Contactless rail payments lead to higher fares for some
Rail passengers in southeast England face higher fares as contactless payment rollout aligns with TfL peak times. Some off-peak tickets are now more expensive.
Rail passengers in southeast England face higher fares as contactless payment rollout aligns with TfL peak times. Some off-peak tickets are now more expensive.
Staffordshire County Council's Reform UK-led efficiency review identifies £2.67 million in savings, impacting mobile libraries, voluntary sector contracts, and concessionary fares. Details of the financial strategy to be published in January.
The rollout of contactless payments on UK railways has led to higher peak-time fares and reduced off-peak options, sparking criticism from MPs and passenger groups. Find out how the changes affect your journey.
The Ursid meteor shower peaks over the UK on December 22. Discover how to see up to 10 shooting stars per hour, with expert tips on timing and location for the best view.
Two motorised paragliders had a dramatic near-miss at Peak Wildlife Park, Staffordshire, almost landing in an enclosure with two polar bears. Read the full story of their lucky escape.
Tesco advises shoppers to freeze butter to extend its life and save money. With prices rising, this simple hack can reduce food waste and help household budgets.
Metro tram fares across the West Midlands will increase from 2 January 2026. Find out the new prices for single, day, and monthly tickets and the reasons behind the changes.
Pensioners on the old basic state pension will see a £440 annual rise from April 2026, while those on the new system get £575. Find out if you're eligible and how the triple lock works.
Pensioners born before 1951 will see a £440 annual increase from April 2026 under the triple lock. Discover how the two-tier system affects payments and the future of the policy.
Millions of UK pensioners will see their state pension rise by £575 next year due to the triple lock. Find out how this above-inflation increase affects you and the debate it sparks.
UK police launch a national crackdown on uninsured driving. Offenders face £300 fines, 6 points, and future car insurance premiums could rise by around £1,000. Learn the consequences.
Staffordshire firefighters attended over 1,000 extra emergencies this summer as wildfires surged. The chief fire officer warns climate change is now a year-round operational reality. Read the full report.
UK drivers face a costly Christmas as petrol and diesel prices see their sharpest monthly rise since April 2024. The RAC warns of festive travel squeeze. Find out how to save.
HMRC has published the phased implementation dates for major tax reforms from the Autumn Budget, affecting savings, property, and pensions. Discover how and when the changes will impact you.
A £264.1 million government funding package will transform bus services in Birmingham and the West Midlands, aiming for lower fares and more reliable journeys. Discover how this investment will impact your commute.
Motorists face higher road tax from April 2026 as 13 VED bands increase due to inflation, with the highest band rising by £30. Find out how the changes affect you.
A new petition urges the DWP to apply the Triple Lock increase equally to both pension types, arguing the current gap is unfair. Chancellor confirms commitment.
Virgin Money is increasing the monthly fee for its Club M packaged current account by £1.50 to £14 from February 2026. Find out what the change means for your banking costs and included benefits.
A Vinted expert reveals how a friendly, non-salesy message to users who favourite items can increase sales by 30-50%. Discover the free strategy that's transforming second-hand selling.
Drivers of electric vehicles could face a higher pay-per-mile tax rate if they under-declare mileage. The new Labour eVED scheme will involve annual checks, sparking industry concerns about fairness and the switch to EVs.
Millions of UK workers can unlock a hidden pay boost worth £277k through auto-enrolment pensions. Discover how your employer adds free money to your savings.
Tesco Mobile pledges to freeze basic monthly prices for its 5.4 million customers, offering bill certainty amid widespread mid-contract hikes from rivals like O2.
Discover Castleton, a beautiful Peak District village near Birmingham that transforms into a magical winter wonderland with cosy pubs, festive lights, and carols in a cave.
Pensioners born before 1953 will receive a £8.45 weekly state pension increase from April 2026 due to the triple lock. Discover the financial impact.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves ends the fuel duty freeze, introducing a 57.95p per litre charge by 2027. Discover the full impact on motorists and new EV taxes.
Discover why a trip from Birmingham to the enchanting Hope Valley village of Castleton, with its twinkling lights and cosy pubs, was an almost perfect festive escape.
Discover Castleton, a fairytale Derbyshire village that transforms into a magical Christmas destination with caves, carols, and quaint shops. Plan your festive visit!
DWP announces 3.8% PIP increase from April 2026, with claimants receiving up to £194.60 weekly. Learn eligibility criteria and how to apply for Personal Independence Payment.
Millions of UK pensioners born before 1951 will see a £440 state pension increase from April 2026. Discover how the triple lock impacts your payments.
Millions of UK state pensioners will receive a £575 annual increase from April 2026. Discover how the triple lock policy impacts your pension payments and what it means for you.