Council tax in the UK is likely to increase by 5% each year to help fund local services such as social care and policing. Authorities can currently raise council tax by this amount without needing a referendum, though they have the option to seek higher increases if approved locally or by the government.
Key Facts
Council tax is expected to increase by 5% annually to support local services.
Local authorities have the power to raise council tax by up to 5% each year.
Some councils in financial trouble have increased council tax by more than 5% with approval.
The Spending Review allocated a 1.1% increase in grant funding to local governments, but total spending power is expected to rise by 2.6%.
Police funding, partly covered by a police precept in council tax, is expected to rise by 2.3% annually in real terms.
Police and Crime Commissioners can increase the police precept by £14 for a Band D council tax bill without a referendum.
Local services covered by council tax include social care, libraries, and street cleaning.
Council budgets remain under financial pressure, and further cuts may be necessary despite increases in council tax.
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A human-sized Labubu doll sold for over $150,000 at an auction in Beijing, setting a record for the most expensive toy of its kind. The Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart, have become popular due to celebrity endorsements and their appearance on social media.
Key Facts
A human-sized Labubu doll sold for 1.08 million yuan ($150,324) at a Beijing auction.
The doll is 131 cm tall and became the most expensive toy of its kind.
Labubu dolls were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung about ten years ago.
The dolls usually sell for about 50 yuan each.
Forty-eight Labubu items were auctioned, raising a total of 3.37 million yuan.
Celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham have featured the dolls, boosting their popularity.
Pop Mart, the company selling these dolls, offers them in "blind boxes" where buyers don't know the design until unboxing.
Pop Mart's revenue rose significantly due to the toys' popularity, and they have expanded to new countries.
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A damaged Ministry of Defence building in Belgrade, bombed by NATO in 1999, may be replaced by a luxury hotel and apartments. The project involves an American company led by Jared Kushner, and is controversial due to its connections to Donald Trump and the historic significance of the site.
Key Facts
The Ministry of Defence building in Belgrade was bombed by NATO in 1999.
The Serbian government plans to redevelop the site into a luxury hotel and apartment complex.
The development deal was made with Affinity Global, a company founded by Jared Kushner.
The project is named Trump Tower Belgrade, connecting it to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The site is significant to Serbians as it serves as a memorial of the 1999 bombing and NATO's involvement.
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic supports the deal, which includes a 99-year lease to a U.S. developer.
The Serbian government will reportedly receive 22% of future profits from the development.
The project is part of broader efforts to attract foreign investment to improve Serbia's economy.
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Rachel Reeves decided to focus on long-term investment in the UK's spending plan, directing funds to health and regions like the Midlands and North of England instead of London. This approach involves using borrowed money for investments like railways and nuclear plants, which will not show immediate results. The plan aims for economic growth to eventually meet budget needs.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves is prioritizing long-term investments over daily expenses in the UK's spending review.
Funds are directed to health and to regions outside London, such as the Midlands and North of England.
Investments include railways and nuclear plants, which will not provide immediate benefits.
Extra funding of £113 billion comes from borrowed money due to changes in borrowing rules.
There are constraints on day-to-day spending due to these long-term investment priorities.
Economic growth is needed to support the plan and make the budget numbers work in the future.
The initiative intends to encourage private sector investments by boosting confidence.
Long-term projects aim for a balanced and sustainably-growing economy.
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The UK government has announced a Spending Review, outlining future budgets for public services like the NHS and schools over the next three years. Schools will receive additional funding, but much of it will cover existing commitments. The NHS will see a yearly spending increase, but questions remain over whether this will meet growing demands. Transport projects, including a new rail line and bus fare measures, are also in the plan but may not be realized soon.
Key Facts
The Spending Review sets budgets for the next three years for public services like schools, the NHS, and transport.
Schools in England will receive a £2 billion increase in funding by 2029, but much will go towards existing promises like free school meals.
Around £700 million is allocated to reform the support system for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
A £2.4 billion annual cash boost is planned for rebuilding leaky schools.
NHS day-to-day spending will rise by 3% yearly, while overall health spending, including other areas, will increase by 2.8%.
