£1bn Unclaimed Benefits in Birmingham and West Midlands
Birmingham and the West Midlands have £1bn in unclaimed benefits annually, with £435m in Birmingham alone, according to a new report on missing Pension Credit and other support.
Category : Housing Issues
Under-16s Banned from High-Caffeine Energy Drinks from 2027
From April 2027, children under 16 in England will be banned from buying energy drinks with over 150mg caffeine per litre, including Red Bull and Monster.
Rights to Cut Neighbor's Overhanging Tree Branches
Homeowners can legally cut overhanging branches from a neighbour's tree without permission, provided they do not trespass, but must beware of Tree Preservation Orders and potential fines up to £20,000.
Family Exposes Rat-Infested Homeless Hostel in Birmingham
A family who lived in Birmingham's Oscott Gardens homeless hostel for 18 months describes rat and cockroach infestations, overcrowding, and unsafe conditions, raising concerns for current residents.
HMRC 7-Year Inheritance Tax Rule Warning for Households
Households are urged to avoid misinterpreting HMRC's seven-year rule for inheritance tax, as taper relief misconceptions can lead to unexpected tax bills. AJ Bell explains the complexities.
Prisoner who threw boiling water on inmate gets extra 12 years
James Moore, 35, threw a kettle of hot water over a fellow inmate at HMP Featherstone in October 2024, causing significant burns. He received an additional 12-year sentence.
Birmingham Dad Told to Turn Life Around After Theft
Julian Donaldson, 40, stole £100 of laundry products from Farmfoods. He was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £211.
Andy Burnham: Automatic Extra Payments for Benefit Claimants
New PM Andy Burnham's government will provide automatic £25 Cold Weather Payments to Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit claimants this winter, offering breathing room amid the cost of living crisis.
Six Food Hall Restaurants Shut Over Mouse Droppings
Six Chinese restaurants at Birmingham's Han Dynasty Food Hall were temporarily closed after mouse droppings were found, posing an imminent public health risk.
Burnham rules out rent controls in blow to renters
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has ruled out rent controls for England, citing Scotland's experience. The decision is a blow to renters and landlords.
Man charged over car thefts, owner injured
Mohammed Hussain, 27, from Birmingham, has been charged with eight counts of motor vehicle theft and causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a series of thefts in Solihull, Birmingham, and Oldbury since June 8.
Birmingham Man Charged with Dangerous Driving and Vehicle Thefts
A man from Birmingham has been charged with causing injury by dangerous driving and multiple vehicle thefts following an investigation by West Midlands Police.
Council Leaders Present Housing Crisis Solutions to New PM
Birmingham's new council leaders ask PM Andy Burnham for support to build more social housing and regulate exempt accommodation, citing over 10,000 children in temporary housing.
Tamworth mum's plea after girl, 6, hit by motorbike
A six-year-old girl suffered life-changing injuries after a motorbike hit her in Tamworth. Her mother shares a heartbreaking message calling for change.
Five jailed for kidnap and torture of former friend in Telford
Five men who kidnapped and tortured a former friend because they disapproved of his relationship have been jailed for a combined 37 years. The victim was dragged from his home in Telford, beaten, and threatened with death.
Birmingham Machete Gang Jailed for Armed Home Raids
Four men, including two from Birmingham, were jailed for aggravated burglary after using machetes to terrorise families in two Coventry home invasions in July 2025.
Birmingham Council Recovers £5m and 36 Homes in Fraud Crackdown
Birmingham City Council's tenancy fraud investigations saved £5m of public money, recovered 36 council homes, and rejected 210 housing applications in a major crackdown.
Birmingham Woman Trial for Attempted Murder of Boy
A jury is deliberating in the trial of Emma Jane Williams, 41, accused of attempting to murder a child by tampering with his medication. Williams denies the charge.
Cannabis Farm and Firearm Found in Birmingham Street
Two men, aged 20 and 21, have been charged after police discovered a cannabis farm and a firearm at a property on Richmond Avenue in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.
Toddler Life-Changing Injuries in Dog Attack at Pub
A two-year-old boy has undergone surgery after a dog attack in a pub beer garden in Wolstanton, suffering life-changing injuries. The dog is believed to be a Bulldog breed.
Mum dies in crash heading to identify son's body
Carol Tinsley, 70, died in a car crash while traveling to identify her son Andrew's body, ripping the family apart within six hours.
West Midlands Pub Bosses Welcome Rates Cut, Seek More Aid
West Midlands pub and club owners welcome the Chancellor's business rates cut but argue it is insufficient to save struggling venues, with many still facing closure due to rising costs.
Man charged after grenades found in Cradley Heath house
Carl Andrews, 59, has been charged with multiple weapons offences after police discovered firearms, ammunition and hand grenades at a property in Primrose Close, Cradley Heath.
New tests for drivers born before 1956 under Burnham
Drivers over 55 are the least confident age group, with a 78% confidence rating. The Labour government consults on eyesight checks and cognitive tests for drivers over 70 or born before 1956.
State pensioners face £200 payment cut under Burnham
Winter Fuel Payments return under PM Andy Burnham, but some pensioners will receive £200 less than others based on age and circumstances.
Rogue Gardener Scammed Customers Out of £39k
A rogue gardener from Warwickshire who urged customers to 'take a leap of faith' has been sentenced after scamming 13 victims out of more than £39,000.
Families Forced to Leave Homes Built on Mineshaft
Families in Edinburgh were told to vacate their new homes just months after moving in, after a mineshaft was discovered beneath the properties, causing distress and disruption.
Crime gang loses £40m cocaine in sea after GPS fails
A crime gang conspired to recover £40m of cocaine thrown overboard in international waters, but GPS trackers malfunctioned, leading to arrests and convictions.
Liverpool dance tutor detained in Taiwan over suitcase item
Lewis Potter, 25, a Liverpool dance instructor, has been detained in Taiwan after an item was allegedly found in his luggage. His mother describes the ordeal as a 'nightmare' and the family is raising funds for legal costs.
Equity Release Trap Wipes Out Family Inheritances
A lifetime mortgage taken out seven years ago wiped out most of an estate, leaving little inheritance. Experts urge early family conversations to avoid surprises.
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