Reeves is weighing council tax reforms that could double bills for around a million households, with some paying up to £10,000 a year. Proposals include a revaluation and extra top bands for high-value homes, raising revenue but risking sharp increases in London and the South East.
New figures show Yorkshire has England’s worst child dental health, with six of the top 10 areas for tooth extractions among 5–9s. Dentists blame high sugar intake, inconsistent brushing and limited NHS access. Councils are urged to expand prevention schemes, school brushing and fluoridation.
Hundreds of people with overseas convictions for killing or serious assault are said to have entered the UK undetected. Some histories emerged only after fresh offences prompted checks. The Home Office says it will tighten vetting and improve data sharing to prevent repeats.
Defence Secretary John Healey plans a £9bn programme to fix poor military housing. It will upgrade family homes and barracks, accelerate repairs, improve insulation and heating, and set stricter standards and oversight to end recurring maintenance failures.
US lawmakers urge Andrew to give evidence to a congressional committee examining Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse network. After loss of royal roles, pressure is rising; victims’ lawyers say status should not confer immunity. He has previously denied wrongdoing.
Rachel Reeves faces scrutiny after emails suggest she and her husband were told by two estate agents a licence was needed to let their south London home, despite her claim to the PM she was unaware. The property was reportedly rented at about £3,200 a month before the permit was secured.
Economists say clean growth is the clearest route to prosperity, urging the UK and allies to scale up investment in renewables, grids and resilience. Critics argue the UN summit format is stalling progress, calling for binding targets, reliable finance for vulnerable nations and enforcement.