The third annual Global AgeWatch Index, which measures the quality of life of older people around the world, shows that the inequalities between the top and bottom ranking countries are increasing and that older women are particularly disadvantaged. Globally, Switzerland tops the Index this year and last year’s number one Norway moves into second place.

Tipton's annual community fun day comes to Victoria Park today after the original date in July was cancelled due to bad weather. Attractions on the day include a car boot sale, funfair, a mini zoo, bouncy castles and live music. Admission to the event, which runs from 11am until 6pm, is free. A wristband to cover unlimited fairground rides and inflatables all day is £3 for children under one metre and £5 for children over one metre.

City of Wolverhampton College has been announced as the latest Founder Patron of Wolverhampton’s new Youth Zone – The Way. The college joins a number of local businesses – including Marston’s and Carvers – who have pledged their support to The Way by becoming Founder Patrons. It will be working with the Youth Zone to offer a range of services including careers advice and guidance and counselling to young people.

Smart Energy GB, the national campaign for the smart meter roll out, today publishes the second Smart energy outlook, the largest independent barometer of national public opinion on energy and smart meters.  The report finds high levels of satisfaction, control and energy-savvy amongst those who have already upgraded to their smart meter.

A number of temporary road measures are due to come into operation to ease traffic flows in central Birmingham at a time when the city is preparing to come under the national and international spotlight. Birmingham City Council’s actions are designed to support the free flow of traffic – and particularly public transport – at several key junctions close to New Street Station.

New research has today revealed the shocking numbers of private renters in the Midlands suffering at the hands of a rogue landlord, with approximately 120,000 experiencing an act by their landlord that could have resulted in legal action. The survey by Shelter and YouGov revealed alarming reports from renters including landlords threatening, harassing or assaulting them, cutting off utilities, not carrying out gas safety checks, and entering their homes without permission.