Retailers report a weak December, blaming the Chancellor’s £30bn Budget tax rises for dampening spending after Black Friday. With households cautious and costs rising, shops warn the golden quarter is faltering and urge the Treasury to rethink rates relief and measures to boost high-street trade.

Ministers plan to let 63 councils postpone May’s local elections, affecting over 10m voters. Supporters cite administrative changes; opponents say it favours Labour-run areas and shields the PM from a key test. In some places, votes could be delayed for up to seven years.

The PM faces criticism over plans to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus-style exchange programme, with costs projected to reach about £6bn over the decade, far higher than before. Ministers say it will expand study abroad and skills; opponents call it poor value and a step towards reversing Brexit.

Ministers outline a BBC funding overhaul from 2028: free access for people on benefits, paid for by higher charges on other households. Ads and paywalls for big shows are being considered as the licence fee is phased out in favour of an iPlayer‑centred model.