Birmingham leader on 'grown up' talks not 'megaphone war'
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton explains his 'practical' approach to tackling child poverty, defending his relationship with government ministers. Read his full Q&A.
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton explains his 'practical' approach to tackling child poverty, defending his relationship with government ministers. Read his full Q&A.
Former soldier Dan Vaughan, who struggled after leaving the army, is rebuilding his life thanks to a veteran-specific HMO scheme in Solihull. Discover how the project offers housing and support.
Shoppers are racing to snap up the popular Nobody's Child Blue V-Neck Relaxed Cardigan, now reduced to £39 in the Boxing Day sales. The 'lovely' knit has drawn rave reviews for its style and softness.
Vulnerable Blackpool residents can apply for up to £300 in energy bill support. The scheme, funded by the DWP, runs until 31 March 2026. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
Over 100,000 UK families will no longer need to file a self-assessment tax return to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. The new HMRC system collects it via PAYE. Find out if you're affected.
Joanne Lewis, 57, gives up her Christmas to answer calls on Marie Curie's free support line, offering vital emotional support to those facing death and bereavement during the festive season.
A Nottingham mum-of-three will see her Universal Credit rise to £32,480 a year after Labour scraps the two-child benefit cap. She says the change will make her 'big family dream' a reality.
A Welsh family will see their Universal Credit rise to £2,770 a month after Labour's Budget scrapped the two-child limit. Discover how the change impacts 560,000 families.
The DWP's decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap is sparking debate. Parents on Universal Credit share their stories of receiving up to £1,590 monthly. Read the full reaction.
The Labour government abolishes the controversial two-child benefit limit, a move hailed to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty immediately. Read the full story.
Millions on Universal Credit will see a 6.2% payment increase from April, while disability top-ups face cuts. Get the full details on the welfare shake-up.
HMRC urges UK parents to check eligibility for backdated Child Benefit payments worth up to £2,500. Act before the mid-January deadline to secure this vital financial support.
Bereavement counsellor Sharon Jenkins from Marie Curie offers practical guidance for managing grief during the festive season, including creating a 'Plan B' and establishing new traditions.
Jason Bennett shares his grief and journey of survival five years after his children, Lacey and John-Paul, were murdered by Damien Bendall in Killamarsh. Read his story and how he honours their memory.
Sir Tom Jones shares the poignant final request from his wife of 59 years, Linda, before her 2016 cancer death, inspiring a song on his new album. Discover the story of their lifelong love.
Shocking figures reveal HMRC's anti-fraud pilot wrongly stopped child benefit for 60% of targeted families. Discover the full scale of the government's admission.
HMRC urges UK households earning under £80,000 to check Child Benefit eligibility. You could be missing out on over £1,300 per child. Act now.
RAF veteran Barrie Griffiths urges Hertfordshire residents to post messages of support for veterans this Christmas via Help for Heroes. Small gestures can combat loneliness.
Redrow South Midlands' Community Fund has awarded £2,600 to three Cambridgeshire organisations, supporting youth sports and adult disability services. Discover how the donations are making a difference.
Struggling families in Leicestershire can claim up to £170 in free supermarket vouchers via the DWP's Household Support Fund. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply.
The DWP's Household Support Fund will pause on 19th December, with payments not restarting until 5th January 2026. Leicestershire residents are urged to check eligibility for food and fuel vouchers.
Lifting Children's Hopes (LCH Charity) has delivered over 2,400 festive gifts to disadvantaged children and teenagers across the East Midlands this Christmas, combating child poverty.
Barchester Healthcare launches a national campaign with 12 practical tips to support vulnerable people this festive season, highlighting the vital work of carers.
Ramsdale Park Golf Centre celebrates a year of community fundraising, donating £32,000 to Emmanuel House and Cystic Fibrosis support. Discover how members made a difference.
Struggling UK households begin receiving £100 payments via the Household Support Fund. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for this vital help with energy and food bills.
Low-income households can apply for emergency cost-of-living payments from councils. Grants of up to £200 can help with food and energy bills. Apply now for pre-Christmas support.
St Clare Hospice encourages anyone struggling with loss to call the free, confidential GriefLine (01279 945089) this winter. Support is available weekdays 9am-5pm, with extended hours Tues & Thurs.
Major welfare reform sees two-child benefit limit axed, lifting thousands of Birmingham children from poverty. Hundreds of pounds extra monthly for larger families from April.
Channel 5 star Jane McDonald speaks candidly about life after losing partner Eddie Rothe to lung cancer and her plans for a friends-first Christmas. Read her emotional interview.
The UK Government has launched its most significant child poverty plan in years, aiming to lift 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030. Key measures include lifting the two-child benefit cap and tackling temporary accommodation. Read the full details.