The NHS funding aims to help cope with an ageing population and rising medical costs, but real-term capital spending will not increase.
Labour aims for 90% of patients to start treatment within 18 weeks of referral, a challenge with current spending levels.
Transport plans include new rail lines, bus fare freezes, and investments in trams and buses, but many projects won't start until the 2030s.
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The Spending Review outlines the UK government's financial plans and decisions affecting public services and everyday life. It includes impacts on jobs, benefits, local facilities, transportation, and support for pensioners.
Key Facts
Jobs in the public sector may change due to funding adjustments, with sectors like defense and healthcare receiving more money.
Starting September 2026, children in England whose parents receive universal credit can get free school meals.
Money will be allocated to improve local amenities like libraries and swimming pools, but council tax may rise to support these projects.
The £3 cap on bus fares in England will remain until at least March 2027.
The government plans to invest £15 billion in various transport projects, including rail and tram network improvements.
Pensioners will receive increased support for winter fuel payments to help with energy costs.
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A food organization in Devon received over £1.5 million from the UK government to distribute surplus food to communities. This funding is part of a larger £13.6 million grant given to 12 charities across England to prevent food waste and support people in need. The aim is to ensure that surplus food reaches homeless shelters, food banks, and other charities instead of being thrown away.
Key Facts
The UK government provided £13.6 million in grants to 12 charities to prevent food waste.
A Devon-based group, Food in Community CIC, received over £1.5 million from these funds.
The purpose is to redistribute surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.
The initiative helps supply food to homeless shelters, food banks, and charities.
The funding will create jobs and volunteering opportunities for local people.
Farmers in the area have been supportive by allowing volunteers to collect surplus produce from their lands.
The scheme encourages better relationships between charities and farmers to make sure more food ends up being used.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle food poverty and reduce waste.
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In May, Heathrow Airport had more than 7.2 million travelers, making it the busiest May ever. Heathrow officials say expanding the airport is necessary to handle future demand, despite opposition due to environmental concerns. Plans for a third runway are expected to be submitted to the government soon.
Key Facts
Heathrow Airport had over 7.2 million passengers in May, a record for that month.
This was a 0.4% increase compared to the previous year.
The airport says it needs more space to continue providing good service and meet future travel needs.
Some people, including the Mayor of London, oppose the expansion due to worries about more pollution and climate impacts.
The airport plans to submit detailed proposals for a third runway to the government in the summer.
The UK Chancellor has shown support for the expansion, citing its potential for economic growth.
Environmental groups and local residents have raised concerns about increased emissions and the impact on nearby communities.
If the expansion occurs, a village near the airport could lose much of its housing.
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Lincoln Foodbank is experiencing a serious shortage of food donations and has made an urgent call for more contributions. The charity, run by Acts Trust with The Trussell Trust, serves around 150 to 160 families weekly but is now struggling due to low donations and increased demand.
Key Facts
Lincoln Foodbank has the lowest stock levels in years.
The food bank serves 150 to 160 families per week with food parcels.
Each food parcel provides at least three days’ worth of meals.
There has been a significant drop in food donations since January.
Donations are needed to prevent running out of food in two weeks.
The food bank is asking for donations and recommends using the BanktheFood app.
Donation points for dropping off goods are available at supermarkets in Lincoln.
The Trussell Trust reports similar challenges for food banks across the UK.
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People in Cornwall and Devon are focusing on more funding for the NHS and education. Opinions vary on recent changes to the winter fuel payment, with some questioning how the government will fund these priorities. Locals also expressed concern about support for defense and mental health services.
Key Facts
People in Cornwall and Devon want more money for the NHS and education.
The UK Chancellor is planning how money will be spent in the coming years.
Some residents are happy about changes to the winter fuel payment but wonder where the funding will come from.
Rail campaigners in Devon hope for government money to support a new railway link.
Support for mental health services is seen as important due to the cost of living crisis.
Local business owners and charity workers have highlighted defense and small business support as important.
There are concerns about road conditions in Cornwall needing improvement.
Opinions are split on the best use for winter fuel payments, with some suggesting more targeted spending based on need.
