Scotland's public spending deficit falls as tax take rises

Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth highlighted that recent financial figures reflect her administration’s commitment to maintaining sustainable public finances. She pointed to a notable rise in income tax revenues as evidence that the government’s policies are generating extra funds. These additional resources have been channeled toward initiatives designed to help alleviate the… Continue reading Scotland's public spending deficit falls as tax take rises

Lost village revealed as drought lowers Rutland Water reservoir levels

As drought conditions persist across parts of England, the dramatically lowered water levels at Rutland Water reservoir have exposed the stone foundations of Nether Hambleton, a village that was deliberately demolished and submerged in the 1970s. This hidden settlement, along with nearby hamlets like Middle Hambleton, was cleared as residents were relocated to make way… Continue reading Lost village revealed as drought lowers Rutland Water reservoir levels

Skegness visitors going home earlier, seaside traders say

Seaside businesses in Skegness, Lincolnshire, are reporting a noticeable decline in evening visitors and consumer spending despite a rise in overall visitor numbers. Local restaurateurs, pub owners, and shopkeepers have observed a significant drop in trade during the summer months. Data from East Lindsey District Council indicates that the seaside resort welcomed 2.94 million visitors… Continue reading Skegness visitors going home earlier, seaside traders say

Early release scheme risks more serious crimes, probation chief warns

The chief inspector of probation for England and Wales has expressed serious concerns to the BBC about the government’s plan to release 5,000 prisoners early starting in October. He warned that the probation service, already under enormous strain, may struggle to properly supervise this increased number of offenders. According to him, this could result in… Continue reading Early release scheme risks more serious crimes, probation chief warns

Military still risks failing victims after Jaysley Beck death despite reforms, leaked report finds.

A confidential Ministry of Defence (MoD) report, obtained by the BBC, has revealed significant shortcomings within a newly established military command tasked with investigating the most serious offenses, including rape and sexual assault. This unit, known as the Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC), was set up following the tragic death of 19-year-old Gunner Jaysley Beck.… Continue reading Military still risks failing victims after Jaysley Beck death despite reforms, leaked report finds.

Glyn Razzell: Daughter says no release until mother's body found

Cat Razzell has expressed her deep desire for closure in the case of her mother, Linda, who disappeared in 2002 while on her way to work in Swindon. At the time, Cat was just 13 years old. Linda was undergoing a divorce from Cat’s father, Glyn Razzell, who was later convicted of her murder and… Continue reading Glyn Razzell: Daughter says no release until mother's body found

Burnham admits cost of living help is not enough and hints at further support

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has acknowledged that the measures he has announced to alleviate the cost of living crisis are not sufficient on their own, suggesting that additional support may be forthcoming. Speaking on BBC’s Wake Up to Money, Burnham explained that his strategy involves delivering a series of smaller initiatives which, when combined, will… Continue reading Burnham admits cost of living help is not enough and hints at further support

UK weather: More records as heat set to spike again

This summer’s current heatwave is expected to be shorter in duration compared to previous ones, with temperatures beginning to drop noticeably over the weekend. While southern England will continue to face the most intense heat, Scotland and Northern Ireland will see less extreme conditions. However, eastern parts of Northern Ireland as well as southern and… Continue reading UK weather: More records as heat set to spike again

Children as young as nine hurt in growing number of e-scooter crashes

In cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield, a significant number of incidents involving private e-scooters have been reported. These devices are frequently seen being used illegally on public roads, pavements, and footpaths, despite regulations prohibiting such use. It is important to note that private e-scooters are intended to be operated exclusively on private property,… Continue reading Children as young as nine hurt in growing number of e-scooter crashes

UK to get best eclipse since 1999 as Moon blocks out Sun across Europe

Weather conditions for the upcoming eclipse are expected to vary across the UK. While many areas will benefit from clear skies offering excellent visibility of the event, some regions—particularly northern England, north Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—may experience cloud cover between 18:00 and 19:00. In western Scotland and parts of northern and western Northern Ireland,… Continue reading UK to get best eclipse since 1999 as Moon blocks out Sun across Europe