Andy Burnham's First Tax Change: VAT Cut on Electricity
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a VAT cut on domestic electricity bills from 5% to 0%, saving households £45 annually, funded by scrapping the Digital ID Programme.
Category : Environment
Long Mynd Roads Shut After Wildfire
The National Trust has closed roads on the Long Mynd in Shropshire following a wildfire that broke out on the heathland. The fire, which started on Sunday, has been contained but access remains restricted for safety.
National Trust closes Long Mynd roads after wildfire
The National Trust has closed roads on the Long Mynd in Shropshire following a wildfire that burned 4 hectares of heathland, urging visitors to stay away.
UK Braces for Most Intense Heatwave Yet, Temperatures Could Reach 38C
The Met Office and BBC Weather warn the UK could face the most intense heatwave of summer, with temperatures soaring to 38°C by July 29, after three previous heatwaves.
Stop Lettuce Bolting: Expert Tips for Hot Weather
Bolting makes salad leaves bitter. Expert Harrison Fannon shares 8 methods to prevent bolting, including mulching, intercropping, and shade netting.
UK Braces for Most Intense Heatwave of Summer on July 29
The UK is set for its most intense heatwave of summer, with temperatures reaching 38C on July 29, potentially the hottest day since 2022, according to forecasters.
Hottest Heatwave of Summer Still Yet to Hit England
UK weather maps project a fourth and more intense heatwave in August, with temperatures potentially reaching 37C by July 29, as the summer continues to break records.
Multiple Heatwaves Expected in UK Before August End
Multiple heatwaves are anticipated in the UK before summer ends, with the Met Office predicting above-average temperatures and further hot spells into August.
Solihull Wins 21 Green Flag Awards, Highest in West Midlands
Solihull has secured 21 Green Flag Awards for 2026, the highest in the West Midlands, with Widney Manor Cemetery and Blythe Valley Park joining the list.
Fire Crews Battle Major Midlands Wildfire in Dramatic Photos
Firefighters tackled a large wildfire in the Midlands, with eight smoky photos capturing their efforts. The blaze, which affected several hectares, required multiple crews and resources to bring under control.
Arrow Valley Country Park: Ideal Weekend Destination
Arrow Valley Country Park offers stunning lakeside walks, wildlife, and family activities, making it the perfect weekend escape in Birmingham.
RAC Warns Petrol and Diesel Prices Rising Rapidly
The RAC warns petrol prices are heading back to 155p a litre and diesel to over 170p, with costs rising rapidly ahead of the summer holidays.
Wythenshawe Park Wetland Restoration Makes Fish Smile
A £40,000 restoration project at Wythenshawe Park's Nan Nook Woodlands has transformed a dried-up pond into a thriving wetland, benefiting wildlife and the community.
Stockport A&E Wins Bronze Green Award
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust's emergency department has earned a Bronze award from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine for its environmental initiatives, including reducing plastic, gas use, and unnecessary testing.
New mileage tax for EV drivers halved to £120 for hybrids
Labour confirms mileage-based tax for EVs from April 2028: 3p per mile for EVs, 1.5p for hybrids, halving £240 charge to £120 for 8,000 miles/year.
Six BBQ Items Banned from Bins: England Warned
Six BBQ items, including charcoal and disposable grills, are banned from household bins under England's new Simpler Recycling scheme. Households warned of fire and contamination risks.
UK Government Confirms 2p Per Mile Plan for EV Drivers
EV drivers can now charge at home for as little as 2p per mile under new government plans, with mandatory charge points in new car parks and protections against landlord overcharging.
11 Open Fires Across West Midlands and Shropshire
Firefighters tackled 11 open fires across the West Midlands and Shropshire as hot weather continues, with crews warning of increased fire risk due to dry conditions.
Jawhara Collection Launches Sweet Dates in Birmingham
The Jawhara Collection has launched its premium sweet dates range in Birmingham, offering a taste of luxury with hand-picked varieties from the Middle East.
Crop fire in Wombourne sparks avoid area warning
A large crop fire in Wombourne, Staffordshire, prompted emergency warnings for residents to close windows and doors and avoid the area on July 15.
UK Drivers Risk Petrol and Diesel Price Spikes
Drivers in the UK are exposed to petrol and diesel price spikes due to the Middle East crisis, warns Colin Walker of ECIU, as IEA reports abnormal stock draws.
EVs £486 cheaper to run than petrol cars
Electric cars now cost £1,320 per year to run, £486 less than petrol cars at £1,806, according to new data from Compare the Market.
Wimbledon's Avocado Ban for Sustainability
Wimbledon has banned avocados from its menus to reduce its carbon footprint, replacing them with locally sourced alternatives. The move is part of a broader sustainability initiative at the championships.
£60m to Save England's Endangered Wildlife with Detection Dogs
A record £60m investment will fund detection dogs to track the rare ghost orchid and protect 364 species, including white-clawed crayfish and swallowtail butterfly, across 130 projects.
Hyndburn Retains Green Flag for 11 Parks, Plans 12th
Hyndburn celebrates retaining Green Flag status for 11 parks. Plans to improve Bullough Park aim for a 12th award next year.
Shropshire Landmark Cleaned for Stargazing
A stunning Shropshire landmark used for stargazing has undergone a sparkling clean-up, restoring its historic charm and enhancing visitor experience, according to local officials.
Nine English Counties Brace for 36C Heatwave
Nine English counties are forecast to see temperatures of 35C or above as a new heatwave hits the Midlands and other regions, with potential highs of 36C in the east.
Rare Essex Skipper butterfly found on Sefton Coast
A rare Essex Skipper butterfly has been recorded on the Sefton Coast for the first time, spotted at Marshside RSPB reserve by Gayle Daley and confirmed by experts.
Tiger at West Midlands Attraction Dies
A beloved tiger at a popular West Midlands wildlife park has died, leaving staff and visitors heartbroken. The 13-year-old Amur tiger, named Tschuna, passed away after a short illness.
Sober Fan Matt Guest Enjoys Pub Without Alcohol at World Cup
Matt Guest, sober for nearly five years, watched England's World Cup quarter-final at a pub without alcohol, feeling more present and without a hangover.
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