The mandatory 5p charge for plastic bags, which came into force in England on Monday, is set to generate more than £70 million per year for good causes. Supermarkets across the country plan to put profits from the levy to good use by ensuring it benefits charities and good causes, the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has found.

An additional consultation event is being held for people to have their say about proposed changes to a number of social care services in Wolverhampton. The City of Wolverhampton Council has put forward plans which it says will transform social care services and help older people in the city remain independent for longer.

National charity Suzy Lamplugh Trust is urging young men throughout the UK to ‘Keep It REAL’ this National Personal Safety Day (Wednesday October 7) by making themselves aware of potential dangers and taking appropriate steps.

A ban on smoking in cars carrying children and young people up to the age of 18 which came into force on Thursday 1 October, 2015 is the England-wide ban following the introduction of similar legislation in Wales, and both the driver and the smoker can be fined £50 if found flouting the law. Experts say second-hand smoke is particularly harmful to children and young people as they breathe more rapidly and have less developed airways.

Sandwell Council has unveiled plans for a bus and cycle only zone in part of West Bromwich, to make it safer and easier for shoppers and students using the town centre. The council is consulting on proposals to introduce the zone along 40 metres of New Street, outside Sandwell College’s Central Sixth campus. Many motorists are ignoring existing traffic restrictions on this stretch of road – and the new order would allow the council to use CCTV to enforce a ban on other vehicles.

New fire safety measures will help save the lives of tenants and ensure all rented property is equipped with a smoke alarm, Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said today. From  the 1st October, landlords are required by law to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties, under new Government measures coming into force. It is estimated this could help prevent more than 25 deaths and nearly 700 injuries a year.