Ben Hurst

The UK Government plans to give mayors and other strategic authorities in England powers to introduce an overnight visitor levy, potentially from April 2027. Industry bodies warn that the charge could make family holidays more expensive, deter visitors and contribute to 33,000 job losses. UK Hospitality has proposed a government-funded “holiday bonus” that would allocate revenue to local authorities based on visitor numbers instead of imposing a local tax. The Tourism Alliance supports greater local control but is calling for a consistent national framework, while Conservative politicians oppose the levy. The government’s consultation on the scheme is awaiting a response.

Festival-goers’ priorities in 2026 are increasingly shaped by smartphones, reliable connectivity, social media, food and practical fashion. Vodafone research found that 87% consider connectivity crucial, while many use phones to discover artists, plan outfits, find food stalls and share experiences. Charli XCX is the most-discussed act online, Sienna Spiro is tipped as a breakout star, and TikTok is the leading source of fashion inspiration. High-quality global food and documenting meals are also central to the festival experience, while Vodafone is promoting network coverage and a free seven-day trial for non-customers.

New food waste collection rules in England require weekly household collections, but councils are introducing them at different times because of delays. Residents are warned not to place packaging, oils, liquids, animal waste, bedding, flowers or other non-food items in food caddies, or collections may be refused. Accepted materials include cooked and uncooked food, meat and bones, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, bread, plate scrapings, tea bags and coffee grounds. Liner rules vary by council: Darlington and several other authorities allow ordinary plastic bags or newspaper because treatment plants remove the bags before anaerobic digestion, while councils including Stockport and Rochdale require certified compostable liners. Residents should check their local authority’s guidance before using alternatives.

Andy Burnham is facing pressure to raise the UK’s frozen £12,570 personal tax allowance to £15,000, particularly for struggling pensioners. Institute for Fiscal Studies economist Jonathan Cribb said the government has two long-term options: increase the allowance for everyone or introduce a higher allowance specifically for state pensioners. The threshold has been frozen since 2021 and is scheduled to remain so until 2031, meaning inflation and earnings growth are bringing more people into taxation. Cribb said restoring inflation-linked increases would cost the government about £9 billion a year and require spending cuts or other tax rises. Burnham has said the issue will be considered at the Budget but has made no commitment to change the policy.

A petition seeking free TV licences for all UK pensioners surpassed 60,000 signatures, moving closer to a potential parliamentary debate that could increase pressure on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as it reviews the BBC’s future funding. Support rose following comments from new BBC director-general Matt Brittin, who said the licence fee model is outdated. The government reiterated that current concessions—free licences only for over‑75s receiving Pension Credit—will remain until 2027, noting the cost of reinstating universal free licences. The petition highlights financial strain on older people amid the cost of living crisis, while the BBC Charter Review continues to examine future funding options.

A review led by Stephen Timms concludes that the Personal Independence Payment system requires fundamental change amid rapidly rising claimant numbers, especially for mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. Conservative figures, including Helen Whately, press for tighter controls and question the surge in claims for anxiety, depression and ADHD, while Labour emphasises financial sustainability without mandated cuts. Charities call for a more compassionate, less burdensome system, highlighting widespread negative experiences. The review’s final recommendations are expected in the autumn, with assessment reforms likely to be central.

Marks and Spencer recalled its Truffle Gouda after the Food Standards Agency warned it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers were urged not to eat the affected 150g product with a use-by date of 9 October 2026 and to return it for a full refund. Officials highlighted the risks posed by listeria, particularly to vulnerable groups, and the NHS advised avoiding contact with others for two days after symptoms stop if illness occurs.