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Council tax intake could soar 43% by 2030 – ‘adding £500 to the average bill’
Treasury forecasts indicate that council tax receipts could rise by 43% to £58.8bn by 2030/31, prompting Conservative claims that average band D bills could increase by about £556. The figures have intensified political disagreement over local taxation and planned devolution, though the government says no future council tax rates have been set. Councils collected £41.2bn…
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Boulter to lead GB at Billie Jean King Cup finals
Katie Boulter will lead Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen after Emma Raducanu was left out because of ongoing injury and illness issues. Britain face Czechia in the quarter-finals on 22 September, seeking to continue a strong recent record after reaching four finals in five years. Boulter replaces Katie Swan…
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JAN MOIR: Leftist bullies get away with saying any vile thing – as long as their targets are on the Right
This opinion column argues that left-wing figures receive less scrutiny for abusive or violent rhetoric directed at political opponents on the Right. It cites online posts and political reactions following the reported killing of former MP and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe, contending that such responses illustrate a broader double standard. The columnist criticises influencer…
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Eight metre high water leak fountain shoots into the air ‘for six hours’ – thestar.co.uk
A reported water leak sent a fountain of water about eight metres into the air for up to six hours. The incident highlights the potential disruption and water waste caused by an apparently prolonged infrastructure failure. The available article text contains no further verified details about the location, cause, responsible water company or volume of…
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Venner and Robinson among 32 Red Roses contracts
England have awarded 32 full-time Red Roses contracts for the 2026-27 season, with Gloucester-Hartpury wing Mia Venner and Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson receiving their first deals. The announcement reflects continued competition within the squad after England’s recent Six Nations success and ahead of an international programme including fixtures against Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the…
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Add to playlist: the art-pop showtunes of Luki and the week’s best new tracks
The article highlights Luki, the art-pop project of singer and composer Lucy Duncan and producer Niac, whose new EP Old Feelings combines theatrical melodrama with intimate emotional detail. The Guardian presents the release as a compelling signpost towards a forthcoming album, praising Duncan’s expressive voice and the duo’s unconventional, richly arranged songwriting. Luki released its…
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Sheffield Wednesday closing in on Hull City forward who won promotion with Bolton Wanderers – thestar.co.uk
Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly close to signing a Hull City forward who previously helped Bolton Wanderers win promotion. If completed, the move would add attacking experience to Wednesday’s squad and represent a notable transfer between Championship rivals. The available article text does not include the player’s name, proposed fee, contract details or the timing of…
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Scotland’s university procurement center confirms cybercrooks broke in
Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC), Scotland’s procurement body for higher and further education, has confirmed that attackers accessed some historical data during a cyberattack in mid-July. The incident matters because APUC manages framework agreements used by Scottish universities and colleges to purchase goods and services, although it says its daily operations have not…
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Rugby v cricket – England’s George swaps sports to help tackle MND
England and Saracens hooker Jamie George will captain a rugby team in a T20 cricket match against Somerset professionals on 19 August, raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The event at Taunton’s County Ground brings together leading rugby and cricket figures, reflecting growing concern over MND after diagnoses among former players in both…
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Alan Cumming-Backed Block The Merger Submits Evidence To UK Culture Sec; Argues WarnerMount Will “Directly Impact UK Documentarians’ Ability To Tell Diverse Stories”
The Alan Cumming-backed Block the Merger coalition has submitted evidence to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy urging the UK to block Paramount’s proposed $110 billion merger with Warner. The groups argue that the deal could reduce media plurality and restrict UK documentary-makers’ access to important news archives, affecting their ability to tell diverse stories. The coalition…