Samantha Leathers

Vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge correctly cannot legally be wheel-clamped for public or on-street parking offences in the UK. The badge must be displayed on the dashboard, clearly visible through the windscreen, with the front and hologram facing upward. Misuse or incorrect display can lead to fines, prosecution, vehicle removal or withdrawal of the badge. The exemption does not allow parking that causes an obstruction or danger, including near junctions, school entrances, bus stops, roadworks, emergency entrances or certain pavements. Citizens Advice recommends complaining to both the creditor and bailiff if a vehicle is clamped despite a properly displayed badge.

A study of NHS maternity data covering more than 2.3 million mothers and around 2.8 million births across 184 English hospitals found that gestational diabetes diagnoses rose by 60% between 2018 and 2022, reaching about one in eight pregnancies. Rates were higher among Asian women and those living in the most deprived areas. Researchers linked the increase partly to rising maternal age and obesity, and warned that gestational diabetes can cause pregnancy and birth complications while increasing the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The condition usually resolves after birth but requires monitoring, lifestyle changes or medication, and may necessitate early delivery. The study also identified ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in emergency Caesarean births, preterm delivery and babies being small for gestational age.

Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw from his World Matchplay Darts second-round match against Ross Smith after becoming dizzy, fainting and requiring help off the stage. The Professional Darts Corporation said he had experienced high blood pressure, and Menzies later reassured fans that he was okay. The report explains the risks and symptoms associated with high blood pressure, outlines controllable and uncontrollable risk factors, and recommends regular checks, a healthy diet, exercise, reduced alcohol consumption and stopping smoking.

Andy Burnham’s new government will scrap VAT on domestic electricity bills from October to ease household costs, but Martin Lewis warns most consumers will see little gain because the reduction coincides with an expected energy price cap rise. The £45 annual saving is likely to be offset by higher prices, though Lewis welcomes the move as symbolically positive. Funding will come from cancelling the Digital ID programme, and longer‑term measures will be set out at the next Budget.