National Living Wage to rise to £12.71 in 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces a major pay rise for millions of UK workers, with the National Living Wage increasing to £12.71 per hour from April 2026. Find out how much extra you'll get.
Category : Search result: Midlands living
Food banks warn of winter crisis in West Midlands
Food banks across the West Midlands brace for a severe winter surge in demand, with over 61,000 parcels distributed last year. Donations struggle to keep pace as vulnerable groups face rising costs.
Food banks at breaking point ahead of winter surge
Food banks across the West Midlands are preparing for a severe winter surge in demand, with a 27% rise in parcels since pre-pandemic levels. The Trussell Trust warns they are at breaking point and urgently need public donations.
8 Best West Midlands Neighbourhoods for 2026
Discover the top 8 places to live in the West Midlands in 2026, according to Muddy Stilettos' expert guide. Find your perfect new home today!
Six West Midlands Attractions Named Best in England
VisitEngland awards six West Midlands attractions for exceptional visitor experiences. Discover the 2025 winners and plan your next day out in the region today!
DWP could force 100,000 innocent Brits to repay benefits
Exclusive investigation reveals the Department for Work and Pensions is using controversial 'random sampling' to demand benefit repayments from thousands who've done nothing wrong.
£950 Cost of Living Payments from Barclays & Nationwide
Major UK banks Barclays and Nationwide are rolling out substantial £950 payments to support customers struggling with rising living costs. Discover who qualifies and when payments arrive.
Birmingham's Stark Divide: Deprivation Crisis Revealed
New analysis reveals Birmingham's troubling inequality landscape, with neighbourhoods among England's most deprived while others thrive. Discover which areas are most affected and what this means for the city's future.
Thousands of UK workers paid below minimum wage
New research reveals thousands of UK employees are working for less than the legal minimum wage, with Birmingham and West Midlands workers among the worst affected. Discover which sectors are most at risk.
Barston village crowned among UK's most idyllic locations
The picturesque village of Barston has been officially recognised as one of Britain's most desirable rural locations, offering the perfect blend of countryside living and modern amenities just miles from Birmingham.
DWP confirms November £300 cost of living payment dates
The Department for Work and Pensions has officially announced the November payment schedule for the £300 cost of living support. Discover exactly when eligible households will receive this crucial financial assistance.
DWP's £3,500 cost of living payments arrive
Thousands of households across the UK are receiving unexpected £3,500 payments from the DWP to help combat rising living costs. Discover if you qualify for this crucial financial assistance.
Reeves announces stamp duty shake-up and housebuilding revolution
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces major stamp duty changes and housebuilding reforms in her first Commons speech, aiming to boost the UK property market while facing criticism over potential household impacts.
HMRC's urgent tax credit warning for millions
Critical deadline looms for 1.6 million Britons as HMRC warns tax credit recipients must renew claims by July 31st or face payment cuts.
HMRC tax change could hit millions with council tax bills
A major HMRC system overhaul could leave millions of Brits facing surprise council tax demands as benefit data sharing changes threaten payment disruptions.
State Pension Alert: Check For £3,900 Top-Up
Millions of state pensioners are being urged to verify their bank accounts immediately as a significant payment boost worth up to £3,900 annually may be going unclaimed. Experts reveal how to check eligibility and secure this vital financial support.
40s-50s households face worst financial squeeze in UK
Exclusive research reveals households aged 45-54 are battling the worst financial pressure in the UK, with energy bills and mortgage costs creating a perfect storm.
Final DWP cost of living payment delivered
The Department for Work and Pensions has made its last scheduled cost of living payment, but new support may be available for struggling households. Discover what help remains and how to claim it.
Labour's tax plan targets anyone earning over £80,000
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves reveals Labour's strategy to increase taxes on high earners while ruling out wealth tax in exclusive Birmingham Live interview.
Energy suppliers announce price hikes affecting millions
Four major energy suppliers - British Gas, EDF, Octopus and E.ON - are increasing electricity and gas prices this autumn, adding financial pressure to households already struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Energy bills set to soar by £100+ in April
Millions of UK households brace for fresh financial blow as energy price cap changes threaten to increase annual bills by over £100 this spring.
UK Council Tax Set for £150 Hike
Households across Britain are bracing for council tax hikes of up to £150 as local authorities grapple with funding gaps and rising service costs.
OVO's £50M Support: 7 Free Help Schemes Revealed
Major energy provider OVO announces comprehensive support package including debt write-offs, bill credits and free efficiency upgrades to help customers through cost-of-living crisis.
Universal Credit Payment Dates Change for Birmingham
Important changes to Universal Credit payment schedules are coming this spring. Discover how bank holidays will affect when you receive your money and plan your budget accordingly.
Free £400 Energy Support Available for UK Households
Millions of UK households could be missing out on vital financial support through the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding. Here's how to check if you're eligible and claim up to £400.
Universal Credit: DWP set to cut payments for thousands
Exclusive: The Department for Work and Pensions is preparing to cut Universal Credit payments for claimants who fail to meet strict work search requirements, affecting thousands across the UK.
Labour rejects Octopus Energy's price hike warning
The Labour Party has issued a fierce rebuke to Octopus Energy after the supplier warned customers of potential bill increases, calling the timing 'completely unacceptable' amid the ongoing cost of living pressures facing British households.
DWP Announces Major PIP Benefits System Review
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched its most significant Personal Independence Payment review in years, examining how support is delivered to disabled people across the UK.
New £500m energy bills support scheme revealed
Struggling families across the UK are set to receive crucial financial support as the government unveils a new £500 million energy bills scheme, targeting those most affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis.
West Midlands' Best Villages & Towns 2025 Revealed
Discover which West Midlands communities have been named among the best places to live in 2025, from picturesque villages to thriving market towns offering exceptional quality of life.
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