Local News
DWP confirms new law scrapping Universal Credit two-child limit from April
The Government says the historic legislation will lift 450,000 children out of poverty in the final year of this Parliament
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Wrexham parents 'left their daughter to die in the most inhumane way possible'
Bernita and Alan Davies have been jailed for eight years for allowing the death of their daughter in 'terrible' conditions
Free UK passport rule explained for state pensioners born before certain date
From April this year, people will need to pay over £100 to get a new passport - but there are some exceptions for pensioners
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DVSA announces major rule changes for new drivers being introduced from May
The changes outlined below follow mounting anger over so-called ‘test resellers’ snapping up slots and selling them on at higher prices
North East universities issue meningitis guidance after deadly outbreak of infection
An infection outbreak in Kent has resulted in one school pupil and one university student dying
5 new tax changes coming into force from April affecting millions of people
New tax year starts on April 6 with changes in store
Inquest opens into death of British Army officer shot in the back at Northumberland camp
Capt Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, died in a live firing training exercise at the Otterburn Training Area in January
A19 two-vehicle crash causes huge rush hour delays for drivers in Sunderland
Rush hour traffic queues built up on a section of the A19 following a collision at Sunderland on Thursday
'Deplorable' dog poo problem on Durham's historic railway route
Dog walkers have been urged to use bins after dozens of bags were found dumped in hedgerows and hanging from branches on the Stockton and Darlington Railway route near Phoenix Row in County Durham
Northumberland masseur appears at court charged with 55 sexual offences against women
Terence McBrien, 72, is accused of 55 sexual offences relating to 14 women over a 10-year period
Cathay Pacific is next major airline to suspend all Dubai flights for weeks
The Hong Kong-based airline has cancelled flights to and from Dubai until the end of April following regional security incidents
People with £16,000 savings given April warning over charge
New calls made after 10-year freeze leaves unwary paying 'stealth tax' as Martin Lewis highlights issue
BBC Strictly Come Dancing hope for Sunderland as £38.5m Crown Works studios deal signed off
The North East can become the home of Strictly Come Dancing and other top TV shows, the region’s mayor insists.
Reform to seize control of four more North East councils in May local elections, new polling predicts
Reform UK could be on course to seize control of four more North East councils in May, according to new polling.
Scotland bans greyhound racing following Wales in historic animal welfare move
Scotland's Holyrood voted to ban the sport in a move hailed by campaigners as a 'landmark victory for dog welfare'
Newcastle yob who started committing crimes at 10 'played to crowd' during rooftop stand-off
Christopher Ormston, of Benwell, caused local businesses to lose thousands of pounds and attracted a big group of people watching his antics
Universal Credit claimants risk £100 fine for simple mistake after benefits change
Martin Lewis says some claimants may not realise they are no longer eligible for NHS prescriptions
New bin rules for Easter mean £80 fines for egg, foil and plastic mistakes
The rules change at the end of March, and Easter will put them to the test
Full list of DWP benefits people reaching State Pension age can no longer claim
Here are the checks older people nearing State Pension age need to make to ensure they are receiving the right financial support
DWP urges PIP claimants to act as fears grow over possible major benefit cuts
PIP payments were nearly drastically changed in 2025 - now disabled people are encouraged to share their experience of the benefits system