The base rate fell to 4.5 on Thursday, but the Bank halved the UK’s economic growth forecast for this year while predicting surging inflation.

Actor Steve Coogan has been spared a lengthy driving ban after speeding at 97mph on a motorway in the West Midlands.

It warned it was facing around an extra £10 million in wage costs in its next financial year from the Budget measures.

The PA news agency looks at the outcome of the Bank of England’s decision, and whether rates will fall again soon.

TAXPAYERS will “pay more for less local policing” across the West Midlands when their bills go up in the next financial year.

The Prime Minister said that ‘we do need to transition to clean power’ while on a visit to the UK National Nuclear Laboratory.

Four independent retailers in the West Midlands have made the shortlist of the 2025 The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards.