PA: British Isles & Ireland
Thursday, 07 December 2023 21:45
Salvation Army urging Christians to reach out as deprivation rises
In the UK, 64% of people have noticed an increase in deprivation in their communities this year. This surge, linked to cost of living concerns and the global situation, is dampening Christmas spirits for many. Major…
Thursday, 30 November 2023 22:09
Asylum seekers: Home Office says more than 17,000 missing
The UK Home Office has lost track of over 17,000 asylum seekers after their claims were discontinued, a concern raised during a discussion about Rishi Sunak's goal to clear the asylum backlog by year's end. The…
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…