Community
Winter Fuel Payment: Pre-1945 Pensioners Must Act to Secure £300
Pensioners born before 1945 must check eligibility for the DWP's Winter Fuel Payment. Up to £300 is at stake. Claim deadline is 31 March 2026. Act now to avoid missing out.
Business
UK High Street Crisis: Businesses Demand Wider Rate Relief as Pub U-Turn Looms
UK high street businesses urge the government to expand business rate relief beyond pubs. Hotels, pharmacies, and retailers face crippling hikes of up to 140%. Read why sector leaders call for fundamental reform.
Culture
Rochdale's Historic JJ Binns Organ Hosts 2026 Celebrity Concert Series
A series of celebrity organ concerts featuring the magnificent, historic JJ Binns organ begins in Rochdale Town Hall in January 2026. Discover dates, performers, and how to book tickets for this unique cultural experience.
Politics
WASPI Women Await 'Imminent' DWP Decision on £2,950 Compensation
Campaigners flood MPs with emails urging the government to act on the Ombudsman's report and deliver up to £2,950 in state pension compensation. A final decision is expected soon.
Sport
Health
Birmingham Snow: Amber Alert, Schools Closed, Travel Chaos
An Arctic blast has brought Birmingham to a standstill with 10cm of snow. Schools are closed, transport is halted, and an Amber warning is in force. Check the latest updates and travel advice here.
Birmingham Storm Goretti: Hour Snow Ends & Roads Improve
BBC Weather's Simon King reveals when Birmingham will be over the worst of Storm Goretti's snow. Key hour for road recovery and the weekend forecast.
MPs warn of 'unacceptable' 16-week PIP wait by DWP
MPs slam DWP for 'unacceptably poor service' as PIP claimants face 16-week waits, risking debt and poverty. Read the damning report and government response.
New Soft Play & Day Care Centre Opens in Birmingham
Party & Play, a new 700 sq m indoor playground in Erdington, opens March 2026 with role play areas, climbing frames & future day care plans for kids up to 10.
Full list of 29 counties facing snow on Friday
Heavy snow is set to hit 29 English counties on Friday, with up to 30cm possible. The Met Office warns of travel disruption. See the full list of affected areas.