Universal Credit Hits 8.3M as Welfare Shake-Up Looms
DWP figures reveal Universal Credit claims have grown by 2 million, reaching 8.3 million recipients, with only 32% in employment. A major benefits restructuring takes effect in April 2026.
Category : Community
Missing Birmingham Mum Found Safe After Police Search
West Mercia Police confirm Louise Clarke, 43, has been located 'safe and well' after going missing from Wythall on Saturday night. The urgent public appeal helped resolve the case.
17-Year-Old Arrested in Birmingham on Terrorism Allegations
A 17-year-old boy has been detained in Aston, Birmingham, on suspicion of possessing articles and documents for terrorism purposes following a pre-planned counter-terrorism operation by West Midlands Police.
Best Places to Live in West Midlands: Reader Picks
Discover the top towns and neighborhoods in the West Midlands, from affluent suburbs to quaint villages, as chosen by readers for their charm, amenities, and community spirit.
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Barry Man's WWII Evacuation Story Published After TV Interview
John Holmes, 91, from Barry Athletic Bowls Club, has released a book detailing his life as a child evacuee from London to Cornwall during WWII, inspired by a 1995 television interview. The memoir includes over 100 photos and covers his post-war experience
Great Glen Crematorium Hosts Mother's Day Memorial Event
Great Glen Crematorium opens its chapel for a Mother's Day memorial event, offering a space for reflection and tribute to lost loved ones. Visitors can write messages on tags for a memorial tree or cards for a white post box.
Nottingham Solicitors Raise £2.3M for Cancer Research
Smalleys Solicitors has pledged over £2.3 million to Cancer Research UK through its free will-writing service, with nearly 1,000 wills written and 95% of clients including the charity as a beneficiary.
Machete Carjacking at Tesco Car Park in Burton-on-Trent
A man was threatened with a machete during a terrifying carjacking at a Tesco car park in Burton-on-Trent. Staffordshire Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses.
Prescot Fashion Show Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Charity
A charity fashion show in Prescot on May 21 will feature catwalks, survivor stories, and live music to support Breast Mates, with tickets selling fast for this annual event.
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Mother's Day Flower Workshop for Bereaved at Gedling Crematorium
Gedling Crematorium invites those missing mothers or bereaved of children to a special flower workshop and memorial tribute event for Mother's Day, offering comfort and remembrance.
Housebuilders Donate to Bedfordshire Hospital ICU Refurbishment
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes have donated £1,500 to Bedfordshire Hospital NHS Charity to refurbish relatives' rooms in the adult ICU, enhancing support for patients and families.
Amazon Cuts World Book Day Costumes to £3.80
Amazon has dramatically reduced prices on World Book Day costumes, including Harry Potter, Cat in the Hat, and Snow White outfits, with deals starting at just £3.80 ahead of the March 5 event.
DWP's 'Right to Try' Benefits Work Rules Face Overhaul Demands
The Social Security Advisory Committee demands major revisions to DWP's new 'Right to Try' policy for Universal Credit, PIP, and ESA claimants, warning current rules could still discourage disabled people from seeking employment.
Katie Price Sets Record Straight on Pregnancy Speculation
Katie Price has addressed pregnancy rumours on Instagram, confirming she is not expecting a child with new husband Lee Andrews despite earlier hints.
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Dover and Deal Urged to Apply for Armed Forces Day Funding
Local groups in Dover and Deal are encouraged to apply for up to £10,000 in government grants to host Armed Forces Day events this summer, celebrating military service.
Police Incident Near Villa Park: Roads Closed
West Midlands Police have cordoned off Trinity Road and Witton Lane near Villa Park following a vehicle collision involving a smashed car and an HGV. Traffic is being diverted as investigations continue.
Pope Gregory XIII's 1582 Calendar Reform Erased Ten Days
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, skipping ten days to correct timekeeping errors from the Julian system. This change was adopted gradually worldwide, with only four countries still not using it today.
Murder Arrests After Fatal Stabbing in Birmingham
A man in his 20s died at the scene of a stabbing on Wood Green Road in Winson Green. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder as police launch an investigation.
Two Arrested in Birmingham Murder Probe After Fatal Stabbing
A man in his 20s was stabbed to death on Wood Green Road, Winson Green. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder as police launch a full investigation.
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Lincoln Family Fundraises for Baby Heart Charity After Diagnosis
A Lincoln family is raising funds for Tiny Tickers after their unborn son was diagnosed with a severe heart defect. Steve will run the Lincoln 10K to support the charity's work in early detection and family support.
Chelmsley Wood Gets £20m Community-Led Funding Boost
Chelmsley Wood East, one of Solihull's most deprived areas, will benefit from a £20 million government grant. Local residents will decide how to spend the funds on projects like public art and lighting.
Universal Credit Shake-Up Triggers Soaring Council Tax Bills
New Universal Credit claimants face council tax increases of thousands annually after DWP migration, with some bills jumping from £11 to £200 monthly, prompting legal challenges and warnings.
Nottingham Most Dangerous in Midlands, Beats Birmingham
New crime data analysis reveals Nottingham has the highest crime rate in the Midlands, ranking 9th nationally, while Birmingham places 19th. The figures adjust for population to show true danger levels.
Birmingham Man Jailed for Eight-Year Domestic Abuse Campaign
Craig Frewin, 33, sentenced to 45 months for controlling behavior and assaults including throwing a paving slab and dropping a lit cigarette on his partner during years of systematic abuse.
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Missing Mum Found Alive After 24 Years of Secret Life
Michele Hundley Smith, who vanished in 2001 after leaving to do Christmas shopping, has been located alive and well by authorities, living a secret double life for over two decades.
Solihull Man Charged After Drugs and Weapon Seized in Raid
A 28-year-old man from Solihull has been charged with multiple offences after police recovered Class-A drugs and an extendable baton from a Birmingham address.
Machete Attack in Bolton Shop Leaves Family Terrified
A violent machete attack inside a Bolton off-licence forced a mother and her children to cower in terror. Dale Dean, 27, has been jailed for six years after the shocking incident.
HSBC Birmingham Reopens After Protest Vandalism
The HSBC branch in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter has reopened after being targeted by 'People Against Genocide' activists who smashed windows and sprayed red paint. Police continue their investigation into the January incident.
Police Appeal to Find Walsall-Linked Man Wanted for Breach
West Midlands Police have launched a public appeal to find Ant Derry, 34, who is wanted for allegedly breaching a non-molestation order and has links to the Walsall area.
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Coventry Teen Michael Ababio Stabbed to Death, Murder Probe
An 18-year-old Coventry teenager, Michael Ababio, was tragically stabbed to death on Broad Street. Police have launched a murder investigation and arrested a suspect, while his twin brother pays heartfelt tribute.
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