Communities Secretary Eric Pickles still claims real-terms cut since 2010

There were two managerial departures in League One yesterday as Paul Dickov resigned as manager of Oldham and Keith Curle was sacked as Notts County manager. Dickov's side lost 3-1 to defeat to Walsall on Saturday. He had been under pressure at Boundary Park for some time following poor form, but earned a stay of execution after masterminding a famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool last weekend.

Thousands of sick or disabled people have died after undergoing assessments to find out whether they were fit to work, the House of Commons was told today.

Steel giant Tata is cutting 900 jobs and closing 12 sites under plans to improve competitiveness, the firm announced today.

Phil Brown is set to be named as the new manager of Hartlepool United. The former Hull City and Preston North End manager will succeed Neale Cooper at Victoria Park and will bring in Brian Horton as his No 2.

Budget hotel chain Travelodge is to create almost 200 jobs before Christmas by opening nine new hotels.

Liberal Democrats gained from the Tories in the latest council by-elections, taking a marginal seat in the Maidenhead constituency of Home Secretary Theresa May.

Savannah Marshall can dominate her sport for years to come after being crowned Great Britain's first women's boxing world champion here in China.

In a 1993 interview with The Independent, the best-selling crime writer Reginald Hill said: "It is easy to mystify. The good mystery writer's real skill lies in clarification." At the time he was in his 23rd year as a published author but was less generally known than he deserved to be for his series of cunningly constructed mysteries featuring Dalziel and Pascoe. That changed when, in 1996, 11 years of successful TV productions began. The 20-odd Dalziel and Pascoe novels were less than half of Hill's output but he long recognised them as his "bankers". The two characters he created – a modern pairing of Falstaff and Hal – are probably the most interesting characters in modern crime fiction.

As the eldest son of a legendary British and Commonwealth boxing champion, it was perhaps inevitable that Jack London would follow his father into the fight game. While he was undoubtedly a gifted exponent of the noble art, he is as well known for his contribution to the explosive events in Porthcawl more than 50 years ago that not only made world headlines but remain entrenched in sporting folklore.

Playing a first-ever third-round tie – against Sheffield United, 90 places higher up the ladder – is a joy for the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup. By Robin Scott-Elliot

Playing a first-ever third-round tie – against Sheffield United, 90 places higher up the ladder – is a joy for the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup

A teenage boy was yesterday charged over online attacks by the international hacking gang Anonymous.

A British student was charged today over online attacks by international hacking gang Anonymous.