WASPI women get date for DWP compensation decision
The DWP must give a final decision on payouts for WASPI women by March 3. The ombudsman recommended compensation up to £2,950. Read the latest on this long-running saga.
The DWP must give a final decision on payouts for WASPI women by March 3. The ombudsman recommended compensation up to £2,950. Read the latest on this long-running saga.
Jon Venables, convicted of murdering two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, has been granted a parole hearing. His victim's mother, Denise Fergus, says the decision has 'taken away' her hope for peace.
Solihull Council's planning committee has refused a proposal to convert a house in Dene Court Road, Olton, into a children's home. The decision, driven by highway safety concerns, followed a petition and 38 objections. Read the full story.
Jon Venables, one of James Bulger's killers, has been granted a parole hearing. His victim's mother, Denise Fergus, will attend, confronting unimaginable trauma. Read the latest on this high-profile case.
Plans for a new 200-capacity community hall at Wolverhampton's Ambedkar Buddhist Centre have been refused by the council, citing insufficient parking and traffic safety concerns. Read the full story.
Sandwell councillors approve plans to convert the unique £1m Round House in Wednesbury, complete with windmill and pool, into a residential home for up to four children.
Worcester City Council has refused plans for a detached two-bedroom house on Avon Road, citing overdevelopment and loss of character. Read the full details of the rejection.
A new convenience store on a pub car park in Neston looks set for approval, a move developers say will slash the pub's rent and ensure its long-term survival. Read the full story.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was left furious with referee Andy Madley after a controversial penalty decision in the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace. Read his explosive comments and match analysis.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was left furious after a late penalty claim was ignored in the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace. Read his explosive comments on the officiating.
A Headington Co-op and Post Office has closed after 134 years, to be demolished for laboratories. Locals fear losing a vital community hub. Read the latest updates.
Frank Lampard claims Coventry City were denied a clear penalty in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Birmingham City. Read his full reaction and match analysis here.
Birmingham City were held to a draw by Southampton after a controversial goal where the referee impeded a player. Manager Chris Davies was sent off in the furious aftermath. Read the full match report.
Worcester City Council approves converting a house into a children's care home on Woolhope Road, overriding neighbours' concerns about parking and neighbourhood character.
The story of Birmingham's Golden Eagle pub, a legendary rock and disco venue stripped by patrons in 1984, now a car park. A new student block plan was recently refused. Discover the history.
Willenhall locals oppose a council plan for four children's homes on a green space, following an illegal static caravan that 'brought the neighbourhood down'. Read the full story.
Telford & Wrekin Council has refused plans for four affordable bungalows on a former Veolia depot after strong opposition from 19 local households. Read the full story.
St Michael's Church in Boldmere wins planning permission for a new car park. The scheme, which involves sensitively relocating gravestones, aims to tackle severe local parking problems. Read the full details.
Birmingham's planning committee has refused a 263-bed student accommodation tower, fearing harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall. Read the full debate.
Solihull Council has refused plans for 80 new homes on green belt land in Hockley Heath, citing unresolved flood risks. Read the full story on the local planning clash.
The Eating Inn Steakhouse in Blackpool has had its latest planning application refused. The council says the extension harms the Promenade's character. Read the full story.
Major European broadcasters boycott Eurovision 2026 after EBU confirms Israel's place. Discover which countries have withdrawn and why. Read the full story.
Several European broadcasters, including Ireland and Spain, will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision 2026 following the EBU's decision to allow Israel to compete. Read the full story.
The Bank of England's latest data shows new mortgage rates have dropped to 4.17%. Experts analyse the market ahead of the crucial interest rate decision. Read the full report.
Sandwell Council has refused plans to demolish the empty Crown Inn in Old Hill for a new shop, stating the land is reserved for future housing or employment use. Read the full details.
Millions of benefit claimants in the UK will receive a £10 Christmas bonus from the DWP. Find out if you are eligible and when to expect the payment.
The DWP has officially responded to a petition signed by over 20,600 people demanding the £10 Christmas Bonus for benefit claimants be increased to £165 to account for inflation.
The DWP is adjusting payment dates for 12 key benefits in December due to Christmas and New Year bank holidays. Find out when you'll be paid and what to do if your money is late.
The DWP is automatically paying a £10 Christmas Bonus to 24 million people on qualifying benefits. Find out if you're eligible and when to expect the payment.
From the DWP Christmas Bonus to Cold Weather Payments, discover the nine key financial changes affecting millions of UK households in December 2025. Plan your finances now.