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Market Report: Iran War Pushes Up UK Inflation While A Resolution Remains Elusive
FTSE 100 set for downbeat start as oil prices stay elevated and inflation rises. The Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.3% in the 12 months to March 2026, up from 3% in the 12 months to February. Motor fuels made the largest upward contribution to the monthly change, partially offsetting downward contributions. Brent crude dips slightly as Iran ceasefire is extended but remains elevated, hovering just under $98 a barrel.
P.ublished 22nd April 2026
Candlelighters Cancer Charity Launches Campaign To Celebrate 50 Years
Stacy Procter, from Leeds, and her Pink Army of supporters of Candlelighters Photos: Candlelighters
Candlelighters, the charity supporting children with cancer across Yorkshire, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a fundraising campaign. Since its inception in 1976, the charity has been a beacon of hope for thousands of families, and is now calling on the public to take on a '50-themed' challenge, to ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone.
P.ublished 23rd April 2026
Opinion
Is Donald Trump A Psychopath? Some Of His Friends Think He Is
Ruby Boyd
Politics Correspondent
Recent global events have been little short of apocalyptic, with nearly every world leader turning their backs on Donald Trump, rejecting his efforts to start WW3. 'MAGA' – his battalion of devoted and adoring fans have turned their backs on him, denouncing his actions against Iran - thank god.
P.ublished 22nd April 2026
Market Update: More Resilient UK Labour Picture Ahead Of Iran Crisis
UK unemployment rate dips to 4.9%, defying expectations that it would remain at 5.2%. Wage growth cools, but not by as much as expected in the three months to February. The emerging energy crisis could knock hiring plans off course. Hopes are kept alive for a peace deal as talks are set to start in Islamabad between Iran and the US. FTSE 100 flat in early trade as a wait-and-see mood swirls.
P.ublished 21st April 2026
New Darlington Link Road Options Unveiled Ahead Of Summer Consultation
Fresh plans for a strategic link road between the A66 and the A1(M) in County Durham have been published, marking a significant step forward for the long-awaited infrastructure project. The Darlington Northern Link Road is designed to divert heavy goods vehicles and commuter traffic away from the A1150 and A167, reducing congestion in residential areas of north Darlington.
P.ublished 20th April 2026
Cochrane Review Shows The Drugs Don’t Work – What Is The Solution For Alzheimer’s?
A major Cochrane review of 17 clinical trials involving over 20,000 people shows that the new anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs do not deliver meaningful clinical benefit.
P.ublished 20th April 2026
TUC – 8 In 10 Workers Have Experienced Abuse At Work In Past Year
New TUC survey findings published today reveal 8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in the past year. 45% of surveyed workers have experienced threats of physical harm in the last 12 months. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak says “ministers must prioritise HSE funding to keep workers safe”.
P.ublished 17th April 2026
Great Yorkshire Show Search For Farming Innovators
Entrepreneurs behind ground-breaking agricultural innovations will be celebrated at the Great Yorkshire Show, to inspire new ideas for game-changing farming practices. Entries are open until 11 May 2026 for the Great Yorkshire Show Innovation Awards across five categories.
P.ublished 16th April 2026
YouGov: Businesses Leaders Lack Confidence In The Economy, But Back Themselves To Succeed
New survey asks 2,085 business decision makers about their confidence, their major concerns, and technological adoption The survey finds a negative view of the economic outlook, with those working in SMEs more pessimistic.However, when asked about their own prospects for the next 12 months, business decision makers are broadly positive. More than half (56%) say they are concerned about business costs and interest rates. UK businesses are more likely to expect a rise in revenue rather than a decline over the next 12 months
P.ublished 16th April 2026
Councils Face New Rules For Spending Pothole Funding, Or Risk Losing Their Cash
Photo by Andrew Skudder on flickr
Councils will now face tougher rules to prove they are fixing potholes or risk losing up to a third of next year’s funding. Government is ensuring taxpayers’ money is working harder to get smoother roads and not redirected elsewhere. Red-rated councils will receive funding to improve performance and deliver visibly smoother, safer roads.
