DWP's new anti-fraud powers to save £1.5bn
The DWP unveils a major crackdown on benefit fraud with new data powers to prevent overpayments and recover billions. Discover the new 'no hiding place' measures.
The DWP unveils a major crackdown on benefit fraud with new data powers to prevent overpayments and recover billions. Discover the new 'no hiding place' measures.
Discover Cheltenham's festive magic with four unique Christmas markets, an ice rink, and independent shopping, just a 35-minute train ride from Birmingham. Plan your perfect Christmas day out.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.
Kelly Osbourne receives Lord Mayor's Award for late father Ozzy and reveals her family's heartfelt Birmingham Christmas market tradition with son Sidney. Read her touching tribute.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
Discover how Birmingham's Christmas celebrations have transformed over the last century through 26 nostalgic photographs showing festive markets, decorations and community spirit.
Birmingham's two Christmas markets go head-to-head in our festive comparison. Discover which market offers the best food, gifts and atmosphere this winter season.
From a controversial 24/7 casino approval to a rejected 'battery farm' HMO and a UK-first robotic pharmacy. Get the full update on Sandwell Council's major decisions this week.
Discover five magical Christmas markets across the West Midlands this December 2025. From Birmingham's Cathedral Square to a Victorian market in Sutton Coldfield, find unique gifts and festive fun.
Merry Hill announces extended Christmas shopping hours, a new North Pole Express with Santa, and a festive artisan market. Plan your visit to the West Midlands centre now!
The Financial Conduct Authority is investigating WHSmith after a £50m accounting error wiped £600m from its market value. Read the latest on the executive fallout.
A West Midlands programme has helped 2,000 SMEs secure £4.2m. Businesses urge its continuation as funding ends in March 2026. Read more and see how to attend the final summit.
Chloe Brinn, 28, receives £250k compensation after childhood sexual abuse led to psychosis and inability to work. Read her powerful story of survival and justice.
Worcestershire County Council paid PwC £325,000 to devise 'One Worcestershire' unitary authority plans. The controversial cost was revealed during a scrutiny panel meeting.
Discover why Stratford-upon-Avon's traditional Victorian Christmas market is a cheaper, more atmospheric alternative to Birmingham's for 2025. Plan your festive visit now!
A Dunstable warehouse worker wept after winning an £80,000 Range Rover for just 22p. Discover how Daniel Bulai's life was changed by BOTB's prize draw.
Young conservationists in Erewash receive awards for creating wildlife-friendly gardens. Discover how local children are transforming urban spaces into biodiversity havens.
Discover 9 enchanting villages and towns near Birmingham perfect for a festive day trip this Christmas. Find cosy escapes, traditional markets, and winter walks.
Discover five enchanting Christmas market breaks across Europe with incredible savings. From Paris to Tallinn, book these festive getaways before they sell out.
Solihull councillor demands investigation into why people avoid buses despite regular services. West Midlands Mayor agrees to research boosting public transport patronage.
West Midlands Mayor launches Youth Plan to create 20,000 training opportunities, tackling youth unemployment rates double the national average in some areas.
Enter to win one of three brilliant Christmas game night bundles from VR Distribution and asmodee. Perfect for family fun or party nights. Competition closes 7th December.
UK bank deposit protection soars to £120,000 from December 1st. Discover how this 41% increase safeguards your savings and boosts financial confidence.
West Midlands Metro tram fares are set to increase in the new year. The hike, approved by transport bosses, aims to ensure the network's long-term financial sustainability.
Former Strictly pro Ola Jordan says Vicky Pattison was 'stitched up' with a week eight jive, leading to her emotional elimination. Discover why she was the 'most improved'.
HMRC begins deducting up to £300 from state pensioners' accounts from Monday. Learn if you're affected and how the new Winter Fuel Payment system works.
Rightmove is facing a £1 billion legal claim for allegedly charging unfair fees to UK estate agents. The case could impact the entire property market.
Which? reveals Lloyds, esure, and Rentokil have the worst home insurance claim acceptance rates in Britain. Discover the data and what it means for your policy.
Enter to win an overnight stay for two at the new Radisson RED London Twickenham. Prize includes dinner, breakfast & a stadium tour. Enter before 14 Dec 2025!
Kevin Clarke's stunning photo of an emerald damselfly wins a Nottinghamshire nature competition. Discover how the image promotes local wildlife recovery strategies.