National government

Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street, London. A petition calling for the personal tax-free allowance to rise to £20,000 has passed 30,000 signatures, with its November 14 deadline approaching

Thousands join calls for £20,000 HMRC tax-free Personal Allowance with days left

County Durham PCC Joy Allen urges tougher road safety action, police funding and powers to cut deaths, serious injuries and repeat offences on UK roads

County Durham PCC Joy Allen urges tougher road safety action, police funding and powers to cut deaths, serious injuries and repeat offences on UK roads

County Durham police commissioner urges action on unsafe drivers

North East MPs will hear airport workers’ abuse claims at Newcastle Airport on November 13, as Unite calls for passenger bans and stronger staff protections

North East MPs will hear airport workers’ abuse claims at Newcastle Airport on November 13, as Unite calls for passenger bans and stronger staff protections

Newcastle Airport

MPs called in after 71 per cent of staff abused by passengers at Newcastle Airport

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as the Government has set out new State Pension rates for April 2027, with the full new State Pension rising to £250.70 a week and the basic rate to £192.10.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as the Government has set out new State Pension rates for April 2027, with the full new State Pension rising to £250.70 a week and the basic rate to £192.10.

Department for Works and Pensions

Government confirms new State Pension rates – see how much pensioners will get

Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London. A new petition is urging the Government not to bring forward the rise in State Pension age to 68, warning millions could be forced to work longer.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London. A new petition is urging the Government not to bring forward the rise in State Pension age to 68, warning millions could be forced to work longer.

Department for Works and Pensions

Calls are growing to halt Government State Pension age rise to 68

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons. This included a disability benefit increase from 2027 for people who need care or mobility help.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons. This included a disability benefit increase from 2027 for people who need care or mobility help.

DWP disability benefit increase from 2027 for people who need care or mobility help

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden as the DWP has confirmed new Universal Credit rates from April 2027, with monthly payments rising for single claimants, couples and families with children.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden as the DWP has confirmed new Universal Credit rates from April 2027, with monthly payments rising for single claimants, couples and families with children.

Department for Works and Pensions

DWP Universal Credit claimants face new payment rates - check what you could get

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons. This included a disability benefit increase from 2027 for people who need care or mobility help.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons. This included a disability benefit increase from 2027 for people who need care or mobility help.

DWP disability benefit increase from 2027 for people who need care or mobility help

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as the DWP has issued its first notice under new bank check powers.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as the DWP has issued its first notice under new bank check powers.

Department for Works and Pensions

DWP starts bank checks on benefit claimants – what officials can now see

Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street, London. A petition calling for the personal tax-free allowance to rise to £20,000 has passed 30,000 signatures, with its November 14 deadline approaching

Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street, London. A petition calling for the personal tax-free allowance to rise to £20,000 has passed 30,000 signatures, with its November 14 deadline approaching

Thousands join calls for £20,000 HMRC tax-free Personal Allowance with days left

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for a major change in the way the Government supports young people who are not in education, employment or training

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for a major change in the way the Government supports young people who are not in education, employment or training

Children and young people

'Big change is needed' says Burnham as major DWP shake-up could see benefits cut

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey. HMRC has updated its Child Benefit rates for 2027/28, with parents set to receive higher weekly payments for their eldest and additional children.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey. HMRC has updated its Child Benefit rates for 2027/28, with parents set to receive higher weekly payments for their eldest and additional children.

HMRC Child Benefit rates to rise in April 2027 - new payment amounts explained

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised 'support and answers' for women impacted by a breast surgery scandal in County Durham.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised 'support and answers' for women impacted by a breast surgery scandal in County Durham.

PM vows women will get 'answers' over County Durham breast surgery scandal

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as the DWP has issued its first notice under new bank check powers.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as the DWP has issued its first notice under new bank check powers.

Department for Works and Pensions

DWP starts bank checks on benefit claimants – what officials can now see

People leaving HMP Durham after the latest wave of releases takes place under the policy of the controversially expanded programme to free up spaces in prisons.

