Community
Midlands Residents Told to Close Curtains as Temperatures Soar
Households in Birmingham and the Black Country are urged to close curtains as temperatures rise. The British Red Cross advises keeping blinds shut and avoiding oven use to stay cool.
Business
New £240 Road Tax Confirmed for UK Electric Car Drivers from 2028
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a new £240 annual road tax for electric and plug-in hybrid drivers, starting April 2028, as part of a pay-per-mile system.
Culture
Portable BBQ Fire Pit Drops to Under £17 Ahead of Summer Garden Season
A portable BBQ fire pit has dropped to under £17 ahead of the summer garden season, offering an affordable way to enjoy outdoor cooking and warmth in Birmingham gardens.
Politics
Alum Rock Food Court Served Stop Trading Order After Protests
An outdoor food court in Alum Rock, Birmingham, has been served a Temporary Stop Notice for operating without planning permission, sparking local protests.
Sport
Health
DWP Lists 12 Conditions for £187 Weekly PIP Payments
The DWP has confirmed 12 medical conditions that qualify households for up to £187 per week in PIP benefits. Learn the full list and award lengths.
Morrisons Installs Sanitary Bins in All 500 Stores
Morrisons becomes first supermarket to install male sanitary bins in all 500 UK stores, meeting The Bog Standard guidelines to support men with incontinence, including prostate cancer patients.
Mumsnet-Designed App Protects Kids Online Safely
SafetyMode, co-designed by Mumsnet, uses AI to monitor and block harmful content like nudity and bullying on children's phones, offering free download on Android.
DWP Lists 46 Mental Health Conditions for £778 PIP
The DWP has confirmed 46 mental health conditions that qualify for Personal Independence Payment of up to £778 per month. Full list and claim details inside.
DWP Lists 26 Respiratory Conditions for £114 Weekly PIP (20.05.2026)
The DWP has confirmed 26 respiratory conditions that qualify for the £114 weekly Personal Independence Payment. Check the full list and payment rates for 2026.
