State pension paid early: £706 due before New Year
Thousands of UK state pensioners on the basic rate will receive their £706 payment early this week. The DWP confirms revised dates due to the New Year's Day bank holiday.
Thousands of UK state pensioners on the basic rate will receive their £706 payment early this week. The DWP confirms revised dates due to the New Year's Day bank holiday.
Major cities from Sydney to Paris cancel New Year's Eve celebrations due to terror threats and crowd safety concerns, while Los Angeles events proceed despite foiled bomb plot. Read the latest updates.
Comedian Meera Syal becomes a Dame as 28 individuals from the West Midlands are recognised in the King's New Year Honours list for outstanding community and professional service.
Kerry Davis, the first Black woman to play for England, receives an MBE for services to football and diversity. Discover her legacy and other Staffordshire honourees.
Actress and writer Meera Syal receives a damehood for services to literature, drama and charity. Discover the full list of West Midlands honourees.
West Midlands Police issue urgent warning over fake social media posts advertising non-existent New Year's Eve fireworks displays in Birmingham city centre for 2026.
West Midlands Police issue a strict warning about non-existent New Year's Eve fireworks displays in Birmingham city centre, urging the public to ignore false social media posts.
Ring in 2026 with the perfect fizz. Our expert picks from £13.99 to £90 cover every budget, featuring award-winners from Tesco, Majestic and more. Find your celebratory bottle here.
A car overturned on Kings Heath High Street in Birmingham on Monday morning. Two people were assessed for minor injuries and discharged at the scene. Read the latest traffic and emergency service updates.
A car overturned on Kings Heath High Street, Birmingham. Two people were assessed for minor injuries. Bus routes were temporarily disrupted. Read the latest traffic updates.
Shoppers praise Dunelm's thick and luxurious Jewel Shaggy Rug, now reduced by 20% in the end-of-year sale. Available in multiple sizes and colours to transform any room.
Aldi announces festive opening hours, shutting all 1,000+ UK supermarkets on January 1st. Plan your shop as times fluctuate. Details on new store openings inside.
Motorists warned of a 40% surge in car insurance claims on New Year's Eve. Experts urge caution and vehicle checks to stay safe and avoid soaring premiums.
Plan your post-Christmas shopping with our guide to opening hours for Bullring, Merry Hill, and other major centres from December 29 to January 2. Find key times for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Motorists have just three days left to use Asda Express's 3p-per-litre fuel discount. Save on petrol while grabbing last-minute New Year's Eve party supplies. Act now before the offer expires.
Aldi confirms festive opening hours for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Plan your shop before stores close at 6pm on December 31st. Check local times now.
The DWP confirms earlier payments for State Pension, Attendance Allowance & Pension Credit due between 24 Dec 2025 & 2 Jan 2026. Check if you're affected and what to do if payment is late.
Your guide to the UK's New Year's Eve fireworks laws. Know the 1am cut-off, buying restrictions, and penalties to avoid fines or prison. Stay legal this celebration.
The Met Office warns of snow and wintry hazards for the first ten days of 2026. Get the full UK weather forecast and see where snow is expected to fall.
Snag the perfect New Year's Eve outfit without overspending. River Island's chic high-neck mesh midi dress is now just £16.75 – a stunning £25 saving on the original price.
Shoppers praise Next's £38 sequin dress for its flattering fit and festive sparkle, ideal for New Year's Eve. Discover the top-rated partywear options from Next and M&S for 2026.
Private health scans from Scan.com offer a proactive approach to wellness in 2026. With prices from £95, get fast results for injuries, screenings, or full-body MRI checks. Take control of your health now.
Teenagers will be offered paid gap years with the UK armed forces from 2026, as part of a new 'whole of society' defence strategy. Discover how the scheme works and who can apply.
As the New Year begins, Animed's Subscribe & Go pet food subscription helps UK owners stay organised, save time, and ensure consistent, high-quality nutrition for dogs, cats, and small pets.
Plan your New Year's Eve with our guide to West Midlands Railway's early shutdowns, engineering works, and replacement bus services from Dec 27. Check last train times now.
Discover how the UK honours system works, who can be nominated, and the rigorous 12-18 month selection process. Learn how you can put forward a deserving candidate for recognition.
Plan your perfect New Year's Eve in Birmingham with our guide to six major ticketed events, from themed balls to massive festival-style parties. Find venues, music, and prices for 2025.
Start 2026 feeling refreshed with these unbeatable Wowcher spa deals across the UK, from London to County Durham. Discover luxury breaks, spa days, and pampering packages at a fraction of the cost.
A 'snow bomb' is now forecast to hit England on New Year's Day, not early January. Maps predict blizzards and feels-like temperatures of -6C. Read the latest forecast details.
The UK faces a six-day snow event starting January 1st, with maps showing widespread flurries. Find out which regions are most at risk and the latest Met Office forecast.