British Isles
Thursday, 30 November 2023 22:07
Interest rates: why there is more pain still to come
The UK has experienced 14 consecutive interest rate rises, affecting both mortgage holders and savers. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), in 2023 the gains from higher savings returns have surpassed the costs of…
Thursday, 30 November 2023 22:02
Nottingham: council declares itself bankrupt
Nottingham City Council has effectively declared bankruptcy by issuing a Section 114 notice, indicating it cannot cover its expenses within the current financial year. The notice does not affect the council's ability to deliver statutory services…
Thursday, 30 November 2023 21:57
Parents in England urged to sign up for free childcare in 2024
In England, working parents are being encouraged to apply for 15 hours of free childcare per week for their toddlers starting in the new year. This initiative is part of a broader reform by the Department…
Thursday, 30 November 2023 21:53
New strain of swine flu detected
A new strain of swine flu, influenza A(H1N2)v, has been detected in a human in the UK for the first time. The patient, who had not worked with pigs, visited their GP in North Yorkshire with…
Thursday, 30 November 2023 21:49
Don’t bother with a funeral, say most poll respondents
A poll commissioned by Theos and conducted by YouGov reveals that less than half (47%) of the 2,569 respondents desire a funeral. The report highlights a significant shift in British grieving practices and warns of a…
Friday, 24 November 2023 10:03
Autumn Statement: NI cut but tax burden still rises
In his Autumn Statement on 22 November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a significant cut in National Insurance from January, from 12% to 10%. However, due to previous tax changes, many workers might not see substantial benefits.…