The government’s approval of the £2.1 billion Jackdaw gas field has been welcomed across the energy and business sectors, though not without a sharp warning that the decision has been a long time coming. Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) described the go-ahead as an opening move towards releasing some £50 billion of investment in new North Sea oil and gas production.

There are currently 2,970 children waiting for adoption in England, but just 1,350 approved adopter families waiting, showing a shortfall of of 1,620. Nearly 1,000 additional children could have permanent homes by 2030 if adopter registrations returned to levels seen just five years ago.

The IEA Alternative Budget would cut taxes on a median paid job by around £1,300 a year, slash employer National Insurance by £21bn, abolish stamp duty and inheritance tax and introduce new Defence Bonds to help fund Britain’s military.

30% say they would want professional advice across all financial decisions. When facing an important financial decision, 41% turn first to family or relatives, compared with 31% who turn first to a professional financial adviser Reliance on family advice is particularly pronounced among younger respondents, while those aged 55+ are more likely to turn first to a professional adviser. Yet 44% of UK adults do not feel financially prepared for major future life events.

Today’s official update on the condition of roads in England reveals that, while added investment continues to keep major roads in a reasonably good state, drivers face a nearly one in six chance of encountering roads needing repair on residential streets or in rural areas.

Chancellor John Healey delivers the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 28th October, the first under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Here's what Adderstone Living is hoping it brings. First, clarity on funding. Billions from the Social and Affordable Homes Programme are still to be allocated, and knowing when and how it will be released lets housing associations and developers plan now.

YouGov/Cebr consumer confidence index records biggest drop in household financial outlook since April. Overall index decreased by 0.2. Retrospective (-2.2) and forward-looking (-5.7) perceptions of household finances drop significantly Business activity measures improve over September (+1,5), and for the next twelve months (+2.7)

Further cut would save around 6p a litre at the pumps. AA says lower fuel costs could help drivers, businesses and inflation

New polling from Independent Age, the only national charity solely focused on supporting older people facing financial hardship, shows that 59% of adults under the age of 65 in Northern England are not confident they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.

It boasts some of the best views across the city, arguably one of the most desirable city centre locations, just down the road from Leeds Trinity Shopping Centre and amenities you’d expect from a 5* hotel, but this isn’t a new luxury hotel, it’s the city’s latest purpose-built student accommodation tower.

CrossCountry customers encouraged to plan ahead for Christmas travel: Snow at Birmingham New Street Rail passengers travelling this Christmas are being encouraged to plan ahead, as major engineering work will mean no trains can operate to or from Birmingham New Street between Thursday 24 and Monday 28 December 2026.

More women looking for rewarding careers on the railway as Northern sees a sharp rise in job applications More women looking for rewarding careers on the railway as Northern sees a sharp rise in job applications The number of women applying for jobs with Northern has risen significantly, following the launch of a successful recruitment campaign.

A Gateshead mum's booked-out children's spa is branching out, with a walk-in wellness venture opening at Metrocentre in time for half-term. A children's day spa that has been fully booked since it first opened its doors is expanding into Metrocentre with a new venture aimed at drop-in customers as well as party-goers.

Northern Gas Networks is encouraging university students kick-starting their new term and student life in rented homes to carry out two potentially lifesaving checks.

New research is yet more evidence that A&E overcrowding kills, but governments remain too slow to act, says the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM).

After some four decades of silence, "Clotherholme's Big Ben" is chiming again, thanks to a new caretaker who gave up his weekends to bring it back to life. For the better part of half a century, the clock above Ripon Grammar School has been right twice a day. Now it is right all the time.

Passengers with mobility scooters are now able to travel on all of the different types of trains in Northern’s fleet with a free permit. It comes after the train operator updated its rules to allow smaller mobility scooters on Class 158 trains.

Next month’s Budget should outline plans to put businesses at the heart of the next stage of devolution, to deliver growth, investment and higher living standards, according to a new report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Law firm Ison Harrison, which represents hundreds of patients and bereaved families affected by failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), has today welcomed the appointment of His Honour Judge John Potter as chair of the statutory public inquiry into the Trust's services.