Exclusive new polls from YouGov and Bombe predict a tight race in Birmingham, with Reform and Labour each winning 21 seats, leading to no overall control. Sandwell and Coventry could fall to Reform.
The DWP may reduce state pension from £241 to £68 weekly for those born before 1953 with insufficient NI contributions. Expert Antonia Medlicott warns of the impact.
Polls project Labour losing 51 seats in Birmingham City Council, falling from 65 to just 14, with Reform UK and independents making gains.
Dudley Council political leaders share their views on Reform UK's challenge in the upcoming local elections, with 25 seats up for grabs and Reform fielding a full slate of candidates.
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Samarah Zaffar, sister of the late Birmingham councillor Waseem Zaffar, will stand as Labour candidate in Lozells, aiming to continue his legacy of community advocacy and clean air campaigning.
The family of Hizar Hanif, killed in a 90mph crash on Soho Road, must wait for the IOPC investigation into police dealings with the driver to be published after the inquest.
NatWest announces closure of 14 branches across England in May 2026, including Birmingham locations, citing shift to digital banking.
King Charles and Queen Camilla exchanged gifts with Donald Trump and Melania during their US state visit, including a replica of the Resolute Desk plans and a custom letter.
HMRC's Inheritance Tax nil rate band has remained at £325,000 since 2009, with experts warning of stealth taxation as thresholds stay frozen amid rising asset values.
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Find opening hours for Aldi, Asda, Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Waitrose, and M&S this May bank holiday weekend. Plan your shopping trip.
Donald Trump praised the US-UK special relationship during King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit, joking his mother had a crush on the young Charles.
A man has been charged with wounding after a 60-year-old was found unconscious on Soho Road in Handsworth, Birmingham. The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries.
With local elections on May 7, Black Country residents can find their polling station via the 'Where do I vote?' website using their postcode.
John Lewis Partnership tells head office staff to work in person most of the time, following Boots and Morrisons, after reporting a £21m loss.
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Cllr Max McLoughlin, leader of the Green Party in Solihull, discusses local elections, council tax, housing, and the party's record as the main opposition group.
Martin Lewis warns UK tourists that choosing to pay in pounds abroad instead of local currency can lead to poor exchange rates and extra fees, potentially ruining summer holidays.
A 21-year-old Austrian man pleads guilty to planning an Islamic State-inspired attack on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Vienna, aiming to kill as many as possible.
After over a year of dismissing Conservative plans, the Government has u-turned and will now ban smartphones in classrooms across England, a win for campaigners.
Birmingham council leader John Cotton defends the sale of Fox Street land near HS2, arguing it secures financial certainty and removes revenue pressures, despite Tory accusations of a 'quick buck'.
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Workers are turning down bonuses and pay rises to avoid breaching the £100,000 income threshold, facing a 62% marginal tax rate and loss of childcare support.
Donald Trump was accused of breaking royal protocol after tapping King Charles on the shoulder during the White House welcome. But royal rules say only courtesy is required.
King Charles III will tell the US Congress that the UK-US relationship remains one of the greatest alliances in history, despite recent political tensions. He will emphasize shared ideals and cooperation.
Households earning over £35,000 may face higher taxes due to frozen tax bands extended by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, a policy critics call a 'stealth tax'.
Conservatives commit to state pension triple lock amid cost concerns. Policy ensures annual increases by inflation, wages, or 2.5%.
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Marie Goldman MP pays tribute to Chelmsford councillor Mike Mackrory, who passed away suddenly, and reflects on volunteering at the London Marathon.
A Birmingham mother of three, living in temporary housing for two years, shares an update after the council moved her family to a larger flat, though still cramped.
A Streetly resident may have to demolish an incongruous rear loft dormer built without permission, after Walsall councillors refused planning permission.
Birmingham's local elections on May 7 will see all 101 council seats contested. Find your polling station, voter ID requirements, and key dates.
Paul Smith, independent candidate for Allens Cross in Northfield, reports malicious emails sent to his family. Police investigate politically-motivated harassment ahead of May 7 vote.
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Former Birmingham binman David Callaghan criticizes the council for delaying a deal to end the bin strike, calling the delay 'shocking' as a settlement is finally within sight.
