Danielle Andrews

Barnsley Council’s Reform UK-led cabinet approved the removal of £100 cost-of-living payments for pensioners and working-age residents and scaled back its school uniform voucher scheme, shifting support toward targeted assistance through the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund. The changes reflect a move away from universal payments enacted under the previous Labour administration, despite national Reform UK criticism of means-testing winter fuel payments. The revised uniform scheme will issue vouchers only to children starting Reception and Year 7, significantly reducing the number of beneficiaries. Six cabinet members voted in favor of the proposals, which leaders say will direct support to residents most in need.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is considering new street trading rules that would restrict when and where ice cream vans can play chimes, including bans near schools, hospitals and places of worship. The proposals also include limits on chime duration, frequency and operating hours, as well as rules on how long traders may remain in one spot. Cabinet members will review the draft policy on July 6 before it proceeds to public consultation.