New claimants with health conditions will see Universal Credit support halved from April 2026, a cut of £2,652 per year. The DWP defends the move, while critics warn it will push thousands into poverty.
HS2 officials admit the 2029-2033 target for trains between London and Birmingham is unachievable. Read the latest on the project reset, costs, and local reaction.
A worrying Bank of England report shows consumer credit growth surged to 8.1% in November. Experts warn of debt risks as millions struggle with festive costs. Get free debt advice.
Barclays warns debit card holders as household finance confidence plunges. New report reveals essential spending fell 2.3% in 2025. Discover the key trends shaping UK consumer behaviour.
Vulnerable households in Kent can apply for a £90 pre-paid energy card from Thursday 8 January 2026. This final round of the Household Support Fund is first-come, first-served.
Thousands on Pension Credit and Universal Credit receive automatic £25 payments as freezing temperatures trigger DWP support. Find out if you're eligible.
Nationwide Building Society responds to customer complaints over payments pending for up to seven days. The issue follows a recent £44m fine for weak financial crime controls.
Over 670,000 UK households on benefits like Pension Credit and Universal Credit are receiving £25 Cold Weather Payments. Find out if you qualify and how the scheme works.
The DWP has triggered Cold Weather Payments for 441 postcodes, providing £25 to vulnerable households. Find out if you're eligible and when you'll be paid.
Fresh anger erupts as HS2 confirms major delay for Birmingham-London line, missing 2029-2033 target. Mayor defends project as critics blast 'white elephant'. Read the latest.
Barclays reports the steepest drop in debit and credit card spending since 2021. Discover the key trends in non-essential retail, Black Friday, and festive drinking plans.
The government has postponed controversial tax reforms for Employee Car Ownership Schemes (ECOS) until 2030 following fierce opposition from the UK automotive industry. Read the full details.
An Aston Villa supporter was escorted off an EasyJet plane by Spanish police after allegedly drinking Stella and shouting about Birmingham. The incident caused an hour's delay.
Millions on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and ESA will get a £150 cost-of-living payment off energy bills this winter. Find out if you qualify and when you'll receive it.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers gives his verdict on Mikel Merino's controversial escape from a red card in Villa's 4-1 defeat at Arsenal. Read his honest assessment here.
Millions on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and ESA will get a £150 cost-of-living payment off their energy bills this winter, with many receiving it in January. Find out if you qualify.
West Midlands Police want to identify this man after a stolen bank card was used to make purchases at several Birmingham shops in July. Can you help?
Thousands of UK state pensioners on the basic rate will receive their £706 payment early this week. The DWP confirms revised dates due to the New Year's Day bank holiday.
Dudley Council battled a £42m financial crisis, political defections, and protests over asylum seeker housing in a tumultuous 2025. Explore the key events shaping the borough's future.
Lewis Collinson, 38, admitted theft after withdrawing £26,700 in cash and selling a company van. He received an 18-month suspended sentence. Read the full court details.
A controversial red card for Birmingham City's Christoph Klarer has been slammed by pundits. Get the full analysis of the feisty Championship draw and the sending-offs that marred the match.
HS2 Ltd's CEO admits the high-speed rail line cannot open between London and Birmingham by 2033. Read the latest on the project's 'fundamental reset' and revised schedule.
HS2 Ltd CEO Mark Wild confirms the 2029-2033 opening schedule is unachievable. Read the latest on the project's 'reset' and construction progress.
The sister of Anthony Sharma, murdered by Diogo Bettencourt, shares her grief and calls for witnesses. West Midlands Police appeal for information on the brutal attack.
Aston Villa stars Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are walking a disciplinary tightrope ahead of tonight's Premier League match against Chelsea. Discover the crucial cut-off dates and potential bans.
New HMRC rules could see grieving families wait over a year to access half of inherited pension funds. Learn how the Autumn Budget changes impact you.
Former NHS, care, Armed Forces and emergency service pensioners are urged to check eligibility for a Blue Light Card to combat rising winter costs. New research shows 83% are concerned about expenses.
Birmingham City boss Chris Davies fears a calf injury for Demarai Gray and loses captain Christoph Klarer to suspension after their 1-1 draw with Derby County.
Rediscover screen-free fun this festive season. Playing classic card games like Uno and Bridge provides a powerful cognitive workout, improving problem-solving, memory, and lowering dementia risk.
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.