Winter Fuel Payments: £300 Boost for 9 Million
Millions of pensioners to receive £200 or £300 Winter Fuel Payments automatically in November, with new £35,000 income threshold affecting eligibility.
Category : Community
Government rules out UK VPN ban under Burnham
The government has ruled out banning or restricting VPNs under the Online Safety Act. The decision follows a public consultation on children's online safety, confirming no age checks will be required for VPN use.
Burnham cuts pension payments for 3 million over-65s
Around 3 million pensioners born before 1960 face reduced monthly payments as HMRC claws back Winter Fuel Payments they no longer qualify for. Deductions start at £17 a month, rising to £33 next April.
DWP state pension age rise to 68 'unfair' for millions
Three in five people aged 60-65 think their State Pension age is unfair, as DWP considers bringing the rise to 68 forward to 2037-39, affecting five million born 1971-77.
Brothers Trial Over Christmas Day Murder
Two brothers are standing trial accused of murdering a man on Christmas Day in Wolverhampton, with the prosecution alleging a sustained attack.
Hope Rescue Launches Healing Paws Appeal After Maggie Found
Hope Rescue's summer appeal 'Healing Paws' launches after Maggie, an emaciated Cocker Spaniel, was found still producing milk. The charity spends £300k annually on vet bills.
Salford Street Party Celebrates Lottery Good Causes
Salford residents joined a street party to celebrate the reopening of Amit Patel's One Stop store and the £700,000 raised for National Lottery Good Causes through sales at the shop.
DWP warned over Universal Credit plan for under-22s
Charities warn restricting Universal Credit health benefits for under-22s born after 2004 could push many into poverty, urging a progressive reform approach.
Charities urge DWP to shield 184,000 young claimants from cuts
Leading charities have written to DWP minister Pat McFadden and Alan Milburn urging the government to protect 184,000 young Universal Credit claimants from potential cuts, citing evidence that benefit reductions worsen health and deepen poverty.
Ghost tapping scam: protect your contactless payments
Ghost tapping is a contactless fraud tactic where scammers initiate payments without your approval. Experts warn it can happen in crowded places. Learn how to spot and avoid it, and what to do if you're a victim.
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Police appeal after man in 70s seriously injured in crash
A man in his 70s was seriously injured in a crash in West Midlands. Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage after the collision.
Shoplifter jailed for knife threats to staff
A prolific shoplifter has been jailed after threatening West Midlands shop workers with a knife. The 34-year-old was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court.
Bearwood mum's baby signing business ranked 12th in UK
Rowan Lowe, from Bearwood, runs Sing and Sign Birmingham, teaching 10 baby signing classes weekly. After launching in September 2024, she was ranked 12th in Club Hub UK's Top 100 Children's Activity Providers in May 2026.
Disqualified driver warned after ban breach
Onkar Bains, 51, of Wolverhampton, was given a suspended sentence and warned 'last chance saloon' after driving while disqualified, with a ban until 2029.
Stourbridge businesses support wildfire victims
Independent businesses in Stourbridge, including a gym, pub, and pet store, are offering showers, meals, and supplies to families affected by the devastating wildfires that destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others.
Father punched in front of child after crash
A father was punched several times in the face in front of his child after a car crash in Birmingham. The attacker, Darnell Thompson, was given a suspended sentence and ordered to pay £9,640 compensation.
Former Masonic lodge site in Birmingham to get 165 new homes
Plans for 165 new homes at the former Clarendon Suites site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, have been approved. The development includes 75 townhouses and 90 apartments, with councillors praising the design and density.
Three die in Shoreham sea tragedy; girl critical
A man, woman and teenage girl died after getting into difficulty in the water near Shoreham Fort; a younger girl from the same family is critical in hospital.
Kelly Osbourne's Emotional Tribute to Son Sidney
Kelly Osbourne, 41, shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to her son Sidney Wilson, calling motherhood the 'greatest privilege' and him her 'greatest love'.
31 vehicles seized in West Bromwich HMRC and DVLA operation
A multi-agency road operation in West Bromwich pulled over 79 vehicles, seizing 31 for no insurance or tax, and making four arrests for offences including theft and drug possession.
Teen arrested with zombie knife and drugs in Wolverhampton
A 16-year-old was arrested in Wolverhampton after police found a zombie knife, over 40 wraps of Class A drugs, cash, and scales. He has been referred to the Youth Offending Service.
Man seriously injured in Quinton Road West incident
A man suffered serious leg injuries following an incident at a Co-op store on Quinton Road West, Birmingham, on August 18. Police were called at 4.15pm and the air ambulance landed nearby. Enquiries are ongoing.
Police Investigate Stourbridge Wildfires, Appeal
Police are still investigating the cause of recent wildfires in Stourbridge and urge anyone with information to come forward to help the inquiry.
Quinton Road West closed after serious injury, air ambulance lands
Quinton Road West in Birmingham is closed after a man suffered serious leg injuries, with police and air ambulance at the scene. Officers were called at 4.15pm on August 18. Follow live updates.
Love Island's Ellie and Finley: Still Together? (18.08.2026)
Ellie Chadwick and Finley Maddock from Love Island 2026 are still together, with Ellie moving to London. They're not 'officially official' yet, but Finley has two weeks to make it so.
Walk in Our Shoes: Pontypridd campaign highlights parent carers
Walk in Our Shoes, a Pontypridd campaign by Behaviour Support Hub, invites families to complete 50K on August 19, 2026, to highlight the exhausting journeys of parent carers and raise awareness.
Oldbury man jailed for hit-and-run causing serious leg injuries
An Oldbury man has been jailed for a hit-and-run in Birmingham that left a man with serious leg injuries. The incident occurred on [date] and the driver fled the scene.
Travellers on three Birmingham sites as police respond
Travellers have set up encampments at three Birmingham locations, prompting a police statement. West Midlands Police say they are working with partners to resolve the situation.
West Midlands Police seize most cars in UK
West Midlands Police seized 26,272 vehicles in 2025, the highest in the UK, with lack of insurance a key factor. Total seizures over five years reached 122,977.
Arson suspect bailed after Kings Norton fire
A 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life after a fire destroyed terraced homes in Kings Norton has been bailed with conditions as investigations continue.
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