P.ublished 14th April 2026
Free Travel And New Routes: Government’s Bus Revolution Hits Another Gear
Photo: ©Steve Hare
Millions of bus passengers across England are benefiting from cheaper fares, new routes, and better services, as local authorities are putting government funding to work in their communities. With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to play a part in people’s everyday lives, local authorities are stepping up to make buses work better for everyone, reducing the burden on households.
P.ublished 13th April 2026
Brits Want Growth And Back Less Red Tape, Cheaper Energy And Lower Taxes To Get It, Finds Landmark IEA Research
Image by Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay
Landmark new public opinion research published by the Institute of Economic Affairs has found that the British public overwhelmingly supports economic growth. Eighty-seven per cent say the country should focus more on growth, with just 9% saying the country is already wealthy enough.
P.ublished 13th April 2026
Government’s New Urgent Treatment Centre Plans ‘Not The Answer’ To End ‘Shameful’ Corridor Care: RCEM
New urgent treatment centres will do little to nothing in tackling and eradicating the national shame that is corridor care. That’s the warning from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine after the government announced a suite of measures to tackle corridor care in Emergency departments around England.
P.ublished 13th April 2026
Unpaid Carers ‘£160 Worse Off A Month’ As Carer’s Allowance Fails To Keep Pace With Rise In Earnings
Invalid Care Allowance, now Carer’s Allowance, was first introduced at the rate of £7.90 a week in 1976. Fifty years on Carer’s Allowance, paid to those caring for a minimum of 35 hours per week, is worth £86.45 a week (2026/27 financial year). If Carer’s Allowance had kept pace with increases in earnings, carers would receive an extra £36.93 each week or £160.46 a month on average.
P.ublished 10th April 2026
Markets Update: Wave Of Relief Hits As Oil Plunges As Iran Ceasefire Agreed
Equity markets rally after US and Iran agree a two-week ceasefire with FTSE 100 opening up 1.5%. UK Gas prices fall sharply but still remain a third higher as Shell forecasts a cut to gas production in the first quarter. Brent Crude initially falls sharply, as Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen but has been rising again. Inflationary pressures still remain, given energy costs are still significantly higher compared to before the outbreak of war. There are warnings that the jet fuel squeeze will continue for months even if there’s a longer-term agreement.
P.ublished 8th April 2026
10 Crimes A Day Committed At Churches Across The UK, New Figures Reveal
The Countryside Alliance’s latest investigation has revealed that in 2025 nearly 4,000 crimes were committed on church property as well as other religious premises. Figures were obtained by the Countryside Alliance as part of its continuous campaign to focus attention on rural churches and increase funding for security at places of worship.
P.ublished 8th April 2026
Better Leisure Centres In The North East Raise More Than £3,500.00 For Charities
Swimathon
Figures in this week confirm that Gosforth and Dunston Leisure Centres, which are managed by the UK's foremost leisure charitable social enterprise GLL, hosted 20 fundraising challenges for Swimathon 2026, raising a record £3,500.00 for charities.
P.ublished 7th April 2026
One Click Too Many? 75% Of Parents Fear Their Kids Aren't Making Safe Choices Online
Three in four parents fear their child can't make safe online privacy choices, new research shows. Yet most rarely, if ever, talk to them about it. Every day, primary school kids tap 'accept' on apps, games and websites - usually without realising how much personal information they may be sharing as a result. A single click can reveal far more than a name.
P.ublished 7th April 2026
Letter To The Editor - Public Transport
Photo by Linus Belanger on Unsplash
Dear Editor, Public transport is an essential part of everyday life, but for people who are deaf or have hearing loss - journeys by services like trains, buses or ferries can be a huge challenge.
