On April 16, 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling stating that, under the Equality Act 2010, the terms “woman” and “sex” refer exclusively to biological sex assigned at birth. This decision has significant implications for the legal recognition of transgender individuals in certain contexts. Background of theContinue Reading
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) marks its 20th anniversary on Friday 18 April 2025. The department was established in April 2005 through the merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise, combining tax administrations to reduce overlap and enhance service delivery. The creation of HMRC by the thenContinue Reading
Government’s Help to Save scheme now open to 550,000 more people to help with cost of living · Those saving £50 a month can expect £25 Government top-up, putting more money in people’s pockets · Part of Government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on our Plan for ChangeContinue Reading
As Easter approaches, thousands of families will benefit from early payments for Child Benefit and Universal Credit, among other benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes to your payment dates. Key Points: With Easter on the horizon, many are gearing up for Easter eggs, extended breaks,Continue Reading
NatWest has issued an urgent call to action for customers to secure a £150 bonus payment by switching to the bank’s Reward account. Currently, NatWest is offering the £150 reward when customers switch their current account from a non-NatWest provider to a NatWest Reward account using the Current Account SwitchContinue Reading
The popular TikTok duo known as Spud Bros appear to have confirmed plans to open a new store in Manchester, following a wave of speculation from their fans. Brothers Harley and Jacob Nelson, who rose to social media fame through their jacket potato business, initially launched their venture from aContinue Reading
Thousands of people across the UK who claim Universal Credit may be entitled to up to £546.10 in additional support this month through various government-backed discounts and one-off payments. Universal Credit, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed to support individuals and families on low incomes.Continue Reading
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has today (16/04/2025) accepted the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA)’s recommendation to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of engine oils and hydraulic fluids from Lithuania and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following evidence of dumping that has caused injury to UK industry. These measuresContinue Reading
Economic survey results released today (11 April) by the North East Chamber of Commerce show a picture of cautious optimism among the region’s businesses, with key indicators improving after a challenging Q4. However, the outlook is being clouded by growing concern about the impact of new US tariffs, which couldContinue Reading
A demand for a change in the law was prompted after Clare Wood’s murder at the hands of her ex-partner in 2009 at her home in Salford. It was later discovered that her ex-partner, George Appleton, had a history of violence against women which Clare was not aware of. HeContinue Reading
Officers are urging the public to remain vigilant after three suspected parcel fraudsters have been arrested across the region after victims lose almost £20k. On Friday (March 28), officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) arrested a 23-year-old man in Newcastle believed to be linked to postalContinue Reading
Controversial podcaster James English, best known for his YouTube show Anything Goes with James English, has appeared in court facing serious domestic abuse allegations. The 42-year-old former reality TV star is accused of carrying out a sustained campaign of abuse against his ex-partner over a 16-month period. English, who hasContinue Reading
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness joined basketball champions Newcastle Eagles, Britain’s most successful basketball team, to promote togetherness, unity and tackle racism in the North East. The Mayor teamed up with Newcastle Eagles stars Darius Defoe, Sauveur Kande, Kendall Currence and Tierra Hodges in a special workshop with pupils fromContinue Reading
Total Healing World Outreach was established to advance the Christian faith in the UK and overseas, and to prevent and relieve poverty. The Charity regulator for England and Wales began engaging with the charity in June 2023 as trustees had failed to supply the charity’s accounts and financial information on timeContinue Reading
A company which claimed to sell adult films has been shut down following concerns it was being used as a direct debit scam. Drawntear Limited was wound-up at a hearing of the High Court in Manchester on Wednesday 12 February. The company, which said it was based in Hull beforeContinue Reading
Following a market study into the infant formula and follow-on formula market, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued its final recommendations. Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: Every parent wants to give their baby the best possible start in life. Many whom need, or choose, toContinue Reading
On 5 February, our Public Safety and Subsidence team was made aware of the collapse in a farmer’s field and over a public bridleway in the Bishop Auckland area. The collapse, measuring 7 metres in diameter and up to 50 metres deep, was quickly secured and planning work to fillContinue Reading
From 1 April 2025, registered keepers of electric, zero or low emission cars, vans and motorcycles will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as registered keepers of petrol and diesel vehicles. This change will apply to both new and existing vehicles. This new measure removes band AContinue Reading
