Winter Surge Looms at West Midlands Food Banks Facing Breaking Point Thursday, December 4, 2025 foodbanks westmidlands hunger trusselltrust poverty winter donations elderly families crisis Food banks across the West Midlands are bracing for a significant “winter surge” as thousands of elderly people, working families, and carers face increasing financial pressure. Last winter, from December 2024 to … Read More
Midlands Metro Route Highlights Socioeconomic Divide in Dudley Borough Monday, December 1, 2025 midlandsmetro dudley poverty deprivation unemployment socialhousing regeneration economy transport infrastructure The forthcoming extension of the Midlands Metro tram line into Dudley town centre casts a revealing spotlight on economic inequality within the borough. The initial phase is nearing completion, with further expansion planned … Read More
Inside the Historic Birmingham Library Frozen in Time That 'Will Never Reopen' Sunday, November 30, 2025 library birmingham heritage preservation victorian community closure education poverty council Three years after its closure, Birmingham’s historic Spring Hill Library remains perfectly preserved yet eerily frozen in time. Once a bustling community hub, the Grade II-listed Victorian building adjacent to Tesco on Spring … Read More
Extra £292 a Month for Families as Two-Child Benefit Cap Set to Be Scrapped Monday, November 24, 2025 benefits universalcredit childbenefit poverty budget welfare family policy childcare ukgovernment A significant update to family welfare support is poised to be announced this Wednesday. Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to abolish the two-child benefit cap in her Budget on November 26. This cap currently … Read More
Universal Credit Sanctions More Punitive Than Court Fines, Report Reveals Thursday, November 13, 2025 universalcredit sanctions dwp publiclawproject claimants poverty employment appeals socialwelfare reform A new report by the Public Law Project has revealed that sanctions on Universal Credit claimants are more severe and damaging than criminal fines. Under current Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sanctions, claimants can … Read More
Charity Representatives Highlight Mental Health Impact of Being Ignored on City Streets Wednesday, November 12, 2025 mentalhealth homelessness bigissue socialisolation birmingham vendors charity wellbeing interaction poverty Big Issue vendors in Birmingham and other UK cities are experiencing a troubling rise in social isolation, according to new research. A survey of more than 2,500 people revealed that two in five reported having no meaningful … Read More