People leaving HMP Durham after the latest wave of releases takes place under the policy of the controversially expanded programme to free up spaces in prisons.

Prisoners pose and give thumbs-up as they leave HMP Durham under early-release scheme

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, as letters are being sent for the Warm Home Discount, which provides eligible households with £150 off electricity bills for winter 2026/27.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, as letters are being sent for the Warm Home Discount, which provides eligible households with £150 off electricity bills for winter 2026/27.

Millions to get an extra £150 off energy bills - check if you qualify this winter

Households could get free heated throws, energy-saving products, a £150 Warm Home Discount and a new £100 payment this winter.

Households could get free heated throws, energy-saving products, a £150 Warm Home Discount and a new £100 payment this winter.

Free heated throws, £150 discounts and £100 payments - energy bill help explained

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as four winter energy support schemes begin that could help households with bills, including a £100 payment, £150 Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and £25 Cold Weather Payments.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as four winter energy support schemes begin that could help households with bills, including a £100 payment, £150 Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and £25 Cold Weather Payments.

National government

Energy bill support 2026 4 government schemes and eligibility rules explained

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as four winter energy support schemes begin that could help households with bills, including a £100 payment, £150 Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and £25 Cold Weather Payments.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as four winter energy support schemes begin that could help households with bills, including a £100 payment, £150 Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and £25 Cold Weather Payments.

National government

Energy bill support 2026 4 government schemes and eligibility rules explained

Local government

Darlington MP demands tougher action on illegal off-road organised crime bikes

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

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey

HMRC tax deadline this weekend – but half of adults have no idea about major change

Local government

Campaigners say minister ‘out of her depth’ over 1,200 asylum seeker RAF Linton site

Facial recognition cameras could be used by the Home Office at some public events in the future

Facial recognition cameras could be used by the Home Office at some public events in the future

National government

UK government to bring in facial recognition as part of major enforcement scheme

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

Married couples and civil partners could claim up to £1,260 through Marriage Allowance.

Married couples and civil partners could claim up to £1,260 through Marriage Allowance.

Little-known HMRC tax break could hand couples £1,260 – check if you qualify

Screen grab of Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey

Screen grab of Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey

Thousands could unlock £2,600 savings after major government rule change

Screen grab of Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey

Screen grab of Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey

Thousands could unlock £2,600 savings after major government rule change

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as HMRC has issued five important reminders to sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 ahead of the November 7 Making Tax Digital quarterly update deadline.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as HMRC has issued five important reminders to sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 ahead of the November 7 Making Tax Digital quarterly update deadline.

£50,000 earners face major tax change this week HMRC explains what happens next

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as HMRC is sending out 311,000 new letters to people owed money

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey as HMRC is sending out 311,000 new letters to people owed money

Department for Works and Pensions

Are you owed £8,000? HMRC is sending out 311,000 new letters to people due money

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Rolls-Royce Head of Emerging Talent Ellie Long, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, Rolls-Royce Group CEO Tufan Erginbilgic and Prime Minister Andy Burnham during a visit to the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby to

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Rolls-Royce Head of Emerging Talent Ellie Long, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, Rolls-Royce Group CEO Tufan Erginbilgic and Prime Minister Andy Burnham during a visit to the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby to

Christmas shoppers warned over hidden delivery charges as watchdog issues warning

Prime Minister Andy Burnham

Prime Minister Andy Burnham

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

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

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey outside 11 Downing Street,

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey outside 11 Downing Street,

'Where was the help for us?' What was in this Budget for the next generation?

Darlington MP Lola McEvoy has called for tougher action against masked riders using illegal e-scooters and dirt bikes, saying the antisocial behaviour “must stop”.

Darlington MP Lola McEvoy has called for tougher action against masked riders using illegal e-scooters and dirt bikes, saying the antisocial behaviour “must stop”.

