DWP to pay £921 state pension early due to bank holiday
Thousands of state pensioners will receive their £921 payment early next Wednesday due to the New Year's Day bank holiday. The DWP confirms the early payment policy for claimants.
Category : Community
Police warn of Boxing Day online shopping scams
West Midlands Police urge vigilance against fake websites and phishing emails targeting Boxing Day bargain hunters. Follow their 10 essential tips to stay safe online.
Teenagers jailed for Alum Rock park stabbing
Three teenagers have been sentenced for a vicious stabbing in Morris Park, Alum Rock, which left a 15-year-old boy with life-changing injuries. Read the full court details.
Former Walsall newspaper offices to become apartments
Plans submitted to convert historic Walsall Observer offices into four one-bed flats. Decision expected February 2026. Read the latest on this Bridge Street development.
Rochdale's Creative Scene: Youth Arts, Theatre & Festivals
From Ebor Studio's youth project for 16-21 year olds to The Curtain Theatre's latest play, discover the vibrant arts and culture events happening in Rochdale. Find out dates and how to get involved.
Enchanting Archive Photos of Cheshire's History Unearthed
A captivating collection of historical images from Macclesfield, Bosley, and Poynton showcases local pubs, libraries, and community events from the 1910s to 1970s. Explore Cheshire's heritage.
Teenagers jailed for stabbing boy eight times in park
Three teenagers have been sentenced for a vicious stabbing in a Birmingham park. The 15-year-old victim required eight hours of surgery. Read the full court report.
Birmingham 1978: A Look Back Through Rare Photos
Step back to 1978 Birmingham. See the old Bull Ring, stars at the NEC, and a city transforming. Explore 26 archive photos revealing a different world.
Birmingham's Golden Eagle pub stripped bare in 1984
The story of Birmingham's Golden Eagle pub, a legendary rock and disco venue stripped by patrons in 1984, now a car park. A new student block plan was recently refused. Discover the history.
Birmingham 9th in UK for Illegal Sports Streaming
Birmingham is a major hotspot for illegal sports streaming, with residents facing prison and fines. FACT is targeting the West Midlands in a national piracy crackdown.
State pension age rises from 2026: Key facts
The UK state pension age is set to increase from 66 to 67 starting in 2026. Find out exactly when you can claim and how to plan for the changes.
Birmingham in Top 10 for Illegal Sports Streaming
Birmingham is a major hotspot for illegal sports streaming searches, new data reveals. Residents risk heavy fines and prison. Discover the shocking figures and legal warnings.
Homeless charity St Basils 'saved our lives' say young people
Young people once sleeping rough in Birmingham reveal how St Basils charity transformed their lives. Hear their emotional stories from the Big Sleepout event that raised over £43,000.
Skateboarding dad builds garden ramp to bond with son
Bobby Male, a former skateboarding star in China, built a ramp for his 10-year-old son Ernie. He says the sport keeps kids active and out of trouble. Read their inspiring story.
Mrs Hinch's Flash Dust Magnet: A Home Bargains Game-Changer
A journalist's Mrs Hinch-inspired trip to Home Bargains led to a life-changing discovery: the Flash Dust Magnet. See how this £2.99 starter kit transformed dusting.
Save £300 on phone bills with free cashback app
A savvy shopper reveals how the free Airtime Rewards app has slashed her phone bill by over £300 since 2021. Discover how linking your card earns cashback at Boots, Argos, New Look and more.
Birmingham's worst areas for violent crime revealed
Exclusive police data maps Birmingham's most dangerous neighbourhoods. City centre leads with 4,694 violent and sexual offences in a year. See how your area compares.
Sunshine Fund's 2025: A Year of Fundraising for NE Kids
The Sunshine Fund reflects on a busy 2025 of fundraising events, from a skydive to a coastal trek, supporting disabled children across the North East. Discover their year and how to get involved for 2026.
Grandmother's Christmas Day on Marie Curie Support Line
Joanne Lewis, 57, gives up her Christmas to answer calls on Marie Curie's free support line, offering vital emotional support to those facing death and bereavement during the festive season.
Scarlett Moffatt: TV Star's Life & Career Facts
From Gogglebox to I'm A Celeb queen, explore Scarlett Moffatt's career, family life with fiancé Scott and son Jude, and her inspiring health journey. Discover her full story here.
King Charles's Christmas call for wartime courage and unity
King Charles urges the nation to hold fast to the values of courage and community from WWII, highlighting modern heroes and the need for unity in a divisive era. Read his full address.
King Charles' 2025 Christmas Speech in Full
Read the full text of King Charles III's 2025 Christmas Day broadcast, where he reflects on pilgrimage, unity, and the timeless values of courage and compassion. Discover his message of hope for the nation.
Woman hasn't used heating for 30 years, costs £150
Sarah Smith from Bournemouth hasn't used her central heating for three decades. Discover her top energy-saving tips and how she stays warm for only £150 each winter.
Benefits rise to £32k as two-child cap ends
A Nottingham mum-of-three will see her Universal Credit rise to £32,480 a year after Labour scraps the two-child benefit cap. She says the change will make her 'big family dream' a reality.
Labour's Mansion Tax Spares £2m+ Social Housing
Labour's new property surcharge will hit owners of high-value homes from 2028, but exempts over 110 social housing properties worth over £2 million. Get the full details.
Christmas Day murder probe after Wolverhampton stabbing
A 30-year-old man was stabbed to death on Burcot Avenue in the early hours of Christmas Day. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Contact police with information.
NatWest doubles social rent loan fund to £1bn
NatWest expands its ringfenced social rent loan fund to £1bn, aiming to accelerate the building of affordable homes and save housing associations up to £50m. Read the full announcement.
What Your Surname Reveals About Your Family's Past
This festive quiz explores what your surname might hint about your family history this Christmas. Discover your festive family score and the stories behind the names.
Family gets £2,770 monthly after benefit rule change
A Welsh family will see their Universal Credit rise to £2,770 a month after Labour's Budget scrapped the two-child limit. Discover how the change impacts 560,000 families.
DWP: Couples' State Pension to Rise by £865 in 2026
The DWP announces a significant £865 annual increase for couples on State Pension from April 2026. Discover the new rates and what it means for your income.
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