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Tuesday, July 21, 2026 reformuk rebeccawaters birmingham councillor expulsion leadershipvote liberaldemocrat politics council disciplinaryaction

Rebecca Waters, a Birmingham councillor representing Reform UK, has been expelled from the party after casting her vote for the Liberal Democrat candidate rather than the Reform UK leader, Jex Parkin, during a crucial council … Read More

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 birmingham rackhams development regeneration spheregroup houseoffraser planning urbanrenewal housing officespace

For over 160 years, the Rackhams building has stood as a prominent landmark in Birmingham city centre. Following the closure of House of Fraser on June 25, 2026, a new chapter is set to begin for this historic site. … Read More

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 birmingham restaurant illegalworkers immigration brothel police licence publicsafety enforcement raid

In a joint operation on Wednesday, June 10, West Midlands Police and Immigration Enforcement raided New Tasty Restaurant, located on Station Street near Birmingham New Street Station and Grand Central. The investigation … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 universalcredit benefits employment welfare andyburnham ukpolitics socialsupport dwp economicreform labourparty

Andy Burnham’s government is moving forward with significant changes to Universal Credit following a recent law amendment introduced by Sir Keir Starmer’s administration. The change aims to reduce the disparity between … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 heatwave metoffice ukweather temperature climatechange summer forecast bbcweather heat weatherupdate

The Met Office has issued a stark weather forecast as the UK prepares for what could be the most intense heatwave of the summer. Following three previous heatwaves, temperatures are expected to soar even higher, potentially … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 sushi birmingham grandcentral restaurant midlands ukexpansion dining japanese launch food

Sushi lovers in Birmingham have reason to celebrate as Sushi Tachi officially opens its first restaurant in the Midlands today, Monday, July 20. The new city centre spot, located in the Grand Central shopping centre above … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 burnham ukpolitics primeminister costofliving labourparty energybills publicspending socialcare tenyearplan politicalchange

Andy Burnham is set to address the nation on Monday as he assumes the role of Prime Minister, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer. Having taken the helm of the Labour Party last Friday after Starmer’s resignation, Burnham is stepping … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 pip dwp benefits mentalhealth anxiety depression disability welfare assessment reform

Thousands of individuals receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are having their benefits renewed for extended periods without undergoing face-to-face … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 pensions civilservice capita delays outsourcing insourcing cabinetoffice retirement government servicefailures

A Labour Party government report has exposed significant failures in the outsourcing of pension payments for retired UK civil servants, revealing that nearly 1.7 million members face potentially year-long waits for their … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 birmingham superprix motorsport streetracing formula3000 legislation racinghistory formulaone citystreets anniversary sport

August marks the 40th anniversary of the Birmingham Superprix, a unique chapter in British motorsport history that remains legendary among local residents and racing fans alike. For five consecutive years, from 1986 to 1990, … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 birmingham housing council socialhousing andyburnham crisis regulation coalition exempthousing localgovernment

Birmingham’s recently formed council leadership has made two urgent requests to the incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, centered on addressing the city’s escalating housing crisis. Council leader Roger Harmer … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 facialrecognition shoplifting supermarkets retailsecurity auror privacy surveillance crimeprevention ukretail technology

Supermarkets across the UK are preparing to introduce facial recognition technology at store entrances to identify and deter the most prolific and violent shoplifters. Retail chains including major names like M&S, Tesco, … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 tvlicence discount blindness visualimpairment pensioncredit carehomes supportedhousing healthconditions uk concessions

TV Licensing has released an official list of health conditions that qualify for a 50% discount on the TV Licence fee. If you are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), you … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 dwp universalcredit esa jsa warmhomediscount energybills costofliving benefits government rebates

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed a one-off payment of £150 for recipients of key benefits, including Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and income-based … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 barclays investing fees platform stocks savings access trade privatebanking uk

Barclays has removed its monthly platform fees on Barclays Direct Investing, making it free for millions of everyday customers to hold investments on the platform starting May 31. This move aims to simplify investing and … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 astonvilla villapark stadium capacity infrastructure francescocalvo football safety renovation fans sport

Aston Villa’s iconic home, Villa Park, has recently faced a noticeable drop in its stadium capacity, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders alike. At the heart of addressing this challenge is Francesco Calvo, Aston … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 demaraigray birminghamcity championship football injury fitness goals preseason soccer seasonpreview sport

Demarai Gray is entering his second season at Birmingham City with renewed focus and determination, aiming to make a greater impact after a challenging first year. The 30-year-old winger has enjoyed an uninterrupted … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 chelsea astonvilla morganrogers transfer football premierleague recordfee unaiemery rebuild playerdevelopment sport

Aston Villa’s surprising decision to sell rising star Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a staggering £117 million has sent shockwaves across the football world. This deal not only breaks the British transfer record but also … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 bereavement pram baby-loss grief support football dudley charity hospital dads sport

A dedicated group of bereaved fathers in Dudley have come together to bring comfort and dignity to families enduring the unimaginable pain of losing a baby. Sands United FC Dudley, a football team formed by dads who have … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 dwp pensions statepension retirement nischedule governmentpolicy finance retirementage pensionage higherretirementage

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to raise the state pension age earlier than originally scheduled, potentially affecting millions of people born between April 1970 and March 1978. Treasury officials have … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 zombie knife gangster handsworth gangcrime justice prison birmingham murder evading

Oliwier Gabis, a 20-year-old gangster with a notorious fascination for zombie knives, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Birmingham Crown Court. Gabis was convicted for perverting the course of … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 bbc tvlicence romeshranganathan advert cancellation refund dougalwilson criticism worldcup socialmedia

Following the broadcast of a new BBC advert on Sunday, many TV licence holders are cancelling their subscriptions, with some receiving refunds of up to £180. The advert, featuring comedian Romesh Ranganathan and directed by … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 gp westmidlands healthcare patientsurvey medicine healthservices generalpractice ratings patientcare medicalfeedback

The 2026 GP Patient Survey provides an insightful overview of how GP surgeries across the West Midlands are performing and how patients perceive their care. This annual survey gathers feedback from thousands of patients, … Read More

Monday, July 20, 2026 obesity employment productivity health workforce genderdifferences bmi economics discrimination inclusion

New research from the University of York reveals that roughly four out of every 100 individuals living with obesity are unemployed solely due to their weight. The study highlights a notably stronger impact on employment … Read More