Two DWP benefits exempt from Reform UK crackdown
Reform UK pledges to bar foreign nationals from most DWP benefits, but War Widows Pension and Armed Forces compensation will be exempt, protecting those who served.
Category : Social Issues
Reform proposes benefits ban for 1.5 million UC claimants
Reform UK proposes banning foreign nationals from claiming UK benefits, affecting 1.5 million Universal Credit claimants by 2029. Critics from Tory, Lib Dem, Green, and Best for Britain respond.
Reform UK PIP cuts: three conditions to be axed
Reform UK proposes £20bn disability benefit cuts, replacing PIP with a benefit for the 'gravely ill and severely challenged', potentially excluding mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
HMRC rules boost tax-free allowance to £21,330
Despite PM Andy Burnham's refusal to commit to raising the personal allowance, two HMRC rules can legally increase it to £21,330 via Rent a Room and Marriage Allowance.
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Erdington vs Sutton Coldfield: stark divide in Birmingham
In Birmingham, Erdington, England's youth jobless capital with 16% unemployment, sits near wealthy Sutton Coldfield, where average house prices hit £410,000, highlighting stark inequality.
Jessie J admits to Raya dating app use after split
Jessie J tearfully confessed in an Instagram video that she reactivated her Raya dating app account for two days after splitting from Chanan Safir Colman, but has now deactivated it.
£200 inheritance mistake that can tear families apart
Financial planners warn that a £200 inheritance mistake—unrecorded promises over sentimental items—can tear families apart, urging Brits to log intended gifts to avoid disputes.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge with Today's Trivia Questions
Challenge yourself with today's quiz: general knowledge, literature, and cryptic film clues. Answers from August 15 included, plus new questions for August 16.
English Civil War to Britpop: This Week in History
From the start of the English Civil War to the Battle of Britpop, relive key historical events from August 16-22, including the Mona Lisa heist and iconic speeches.
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Activist accuses WMP of 'clear bias' over social media post
Femi Oluwole, a Birmingham activist, accuses West Midlands Police of 'clear bias' after reporting a tweet he saw as a threat, but officers warned his own post was 'borderline an offence'.
Silver Voices urges Burnham to protect cash payments
Silver Voices, led by Dennis Reed, has launched a major petition urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to legislate to protect cash payments, citing exclusion of pensioners and low-income households.
Pre-1953 pensioners lose £56 weekly under DWP rule
State pensioners born before 1953 receive £56.40 less per week than younger retirees under the DWP's two-tier system, with the basic rate at £184.90 versus the full new state pension of £241.30.
Stourbridge family grieve cats lost in house fire
A Stourbridge family is grieving after their pet cats died in a fire that destroyed their home on Racecourse Lane. Jo Egan was pulled from the burning property as she tried to save the animals.
DWP confirms 25 stomach problems that qualify for PIP
Latest DWP figures show 40,458 active PIP claims linked to gastrointestinal conditions. Here are the 25 stomach problems that could qualify for Personal Independence Payment.
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West Midlands cold cases unsolved for over 20 years
Unsolved murders in the West Midlands, including Natalie Putt and Daniel Miller, remain open after 20 years, with detectives still seeking leads.
Sandwell happiness 7.5 masks Oldbury homelessness
ONS figures rank Sandwell happiness at 7.5, above Birmingham's 7.2, but Oldbury locals reveal a stark reality of homelessness and rough sleeping.
Ex-Army Recruit Helps Women Reclaim Identity as Witch
Debbie McLeod, 68, a former army recruit, now mentors midlife women using herb spells and nature rituals, helping them move beyond traditional roles and find empowerment.
Compass urges Burnham to allow pension opt-out for OBE
Compass pressure group urges PM Andy Burnham to let wealthy pensioners opt out of state pension for 3+ years in exchange for an OBE, part of 100-day report.
Gadget for Kids Gives Parents Peace and Quiet
A clever gadget for children is helping parents enjoy some peace and quiet, according to Birmingham World. The device, designed for kids, offers a moment of calm for families.
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Molly-Mae confirms Midas is her last child
Molly-Mae Hague has revealed that son Midas, born in June 2026, will be her last child, citing the challenges of raising two young children and the strain on her relationship with Tommy Fury.
Birmingham events cancelled as city braces for 36C heat
Birmingham events and businesses cancel or close early as Met Office issues heat warning with temperatures expected to hit 36C. Outdoor sessions and shops affected.
Savers with £12,500 face tax as allowances frozen
Experts warn millions more savers face tax on interest as frozen Personal Savings Allowance collides with higher rates. Basic-rate payers can earn £1,000 tax-free, but higher-rate payers only £500, meaning £12,500 in savings could trigger tax.
Drunk man shouted abuse and stole from Walsall shop
Thomas Stewart, 60, shouted abuse and squared up to people in Walsall town centre before stealing from Heron Foods. He pleaded guilty to theft and threatening behaviour.
Birmingham City Council warns on eclipse eye safety
Birmingham City Council warns residents to protect eyes during tonight's solar eclipse, the largest since 1999, citing permanent sight damage risk.
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Schoolboy, 9, dies after Kings Norton crash
A nine-year-old boy, named as Kyron, has died after a two-car crash on Masshouse Lane, Kings Norton, on July 28. His family has launched a fundraiser for his funeral.
Burnham urged to rethink under-16s social media ban
Andy Burnham is urged to scrap the under-16s social media ban inherited from Sir Keir Starmer, as 150 youth groups warn it could push young people to less regulated online spaces.
Lennon's 1966 Apology for Jesus Comment
In 1966, John Lennon apologised for saying the Beatles were 'more popular than Jesus', sparking protests and album burnings. Also, trivia answers for August 11.
Birmingham man's assault fines paid from benefits
Unemployed Odiba Attah, 41, assaulted two strangers on Broad Street. His £350 court fines and compensation will be deducted from his Universal Credit after he requested it.
Andy Burnham urged to ban ticket booking fees
Andy Burnham is urged to ban ticket booking fees, following calls from The Guardian's Hilary Osborne and consumer groups, to ease cost of living pressures.
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Burnham rules out death tax; wedding gift allowance frozen since 1975
Andy Burnham has ruled out a 10% death tax, but the wedding gift allowance remains frozen at £5,000 since 1975, worth over £40,000 if inflation-linked.
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