Council blocks care home's 'garden grabbing' extension plan
Planners at Dudley Council have refused a care home's bid to build a seven-bedroom extension in a neighbouring garden, citing overbearing impact and loss of private amenity space.
Planners at Dudley Council have refused a care home's bid to build a seven-bedroom extension in a neighbouring garden, citing overbearing impact and loss of private amenity space.
The DWP has confirmed Universal Credit payments will increase from April 2026, with the two-child limit abolished. See the full list of new rates for singles, couples, and parents.
House prices in affluent Solihull have dropped by an average of £25,000. Discover why this could be the perfect moment for house-hunters to explore this desirable West Midlands town.
Property values in Stafford jumped 12% last year, the second highest rise in the UK. Discover what this means for homeowners and the local market.
A developer seeks to build a two-bedroom home next to the Grosvenor Arms in Worcester. Planning officers recommend approval, with councillors set to make the final decision on 22 January.
Ditch shop-bought flatbreads with this simple yeast-free naan recipe from Bored of Lunch's Nate Anthony. Uses just Greek yoghurt and self-raising flour. Ready in 15 minutes!
A new report reveals the best UK commuter towns for 2026, featuring three West Midlands hotspots. Discover where affordability meets quality of life.
DWP forecasts reveal welfare spending will cost the average UK household £12,266 per year by 2031, a £2,300 rise from 2023. Find out what's driving the increase.
Property values in the affluent West Midlands town of Solihull dropped by over £25,000 on average last year, ranking it fourth nationally for price falls. Discover the latest market data and expert insights.
The DWP will formally introduce a Bill to lift the two-child benefit cap on Thursday, January 8. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden calls it a £3bn investment in children's futures.
A stunning £3 million Buckinghamshire home could be yours for just £10 in Raffle House's latest draw. Enter now for a chance to win this Grand Designs-style property.
Stafford in the West Midlands saw the UK's second highest house price rise, adding over £34,000 to average values. Discover the regional trends and expert advice for buyers.
UK house prices fell 0.4% month-on-month in December 2025, with annual growth slowing to 0.6%. Discover how the West Midlands and other regions performed and the 2026 outlook.
PM Keir Starmer says benefit changes, including scrapping the two-child cap, will leave millions 'hundreds of pounds better off' this year. Read the full cost-of-living update.
The NHS advises a 'two-hour rule' on alcohol and other key lifestyle changes to ease Restless Legs Syndrome symptoms like tingling and pain at night. Learn the signs and when to see a GP.
Nationwide's latest data reveals an unexpected 0.4% monthly fall in UK house prices in December 2025, with annual growth slowing sharply. Experts warn the market stagnation is likely to persist through 2026. Read the full analysis.
UK house price growth slowed to 0.6% annually in December 2025, but Nationwide forecasts a rebound to 2-4% in 2026. Northern Ireland led with 9.7% growth. Get the full market analysis.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces a 6.2% above-inflation rise to Universal Credit for 2026, alongside the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap. Find out how the changes will affect claimants.
PM Keir Starmer vows 2026 will bring lower energy bills and scrapped benefit caps, offering relief to households. Read his full statement and analysis.
Lloyds data reveals the UK's top property towns for 2025, with Plymouth leading and two West Midlands locations making the list. Discover the full ranking and price growth.
Key DWP Universal Credit changes for 2026 include a 6.2% allowance rise, a halved sickness payment for new claimants, and the scrapping of the two-child limit. Learn what action you need to take.
Lloyds Bank reveals UK areas where house prices fell sharply, with one town seeing values drop over £36,000. Expert advice on navigating the shifting property market.
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton explains his 'practical' approach to tackling child poverty, defending his relationship with government ministers. Read his full Q&A.
The DWP confirms a £24.76 monthly increase for single Universal Credit claimants from April 2026, part of wider benefit changes and a National Living Wage hike. Discover how the reforms will affect you.
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.
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.
The DWP's decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap is sparking debate. Parents on Universal Credit share their stories of receiving up to £1,590 monthly. Read the full reaction.
Labour's new rule means pensioners with only state income won't pay tax from 2027, but critics warn of unfairness for those who saved. Discover the full impact.
A major DWP policy shift sees benefits rise for families. A Leicestershire mum explains how the change impacts her life and finances. Read the full story.
Universal Credit claimants to receive up to £465 more per year after government rule change. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces budget measures to cut living costs.