British Isles
New tax on vapes announced in Budget to discourage non-smokers from adopting habit
The UK government plans to implement a new tax on vaping products starting October 2026, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt during the Budget speech. This move aims to deter non-smokers from starting vaping while maintaining vaping…
Birmingham City Council signs off 'devastating' cuts
Birmingham City Council, Europe's largest local authority, has approved significant service cuts to address a financial crisis, including a 21% increase in council tax over two years. The council, facing bankruptcy, must save £300m, resulting in…
Understanding why our young people have such poor mental health
A recent study by the Resolution Foundation revealed that 34% of UK youths aged 18-24 exhibit symptoms of mental disorders, the highest rate among all age groups. This marks a significant shift from 20 years ago…
NHS England leaders welcome £6bn budget boost but say much more is needed
NHS England leaders have responded positively to the £6bn budget increase from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, aimed at addressing rising demands, tackling the care backlog, and upgrading outdated IT systems. The budget for 2024/25 will see a…
