DWP urged to scrap £776 benefits for teen claimants
87,000 teenagers claiming £776 monthly PIP benefits prompts DWP reform calls as Conservatives say system encourages welfare over work.
Category : Public Health
DWP: Respond to September Letter or Lose £778
150,000 DLA claimants in England and Wales must respond to a DWP letter from September or risk losing up to £778 every four weeks under PM Andy Burnham.
Weight Loss Jabs Linked to Unexpected Pregnancies
Popular slimming injections like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are causing unexpected pregnancies by boosting fertility, prompting doctors to urge contraception review.
Met Office Amber Heat Health Alert for West Midlands
The Met Office has issued an amber heat health alert for the West Midlands and other parts of England as temperatures are forecast to reach 35C this week, with the fourth heatwave of summer approaching.
Measles Cases Rise in West Midlands: Get Protected
Measles cases have surged in the West Midlands with 27 confirmed in 2024. Health officials urge families to ensure MMR vaccination to protect against the highly infectious disease.
Burnham Confirms Pensioners No Tax on State Pension
Labour confirms that pensioners whose only income is the state pension will not pay income tax, benefiting 12 million people amid frozen personal allowance and triple lock increases.
Yellow Heat Alert for West Midlands and Shropshire (27.07.2026)
A yellow heat health alert has been issued for the West Midlands and Shropshire as a new heatwave arrives during the school holidays, with temperatures expected to reach 30°C.
Life expectancy gap widens between West Midlands and south
A new report by The King's Fund reveals the life expectancy gap between the West Midlands and southern England is increasing, with healthy life expectancy falling nationally.
HMRC tax trap to hit savers from next year with higher rates
Savers face a bigger tax bill from April 2025 as savings interest tax rises by 2 percentage points and the cash ISA allowance is cut to £12,000, warns NFU Mutual.
Drivers urged to remove medicines from cars over heat risk
The MHRA is urging drivers with medical conditions to remove medicines from cars immediately, as heat exposure above 25°C can reduce effectiveness and safety.
Child Benefit Payments Stop August 31 If No Confirmation
HMRC warns that Child Benefit payments will automatically stop from August 31 unless parents confirm their 16-19-year-old's education or training plans before the 36-day deadline.
Off-Duty Police Sergeant Saves Gymgoer's Life in Brierley Hill
Off-duty Birmingham police sergeant Mitchell Siviter and a paramedic saved 67-year-old Bob Cox after he collapsed at PureGym in Brierley Hill, performing CPR and using a defibrillator.
Andy Burnham Restores Winter Fuel Allowance: £300 for Pensioners
Prime Minister Andy Burnham reinstates Winter Fuel Allowance for 2026/27. State pensioners living alone get £200 if under 80, £300 if 80 or over, as DWP confirms payments for England and Wales.
Heat Alert for Midlands as Temperatures Could Reach 30C
A yellow heat health alert has been issued for the West Midlands, with temperatures potentially hitting 30C. The UK has received just 3% of average July rainfall, and drought is declared in parts of Wales.
DWP urged to scrap PIP for 276,000 back pain claimants
Andy Burnham's government is urged to scrap PIP for 276,000 back pain claimants, costing £1.9bn/year. The Timms Review says PIP is no longer fit for purpose.
UK Tops Worst Mental Health in Europe Report
The UK ranks last in Europe for mental health, with high prevalence of common disorders and low access to treatment, according to a new report.
B&M Fined £2m Over Food Hygiene Failures in Birmingham Stores
B&M Retail has been fined £2m after inspections at three Birmingham stores revealed mouse infestations, droppings, and gnawed food. The company apologised, admitting procedures were not followed.
Harry Styles Cancels São Paolo Show Due to Health Issue
Harry Styles' July 21 concert in São Paolo, Brazil, has been cancelled due to a health issue affecting the tour. Ticketmaster Brazil confirms refunds and offers exclusive ticket access for the July 24 show.
Pregnant Teen Dies Hours Before Gender Reveal Party
Summer Rose Miles, 17, from Bestwood Park, suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage at 17 weeks pregnant, dying hours before her gender reveal party. Her baby was born sleeping.
Andy Burnham to Make Cost of Living Announcement Tuesday
New PM Andy Burnham will announce cost of living measures on Tuesday, starting with a VAT cut on energy bills, as he chairs first cabinet meeting.
Birmingham Indian Restaurant Shut Over Cockroach Infestation
Channi's Indian Restaurant in Birmingham was closed by court order after a severe cockroach infestation posed an imminent risk of e-coli and salmonella.
Burnham's First Speech: PIP Benefits Under Review
Andy Burnham delivered his first speech as Prime Minister, hinting at changes to PIP disability benefits amid ballooning costs and a surge in mental health claims.
Child Health Crisis in UK: A National Disgrace
A new report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health reveals child health outcomes in the UK have stagnated, with significant inequalities, calling for urgent government action.
DWP PIP Reforms Update: Rising Claims Since 2020
Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan questioned DWP on PIP claim increases since 2020. Sir Stephen Timms cited the Timms Review interim report, noting higher awards and reduced exits.
Cockroach-Infested Birmingham Restaurant Shut Down
Channi's Indian Restaurant in Birmingham was closed by court order after a cockroach infestation posed an imminent health risk, with live and dead insects found near food.
HMRC Reminds State Pensioners of Tax Rules
HMRC has confirmed tax rules for state pensioners, reminding them that the State Pension is taxable income and income tax continues in retirement. A new Tax Confident webpage offers guidance.
DWP PIP Must Not Become Route for Cuts After Timms Review
The Department for Work and Pensions has been warned that the Timms Review must not lead to cuts to Personal Independence Payment, as the benefit is used for basic survival.
Concern over cancer and A&E waiting times in Birmingham
NHS bosses in Birmingham and the Black Country express concern as cancer and A&E waiting times fail to meet targets, with latest data showing persistent shortfalls.
Drunk NHS Operator Straddles Police Officer
Aniel Kang, an NHS 111 call operator, avoided jail after assaulting a police officer outside his Wolverhampton home. He learned his son was not biologically his, leading to a drunken confrontation.
Wife Saves Husband Sucked Out of Ryanair Window
Svetlana Grkovi grabbed her husband's legs as he was partially sucked out of a Ryanair window at 20,000ft after engine debris struck the window, saving his life.
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