Major UK banks including Nationwide, Lloyds, and Barclays face calls to reassess lending criteria for self-employed individuals as traditional employment stability diminishes amid rising unemployment and AI disruption.
High-value annuity purchases are surging as affluent savers seek to protect retirement income and pass more wealth to heirs amid Labour's pension inheritance tax changes.
A Birmingham tourist with asthma was forced onto the streets at 2am after refusing to stay in a mould-infested apartment in Portugal, with Booking.com eventually issuing a refund following intervention.
Shrewsbury in Shropshire has been recognized as one of the top places to live and visit in England for 2026, praised for its medieval charm, modern amenities, and excellent transport links.
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Renovation work has commenced on the former Size? unit on Lower Temple Street, with visible cooking equipment suggesting a potential Greek restaurant. This follows the closure of All Greek Street Food and adds to the area's growing food scene.
Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki, accompanied by Paddington Bear, visited the West Midlands to explore trade and cultural links, meeting Mayor Richard Parker and touring key sites like Birmingham City FC and the Black Country Museum.
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed state pension increases under the triple lock, with younger retirees seeing a £575 annual rise. New weekly rates take effect from April 6, 2026.
The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley-in-Arden will close permanently on March 15, 2026, due to unsustainable rising costs including energy bills and food prices.
The Midlands theme park has been accused of 'daylight robbery' after charging £10.25 for a footlong hot dog, with fans calling the price 'absolutely shocking' and a 'rip off'.
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The state pension age is rising from 66 to 67 over two years, affecting those born between April 1960 and March 1961. People born after April 1978 may face a pension age of 68 by 2046, with a current review potentially accelerating changes.
Megan Smith-Evans, 33, from Birmingham, paid off £13,000 of debt in just 12 months using a strict colour-coded budgeting system after accumulating £15,000 through pandemic spending, a new puppy, and excessive takeaways.
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms a 4.8% rise in the basic State Pension from April, granting older claimants an extra £439.40 per year under the triple lock mechanism.
HMRC has launched a points-based penalty system for late income tax submissions under Making Tax Digital, with annual filers facing £200 charges for repeated delays.
Latest property data reveals significant house price drops in affluent West Midlands postcodes, including B94 Olton and B93 Knowle, with values falling by tens of thousands of pounds over the past year.
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A striking Birmingham bin worker reveals she is losing her home due to the prolonged dispute, voicing deep frustration with the Labour council and government. The strike, now in its second year, centers on pay cuts and equal pay issues.
A new £50 million fund will provide grants to electric vehicle businesses in the West Midlands for equipment and skills, aiming to create jobs and strengthen the region's automotive sector.
Motoring experts reveal that adding a spouse to your car insurance policy can cut average premiums from £821 to £506, delivering significant cost-of-living savings.
Next has unveiled a special Eid Celebration Beauty Box containing seven premium beauty products from brands like Versace and Beauty Works, valued at over £100, for just £22.
Marks & Spencer's best-selling Magic Shaping High Waisted Straight Leg Jeans, priced at £46, are receiving rave reviews for their flattering fit and comfort. Available in three colours and sizes 6-24, they feature technology for a streamlined silhouette.
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Gail's Bakery, which opened in January 2025 on New Street, has applied for a pavement licence to add outdoor seating. This move aligns with ongoing city works to transform the street with granite walkways and improved accessibility by late April.
A new collaboration called Celtico brings together 12 leading engineering and manufacturing firms across South Wales, employing over 1,400 people and generating £250m annually, to secure major renewable energy contracts across the UK.
A major change to the UK state pension age begins in April, with the age gradually rising from 66 to 67, affecting millions of people born after April 1960.
Aldi and Asda have urgently recalled Stretcherz toy packs due to potential asbestos contamination. Shoppers are advised to dispose of items safely and seek refunds with proof of purchase.
A shocking analysis reveals 90% of high-risk pension funds underperformed the FTSE 100 over five years, with the worst fund losing 98.59% of its value. Millions of Brits face retirement shortfalls.
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Royal Mail calls for urgent reform to scrap Saturday second-class deliveries after failing to meet Ofcom's delivery targets for first and second-class mail.
Premium grooming brand Cremo offers a limited-time 25% discount on its shaving range, including razors, creams, and balms, with code SHAVE25 until March 10.
Major UK banks including Barclays, HSBC, Santander, Nationwide, NatWest, First Direct, and Co-op are providing cash incentives ranging from £100 to £400 for customers who switch their current accounts. These offers are available to Birmingham residents th
Shoppers are raving about Dunelm's Embroidered Cherry Gingham Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, calling it 'five-star rated' and noting it 'looks and feels high end' despite its affordable price starting at £24.
Shoppers can grab the Ninja SLUSHi Frozen Drinks Maker for just £224.98 on Amazon, a £124 discount from its RRP of £349. This deal matches last year's Black Friday price and is available until March 10.
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Costa Coffee reveals a £1.5m investment to open four new outlets in Wales, creating 40 jobs, alongside a £7m pay rise for UK staff from April 2026.