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Jetstar Asia, a budget airline based in Singapore, will close at the end of July. The airline will refund affected passengers, and the closure will not affect Jetstar Airways in Australia or Jetstar Japan. Over 500 employees will lose their jobs, and the shutdown impacts 16 routes in Asia.
Key Facts
Jetstar Asia will operate flights until the end of July before closing.
Passengers will receive refunds if their flights are canceled.
More than 500 employees will be laid off due to the closure.
The closure won't impact Jetstar Airways in Australia or Jetstar Japan.
The airline has faced rising costs and more competition.
A total of 16 flight routes in Asia will be affected.
Qantas, Jetstar Asia's part-owner, will use the closure to invest A$500 million in new aircraft.
Customers with tickets after July will be contacted and some may be moved to other flights by Qantas Group.
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A TV commercial for Twix was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) because it allegedly promoted unsafe driving. The ad showed a car chase scene that the ASA felt might encourage irresponsible driving behavior, despite the advertiser's argument that it was meant to be absurd and not taken seriously.
Key Facts
A Twix TV ad was banned for allegedly promoting unsafe driving.
The scene involved a car chase and crash, where two cars ended up stacked like a Twix bar.
Five complaints said the ad encouraged dangerous driving.
Mars-Wrigley, the company behind Twix, claimed the ad was meant to be fantastical and not realistic.
The ASA ruled the ad shouldn't be shown because it seemed to approve of unsafe driving.
The ASA noted the ad's focus on speed and music implied illegal driving.
Mars-Wrigley argued the cars were driving legally and safely during filming.
The ad ended with a comic scene of a Twix bar falling between the two cars.
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Spain's food exports, including Iberian ham and olive oil, are facing challenges due to new U.S. tariffs. These tariffs could make Spanish products more expensive in the U.S., pushing Spanish companies to look for new markets, like China.
Key Facts
U.S. tariffs on European goods, including a sudden 20% tariff on Spanish ham, were introduced in April and later reduced to 10%.
A possible increase in tariffs up to 50% was suggested if EU trade talks with the U.S. do not succeed by July 9.
The uncertainty of the tariffs makes it challenging for Spanish exporters to plan for the future.
The U.S. is a significant market for Spanish ham, being its largest importer outside the EU.
Spain's pork industry, linked to more than 400,000 jobs, faces pressure to maintain competitivity in the U.S. market.
Spain is also the world's largest producer of olive oil, with recent growth in exports to the U.S.
The U.S. consumes half of the world's olive oil outside the EU, with a significant increase in imports from Spain over the last decade.
Spanish companies are considering expanding into other markets, such as China, to offset potential losses in the U.S. market.
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Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, will announce a spending review for the UK government, detailing how funding will be allocated to public services like the NHS, schools, and police over the next few years. The plan includes investing extra money in infrastructure projects but may also involve budget cuts in some areas. The spending review covers up to the next general election, with a focus on funding health and defense, and aims to manage government costs and debt.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves will present a spending review for UK public services covering up to the next election, likely in 2029.
An extra £113 billion will be spent on infrastructure projects like energy and transport.
Some government departments might face budget cuts to prioritize health and defense.
The plan includes extending the £3 bus fare cap in England until March 2027.
The review is influenced by slow economic growth, high borrowing costs, and global instability.
Ministers have been negotiating with Reeves over department funding, with final deals made recently.
The plan aims to fund day-to-day costs with tax income and reduce national debt over the next five years.
The government has committed £39 billion to social and affordable housing, aiming to build 1.5 million homes by 2030.
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The owner of Fueled Coffee in Uttoxeter, Joe Ingleton, says increasing business rates could force him to close his coffee shop. The rates have more than doubled from previous years due to a reduction in government relief.
Key Facts
Joe Ingleton owns Fueled Coffee in Uttoxeter.
The coffee shop has been open for about four years.
Joe's business rates went from £3,243 to £7,784 for the 2025/26 tax year.
Government relief on business rates reduced from 75% to 40% for 2025/26.
Joe stated that the high rates are affecting his mental health.
He wants more support from the East Staffordshire Borough Council.
The council said the relief amount is set by the government, not the council.