P.ublished 7th April 2026
Mid-Century & Vintage Furniture Icons And Rare Pudsey Origin Designs Return For The Vintage Home Show
Pudsey Civic Hall is set to transform into a sanctuary for mid-century furniture design and sustainable style as the acclaimed Vintage Home Show returns to its West Yorkshire roots next week (Sunday 12 April). The event is a must-visit for those seeking high-quality vintage furniture, rare ceramics, records, artwork and unique textiles that bypass the flimsy quality of the modern high street.
P.ublished 3rd April 2026
Rt Revd Philip North, Easter message 2026
‘What stops you from despairing?’ The woman who recently asked me that question was part of a group of older people I was chatting to on a Parish visit. There were eight or nine of them and they were anxious. They were worrying about the conflict in Iran and whether it would spiral out of control.
P.ublished 3rd April 2026
Yougov/cebr March Consumer Confidence Index Records Biggest Fall Since “Liberation Day” Tariffs
YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) release latest consumer confidence index data, covering March 2026. Forward looking measure of how people see their household finances records biggest drop since August 2022. Job security perceptions for the past thirty days were both negative and lower than the previous month
P.ublished 2nd April 2026
Commuting Costs UK Drivers Over £2,200 A Year: Bus Travel Offers Smarter, More Affordable Alternative
Average car commute costs £2,228 per year, with rising fuel, maintenance and parking costs Bus travel could save commuters over £1,100 annually while reducing stress and improving journey time use Stagecoach highlights affordable, flexible travel options across Cumbria and Lancashire
P.ublished 2nd April 2026
Lincoln’s Iconic Hotel Disappointed By Planning Appeal Decision
The National Planning Inspectorate has announced its decision in a second appeal against the City of Lincoln Planning Authority’s decision to refuse Planning Permission & Listed Building Consent for a new Roof Terrace, overlooking Lincoln Cathedral at the White Hart Hotel in Bailgate, Lincoln.
P.ublished 1st April 2026
One Month Left To Apply For Free Voter ID
Image by John Mounsey from Pixabay
People voting in the upcoming local elections in May can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, a free form of ID that can be used to vote at a polling station. The Electoral Commission is calling on anyone who needs ID to apply for free now, before the 5pm deadline on Tuesday 28 April.
P.ublished 1st April 2026
Reform’s Plan To Rip Up Workers’ Rights Is “Massively Out Of Step” With The British Public – New Poll Reveals
The TUC and Hope Not Hate have published new polling which shows that Reform are “massively out of step” with the British public on workers’ rights. Reform announced last month that it would introduce a Great Repeal Bill to axe Labour’s Employment Rights Act.
P.ublished 1st April 2026
More Than Half Of Consumers Would Feel More Confident In An Ethical, B Corp Certified Financial Provider
Jill Johnston
Some 52% of customers would have more confidence in their building society or bank if they were B Corp certified, new data shows. A global certification, B Corp is a movement which recognises organisations that put people and planet alongside profit, recognising their ethical business practices, social impact and transparent reporting.
P.ublished 1st April 2026
Latest LGIU Research Suggests That Electoral Reform Could Help Renew Local Democracy
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
Ahead of the local elections on 7 May, new research commissioned by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) with Ipsos reveals that the majority of the public think proposed new electoral reforms could have a positive effect on turnout.
P.ublished 31st March 2026
£150m Community Investment Programme Leaves Lasting Legacy Across England
Although March 2026 marks the formal conclusion of the Big Local programme, the impact of the initiative will continue to grow in communities across England. Over the past decade and a half, thousands of residents, volunteers, local businesses and community groups have taken part in the programme. 150 communities were each given control of £1m in long-term funding to improve their areas.
P.ublished 30th March 2026
New Access Road For Thomas Bewick School
Work has commenced at West Denton Leisure Centre to create a new access road that will improve connectivity to the adjacent school – Thomas Bewick School.
P.ublished 30th March 2026
WASPI Campaigners Launch Party Support Scorecard Ahead Of Crucial May Elections
WASPI CAMPAIGNERS have launched a fresh national lobbying tool in their quest for compensation, ahead of a crucial set of elections on Thursday 7 May.
