Callum Hoare

A major incident was declared after a large, wind-driven wildfire spread across Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast near Sizewell B nuclear power station. About 90 firefighters were deployed, while the public was urged to avoid the area, keep roads clear and close windows and doors if smoke was nearby. The report also covers a separate Cairngorms wildfire, where firefighters had made progress but warned that flare-ups remained possible, alongside an amber heat-health alert issued for parts of England.

Treasury and Department for Work and Pensions officials are considering a system that would automatically deduct income tax from State Pension payments, potentially withholding about £200 monthly for those receiving the full new State Pension. The plan would resemble PAYE and address the increasing number of pensioners whose payments exceed the income tax threshold due to triple-lock rises. The proposal contrasts with earlier assurances from Chancellor Rachel Reeves that pensioners relying solely on the State Pension would not need to file tax returns or pay tax during the current Parliament. Ministers are exploring direct collection methods and may outsource system operations, though no final decision has been made and both the Treasury and DWP declined to comment.