Amber cold health alert issued for UK as temperatures drop
An eight-day amber cold health alert is in force across northern England, warning of serious health risks for vulnerable people as temperatures plummet. Check on elderly neighbours.
An eight-day amber cold health alert is in force across northern England, warning of serious health risks for vulnerable people as temperatures plummet. Check on elderly neighbours.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces the Help to Save scheme is now permanent, offering Universal Credit claimants a 50% bonus on savings, up to £1,200. Learn how to apply.
Four city centre hotels in Birmingham have adopted the 'Ask for Angela' initiative, offering discreet help to anyone feeling unsafe. Staff are trained to assist by calling a taxi or security.
The DWP has issued a critical warning to benefit claimants about upcoming payment suspensions in May. Find out if you're affected and what you need to do now to avoid losing your income.
Birmingham New Street station hosted a free Christmas dinner for over 100 vulnerable and homeless people on Christmas Eve, offering festive cheer and community support. Read the heartwarming story.
The DWP is launching home visits to assist vulnerable households with benefit claims. Find out if you qualify, how visits work, and what happens during an appointment.
The DWP is rolling out home visits to help vulnerable people with benefit claims. Find out who is eligible and how the new support scheme works.
Birmingham City Council approves sale of former Harborne Day Centre site for a new food store, part of property sales to tackle financial crisis. Read the full story.
The DWP has issued nearly 200,000 sanctions to migrants on Universal Credit for breaking rules, averaging over 200 per day. Read the full story on the welfare system crackdown.
DWP claimants risk having payments stopped if hospitalised over Christmas and fail to report it. Learn the crucial steps to protect your claim and avoid sanctions.
Four men have been convicted for the horrific sexual exploitation and rape of a vulnerable 16-year-old girl from Birmingham. Read the full details of the shocking case.
The DWP will increase in-person assessments for PIP and Work Capability claims, aiming to reform welfare, clear backlogs, and save £1.9bn. Find out what this means for claimants.
Major DWP changes to the Motability Scheme, including a new 12% insurance premium and VAT removal on top-ups, could force some PIP claimants to exit. Learn the full financial impact.
Plans for a new safe centre in Birmingham to house vulnerable children have been narrowly approved by councillors, despite concerns over the demolition of heritage buildings. The facility aims to address a critical local shortage.
Millions on DWP benefits must note altered payment dates over Christmas and New Year due to bank holidays. Plan your finances now to avoid bill payment issues.
Thousands living abroad will lose access to full UK state pensions under new DWP rules. Chancellor Rachel Reeves ends Class 2 voluntary NICs for overseas residents. Read the full details.
Plans for a vital 20-bed safe centre in Erdington to support vulnerable West Midlands children are recommended for approval, addressing a critical regional shortage.
The DWP is issuing a second December payment, a £10 Christmas Bonus, to PIP, ESA, DLA claimants and state pensioners. Find out when it arrives and who is eligible.
Vulnerable households could receive £25 payments this December if temperatures plummet. Find out if you're eligible for the DWP's Cold Weather Payment scheme.
Young Universal Credit claimants risk losing payments if they refuse job offers under strict new DWP rules. The scheme targets 900,000 people to cut the welfare bill. Read the full details.
Young people on Universal Credit must accept job offers or risk losing benefits under a new government scheme aiming to cut welfare bills and boost workforce numbers. Read the full details.
Property magnate Liv Cooke says vandals attacked her HMO, delaying housing for vulnerable women. The 26-year-old entrepreneur reports 'No HMO' graffiti in Oldham.
A vulnerable woman on 24-hour watch died after being left alone in a toilet at a Grimsby mental health facility. The inquest heard of multiple failings in her care.
New DWP figures reveal over 114,000 people on key benefits are waiting for a Work Capability Assessment. Get the latest on the assessment backlog and what it means for claimants.
The DWP is scrapping legacy benefits, forcing migration to Universal Credit. Campaigners warn disabled people are at high risk of destitution and harm as payments are terminated.
An urgent fundraising appeal launches in Newport to provide gifts and essentials for 300 vulnerable children this Christmas. Donate via the Newport Live GoFundMe page.
The DWP's annual £10 Christmas Bonus is being paid automatically to eligible claimants, including those on PIP, DLA and ESA. Find out if you qualify and what to do if you don't receive it.
Ofcom issues its largest fine of the year to Virgin Media for putting vulnerable telecare customers at risk during the digital landline switch. Full details on the regulator's action.
The DWP confirms managed migration of all ESA claimants to Universal Credit will be completed by March 2026. Find out how this affects your benefits and what you must do.
Universal Credit claimants will receive an inflation-beating increase of up to £465 annually from April 2026. Find out how the DWP rule change affects you.