The data published yesterday shows that HMCTS has slashed average wait times in December 2024 to just over four weeks. This compares to twelve weeks at the end of 2023 and over eight weeks at the end of June 2024. The improvement is a result of decisive Government action to reduceContinue Reading
For 20 years, Vladimir Putin has been repeating the mistakes of Russia’s past: by seeking to recreate the Russian empire and suffocate the countries around its borders. Too often in the past, the West has let him. We did too little in 2008, when he invaded Georgia, and in 2014,Continue Reading
From tomorrow (17 February), Local Authorities can begin rolling out local schemes for tax relief to help filmmakers produce the country’s next box office hits, rom-coms and cult classics. Film studios are to receive business rates relief over the next nine years as the government rolls out a 40% reductionContinue Reading
· HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) ‘Help for Hustles’ campaign launched to support people earning extra income to understand any tax obligations As Valentine’s Day approaches, anyone who has turned the love for their hobby into a side hustle is being encouraged to put a ring on it and makeContinue Reading
Families have faced rocketing energy bills as a direct consequence of an overreliance on international gas markets, while at the same time thousands of tenants have been left exposed to cold, draughty homes, pushing bills up even higher. The government is now calling time on this inheritance by consulting onContinue Reading
Local communities up and down the country will receive funding for family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public health services in their areas, thanks to a nearly £200 million boost in funding announced today (7 February 2025). As part of government plans to improve health outcomes acrossContinue Reading
Food redistribution charities can now submit applications for a new £15 million Government scheme, which is helping to ensure surplus food is delivered to those who need it. Every year, an estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food is either wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving farm gates. ThisContinue Reading
Millions of people are set to benefit from improvements to the way homes are bought and sold, saving them both time and money by helping stop property transactions from falling through. Under major new plans, the government has announced today [February 9] it will modernise the way the process worksContinue Reading
The Deputy Prime Minister has met bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and written to both them and residents in the immediate community, to share her decision that Grenfell Tower will be carefully taken down to the ground. This is a deeply personal matter for the peopleContinue Reading
Significant investment in Alexander Barracks, Pirbright, has provided a modern, sustainable facility that supports the welfare of recruits. The new Soldiers’ Centre offers centralised welfare support for recruits who are completing the 13-week basic training course. Spread over 2 storeys, the £11 million purpose-built facility comprises retail and food outlets,Continue Reading
More than 11.5 million taxpayers successfully filed their Self Assessment tax returns for the 2023–2024 tax year by the 31 January deadline, avoiding a £100 late filing penalty, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed. A total of 732,498 people submitted their returns on deadline day, with the busiest hourContinue Reading
The UK government has announced a raft of plans to drive up participation in Horizon Europe by researchers, innovators and businesses from across the country – as tomorrow (Wednesday 1 January) marks the one-year anniversary of the UK’s association to the £80 billion programme that runs from 2021 to 2027.Continue Reading
BIO Jamie Dickinson is a passionate northeast-born electropop musician based in Darlington, UK. Since 2023, Jamie has been sharing his music having grown up with various musical influences from the likes of Stevie Wonder to Ed Sheeran and Jax Jones. Combining Jamie’s passion for EDM and pop music and hisContinue Reading
Record numbers of people put on their running shoes and got fit-for-free this year with 8.7 million NHS Couch to 5k runs completed in 2024, new data revealed today (31 December 2024). Millions of kilometres were covered as 790,000 downloaded the NHS fitness app this year alone and 9.3Continue Reading
Labour faces a growing backlash across the country over proposals to build a new generation of more than 40 waste incinerators to burn household and commercial rubbish. Communities are fighting plans for the new energy-from-waste incinerators which have been called the UK’s dirtiest form of power. The plants, some of which canContinue Reading
A single cigarette could reduce your life expectancy by 20 minutes, according to a new study by researchers aiming to underscore the long-term impact of smoking, even in small quantities. The findings, published in the Journal of Public Health Studies, have reignited concerns about the dangers of tobacco consumption andContinue Reading
Rylan Clark has shared insights into his close friendship with TV favorite Rob Rinder, describing their relationship as akin to an “old married couple.” The duo, known for their on-screen adventures in Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, have captivated audiences with their chemistry as they tackle challenges ranging from embracingContinue Reading
Tesco stores across the UK are facing empty shelves as shoppers stockpile Guinness in preparation for New Year’s Eve celebrations, leading to widespread shortages of the popular stout. The rush for Guinness comes as revelers gear up to toast the new year, with many opting to celebrate at home orContinue Reading
Ford is at risk of incurring a £100 million fine as it struggles to meet its electric vehicle (EV) targets amid challenges transitioning from petrol and diesel models. The automotive giant faces mounting pressure to align with the UK government’s ambitious push for a greener future in line with itsContinue Reading
Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury has officially switched his international allegiance to Bangladesh, with FIFA approving the move. The 27-year-old Foxes academy graduate, born in Loughborough, previously represented England at the Under-21 level, making seven appearances. However, he qualifies to play for Bangladesh through his ancestral roots, marking a historicContinue Reading
Tulip Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn (formerly Hampstead and Highgate), has held her parliamentary seat since 2015. With Labour’s return to power in July, she was appointed Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, placing her at the helm of the UK’s financial services sector. AContinue Reading
Sophia Smith, the ex-girlfriend of late One Direction star Liam Payne, has announced her engagement to James Bridgwood in a heartfelt social media post. The 30-year-old influencer shared a video capturing the romantic moment James proposed during the Christmas period. In the clip, James got down on one knee inContinue Reading
The UK will train 180 Ukrainian soldiers to be combat mental resilience practitioners on the frontlines in 2025 – nearly double the 100 who were successfully trained this year. The Combat Stress Signposting Course (CSSC) has been delivered by British Army specialists to Ukrainian soldiers within positions of command asContinue Reading
Addiction is a complex condition that affects millions worldwide. It is often misunderstood and stigmatized as a moral failing or a lack of willpower. However, addiction is a chronic disease that changes the brain and requires the same compassion, understanding, and treatment as other medical conditions. What Is Addiction? AddictionContinue Reading
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. As a condition that impacts more than 2.8 million people worldwide, MS is often misunderstood and misrepresented, making awareness and education crucial. What is MS? MS is an autoimmune diseaseContinue Reading
Chocolate maker Cadbury has been dropped from the list of royal warrants for the first time in 170 years. The Birmingham-based chocolatier was awarded its first royal warrant as chocolate and cocoa manufacturers by Queen Victoria in 1854, but it has lost its royal endorsement under King Charles. Cadbury’s USContinue Reading
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Nigel Farage of “fakery” over Reform UK membership numbers, after his party said they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. A digital tracker on Reform’s website shows its membership numbers have overtaken the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservatives earlier this year. BadenochContinue Reading
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to his younger brother Nick, who had cancer, after he died on Boxing Day at the age of 60. “My brother Nick was a wonderful man,” Starmer said in a statement. “He met all the challenges life threw at him with courageContinue Reading
A sudden push by GPs across the UK to reduce or completely withdraw prescription painkillers from patients has left many in agony, with some turning to medical and illegal cannabis for relief, Kearney FM has learned. Patients suffering from chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and post-surgical complications, report beingContinue Reading
Two popular Christmas markets in the UK have been rebranded as “Winter Markets” to avoid causing offence—a decision that has sparked heated debate and left many questioning the nation’s values and identity. The move, reportedly made to create a more inclusive atmosphere, has drawn both praise and criticism. However, forContinue Reading
Officers have been out in force across the UK to disrupt rogue employers who hire migrants illegally and exploit vulnerable people, and to address the promise of illegal jobs that are used by criminal smuggling gangs to sell spaces in small boats crossing the Channel. Particular focus has been onContinue Reading
Latest situation Take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe. 23 December 2024 Following the report of suspicion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry at a premises near Hingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (AIV SOSContinue Reading
Workers at the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) office in Newcastle are set to commence an eight-week strike on Monday. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) announced the strike to support three colleagues it claims were unfairly dismissed. A picket line is planned outside HMRC’s Benton Park offices, accordingContinue Reading
Thousands of people will receive their benefit payments earlier than usual this month due to the upcoming bank holidays for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Here’s what you need to know: Why Are Payments Early? Benefit payments are typically not processed on bank holidays. If your paymentContinue Reading
Mr Hayhoe began his role on 3 December and will be in post for a fixed-term of one-year. Mr Hayhoe will work across government to draw on the expertise in the Public Sector Fraud Authority, Government Commercial Function, and Department of Health and Social Care to use every means possibleContinue Reading
GPs will be able to spend more time treating patients under proposed reforms to general practice which will bring back the family doctor and slash red tape. The proposals fall under the new GP contract for 2025/26, which is now out for consultation with the British Medical Association’s General PracticeContinue Reading
The Prime Minister has today confirmed the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson to be the next British Ambassador to the United States of America. His Majesty the King approved the appointment on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. Lord Mandelson is co-founder of Global Counsel, aContinue Reading
