move that could help households

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden as the campaign wants the state pension age reduced to 65 for everyone, but the Government has initially rejected the proposal

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden as the campaign wants the state pension age reduced to 65 for everyone, but the Government has initially rejected the proposal

Department for Works and Pensions

Calls to cut DWP State Pension Age to 65 grow as parliamentary debate draws closer

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as DWP benefits including PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance could rise from April 2027 after September CPI inflation reached 3.5%.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as DWP benefits including PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance could rise from April 2027 after September CPI inflation reached 3.5%.

Universal Credit and other DWP benefits could increase after latest inflation figures

Chester MP welcomes PM's proposals to stop 'rip-off' private parking providers

Ashton Hayes Primary School near Chester.

Ashton Hayes Primary School near Chester.

Village primary school receives positive Ofsted report with three 'Strong' categories

Runcorn and Helsby MP Sarah Pochin during the debate

Runcorn and Helsby MP Sarah Pochin during the debate

National government

Bridge tolls ‘putting further pressure on already stretched Halton businesses’

Chester Zoo chief executive Jamie Christon at Parliament.

Chester Zoo chief executive Jamie Christon at Parliament.

Cheshire and UK tourism on agenda as Chester Zoo chief attends Parliament session

Millions of pensioners and benefit claimants could receive the DWP Christmas bonus.

Millions of pensioners and benefit claimants could receive the DWP Christmas bonus.

Department for Work and Pensions

DWP Christmas bonus - pensioners and benefit claimants will get extra bank payment

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

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

TfW Class 175 at Llandudno Station.

TfW Class 175 at Llandudno Station.

North Wales Coast railway set for 'once in a generation' £25m transformation project

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. 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

Avanti West Coast will be taken into public ownership next year

Avanti West Coast will be taken into public ownership next year

National government

Avanti West Coast to be nationalised in major change for North Wales passengers

The DWP has confirmed the exact birth date and qualifying week for the 2026 Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300 for eligible pensioners.

The DWP has confirmed the exact birth date and qualifying week for the 2026 Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300 for eligible pensioners.

DWP confirms exact birth date for £300 Winter Fuel Payment and key week to qualify

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

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 as thousands are backing a petition to cut the State Pension age to 65.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as thousands are backing a petition to cut the State Pension age to 65.

Department for Works and Pensions

Thousands are backing this major change to take DWP State Pension age back to 65

The Saltney-registered business specialised in aircraft maintenance and repair

The Saltney-registered business specialised in aircraft maintenance and repair

Aviation company enters liquidation after vote to wind up business

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

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with Minister for the Cabinet Office Louise Haigh and Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, as Labour is reportedly considering a £15,570 personal allowance boost

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with Minister for the Cabinet Office Louise Haigh and Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, as Labour is reportedly considering a £15,570 personal allowance boost

HMRC £15,570 personal allowance plan could give millions a £3,000 tax boost

New figures have revealed how many people claim PIP in the area

New figures have revealed how many people claim PIP in the area

Nearly 12,000 people across Chester and Ellesmere Port are claiming PIP

Bents Garden and Home has been named on the Government list

Bents Garden and Home has been named on the Government list

Bents Garden Centre named over minimum wage failures affecting 272 staff

Millions face changes to benefits, energy support and school costs before the end of 2026.

Millions face changes to benefits, energy support and school costs before the end of 2026.

Department for Work and Pensions

Major DWP changes hitting millions of pensioners and claimants before the year is out

The field off Farmers Lane in Burtonwood after work commenced without planning permission

The field off Farmers Lane in Burtonwood after work commenced without planning permission

Local government

Appeal lodged with Government to overturn green belt caravan site refusals

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as a petition calling for the £12,570 Personal Allowance to rise to £18,000 has attracted nearly 65,000 signatures.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as a petition calling for the £12,570 Personal Allowance to rise to £18,000 has attracted nearly 65,000 signatures.

Thousands join call to raise HMRC tax free Personal Allowance to £18,000

People may be advised to keep bottled water, tinned food and other basic supplies on hand in case of a national emergency

People may be advised to keep bottled water, tinned food and other basic supplies on hand in case of a national emergency

National government

UK to warn citizens to stock up on food and water in case of national emergency

Laurel Bank Surgery in Old Hall Street.

Laurel Bank Surgery in Old Hall Street.

This is what the Care Quality Commission had to say over a Malpas GP surgery...

Child Benefit payments could stop for parents who fail to extend claims by August 31. You don't need to wait for results day to apply.

Child Benefit payments could stop for parents who fail to extend claims by August 31. You don't need to wait for results day to apply.

HMRC Child Benefit warning for parents as payments could stop this month

Many UK retailers have paused the sale of disposable barbecues due to the wildfire risk in the UK

Many UK retailers have paused the sale of disposable barbecues due to the wildfire risk in the UK

Full list of retailers where disposable barbecues are banned from sale

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. New analysis suggests unfreezing housing benefit would not automatically drive up rents, as ministers consider the future of Local Housing Allowance.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. New analysis suggests unfreezing housing benefit would not automatically drive up rents, as ministers consider the future of Local Housing Allowance.

Affordable housing

Housing benefit freeze under pressure as rents rocket and calls grow for change

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to crack down on vape shops and betting stores.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to crack down on vape shops and betting stores.

Government announces crackdown on betting and vape shops to revitalise high streets

More than 5,000 people have backed a petition calling for a universal State Pension from age 60 worth £610.08 a week.

More than 5,000 people have backed a petition calling for a universal State Pension from age 60 worth £610.08 a week.

Thousands back call for DWP State Pension from age 60 and increase to £610.08 a week

Lucy Harrison pictured with her mum, Jane Coates

Lucy Harrison pictured with her mum, Jane Coates

National government

Mum of Cheshire woman shot by dad in US calls on Prime Minister to help reopen case

DWP benefits may be paid earlier for some claimants this month due to the August bank holiday

DWP benefits may be paid earlier for some claimants this month due to the August bank holiday

DWP Universal Credit and State Pension claimants urged to check payment dates

Pub landlord Ryan Higginson and Justin Madders MP outside The Cheshire Yeoman.

Pub landlord Ryan Higginson and Justin Madders MP outside The Cheshire Yeoman.

Pub landlord welcomes 20 per cent business rates cut

Millions of pensioners could find themselves paying tax on their State Pension as payments rise faster than tax thresholds, with analysis showing future tax bills could reach £1,598 a year.

Millions of pensioners could find themselves paying tax on their State Pension as payments rise faster than tax thresholds, with analysis showing future tax bills could reach £1,598 a year.

Department for Work and Pensions

DWP State Pension could top £20,500 by 2046 but HMRC tax bills could hit £1,598

Communities minister Alison McGovern speaking at the Progress Conference at Convene in London.

Communities minister Alison McGovern speaking at the Progress Conference at Convene in London.

National government

New roles for MPs in Andy Burnham's Government

Samantha Dixon MP and Rev'd Tina Upton in Blacon. (Image: Samantha Dixon MP.)

Samantha Dixon MP and Rev'd Tina Upton in Blacon. (Image: Samantha Dixon MP.)

National government

£20m regeneration scheme for area of Chester makes key step forward

Newly appointed members of the Ellesmere Port Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board gathered for their inaugural meeting at Ellesmere Port Library, with chair Kevin Bradburne (front centre).

Newly appointed members of the Ellesmere Port Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board gathered for their inaugural meeting at Ellesmere Port Library, with chair Kevin Bradburne (front centre).

Community board for £20m Ellesmere Port regeneration project meet for first time