UK launches phone alert system for high air pollution
UK residents can now opt-in to receive free email or text alerts warning them of high air pollution in chosen locations, announced by Andy Burnham's government.
UK residents can now opt-in to receive free email or text alerts warning them of high air pollution in chosen locations, announced by Andy Burnham's government.
The government is considering reforming the energy system to lower household bills, according to the Thursday Briefing, with details expected in the coming months.
Energy bills rise 4% in October to £1,723, with renewables subsidies costing £220bn since 2002, as Labour faces criticism over policy failures.
Plug-in solar panels that can cut up to 20% off energy bills go on sale in the UK from Thursday after rules allow their sale. Retailers including Argos, Amazon, Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Wickes will stock the kits.
Kew Gardens' iconic Palm House in London will close for a multi-year renovation starting in 2027, with a £50m project to restore its glasshouse and plant collections.
Households are unlikely to get more energy bills support before October's price cap, though targeted measures could be considered if there is a further shock in January, government sources said.
Motability Scheme changes for Scotland begin September 1, adding mileage support for rural and island communities and essential journeys, affecting around 80,000 users.
A Mayoral Development Corporation will drive regeneration in Ashton and Stalybridge, with council bosses approving special powers for growth around transport hubs.
Lanarkshire residents can have their say on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service draft local plan until October 15, with feedback shaping the final version.
Critics say beneficial ownership registers in the Cayman Islands and BVI are too costly and complicated, hindering efforts to expose money laundering.
Energy bills hit a three-year high, with EDF projecting they will stay stubbornly high through 2030, urging Ofgem to publish medium-term forecasts.
Anthony Albanese has backed down on demands that states must power new AI datacentres entirely using renewable energy, with Wednesday’s national cabinet meeting flagging carveouts for Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh faces frustration as UK energy bills are set to rise to a three-year high this winter, despite promises to reform the system.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh admits the public is right to be 'impatient' after Ofgem's 4% price cap rise in October pushes typical bills to £1,723.
The UK government is preparing a campaign urging households to store emergency supplies like tinned food and bottled water for extreme weather or cyber attacks.
Coire Gabhail, the Lost Valley in Glen Coe, has been named Scotland's best dog walk by Millets, based on over 114,000 AllTrails reviews.
Liverpool City Council has issued a statutory notice to dispose of public open space at Rice Lane Recreational Ground by granting easements for underground electricity cables and maintenance access.
A 1960 study predicted the end of the world on November 13, 2026, citing overpopulation. One author also warned about AI dangers decades ago.
Ofgem's energy price cap rises 4% on October 1, adding £60 to typical bills. Martin Lewis' MSE advises fixing now to save around 11%.
An energy expert says fixing a tariff before October is the only way to avoid the 4% price cap rise and protect against a possible January increase.
Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's largest street party, faces an uncertain future as it celebrates 60 years amid rising costs and safety concerns, with emergency funding secured.
With rain and thunder forecast across England and Wales, homeowners are reminded to keep paper and cardboard recycling dry or risk their bin being missed on collection day.
The Cabinet Office will launch a campaign urging UK households to stockpile water and tinned food to prepare for national emergencies such as extreme weather or hostile state attacks.
The UK will advise households to stockpile bottled water, tinned food and candles under new emergency plans, accelerated amid fears of a Russian attack by 2030.
Ofgem's price cap rise to £1,723 triggers £150 rebate for millions on four DWP benefits, but a key August 23 deadline means some could miss out.
Birmingham City Council has opened a consultation on plans to introduce 20mph speed limits on almost every road, with the policy facing opposition from Reform UK.
Ofgem raises the winter energy price cap by 4% to £1,723 for the average household, a three-year high, citing high wholesale gas prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
Ofgem raises the energy price cap by 4% from October 1, lifting typical bills to £1,723 a year, the highest since July 2023.
Manchester council plans to cut speed limits to 20mph on nearly 500 roads in Wythenshawe, aiming to reduce collisions, but some residents question the approach.
Bleeding radiators before September can cut winter energy bills, say experts Selectra. The free task takes minutes and improves heating efficiency.