P.ublished 27th March 2026
Yorkshire Makes Walking History As Coast To Coast Becomes A National Trail
Landmark moment for Yorkshire as years of work and £5.5 million investment culminate in National Trail celebration. Alfred Wainwright's iconic Coast to Coast route officially becomes a National Trail, more than 50 years after it was first walked. Designation brings numerous benefits including improved accessibility, consistent high-quality signage and a central pot of funding for maintenance. Natural England celebrates iconic 190-mile route, reaching its halfway point at Keld and dramatic North Sea finish line at Robin Hood’s Bay.
P.ublished 26th March 2026
Conflict In The Middle East Is A Potential Game Changer For Inflation
Image by Alexandra Koch from Pixabay
Today’s data from the Office for National Statistics showed that annual rate of CPI inflation holding at 3.0% in February 2026. The outlook for inflation has changed markedly. The hit to global energy supply so far from events in the Middle East has been profound and the warnings from the International Energy Agency over its “unprecedented” nature are stark.
P.ublished 25th March 2026
Knowledge Gap About Epilepsy Exposed In Northern England
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Three quarters of people in northern England underestimate how many people are diagnosed with epilepsy each day, new research has revealed. A survey released ahead of Purple Day (26th March) has highlighted widespread misunderstanding about the condition across the region.
P.ublished 25th March 2026
Transport Secretary Tasks HS2 With Reducing Construction Time And Cost To Taxpayers
Cranes at Old Oak Common station November 2025 Photo: HS2
Government tells HS2 Ltd to consider options that could save billions and bring the railway into service sooner. The ongoing review will consider how to get passengers on trains sooner and deliver some of the fastest high-speed trains in Europe. Scheme supports national renewal – with delivery focusing on increased capacity, reliable trains with increased frequency whilst supporting thousands of jobs and adding billions to the economy.
P.ublished 24th March 2026
YouGov: 79% Of 18-24 Year Olds Say It Is Difficult To Find A Job
YouGov’s latest tracker data finds that just 23% of Britons - including only 12% of 18-24-year-olds – believe it's easy to find a job at the moment, the lowest levels since the pandemic Among all British adults the figures are:Easy: 23% (-5 from 17-19 January 2026) Difficult: 62% (+4) Among 18-24 year…
P.ublished 23rd March 2026
The Thucydides Trap in Motion
Who now remembers the ‘Thucydides Trap’? For a time in the early part of this century it seemed to crop up trendily whenever Chinese expansionism was discussed. I saw the phrase frequently in the editorials of serious newspapers and political magazines, tossed in casually as some sort of clever historical metaphor - rather than the serious warning about the future it should have been.
P.ublished 21st March 2026
Dr Maria Papavergos Looks At How Oral Health Matters This World Oral Health Day
Oral health is often overlooked, but it is crucial to overall well-being. The mouth is a gateway to the body, and issues that begin there can affect nutrition, speech, confidence, and even contribute to systemic health conditions. In the past, dentistry has been a “fix the problem” service, with little time and little value placed on education and prevention.
P.ublished 20th March 2026
First-Time Buyer Average Age Rises To 34 Across England
The average age of a first-time buyer in England has risen from 29 to 34 since the mid-1990s, according to new analysis tracking three decades of housing data. The Skipton Group Home Affordability Index, developed in partnership with Oxford Economics, highlights a significant shift in the demographic profile of new homeowners.
P.ublished 19th March 2026
Warning Shots Fired As WASPI Women Prepare For Fresh Legal Challenge
Senior lawyers representing millions of WASPI women are preparing to write to the Government citing “multiple legal errors” over their continued refusal to deliver compensation Government lawyers will have 14 days to respond to the pre-court action letter before they risk being hauled back to the High Court for a second judicial review. Campaigners have labelled the Department for Work and Pensions’ compensation stance “irrational and unfair”, describing their approach to affected women as “offensive”.
