Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper is under urgent investigation by Reform UK after allegations of racist and bigoted social media comments. Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate published the claims.
A parliamentary petition calls for the state pension age to be lowered to 60, as experts warn raising it to 71 would condemn millions to poverty. Read the full story.
A think tank warns the Autumn Budget's welfare changes create a huge disparity, where non-working families could receive more than those in work. Read the full analysis.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.
Birmingham's Brindleyplace hosts a festive market on Dec 18 with local vendors like Early Bird Bakery and the Salvation Army Band. Discover food, gifts, and festive cheer.
A Midlands school has removed a classroom display and apologised after it placed Reform UK MP Lee Anderson in an 'extreme right wing' section. Read the full story and reaction.
Tenants face higher rents in 2026 as new property income taxes threaten rental supply, Nationwide warns. Experts say landlords will pass on costs. Read the full analysis.
Nationwide's latest index shows UK house prices rose by £772 in November to £272,998. Experts discuss market resilience and the outlook for 2026. Read the full analysis.
New DWP data reveals a sharp 60% rise in PIP claims for obesity since 2019, with over 4,400 now receiving the benefit. Explore the regional breakdown and political response.
The DWP has relaxed rules for parents of children with ADHD and anxiety, removing education requirements. Read about the new welfare reforms and what they mean for families.
Campaigners call for four-day school week trials in England and Wales to address teacher workload and retention crisis. Could a shorter week boost wellbeing and results?
Ex-minister Vince Cable warns the state pension Triple Lock is unsustainable, urging reform. Discover the future of UK pensions and what changes may come.
A Green councillor calls for Reform UK to screen its own figures for criminal conduct and homophobic attitudes, challenging the party's focus on asylum seekers. Read the full story.
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.
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.
Discover Alcester, a charming Warwickshire town offering a traditional Christmas with timber-framed buildings, twinkling lights, and festive events like St. Nicholas Night.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces six major DWP reforms including ending the two-child benefit cap, increasing state pensions, and overhauling disability support.
Discover unique handmade gifts at Ikon Gallery's Winter Craft Market in Brindleyplace on December 4. Support local artists and enjoy a festive shopping experience.
Co-op unveils 11 new stores this week from Scotland to Bristol as part of a £200m investment. Full list of locations and calls for business rates reform revealed.
The DWP will reassess hundreds of thousands of Carer's Allowance cases after a review uncovered government failures, with claimants facing huge overpayment demands.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a Labour revolt as she prepares to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Will the Autumn Budget welfare changes trigger a public backlash?
The DWP is launching a major new 'zero tolerance' crackdown on benefit fraud, starting in 48 hours. This coincides with the controversial £3bn lifting of the two-child benefit cap. Discover the full story.
House prices in Greets Green, West Bromwich, show dramatic split with western properties soaring 38% while eastern homes fall 18% in same period. Discover why this small suburb faces such extreme market differences.
Major rental reforms take effect in six months, banning Section 21 evictions and discrimination. Discover how the Renters' Reform Act impacts you.
Discover everything you need to know about Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market 2025, from festive stalls and live music to opening times and travel tips. Plan your visit today!
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!
Lancashire County Councillor Tom Pickup suspended from Reform UK after alleged WhatsApp messages discussing 'hardline' immigration stance and mass deportations surfaced.
Grainger Plc reports 12% income growth and 20th consecutive dividend rise, defying high interest rates. The build-to-rent leader targets £72m earnings by 2029.
Discover Shrewsbury, the charming West Midlands market town perfect for a winter getaway. Explore its independent shops, award-winning market hall, and unique dining experiences.