Driving test 7-week wait target delayed to 2027
A National Audit Office report reveals the target to cut driving test waits to seven weeks is delayed until 2027. Learn about the backlog and what's being done.
A National Audit Office report reveals the target to cut driving test waits to seven weeks is delayed until 2027. Learn about the backlog and what's being done.
Pension savers initiating transfers in December face a 24-day wait, with funds not moving until January. Experts warn of 'real frustration' and call for urgent industry reforms.
Birmingham City Council announces longer hours at all five household recycling centres from December 21 to January 31. Plan your visit and book online.
Four West Midlands state primary schools have been ranked among the nation's top 100 in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. Discover which schools made the prestigious list.
The Warwickshire village of Ilmington has been crowned the best place to live in the Midlands for 2025 by The Sunday Times. Discover why this Cotswolds gem is thriving.
Dentists in England will receive higher payments for NHS emergency appointments from April 2026 under Labour government plans, aiming to improve patient access and save costs.
Sainsbury's confirms Christmas 2025 opening hours and festive Aldi Price Match deals. Find your local store times and how to feed six for £2.30 per person.
Morrisons confirms festive opening hours for 2025, with stores closed Christmas Day. Plus, discover new 'Club 60' café offers providing affordable meals for over-60s.
Junior doctors in England will stage a five-day strike from December 17th after BMA members overwhelmingly rejected a government offer. The walkout coincides with record flu cases, sparking a patient safety row.
Over 600 people protest Walsall NHS Trust's plan to close Hollybank House stroke unit. Trust cites £500k upgrade costs, proposes moving services to Wolverhampton. Campaigners fear loss of local care.
Staffordshire firefighters attended over 1,000 extra emergencies this summer as wildfires surged. The chief fire officer warns climate change is now a year-round operational reality. Read the full report.
Faced with long NHS waits, thousands are paying for private MRI, CT and X-ray scans via services like Scan.com for faster results and peace of mind. Discover the costs and patient experiences.
The NHS warns of an unprecedented winter flu wave, with hospitalisations 56% higher than last year and no sign of a peak. Health leaders urge the public to get vaccinated and use services wisely.
A Sheffield NHS team has won a national nursing award for creating a personalised follow-up service for women with a rare pregnancy-related cancer, focusing on holistic patient support.
Discover the 30 highest-performing primary schools in Birmingham, as ranked by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. Explore the list and see which schools excel in reading, maths, and English.
The NHS faces an 'unprecedented flu wave' with hospitalisations 56% higher than last year. Health chiefs urge eligible people to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and ease pressure on hospitals.
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 crowns the West Midlands' top state, independent, and comprehensive schools based on latest exam results. Discover which local schools excelled.
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 reveals Birmingham's best secondary schools, with state schools showing a remarkable 9.4 place surge. Discover the top performers.
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide has ranked the top secondary schools in the West Midlands for 2026. Discover which schools in Birmingham, Solihull, and Stratford made the prestigious lists.
The NHS faces an unprecedented winter flu wave with record hospitalisations. Health chiefs urge eligible people to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and the health service.
Southport Macmillan Centre confirms its holiday opening hours and reflects on a year supporting over 80% of local cancer patients. Read their annual message and survey call.
Plan your post-Christmas shopping. Aldi, M&S, Home Bargains and more confirm Boxing Day closures. Check the full list of affected retailers and their festive hours.
Pubs in England and Wales could stay open until 1am for the 2026 World Cup under a Labour proposal. The plan aims to boost trade and the economy during the tournament.
A major shortage of TCP Antiseptic Liquid is hitting UK shelves. Find out why Boots, Superdrug, and Tesco are out of stock and when supplies might return.
Chill Wine Bar in Tettenhall, owned by ex-Wolves defender Mo Camara, applies to extend hours to 1am while council investigates noise complaints. Licensing committee decides Dec 9.
Explore the historic childhood home of Anne Hathaway in Stratford-upon-Avon this festive season. Discover winter opening times and plan your visit to this enchanting 15th-century cottage.
New data reveals a worrying rise in A&E waiting times at Birmingham hospitals, with fewer patients seen within the four-hour target. Read the full report on the trust's performance.
Aston Villa vs Wolves, Liverpool vs West Ham, and Nottingham Forest vs Brighton all start at 2:05pm due to Manchester United's early fixture. Discover the scheduling changes.
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust reports a £31.2m deficit, £17.1m worse than planned, driven by rising staff pay costs. A financial recovery plan is underway.
BBC's Dr Punam Krishan warns about a surge in fake GP calls, AI doctor deepfakes and fraudulent online pharmacies. Learn how to protect yourself from these health scams.