Community
Drink-driver who killed pensioner ran failed zero-rated sweet shop
Arjun Nijjar, 23, jailed for 8.5 years for killing Douglas Draper, 79, in Streetly, had run Sutton Sweet Centre, closed after a zero food hygiene rating.
Business
HMRC urges families to sign up for £2,000 Tax-Free Childcare boost
HMRC says 601,620 families are using Tax-Free Childcare, saving up to £2,000 a year per child. Sign up now for Halloween half term.
Culture
Stourbridge Scare Maze draws huge crowds as UK's scariest attraction
The Stourbridge Scare Maze, named UK's scariest by Thrill Nation, draws hundreds to Lower High Street with queues from Glasgow and beyond.
Politics
MP Mike Wood: Government blocks historic pubs protection bill
MP Mike Wood says Labour blocked his Heritage Public Houses Bill on October 16, leaving historic pubs vulnerable. He also announces Older People's Information Fair in Wordsley on November 20.
Sport
Health
AJM Healthcare opens new wheelchair service in Dudley
AJM Healthcare has opened a new wheelchair service in Dudley after securing an NHS Black Country ICB contract, serving nearly 325,000 residents.
PIP and DLA claimants could get extra £265 winter payment
Scottish families with disabled children on PIP, DLA or related benefits could receive a £265.50 Child Winter Heating Payment automatically from October 2026.
HMRC confirms self-assessment deadline: 12m at risk
HMRC confirms the 31 January 2027 self-assessment deadline, with 12 million expected to file. Early filing helps avoid penalties and get refunds faster.
New 2027 dismissal protections for pregnant workers and parents
From 2027, pregnant women and new parents in England gain stronger unfair dismissal protections, requiring employers to consider all reasonable alternatives before dismissal.
DWP sends £150 Warm Home Discount letters to pensioners
DWP is writing to Pension Credit recipients about £150 Warm Home Discount payouts. Letters arrive this week through January 2027, with a helpline deadline of 26 February 2027.
TV & Film Quiz: British Screen Classics
From EastEnders and Doctor Who to James Bond, Only Fools and Horses and Wallace and Gromit, test your knowledge of classic British television and cinema. Lights, camera, quiz!