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.
Category : Housing Issues
Birmingham man charged with cocaine supply in Tamworth
A Birmingham man has been charged with supplying cocaine in Tamworth after Staffordshire Police seized £100,000 worth of the drug during a raid in the city.
Waitrose Recalls Brioche Rolls Over Metal and Plastic
Waitrose urgently recalls its 8-pack Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls due to possible metal and plastic fragments. The FSA deems certain batches unsafe; customers advised to return for refund.
Walsall Leather Museum Relocation Questions Remain
Campaigners say key questions remain unanswered about the planned relocation of Walsall Leather Museum, despite council assurances. The move to a new site has sparked concerns over heritage and community impact.
B&M Apologises for £2m Fine Over Food Hygiene Failures
B&M Retail has been fined £2m after inspectors found mouse infestations, droppings, and gnawed food at three Birmingham stores. The retailer apologised, admitting procedures were not followed.
84% Can't Tell Legal E-Bikes from Illegal Ones
New polling reveals 84% of people cannot identify a road-legal e-bike. Industry bodies launch E-Bike Positive trust mark to help consumers buy safe, legal e-bikes.
Birmingham Burglary Gang Jailed for Armed Home Raids
A violent burglary gang from Birmingham and the Black Country carried out armed home raids, punching a householder and stealing cars. Three were jailed, one awaits sentencing.
Council Ordered to Tackle Mice Infestations in Flats
Birmingham City Council pleaded guilty to rodent infestation charges at two council flats. Magistrates issued abatement orders and awarded £3,500 costs per case, demanding action within 12 weeks.
Lion, Tiger, Snakes, Wolves: Midlands' Dangerous Pets Map
A lion, tiger, venomous snakes, and three wolves are among legally-owned dangerous pets in the Midlands, according to Born Free data, sparking calls for law reform.
Dudley Council slams holiday price hikes during school breaks
Dudley Council has voted to call out companies that inflate holiday prices during school closures, affecting working-class families and pushing them into debt.
Farmfoods Recalls BBQ Product Over Safety Concerns
Farmfoods has recalled a popular summer barbecue product due to safety concerns. Customers are urged to return the item for a full refund immediately.
Dunelm Recalls Electric Blankets Over Fire Risk
Dunelm urgently recalls six electric blanket models from 2022-2023 due to fire risk from faulty copper wiring. Customers told to stop use and contact for free cable replacement or refund.
Man Arrested After Stolen Black Country Plaque
A man has been arrested after a treasured Black Country plaque was stolen from a building in Darlaston, sparking community outrage.
Man acquitted of manslaughter in pancake choking death
Christopher Bennett was unanimously acquitted of manslaughter after Thomas Cowley, 40, choked on 'oversized' pancake pieces at a Wolverhampton care home.
Ann Widdecombe Murder: Man in Court Over Hammer Attack
Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared in court accused of murdering Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe by hitting her 21 times with a hammer at her Dartmoor bungalow.
New Rules Let Renters Keep Pets with Insurance Cover
From 2024, UK tenants can request to keep pets under new rules, with landlords able to require pet insurance for damage cover.
Woman Admits Tampering With Boy's Medication for 'Iffy Stomach'
Emma Jane Williams admits tampering with a boy's medication, saying she only intended to cause an 'iffy stomach', but denies attempted murder at Birmingham Crown Court.
Birmingham axe robber caught after Instagram taunts
Tyreece Clarke-Jones, who escaped HMP Sudbury in May, has been recaptured after appearing to mock police in Instagram videos. The 28-year-old was serving a sentence for an axe robbery at a One Stop store in Handsworth.
Pensioners Born Before 1953 to Get £740 Early
State pensioners born before 1953 will receive a surprise £740 payment early due to a Scottish bank holiday on Monday, August 3, with benefits paid on Friday, July 31.
Horrific Dog Attacks Across Birmingham: Tragic Deaths and Mauling
Dog attacks have risen sharply in the West Midlands, with at least four deaths in five years. A toddler was recently mauled in a pub garden. Here are the worst cases.
Young Mother Dies in Buderim House Fire: Family Mourns
Isabella Nicholls, 21, died from burns after escaping a house fire in Buderim, Australia. Her family says son Elijah will grow up 'without a mummy' and has set up a GoFundMe for funeral costs.
Andy Burnham Confirms £8,000 Cash ISA Boost for Over-65s
Andy Burnham's government will increase the Cash ISA allowance for over-65s to £20,000 from April 2027, giving pensioners an extra £8,000 tax-free savings allowance.
Birmingham Man in Child Sex Exploitation Case Gets Court Date
A ninth man, Mohammed Ramzan, 76, has been charged in a historical child sexual exploitation investigation in Wales, with 41 charges total. All nine men are due in court on July 24.
45,000 Free National Trust Day Passes Available
InYourArea is giving away 45,000 free National Trust day passes, valid for up to five people. Claim via the app from July 21-28, 2026, for entry to over 500 locations.
Toddler, 2, Seriously Injured in Dog Attack at Pub
A two-year-old boy suffered serious facial injuries after being mauled by a dog in the beer garden of The Wulstan pub in Wolstanton, North Staffordshire. Police are investigating.
Car on Rocks Near Cannock: 'You Can't Park There Mate'
A car was found stranded on rocks near Cannock Chase, prompting a rescue operation. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, with the driver reportedly unharmed.
Birmingham Council 'Soft Touch' on Exempt Housing Fraud
Birmingham City Council's housing benefits team is accused of enabling mass fraud in the supported exempt accommodation sector, with over 30,000 claims approved and £400 million in public money at risk.
Birmingham double rapist jailed 20 years for assaults
Daniel Thomas, 49, sentenced to 20 years for raping two women in separate attacks in Ladywood and Edgbaston, with DNA evidence and victim support securing conviction.
Birmingham tops West Midlands knotweed hotspots
Birmingham has been named the West Midlands' worst Japanese knotweed hotspot with 320 verified sightings, potentially wiping thousands off property values.
Carer in manslaughter trial says ruler not in job description
Christopher Bennett told Wolverhampton Crown Court he used fork prongs to measure food for Thomas Cowley, who choked to death on oversized pancake pieces, and said getting a ruler was not part of his job.
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