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.
A passenger filmed a rodent running near Starbucks at Birmingham New Street just after midnight. Network Rail says it has pest control measures in place. Watch the video.
Private sector employment fell 1.8% in November, the sharpest drop since July 2021. The Bank of England's survey points to a December interest rate cut amid rising inflation expectations. Read the full analysis.
Major disruption on Birmingham's Cross City Line as a signalling fault suspends services between New Street and Redditch/Bromsgrove. Delays expected with no clear resolution time. Read for travel alternatives.
Birmingham commuters face major disruption as the Cross City Line South is suspended due to recurring signalling issues. Check for ticket acceptance on buses and latest updates.
Rail passengers can breathe a sigh of relief as RMT union calls off planned CrossCountry strikes. Normal timetables are reinstated for key December Saturdays, though engineering work will cause some changes. Check before you travel.
Plans for a new Wrexham to London Euston rail service are back, featuring extra stops. The revised bid promises improved regional connectivity and economic growth.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden refuses to rule out benefit cuts, sparking fears for 24 million claimants. Read the full story and political reaction.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves axes Motability Scheme for PIP claimants, calling it an 'easy win'. Critics warn cuts target the vulnerable. Read the full story.
RMT union announces four days of CrossCountry rail strikes in December over pay and staffing disputes, threatening Christmas travel plans for thousands. Find out the dates.
A benefits influencer helping people with ADHD claim DWP support criticises Labour's 'disgusting' cuts. Discover the impact on disabled claimants.
Worcester councillors have condemned West Mercia's PCC office as a 'gravy train for failed Tory politicians' amid police cuts controversy. Discover the full story behind the abolition of the role in 2028.
RMT strike action will cause significant disruption to CrossCountry rail services on four Saturdays in December. Check your journey before travelling.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker condemns Reform UK's 'reckless' call to scrap HS2, warning it threatens billions in investment and future jobs. Read the full clash.
Nationwide Building Society and Virgin Money announce significant mortgage rate cuts of up to 0.19%, offering relief to UK borrowers after the Autumn Budget.
A mother of two autistic sons shares her anxiety after the Budget offered little for disabled families facing rising costs and potential benefit cuts. Read her story.
CrossCountry warns of major rail disruption across the Midlands on four Saturdays in December due to RMT strikes. Plan your Christmas travel now to avoid significant delays and cancellations.
Co-op is investing £1bn in the UK economy, cutting prices on 1,000 items and supporting British farmers. The move responds to the cost-of-living crisis and new business rates.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commits to funding the Cardiff Parkway station and business park, a project with the potential to create thousands of jobs and attract major investment from Rolls-Royce.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces first rail fare freeze in 30 years. Commuters on expensive routes to save over £300. Budget also cuts Cash ISA allowance.
Over 40 disability charities urge Rachel Reeves to protect the Motability scheme from £1bn tax break cuts, warning of dire consequences for disabled people's mobility.
Mobico, owner of National Express, announces job cuts and lower profit forecasts. Shares initially fell 14% as the firm tackles UK coach competition and falling bus passenger numbers.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board faces criticism from 300 senior doctors over recruitment freeze targeting 350 job cuts. Read the full investigation into the healthcare crisis.
New research reveals 83% of UK adults have tightened their purse strings, saving an average of £1,411 this year. Discover the top ways people are saving money.
New Universal Credit rules will slash disability top-up payments by nearly 50% for new claimants from April 2026, creating a two-tier system. Critics call the changes 'unfair' and 'poorly designed'. Learn how this affects you.
Major upgrade brings tap-in tap-out travel to 50 stations including Stansted and Southend airports from December 14. No more ticket queues - just use your bank card or phone!
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust celebrates over 150 years of volunteer service and 2,720 years of staff dedication in special awards ceremonies. Read more about the local heroes.
Rail travellers in Birmingham face disruption as RMT union strikes hit CrossCountry services on four consecutive Saturdays in December over pay and staffing disputes.
First Bus announces complete withdrawal from Cornwall in February 2026, putting 275 jobs at risk due to financial challenges and falling passenger numbers. Read the full story.
Unilever confirms plans to cut around 50 roles at its Port Sunlight factory in Wirral to 'maximise efficiencies'. Read the full story on the proposed redundancies.