Wandsworth Council warns residents could see their council tax bills nearly double, an increase of 97%, unless the central government reverses its funding reductions. The proposed hike would take the average Band D council tax from £961 to £1,894, a significant burden for local households.
Andy Burnham's first week as Greater Manchester Mayor included commitments totalling £2.1 billion, with significant outlays for affordable housing and public transport. The funding mechanisms for these ambitious projects remain largely unconfirmed, raising questions about financial feasibility.
A single inflatable vessel transported 165 individuals across the English Channel, marking the largest recorded arrival on one dinghy. The vessel, approximately 13 metres long, reached the UK coast as official figures indicate over 12,000 crossings so far this year.
A wildfire in the Scottish Highlands has continued for ten days, with its smoke reaching Aberdeen, 59 miles distant. Residents in affected areas are advised to keep windows and doors closed.