Lola McEvoy says 'I've had enough of illegal bikes causing havoc in Darlington'

Chancellor of Prime Minister Andy Burnham embracing the Exchequer John Healey after delivering his budget in the House of Commons, Westminster.

Chancellor of Prime Minister Andy Burnham embracing the Exchequer John Healey after delivering his budget in the House of Commons, Westminster.

I'm a personal finance writer - here are the 8 Budget changes I'm most pleased to see

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability

Bereaved North East asbestos families to get thousands more after compensation change

City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy says the Budget will give households much-needed breathing space while laying the foundations for a brighter economic future

City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy says the Budget will give households much-needed breathing space while laying the foundations for a brighter economic future

National government

Budget offers breathing space and hope for Durham - Mary Kelly Foy

Mark Stephenson, Karl Pemberton and Nik Tunley

Mark Stephenson, Karl Pemberton and Nik Tunley

The verdict: What John Healey's first Budget means for North East businesses

UK vaping crackdown: Tobacco and Vapes Act bans nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches for under-18s, plus giveaways, discounts and vending machines

UK vaping crackdown: Tobacco and Vapes Act bans nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches for under-18s, plus giveaways, discounts and vending machines

Tougher vape protections for children come into force across North East from today

PCC Matt Storey with knife surrender bins in February

PCC Matt Storey with knife surrender bins in February

Cleveland Police

New government funding to ramp up fight against knife crime across Teesside

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons as Ofgem and the Government plan targeted help for households with energy debt

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons as Ofgem and the Government plan targeted help for households with energy debt

Millions could get energy debt wiped under new government scheme – who could qualify

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey poses for photographs as he leaves 11 Downing Street, London, where he pledged £100 to households in Council Tax bands A-D

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey poses for photographs as he leaves 11 Downing Street, London, where he pledged £100 to households in Council Tax bands A-D

Wrong council tax band? What it could mean for your £100 bank energy payment

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has welcomed plans to bring a major international investment summit to the region.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has welcomed plans to bring a major international investment summit to the region.

Global investors to descend on North East as major UK summit heads to the region

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomes Budget investment, Gateshead arena and Sunderland film studios, £100 energy support and business rates relief

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomes Budget investment, Gateshead arena and Sunderland film studios, £100 energy support and business rates relief

North East Mayor welcomes Budget investment and £100 energy help

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons, London.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivering his Budget in the House of Commons, London.

John Healey confirms Carer's Allowance reform to help thousands of working carers

The fuel duty cut is part of a wider Budget package that Mr Healey said would support working people

The fuel duty cut is part of a wider Budget package that Mr Healey said would support working people

National government

Fuel Duty cut extended until July 2027 in Budget announcement

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

Martin Lewis in Downing Street, London, ahead of Chancellor John Healey's first budget.

Martin Lewis in Downing Street, London, ahead of Chancellor John Healey's first budget.

Martin Lewis celebrates end of 'energy poll tax' as £108 Standing Charge axed

Martin Lewis in Downing Street, London, ahead of Chancellor John Healey's first budget.

Martin Lewis in Downing Street, London, ahead of Chancellor John Healey's first budget.

Martin Lewis celebrates end of 'energy poll tax' as £108 Standing Charge axed

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as gas standing charges costing typical households around £108 a year are set to be scrapped from 2027, with the Treasury estimating 60% could save £45 annually.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham as gas standing charges costing typical households around £108 a year are set to be scrapped from 2027, with the Treasury estimating 60% could save £45 annually.

Gas standing charges to be scrapped in major Budget energy bill shake-up

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey leaves number 11 Downing Street, London.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey leaves number 11 Downing Street, London.

Budget 2026 what to expect from John Healey as Chancellor prepares major announcement

Wes Streeting says £298bn defence investment will boost the North East economy, create jobs and apprenticeships, and strengthen UK national security

Wes Streeting says £298bn defence investment will boost the North East economy, create jobs and apprenticeships, and strengthen UK national security

Wes Streeting says defence investment can boost North East jobs

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