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The Scottish government has delayed plans for a large holiday resort at Loch Lomond by Flamingo Land due to environmental concerns. The resort, which would include a waterpark and hotel, faced opposition from the national park authority for not meeting environmental guidelines, and the decision will now be reconsidered at a national level.
Key Facts
Flamingo Land wants to build a £40 million holiday resort called Lomond Banks at Loch Lomond.
The resort plan includes a waterpark, monorail, hotel, and restaurants.
The Scottish government is reviewing the plans due to concerns about the environmental impact.
The national park authority previously rejected the proposal for not following environmental and nature conservation policies.
The government reporter initially suggested allowing the development, but ministers now want to make the final decision.
Key concerns include potential flood risks, loss of ancient woodland, and increased road traffic.
Local and political groups have expressed strong opposition, citing environmental and community impact.
Flamingo Land first proposed the project in 2018 but withdrew the original plans after negative reactions, submitting revised plans in 2020.
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The World Bank predicts that the next decade will have the slowest global economic growth since the 1960s, partly due to President Trump's tariffs. Global growth is expected to be 2.3% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2027. The report highlights trade tensions, particularly with the US, as major factors affecting growth.
Key Facts
The World Bank expects the slowest decade for global growth since the 1960s.
Global growth is predicted to be 2.3% in 2025, down by 0.4% from earlier forecasts.
The US, Japan, and Europe had their growth forecasts downgraded.
Tariffs introduced by President Trump, including a 10% tariff on all US imports, contribute to growth concerns.
A trade ruling found many of these tariffs illegal, but an appeal allowed them to stay for now.
Increased tariffs might lead to more reductions in growth forecasts.
The World Bank does not predict a global recession, with less than a 10% chance.
A trade meeting between the US and China has taken place in London to work on resolving trade issues.
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Scammers are trying to steal from pensioners who expect to receive winter fuel payments, according to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. These payments were recently reinstated after the government had stopped them, and pensioners do not need to provide any personal information to receive their payments.
Key Facts
Scammers are targeting pensioners hoping to receive winter fuel payments.
Winter fuel payments were reinstated after being stopped previously for pensioners across the UK.
Pensioners are being wrongly asked to provide banking details by scammers.
Legitimate payments will be given out automatically, without needing to provide details or fill out forms.
Northern Ireland pensioners will get payments at the same time as those in other UK regions.
Payments will be up to £300 for households with people over 80 and £200 for those under 80 in Northern Ireland.
Only pensioners earning £35,000 or less are eligible for the restored payments.
Winter Fuel Payments, started in 1997, help people above state pension age pay for winter heating.
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The UK government has committed £14.2 billion to the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project but the Prime Minister stated that it will not cover unlimited costs. The project, expected to generate energy by the mid-2030s, aims to enhance UK energy security and create thousands of jobs, though it faces criticism over costs and environmental impact.
Key Facts
The UK government has pledged £14.2 billion to support the Sizewell C nuclear power plant.
The Prime Minister emphasized that additional costs will not be automatically covered.
Sizewell C is anticipated to create 10,000 jobs over the next decade.
The plant is expected to start generating electricity in the mid-2030s.
The project intends to improve the UK's energy security and reduce dependence on foreign energy.
Current UK nuclear power stations are aging, with eight of nine plants due to shut down by the end of this decade.
Nuclear power made up about 14% of the UK's electricity supply last year.
Some opposition exists due to concerns over the plant's cost and environmental impact.
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The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, decided to extend winter fuel payments to more pensioners after initially restricting them. The change comes as the government cites improved economic conditions, although some argue political pressure influenced the decision.
Key Facts
The UK government reversed its decision to limit winter fuel payments only to the poorest pensioners.
The initial decision last year removed payments from over 10 million pensioners, leaving only about 1.5 million eligible.
The recent policy change will allow around nine million pensioners with an income of £35,000 or less to receive the payment this winter.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that better-than-expected economic growth and trade deals supported the decision to extend the payments.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband indicated the policy change would cost about £1.25 billion, but plans for funding it would be discussed in the autumn Budget.
Critics argue that the economy has not improved significantly and question how the government will finance the policy change.
The government maintains that the increased payments will not lead to permanent borrowing.
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