The Chancellor is considering an annual levy on high‑value homes in the Budget: 1% of the amount over £2m, equating to about £10,000 a year for a £3m property. Critics say it could distort the housing market and hit older owners; backers argue it would raise revenue from wealthier households.
Accusations of misconduct against UK service personnel have surged, with reports of exposure and voyeurism up around 30% year on year. The Armed Forces face calls for stronger discipline, clearer reporting routes, and better victim support as investigations continue.
An entertainer was rushed to hospital in the early Nineties after heavy cocaine use, according to a fellow comedian who says a cab dash secured urgent care and avoided life‑threatening brain harm. He later recovered and has spoken openly about addiction.
Rachel Reeves is under pressure to raise the top rate of income tax to plug a £30bn–£40bn hole in the public finances, despite a pledge to avoid broad tax rises. Options include a 5p increase on the 45p rate, though the IFS notes this might raise only about £1bn by 2029–30.
A readers’ poll names Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball as the preferred duo to present Strictly, with Clark leading and Ball the bookmakers’ favourite. Liz Truss drew little support.
The chancellor plans a near‑4% rise in the national living wage to at least £12.90 and to extend it to 18–21‑year‑olds. Business groups warn higher costs could price out jobs. Funding measures under review include curbs on tax perks for partnerships and high‑value property sales.
Police are searching for a man from Epping who was mistakenly freed from prison despite being due for deportation after convictions for sexual assault. Ministers ordered an inquiry into the release, pledged to tighten custody checks and warned that anyone aiding him could face action.
Police launched a manhunt after prison staff mistakenly freed a high‑risk offender convicted of assault, who should have been moved to immigration custody. Last seen on a train from Chelmsford to London, he remains at large. The error has triggered scrutiny of the government’s handling of detention transfers.
Labour’s rout in Caerphilly has triggered alarm, with senior figures warning that a repeat at the 2026 contests could imperil the PM. Critics cite a muddled strategy and demand a reset to reconnect with voters amid signs of rising support for rivals in core areas.
Economists have warned the Chancellor that raising the higher income tax rate would affect millions of workers, including teachers and police officers. Reeves is reportedly considering breaking Labour’s manifesto pledge to ease spending pressures.