Local News
'Distressing' DWP warning after thousands hit with draconian £20,000 penalty
Liz Sayce has told MPs some civil servants tried to minimise thevextent of problems and deflect blame.
Local messages
Nationwide brings in £5,000 rule for customers and says it's 'critical'
10,000 customers can borrow
March 1 to July 31 law kicks in for UK dog walkers with ‘unlimited’ fine
Dogs must be kept under close control
Get Weekly Updates
Get the headlines in your inbox every week.
DWP 'sanctions' 63,000 people on Universal Credit - and 90% for same reason
Universal Credit sanction rate is up by 0.3 percentage points from August 2025 and is up by 0.2 percentage points in the latest 12 months.
Council leader says politicians ‘shouldn’t talk Birmingham down’ as its 'a powerhouse'
The leader of Birmingham City Council has accused opposition councillors of pushing a ‘negative narrative to talk the city down’ amid a row over its reputation.
How much council tax will Birmingham residents set to pay amid price hikes
Council tax is set to rise across Birmingham – but some residents face paying more compared to others.
'The sooner, the better' - Campaigners 'disappointed' as second phase of Birmingham traffic scheme hit by setback
Birmingham campaigners have said they are “disappointed” by the second phase of a divisive Kings Heath traffic scheme being hit by a setback.
Birmingham's oldest manufacturers wins two major automotive contracts
One of Birmingham's oldest manufacturers has secured two major automotive contracts.
Cycling to West Midlands bus and rail stations falls - sparking push to reverse decline
The number of people cycling to bus and railway stations in the West Midlands has dropped prompting efforts to reverse the trend.
Walsall families in one-bed-flats 'may well be paying more council tax than single London occupants
Councillors were asked to rubber-stamp a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax for 2026/27
Sandwell Council look to garden centre and former police station for new housing
The new flats are expected to be built by spring 2028
Next step for new Balsall Common 'village' as 250-homes plan lodged
Detailed plans submitted for hundreds of homes in Solihull village despite windmill concerns
New photos of Birmingham's Curzon Street station as 'major HS2 milestone' achieved
New photos offer a visualisation of the public spaces around the building
Peaky Blinders fans discover true story behind series ahead of film release
Cillian Murphy will return as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, but some fans are only just realising there's a true story behind the BBC series
'Make us the City of Music': Plans for Birmingham to bid for status to honour its musical heritage
Plans are under way for Birmingham to bid for City of Music status and celebrate its musical heritage, including Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath.
'World Book Day gives me so much hope' - Award-winning West Midlands author promises to keep up the fight against declining reading figures in schools
A West Midlands author has praised the 'inspiring' work done in schools ahead of 2026 World Book Day, and vowed to continue to work hard to fight the decline in young readers.
Peter Andre meets Katie Price's new husband Lee Andrews in unexpected FaceTime call
Peter Andre and Katie Price's new husband Lee Andrews had their first meeting via FaceTime when daughter Princess passed the phone during a video call, with Katie confirming the exes had a 'nice chat'
DWP confirms PIP award length changes from April
Under changes due to begin next month, the award period is due to be extended to a minimum of three years with further increases planned
Exact date Birmingham set for snow and heavy rain in March
Weather maps have predicted a wet and grey start to March with the arrival of a powdering of snow alongside downpours
Birmingham petrol station targeted in robbery as police ask for help to find man
Police launched a CCTV appeal for information after the incident at Shell garage