Burnham and Healey to tax pensioners with protected payments
Labour's Andy Burnham and John Healey plan to tax state pensioners receiving 'protected payments' from pre-2016 system, despite shielding those solely on state pension.
Category : Community
Bomb squad called after 'Dappa Line' drug gang busted
Five men arrested in Sandwell and Dudley as police dismantle 'Dappa Line' County Lines operation; suspected gunpowder found, EOD team called in.
Sainsbury's thief avoids jail after stealing goods
Georgia Churchill, 29, avoided jail for stealing £79.50 from Sainsbury's and £50 of meat from a butchers, receiving a suspended sentence and community order.
Man, 79, robbed in Bromsgrove: gold jewellery stolen
A 79-year-old man was pushed to the ground and robbed of gold jewellery in Bromsgrove. Four men on bikes attacked him on Groveley Lane. Police appeal for witnesses.
Baddesley Clinton raid: 25 antiques stolen
Baddesley Clinton Hall in Warwickshire confirms 25 antiques stolen, including a historically significant Georgian silver salver. Police appeal for information.
Chepstow play area reopens after major upgrade
Families in Chepstow can enjoy a modernised community space at Castle Dell after a major improvement project completed, replacing 1960s equipment and improving accessibility.
Burnham urged to introduce France and Austria supermarket law
Andy Burnham has been urged to introduce a France and Austria supermarket law in England to tackle shrinkflation, as he promises to address the Cost of Living crisis.
Appeal after robbery at Birmingham shop
Police have launched an appeal for information after a robbery at a shop in Birmingham, releasing images of a man they want to trace.
Teen arrested after Walsall business break-in
A 16-year-old boy and two men, both 20, were arrested on suspicion of burglary after a break-in at a business in Stafford Road, Darlaston, Walsall. Police recovered a bag of tools.
Woman arrested after £1,000 thefts from Stourbridge shops
A 37-year-old woman has been arrested after nearly £1,000 worth of items were stolen from a Stourbridge shop. West Midlands Police confirmed she remains in custody for questioning.
Cathedral Abseil Raises £2,300 for Coventry Foodbank
Nine volunteers abseiled 90ft down Coventry Cathedral, raising over £2,300 for the local foodbank, which had faced record-low supplies. The funds secure emergency food until September.
Tamworth Brass Band seeks new musicians of all abilities
St John Ambulance's Tamworth Brass Band, established in 1942, invites musicians of all abilities to join weekly rehearsals every Wednesday in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Unsafe Squishy Toys Seized in West Midlands
Trading Standards seized over 100 unsafe squishy toys in Staffordshire, citing risks like skin irritation, choking, and links to illegal trading networks.
Tessa runs 59 miles for 59th Rossendale Round the Hills Walk
Tessa Walmsley will run 59 miles for the 59th Rossendale Round the Hills Walk on September 5-6, 2026, raising funds for GAND AID UK, Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue, and Rossendale Rotary.
100+ unsafe squishy toys seized in Staffordshire
More than 100 counterfeit squishy toys were seized from Staffordshire shops over safety fears including choking, burns, and harmful substances, council says.
HMRC bills for 2 million over-65s on savings interest
Two million over-65s face HMRC tax bills on savings interest, with total liability forecast at £3.34bn in 2026/27, as Andy Burnham keeps thresholds frozen.
Derby pub raises £5,000 for Macmillan in memory of regular
The Kingsway pub in Derby raised £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after a weekend of events, with over 500 attendees, in memory of Ellen Hill.
CCTV appeal after break-in at North Solihull Sports Centre
West Midlands Police issue CCTV appeal after a break-in at North Solihull Sports Centre in Chelmsley Wood on July 25, where a man stole items from the café.
Burnham urged to give cost of living payments to under-£30k
Andy Burnham faces pressure to extend cost of living payments to households earning under £30,000, as Resolution Foundation warns of energy bill risks.
Poppy tribute opens at Cardiff Castle
A new flower display featuring over 1,000 metal pink poppies has opened at Cardiff Castle, offering a place for remembrance until August 16.
Historic Bass Locomotive and Coach Seek New Home
Staffordshire County Council seeks a new accredited museum home for the 1901 Bass Saddle Tank Locomotive No. 9 and Director's Coach, currently deteriorating after the National Brewery Centre's 2022 closure.
Phone Thefts Surge in West Midlands: 200 Stolen Monthly
West Midlands Police recorded 2,544 phone thefts in 2025, averaging 212 per month. Most cases closed with no suspect identified, but police urge safety measures.
Sutton Coldfield Amazon Worker Honoured for Local Support
A Sutton Coldfield Amazon worker has been recognised for going above and beyond to support local colleagues, earning a prestigious award.
CCTV appeal after Kingstanding shop worker pushed
West Midlands Police issue CCTV appeal after a shop worker was pushed to the ground during a robbery at a Kingstanding Road store on July 5.
Police Seek Woman After Assault in Halesowen Pub
West Midlands Police release CCTV image of woman after a reported assault at a Halesowen pub on April 30. They urge public to help identify her.
Birmingham Volunteers for 2027 Jamboree in Poland
Birmingham volunteers are needed for the UK 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Poland, with roles in catering, security, and activity delivery.
Birmingham Pupils Tackle Real-Life Risks at Safety Village
Birmingham schoolchildren experience immersive safety village teaching real-life risk awareness. The initiative equips pupils with vital skills to navigate dangers, boosting community safety.
Man Seriously Injured in Acocks Green Attack
A man in his 60s was seriously injured in an attack on Fox Hollies Road, Acocks Green. Police are reviewing CCTV and appealing for information.
Police release images after Bewdley assault near pub
Two women were assaulted after leaving the Talbot pub in Bewdley; one was grabbed around the neck. Police seek two men pictured who may have information.
Mum Jailed for Smuggling Drugs in Bra to HMP Liverpool
Rachael Talbot, 50, of Kirkby, was jailed for four months after smuggling ketamine, cannabis resin, and cannabis leaf into HMP Liverpool hidden in her bra. She asked 'am I going to jail?' after sentencing.
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