The DWP has published an updated roadmap for workplace pension reform, outlining a sequenced plan for delivery under the Pension Schemes Act 2026, with pensions minister Torsten Bell calling it a 'hugely necessary' change.
Octopus Energy has scrapped its free coffee perk for customers, replacing it with a digital scratchcard system that offers a chance to win prizes, sparking disappointment among users.
Sealife Weymouth remains closed as a precaution after a fire at a nearby electricity substation. No staff, visitors, or animals were harmed. The aquarium will reopen once safe.
From Monday, Asda Rewards customers spending £40 in-store can get 5p per litre off fuel, saving up to £3 on a 60-litre tank at 321 sites.
From Monday, July 20, households in Tamworth and Lichfield will receive two new food waste bins as part of a national shake-up of collection rules, aiming to turn scraps into renewable energy.
In April 2026, 495,990 Universal Credit households were impacted by the two-child limit policy, affecting 1.75 million children, according to DWP data.
BBC Morning Live's Laura Pomfret warns UK households that unclaimed bank accounts risk being transferred to charity. £2.1 billion was reunited with owners in early 2026.
Vietnam City Restaurant in Birmingham was found employing two illegal workers. The manager claimed he 'can't help if people come off street to use toilet'. Police have applied for a licence review.
A leaked council report suggests privatising Birmingham's bin collections to reduce strike risk, but warns against action before 2028 due to ongoing dispute.
Drivers in the West Midlands are enduring the longest wait for a driving test in the UK, with average delays exceeding 20 weeks, according to new data.
HMRC will send P800 letters to PAYE taxpayers who overpaid or underpaid tax for 2025/26, with refunds available via GOV.UK or the HMRC app.
A new government taskforce will help 750,000 young adults reclaim £1.6 billion in unclaimed Child Trust Funds, averaging £2,200 each, by improving tracing and engagement.
Two masked men poured flammable liquid outside Mohammedi Stores in Small Heath and set it alight, risking lives of residents in flats above. Police treat fire as arson.
A Walsall curry house fined £45,000 for employing an illegal worker faces a licence review. West Midlands Police and Home Office seek revocation after two immigration visits.
A Birmingham sweet shop has been fined £30,000 after environmental health inspectors found widespread hygiene breaches, including rodent droppings and mould.
No complaints against the West Midlands Combined Authority were upheld in 2025/26, with only six of 20 complaints escalated to the ombudsman, a report confirms.
UK households are warned about fake air conditioning deals during the heatwave. Kaspersky's Olga Altukhova advises checking URLs and avoiding pressure tactics to prevent scams.
HMRC is offering married couples and civil partners a backdated £13,830 personal tax-free allowance, boosting take-home pay by £252 per year, with claims possible for four previous years.
State pensioners with NI numbers ending 60-79 will get two payments in July 2026 due to five Thursdays, as per DWP schedules.
Taxpayers can boost their Personal Allowance to £20,070 by earning up to £7,500 tax-free through HMRC's Rent a Room scheme, saving up to £3,000 for higher-rate payers.
An investigation has been launched after deceased animals were discovered at a pet crematorium in Birmingham, raising concerns over handling practices.
Aston Villa pledges to simplify the process for physical season tickets after only 929 of 2,107 requests were initially approved, with 197 more successful on appeal.
Leaked documents reveal Birmingham's bin strike could cost the council up to £70 million by year-end, with officers warning of no 'cost-free' resolution and significant reputational damage.
Birmingham City Council will go live with its revamped Oracle IT system on August 18, despite warnings of teething problems. Over £144m has been spent on the project, originally budgeted at £20m.
A Birmingham food store was fined £17,800 after two severe mouse infestations within weeks. JK Foods 24-7 Ltd and director Jamil Zamankhail pleaded guilty to six food safety breaches.
A licensing hearing for Wolverhampton's Oxygene nightclub, adjourned after a stabbing and under-18s event issues, will reconvene on July 17 amid police calls to suspend the licence.
Chloe Bidwell, 18, was crushed by unsecured wooden boards while renovating a property in Bangor. Her employer Varcity Living Ltd was fined £50,000 and director David Horrocks received a suspended sentence.
West Midlands Police raided 10 Birmingham addresses, seizing crack cocaine, heroin, money, and weapons. Six arrested in County Lines operation.
Abdul Ghafoor, 69, was stabbed after night prayers at Mohammedi Masjid in Alum Rock. Police investigate failed carjacking; victim in stable condition.
The UK government has confirmed eight new rules for dog and cat owners as part of a white paper overhauling vet practices, aiming to increase transparency and reduce costs.