7 Steps to Improve Your Credit Score in 2026
Your credit score is key to financial freedom. Discover seven expert-backed strategies to improve your rating, from fixing errors to reporting rent. Start building a brighter financial future today.
Your credit score is key to financial freedom. Discover seven expert-backed strategies to improve your rating, from fixing errors to reporting rent. Start building a brighter financial future today.
A new YouGov survey reveals a stark warning for England's middle-income households, with the government's net approval on living costs at -77. Expert analysis shows why falling inflation offers little relief.
Suffolk Highways disputes Labour's new traffic light assessment, citing data inaccuracies. Council to meet urgently with DfT. Get the latest on the roads funding row.
The DWP gains new powers to monitor bank accounts for benefit fraud, targeting 100,000 people. Critics call it 'draconian' while government promises £940m savings.
The DWP's new powers for bank account checks could be extended to six major benefits after an initial trial. Find out which payments are at risk and how the system works.
Birmingham City Council receives an 'amber' rating for pothole repairs as residents slam 'dangerous' roads. See which key routes are causing the most concern.
Thousands on seven key DWP benefits will receive a £150 Warm Home Discount credit in February. Find out if you qualify and what to do if you don't see the payment.
Every local authority in England, including Birmingham, has been graded on pothole repairs. The new traffic light ratings will now impact future government funding. See how your area fares.
The government has announced sweeping changes to Universal Credit and DWP benefits for 2026, including the end of legacy benefits and key payment adjustments. Discover how the new rules will affect you.
Over 3 million older people living alone in England and Wales could be eligible for Pension Credit, providing an average of £4,300 in extra financial support. Check your eligibility now.
The DWP has clarified how claimants of Universal Credit, PIP, and Pension Credit can receive lump sum back payments following a successful mandatory reconsideration of a benefit decision.
Ofgem reveals £3.09bn in unclaimed energy credit. Use Martin Lewis's two-month rule to see if you're owed a refund. Contact your supplier today.
New UK pension rules will force schemes to publish clear performance data using a traffic light rating system, potentially boosting retirement savings by £4,700. Find out how this affects you.
The DWP is issuing multiple £25 Cold Weather Payments to eligible households on six key benefits as freezing temperatures grip the UK. Find out if you're eligible and how it works.
American Express has launched new limited-time offers on Platinum and Gold Cards, allowing customers to earn up to £600 in points and travel credit. Find out if you're eligible before the January 2026 deadline.
New claimants with health conditions will see Universal Credit support halved from April 2026, a cut of £2,652 per year. The DWP defends the move, while critics warn it will push thousands into poverty.
A Joe & The Juice branch in Touchwood Solihull received the lowest possible food hygiene score. The global chain says issues are now fixed. Read the full report.
A worrying Bank of England report shows consumer credit growth surged to 8.1% in November. Experts warn of debt risks as millions struggle with festive costs. Get free debt advice.
Thousands on Pension Credit and Universal Credit receive automatic £25 payments as freezing temperatures trigger DWP support. Find out if you're eligible.
Over 670,000 UK households on benefits like Pension Credit and Universal Credit are receiving £25 Cold Weather Payments. Find out if you qualify and how the scheme works.
The DWP has triggered Cold Weather Payments for 441 postcodes, providing £25 to vulnerable households. Find out if you're eligible and when you'll be paid.
ITV faces criticism for adding a content warning to the classic film Grease, citing 'teenage misbehaviour'. Fans slam the 'woke' move on social media. Read the full story.
Every McDonald's restaurant in Birmingham has achieved the highest possible food hygiene rating of 5, according to the latest Food Standards Agency data. See the full list and inspection dates.
More than 50 Walsall food businesses received the lowest hygiene scores in 2025, with five rated zero. See the full list of outlets and what the ratings mean for public safety.
The DWP's decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap is sparking debate. Parents on Universal Credit share their stories of receiving up to £1,590 monthly. Read the full reaction.
A shopper filmed a mouse at Batch'd in Birmingham's Bullring. The chain cites city-wide bin strikes as the cause. Environmental Health inspected the site.
A mouse was filmed scurrying inside the Batch'd stall at Birmingham's Bullring. The company cites city-wide waste issues. Read the full response and environmental health findings.
The DWP confirms state pension and benefits like Universal Credit will be paid early due to New Year bank holidays. Find out if you're affected.
Analysis reveals York has the UK's priciest energy bills at £1,181 a year. Expert tips on cutting costs and improving home insulation this winter.
Octopus Energy has dramatically accelerated its refund process, with customers now able to receive energy credit payments back to their bank accounts in as little as one day. Learn how to claim yours.