Man convicted of murdering teen Lily Whitehouse
Lily Whitehouse, 19, was killed by Mohammed Azim, 41, who met her when she was 16. He pinned her against a lamppost with his truck and lied to police.
Category : Housing Issues
Quad bike horror shatters family's dream Greece holiday
A father describes the devastating quad bike accident that left his son fighting for life in a Greek hospital, with a GoFundMe appeal launched to cover mounting medical costs.
Free TV Licence Age May Drop from 75 to 66
A petition urging the Labour government to provide free TV licences for all state pensioners could be debated in Parliament if it reaches 100,000 signatures by July 21.
Rossendale Council Loses Power Over Major Housing Plans
Rossendale councillors condemn government designation allowing developers to bypass local authority for major housing applications, calling it an attack on local democracy.
Pensioners Face HMRC Bills After Withdrawal Error
A 29% rise in full pension withdrawals since 2018 has left thousands facing unexpected tax bills. Experts advise spreading withdrawals to avoid higher tax rates.
HMRC Overcharges 8 Million Pensioners Despite Labour Knowing
Labour government accused of knowing about HMRC's tax error for 12 months, resulting in 8.7 million state pensioners being overcharged. Minister confirms awareness since June 2025.
Villagers React to Asylum Seeker Housing Plan
Residents of a West Midlands village express concerns over plans to house 121 asylum seekers on their housing estate, sparking debate.
Birmingham Dad Dies in Cyprus: Inquest Opened
An inquest has opened into the death of Kirtan Singh Loha, a 49-year-old factory worker from Yardley, who died in Cyprus on June 5. Cause of death remains unknown.
Santander Warns of Father's Day Scam After Men Lose £22 Million
Santander warns of Father's Day scams after research shows men have lost £22 million to fraud in 2026, with investment and purchase scams being the biggest threats.
£18m Plan to Tackle Homelessness in Birmingham and Coventry
Over £18 million is proposed to address homelessness and rough sleeping in Birmingham and Coventry, with new supported housing units and enhanced services planned.
Two West Midlands Areas Top Supported Housing Demand
New data reveals the two West Midlands areas with the highest demand for supported housing, highlighting urgent need for more accessible homes.
IKEA Recalls Kitchen Item Over Injury Risk
IKEA has issued a recall for a common kitchen appliance due to potential injury risks. Customers urged to return product for full refund.
Newport Industrial Site Becomes 43 Affordable Homes
Work has started on transforming an empty industrial site in Newport into 43 affordable homes, developed by housing association Hedyn with Welsh Government support.
HMRC Recovers £200 Winter Fuel Payment from Pensioners
HMRC is reclaiming Winter Fuel Payments from state pensioners whose total income exceeds £35,000, affecting those earning just £22,453 with the new state pension.
New Rule for Pensioners With Incomes Over £35,000
Winter Fuel Payments now linked to income; pensioners earning over £35,000 lose eligibility for support payments from 2026.
DWP Double State Pension Payments July 1-3
State pensioners paid on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays will receive two payments in July: on July 1-3 and again on July 29-31, as confirmed by the DWP.
DWP Benefits Recipients Face Motability Mileage Cut from July 1
From July 1, Motability Scheme reduces annual mileage allowance from 20,000 to 10,000 miles, impacting disabled individuals on 7 DWP benefits with potential excess charges.
Warning Over DWP Perk Not All UC Claimants Receive
A new IPR report warns of a postcode lottery for council tax support, with winners and losers among Universal Credit claimants in England.
Former Walsall Ambulance Depot Could Become Eight-Bed HMO
Plans to convert a former ambulance depot in Walsall into an eight-bedroom HMO have been submitted. The applicant cites security reasons for the temporary proposal.
DWP Urged to End £750 Housing Perk for Benefit Claimants
A housing exchange website lists London mansions for £750 a month to benefit claimants, sparking calls for reform of social rent subsidies.
June or July Birthdays: State Pension Delayed by Three Months
The DWP is gradually raising the state pension age from 66 to 67. Those born between June 6 and July 5, 1960, must now wait until 66 years and three months to claim their pension.
DWP Payments of £740 or £965 for State Pensioners on Monday
Thousands of state pensioners in Scotland will receive DWP payments of £740 or £965 on Monday, despite a bank holiday. Payments are unaffected.
Meriden Farm Building Approved for Children's Nursery
Solihull Council approves conversion of agricultural building at Berryfields Farm into a children's day nursery for 96 children, despite Meriden Parish Council objections over traffic and noise.
State Pensioners £12,000 Worse Off by Pension Change
A little-known pension change could leave state pensioners £12,000 worse off as funds are shifted to lower-risk investments, reducing growth potential.
DWP July State Pension Payments Rise to £1,930
State pensioners born after 1953 will receive £1,930 in July due to a double payment from the DWP, as Wednesday payment dates align with the calendar month.
HMRC Earnings Limit Rule Now in Force for Pensioners
HMRC is enforcing a new earnings limit rule for Winter Fuel Allowance, clawing back payments from state pensioners with individual income over £35,000.
Kingstanding Mecca Bingo Closes After 64 Years
Mecca Bingo in Kingstanding closed after 64 years, leaving players devastated. The Grade II listed building needs repairs, and residents fear their community is being neglected.
State Pensioners Face £33 Monthly Charges from HMRC
State pensioners may face £33 monthly deductions as HMRC recovers Winter Fuel Payments from higher earners, with advance recovery starting in 2027-2028.
Grandparents Can Get £300 HMRC Boost via SAC Credits
State pensioners could receive a £300 HMRC boost through Specified Adult Childcare credits, potentially adding over £6,000 to their retirement income over 20 years.
Willenhall Takeaway Loses Licence Over Illegal Workers
Immigration enforcement officers discovered two illegal workers at Pizza Pan in Willenhall, leading to a £45,000 fine and licence revocation by Walsall Council.
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