Richard Guttridge

Andy Burnham has suggested that council tax may need a major overhaul because property bands are still largely based on valuations from the 1990s. He argues that some larger homes in London pay less than smaller or lower-value properties elsewhere, including in Greater Manchester. Reform could lower bills for some households but substantially increase charges for owners of higher-value homes, while any changes would need to remain consistent with the 2024 manifesto.

The Labour Government is considering stricter licensing requirements for drivers aged 70 and over, including mandatory eyesight tests and possibly cognitive assessments. Drivers who fail to meet the required standard could have their licences withdrawn or renewal applications rejected. More than 10,000 licences were already withdrawn or refused last year, but officials have not made a final decision or set an implementation timetable. Motoring expert Matt Crole-Rees supports mandatory eye tests, stressing that declining vision can go unnoticed and affect drivers’ ability to identify hazards.

The UK government is considering mandatory eyesight tests for drivers when they turn 70, with possible cognitive assessments also being introduced. Drivers would need to pass the tests to renew their licences, which are currently renewed at 70 and every three years thereafter through a self-declaration system. The proposals follow concerns about older-driver safety and could lead to more licences being revoked or refused renewal. Motoring expert Matt Crole-Rees supports eyesight testing, noting that drivers may not recognise when their vision falls below the legal standard.