Means-Tested State Pension Call for UK from Australian
An Australian with a means-tested pension urges the DWP to adopt the model. Times specialist says the unpopular idea persists because it addresses fiscal pressures.
Category : Community
Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts pregnant with first child
Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts, 40, reveals she is five months pregnant with her first child. She shared the news on Christmas Day with a bump photo. Read more.
£4,300 DWP Pension Credit Unclaimed by 900,000
The DWP is urging nearly one million eligible pensioner couples over 66 to claim Pension Credit, a benefit worth up to £4,300 annually that also unlocks free TV licences and council tax reductions.
Tipton father avoids jail for Christmas Eve assault
A Tipton father who attacked his daughter after 15 beers on Christmas Eve receives a suspended sentence. Read the shocking details of the holiday cottage violence.
5 Common Mistakes That Stop State Pension Payments
Revealed: Five common errors that can halt or reduce your DWP state pension. Learn how to protect your income and avoid costly underpayments.
Over-70s face compulsory eye tests and driving ban
Drivers over 70 could be banned from driving if they fail to attend a compulsory eye test under new government road safety plans. Learn about the proposals and expert reactions.
Two pints of Stella exceed drink-drive limit
A TikTok creator's experiment shows how two pints of Stella Artois can put you over the drink-drive limit. Learn the UK laws and the alarming risks of drink-driving.
Two arrested after Christmas Day murder in Wolverhampton
A murder probe is underway after a man was fatally stabbed on Burcot Avenue, Wolverhampton, in the early hours of Christmas Day 2025. Two men are in custody as police appeal for witnesses.
Pensioners confused by DWP's £10 festive payment
UK state pensioners express confusion over a £10 DWP Christmas bonus, with critics calling the £186m annual cost wasteful. Discover the full story.
Dad avoids jail after Christmas Eve assault on daughter
A Tipton father who attacked his daughter after drinking 15 pints on Christmas Eve has received a suspended sentence. Read the shocking details of the family holiday turned violent.
State Pension payment changes for Christmas confirmed
The DWP confirms earlier State Pension payments over the festive period. Some pensioners could receive £705 next Wednesday. Check if you're affected.
£4,300 Pension Credit Boost Unclaimed by 910,000 Households
Almost one million eligible UK households are missing out on an average £4,300 annual income boost from Pension Credit. The DWP and Age UK urge pensioners to check eligibility now.
76% of UK car thefts went unsolved last year
Shocking data reveals 76% of UK car thefts were unsolved in 2024, with critics warning the crime is 'effectively decriminalised'. Discover which police forces performed worst and what action is being demanded.
Police hunt Porsche driver who fled Upper Tean crash
Staffordshire Police are searching for a Porsche driver who fled a multi-vehicle collision on Cheadle Road, Upper Tean, with his small black dog. Witnesses report up to 10 cars involved.
Cocaine gang leader jailed for 17 years after courier link
William Free, ringleader of a major South West drugs network, has had his sentence increased to 17 years. His gang was uncovered due to his link to a Birmingham courier, Anthony Cunningham. Read the full investigation details.
Calls to Scrap State Pensioner Christmas Bonus
A leading financial writer calls for the DWP to end the £10 Christmas Bonus for pensioners, calling it an unaffordable 'charade'. Read the full debate.
DWP to pay £921 state pension early due to bank holiday
Thousands of state pensioners will receive their £921 payment early next Wednesday due to the New Year's Day bank holiday. The DWP confirms the early payment policy for claimants.
Police warn of Boxing Day online shopping scams
West Midlands Police urge vigilance against fake websites and phishing emails targeting Boxing Day bargain hunters. Follow their 10 essential tips to stay safe online.
Teenagers jailed for Alum Rock park stabbing
Three teenagers have been sentenced for a vicious stabbing in Morris Park, Alum Rock, which left a 15-year-old boy with life-changing injuries. Read the full court details.
Former Walsall newspaper offices to become apartments
Plans submitted to convert historic Walsall Observer offices into four one-bed flats. Decision expected February 2026. Read the latest on this Bridge Street development.
Rochdale's Creative Scene: Youth Arts, Theatre & Festivals
From Ebor Studio's youth project for 16-21 year olds to The Curtain Theatre's latest play, discover the vibrant arts and culture events happening in Rochdale. Find out dates and how to get involved.
Enchanting Archive Photos of Cheshire's History Unearthed
A captivating collection of historical images from Macclesfield, Bosley, and Poynton showcases local pubs, libraries, and community events from the 1910s to 1970s. Explore Cheshire's heritage.
Teenagers jailed for stabbing boy eight times in park
Three teenagers have been sentenced for a vicious stabbing in a Birmingham park. The 15-year-old victim required eight hours of surgery. Read the full court report.
Birmingham 1978: A Look Back Through Rare Photos
Step back to 1978 Birmingham. See the old Bull Ring, stars at the NEC, and a city transforming. Explore 26 archive photos revealing a different world.
Birmingham's Golden Eagle pub stripped bare in 1984
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.
Birmingham 9th in UK for Illegal Sports Streaming
Birmingham is a major hotspot for illegal sports streaming, with residents facing prison and fines. FACT is targeting the West Midlands in a national piracy crackdown.
State pension age rises from 2026: Key facts
The UK state pension age is set to increase from 66 to 67 starting in 2026. Find out exactly when you can claim and how to plan for the changes.
Birmingham in Top 10 for Illegal Sports Streaming
Birmingham is a major hotspot for illegal sports streaming searches, new data reveals. Residents risk heavy fines and prison. Discover the shocking figures and legal warnings.
Homeless charity St Basils 'saved our lives' say young people
Young people once sleeping rough in Birmingham reveal how St Basils charity transformed their lives. Hear their emotional stories from the Big Sleepout event that raised over £43,000.
Skateboarding dad builds garden ramp to bond with son
Bobby Male, a former skateboarding star in China, built a ramp for his 10-year-old son Ernie. He says the sport keeps kids active and out of trouble. Read their inspiring story.
Page 475 of 580