Business & Finance · Oct 20, 2026
Chancellor John Healey has rejected calls to equalise capital gains tax with income tax ahead of his first Budget on October 28. The decision narrows the Treasury's options for raising revenue and shifts attention to bank levies and selective measures to plug the fiscal gap.
Business & Finance · Oct 19, 2026
London’s FTSE 100 notched its strongest weekly gain since April as investors shifted into defensive sectors and reacted to reassurances from Chancellor John Healey ahead of the October 28 budget. The move highlights market caution over AI sector weakness and rising gilt yields, and raises stakes for Healey’s fiscal plans.
Lifestyle & Society · Oct 16, 2026
New data and industry analysis published on October 16, 2026 show average asking rents outside London and across several regions have reached fresh highs, driven by shrinking supply at the cheapest end of the market. Experts say policy changes and rising costs for small landlords are reshaping where and how people can afford to live.
Lifestyle & Society · Oct 14, 2026
A new BBC Arts documentary led by Queen Camilla uses personal stories to argue that reading can support mental health, rehabilitation and community belonging. Broadcasters and partners say the film will tie into the UK’s National Year of Reading 2026.
Business & Finance · Oct 9, 2026
British government bond yields climbed to levels not seen since 2007 on October 9, 2026, as a global bond sell off and a rebound in oil prices pushed investors to demand higher compensation for sovereign debt. The move is pressuring bank stocks, lifting mortgage and corporate financing costs, and complicating Treasury plans ahead of the October 28 Budget.
Lifestyle & Society · Oct 4, 2026
A major local authority in England has unveiled a new winter outreach and social connection programme aimed at older people living alone, responding to fresh data showing a notable rise in solitary households and worsening mental health over the past year.
Business & Finance · Oct 3, 2026
A global rout in government bonds has pushed long UK gilt yields to multi decade highs, forcing lenders to pull cheaper mortgage deals and leaving hundreds of thousands of households facing sharp payment shocks before Chancellor John Healey’s October 28 budget.

Business & Finance · Sep 17, 2026
British retailer Next has raised its annual profit forecast after a strong first half, but the company expects slower UK sales growth as inflation, mortgage costs and pressure on household finances weigh on consumers.