P.ublished 19th March 2026
Visitors Urged To Join A Survey That May Shape The Future Of Zoos
Chester Zoo scientists launch survey that could help shape the future of zoos
Chester Zoo scientists are spearheading a study into how zoos can benefit people’s wellbeing. Zoos from around the world are taking part in the study Visitors invited to share insights into their mood, nature-connectedness and more The results should shed light on the value of zoos to society. An animal adoption is up for grabs for participants!
P.ublished 17th March 2026
Opinion
Starmer On Iran
Ruby Boyd
Politics Correspondent
Events over the past two weeks have been little short of apocalyptic as Israel bombed military facilities in Iran in a surprise attack and killed the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, after Iran had accused Israel of conducting genocide in Gaza. As a result of these allegations, Israel sought sanctions and military action against Iran to stop them from acquiring nuclear weapons.
P.ublished 16th March 2026
Yorkshire Soldiers To Push Limits With Four-Event Challenge In Just 10 Weeks For SSAFA
Kyle (left) and Harry (right) on a practice 10km run, also for SSAFA
Two young serving soldiers are preparing to push themselves to their physical limits as they take on four major endurance events in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity in a gruelling 10-week challenge. Lance Corporal Kyle Flaherty, 26, from Keighley, and Private Harry Wilcock, 19, from Leeds, both serve with 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps at Dishforth, near Ripon, North Yorkshire.
P.ublished 16th March 2026
Ten Years Since Jo Cox’s Murder, Her Foundation Invite Communities To Join The Tenth Great Get Together
Trafalgar Square
To mark the 10th anniversary of a movement that transformed tragedy into action and brought people together across the country, The Jo Cox Foundation has today launched the tenth Great Get Together that will take place from 19–21 June 2026. Ten years ago, the murder of Jo Cox MP shocked and devastated the nation.
P.ublished 16th March 2026
Eighty Years After The Iron Curtain
Donald Trump recently dismissed Sir Keir Starmer with a barbed remark: the British prime minister, he said, was “no Churchill”. It was a typically Trumpian flourish, provocative, theatrical, designed for social media headlines. Yet by his standards it was almost restrained. He might easily have added, more devastatingly, what Starmer actually is rather than what he is not.
P.ublished 14th March 2026
Weather App Rain Icon “Costing Attractions Up To £137,000 A Day”
One of the UK’s largest and most visited attractions, Chester Zoo, is leading a nationwide push to change how weather forecasts are displayed on popular apps - warning that misleading rain icons could be costing some venues up to £137,000 in a single day.
P.ublished 11th March 2026
TUC - Millions Of Low-paid Women Set To Benefit From Stronger Sick Pay As New Rights Come Into Force
New TUC analysis reveals millions of women will start to benefit from new workers’ rights measures from next month. Women will disproportionately benefit from removal of statutory sick pay earnings threshold in April and from rights to guaranteed hours next year. Just over half of workers on zero-hours contracts are women.
P.ublished 10th March 2026
Home Heating Oil - Prices Out Of Control
Almost 1.5 million homes in the UK are dependent on heating oil to power their central heating system. I am in one of them, living too far away from civilisation to connect to mains gas. The war currently raging in the Middle East has had an almost instant effect on global oil prices, with some unprecedented rises in recent days.
P.ublished 9th March 2026
Monday Market Report: Panic Spreads As Oil Prices Rocket
FTSE 100 has opened sharply lower, and is trading down 1.5%, after Asian markets slumped over scorching energy prices. Brent crude rises by more than a quarter, but retreats slightly to settle above $107 a barrel, amid an emergency meeting of G7 finance leaders. Big Gulf oil producers slash production as they come under attack.
P.ublished 9th March 2026
North Yorkshire Indie Coffee Firm ‘Ships Beans To The Outer Hebrides’ Amid Growth
An independent North Yorkshire coffee company has shipped beans to the Outer Hebrides, amid growth that has seen the company’s reach quietly expand. After falling in love with coffee during a visit to Sumatra, David Beattie left a career in chemical engineering to launch Rounton Coffee, growing it into an award-winning supplier of speciality coffees from across the world.
P.ublished 9th March 2026
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