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Ben Hurst

Topic ExpertiseBreaking news, politics, trends, data, science, technology
Local ExpertiseBirmingham, West Midlands, North East, Lichfield
AwardsReporter of the year (Daily) Midlands Press Awards5x runner up Reporter of the year (Daily) Midlands Press AwardsRunner up Newspaper Society Weekly Journalist of the Year

Head of Lifestyle and Money. Ex Exec Editor central content, Reach Regionals Head of Video, News Editor Birmingham Live. He is a former news reporter of the year, and Ben has also been head of news for the Birmingham Post.

Martin Lewis says all state pensioner could still get £300 winter fuel payment in 2024
Labour Party
Financial expert says if a court case being brought by two pensioners succeeds then it could be reinstated for 10 million
State pensioners to get free DWP £300 payment born before date - if they qualify
Labour Party
What the eligibility criteria are for the vital payment after Labour government withdrew it for millions
DVSA issues urgent driver warning over parking fines court threat
Motoring
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency this afternoon issued an alert over text messages
State pensioners to get at least £233 this winter after losing DWP Winter Fuel Payment
Cost Of Living
Millions of pensioners will miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year because of a rule change. But there are other payments available that could help you save on your energy bills
DWP Winter Fuel Payment Labour update as campaign grows to give it to state pensioners
Politics
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said 'the very wealthiest pensioners shouldn’t be in receipt of a free allowance' in an interview with the BBC
Tesco customers can get cancer symptom checked at special store events
Tesco
Shoppers can talk to an in-store pharmacists about what to do next if they’ve spotted something that doesn’t look or feel right
Bank of England change means take urgent ISA action, says BBC expert
Apple
Laura Pomfret explained how the Bank of England is conducting a review which is set to report back next week
Winter fuel payment £300 date update by DWP to submit claim or miss out
Conservative Party
The Labour government has come under fire after it axed the money for millions - but people can apply for the money and the Department for Work and Pensions announced when
HMRC warning for people with £7,500 in savings account
Cost Of Living
People have been warned over a shock HMRC bill after the taxman said they could face a bill in certain circumstances
First-time buyers reveal their biggest regrets - including moving to the wrong area
UK & World News
Many called on the new government to support those now going through the process
Four in 10 people don't like saying sorry - because they're 'never' wrong
UK & World News
The study found the average 20-50-year-old only says sorry around three times a week
Share your views on how disabled people are represented in the media
Paralympic games
We want to know your thoughts on how society views and treats disabled people
Pharmacy crisis as closures hit new high and full list of 300 Boots stores shut by end of summer
Glastonbury Festival
Good Morning Britain was told that seven are bringing down the shutters for good every week, with total set to dip below 10,000
Places with the worst drivers in the UK mapped
UK & World News
Person with the most penalty points in the UK lives on the Welsh border, figures have revealed
Is it illegal if someone parks on your drive and how to tackle it
Motoring
The RAC has looked into the issue - which can hit people who live near places like schools, airports and hospitals and the answer is chilling
Sainsbury's issues statement after 'racist term' in school trousers listing
Sainsbury's
The brand acted quickly to change the listing after social media users explained what was wrong
Make your summer shine with a cool £250 in cash to be won in fab giveaway
UK & World News
Whether it's putting it towards a holiday or paying for a super-sized sizzling barbecue to remember, £250 will go a long way to making it a summer to remember - so why not enter our competition?
Revellers spend more than £200 on food alone at music festivals
Glastonbury Festival
However around half try to live off snacking rather than main meals, with 78 per cent feeling ripped off
Eating two pieces of common fruit a day can lower cholesterol levels, says expert
NHS
Daily consumption has been linked to healthier blood vessels
Win a £100 Amazon gift card in our amazing Euro 2024 prize giveaway
UK Sport News
Whether it's an England or Scotland football shirt, some new beer glasses, a barbecue or a footy scarf - a £100 Amazon gift card will go a long way to setting you up for a memorable summer of sport!
Quarter of Brits can’t ride a bike and 28 per cent can't swim - study
Health
People are being encouraged to learn new skills and get fit
'My school bullies who poured ketchup over my head in KFC applied to work for me'
Real Life
Vicky Owens founded her own business in 2021 and has since seen it grow to a six-figure company
Shoplifters force Tesco to put salmon into plastic security boxes
Tesco
Roisin Crowley Linton was left embarrassed at having to have the large security box removed at the checkout after carrying it through the store
Woman splashes out £40,000 on luxury campervan with stripper pole
UK & World News
Keri Bailey is on a tour of Europe and has been exercising with her pole wherever they go - even including in sub zero temperatures on the Yorkshire Dales