Community
Asylum Seeker Numbers Rise in West Midlands but Fall in Birmingham
The number of asylum seekers in the West Midlands has increased to 25,526, driven by the Homes for Ukraine scheme, while Birmingham sees a decline. Hotel accommodation has halved.
Business
Barclays and First Direct Offer £250 and £200 Switching Bonuses
Barclays and First Direct are offering switching bonuses of up to £250. Moneyfacts highlights top deals in savings, mortgages, and current accounts this week.
Culture
Off Campus Season 2 Casts India Fowler as Logan's Love Interest Grace Ivers
India Fowler joins Off Campus season 2 as Grace Ivers, Logan's love interest. Learn about her role and what happens in the book The Mistake.
Politics
£200 HMRC Tax Charge Confirmed for State Pensioners Over £22k
State pensioners earning over £22,453 will lose the £200 winter fuel payment under new HMRC rules. The £35,000 threshold includes state pension income.
Sport
Health
£739 DWP Payments Arrive Early for Some Pensioners
Due to the Spring Bank Holiday on May 25, some UK pensioners will receive their state pension early on May 22. The full basic State Pension is now £184.90 per week, totaling up to £739.60 over four weeks.
DWP Lists 24 Skin Conditions for £114 Weekly PIP Payment
The DWP has confirmed 24 skin conditions that qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) of up to £114.60 per week. Over 29,000 claimants receive this benefit.
NHS Urges 999 Call for Heatstroke Skin Symptom
The NHS warns UK households to call 999 if they spot hot, red skin without sweating during the weekend heatwave, as it may indicate heatstroke.
Nottinghamshire Hospital Breaks World Record for Charity
Cygnet Hospital Sherwood in Mansfield broke a Guinness World Record for the largest online music quiz, raising over £2m for Cash for Kids charity.
Tandridge Heights MD Wins Charity Cook Off 2026
Michelle Macadangdang and her team won the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026, raising £53,000 for vulnerable people and those with disabilities.
