The UK government will introduce new regulations for the funeral industry, including licensing and inspections, after several high-profile cases of abuse, including Robert Bush's 20-year prison sentence for 67 offenses related to funeral services.
The Charity Commission in England and Wales has launched an official investigation into charities donating funds to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine, initially focusing on eight unnamed organizations following complaints and media reports.
Canine athletes competed at the 10th annual World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica, Northern California, delighting spectators. The event, featuring dogs like Rusty, also raised funds for animal charities and included a pet adoption drive.
CAF Bank, serving over 14,000 UK charities, has suspended online services since 24 July due to suspected cyber fraud, impacting charities' ability to pay staff and suppliers, with many expressing frustration and loss of trust.
Charities criticize UK PM Andy Burnham's plan to fund cheaper bus fares by converting international climate grants into repayable loans, arguing it will burden global south countries with debt and undermine the UK's global standing.
Country star Brad Paisley described Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's July 3 wedding at Madison Square Garden as "one of the least pretentious" despite its celebrity guest list. He highlighted the personal invitation and the couple's $26 million donation to charities, including his co-founded nonprofit, The Store.
Hong Kong's OSC charity campaign received 102 funding applications by June 10. Organizers noted a significant shift towards deeper, systemic interventions rather than "quick-fix" solutions, with applicants focusing on poverty, health, and inclusivity.
UK domestic abuse charities report a 78% rise in tech-facilitated or economic abuse referrals, with a "staggering" increase in victims coerced into car finance agreements. Data shows economic abuse referrals doubled, highlighting a growing trend of financial control by perpetrators.
The UK plans to introduce a means-tested scheme requiring asylum seekers to repay up to £10,000 for state-funded living costs, sparking criticism from charities as unfair and impractical.
Andy Burnham announced he will donate 15% of his MP salary (£98,599) to local causes in his Makerfield constituency, continuing a practice from his time as Greater Manchester mayor. He plans to start with Stubshaw Cross community and sports club.
The Home Office's plans to use three new former military sites (MOD Bicester, RAF Barnham, RAF Linton-on-Ouse) for 3,750 asylum seekers, and extend existing sites, have been condemned by refugee charities and local groups as costly, isolating, and arrogant, despite a fall in hotel use.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's controversial immigration and asylum bill, set to be presented to MPs next Tuesday, proposes increased forced removals, stringent age checks for child asylum seekers, and limits on human rights applications. The legislation faces opposition from some Labour, Lib Dem, and independent MPs, with refugee charities expressing significant concerns.
Unpaid council tax in the UK has surpassed £9bn, with £7.4bn in England alone, signaling an affordability crisis. Charities urge struggling individuals to claim available discounts and support, while advocating for government reforms to the collection system, including longer payment periods and sustainable repayment plans, set to be introduced next year.
Over 1,000 LGBT veterans in the UK may miss out on financial compensation of up to £70,000 due to the 'gay ban' in the armed forces. Fighting With Pride warns that many are unaware of or too ashamed to apply for the scheme, which closes in less than six months. The Ministry of Defence has apologized and is publicizing the schemes.
UK baby banks supported 400,000 children in 2025, an 11% rise, with demand for formula and beds soaring. Charities warn they cannot sustain this impact of child poverty without government aid, as a record 4.5 million children live in poverty.
Over 1,000 LGBT veterans may miss out on up to £70,000 in compensation due to the UK's historical 'gay ban' in the armed forces. Fighting With Pride warns many are still too ashamed or unaware of the scheme launched in 2024 to apply before the deadline.
Disability activists and charities warn that a proposed ban on social media for under-16s could isolate disabled children, cutting off vital lifelines for friendship and support. They argue the ban disproportionately affects those who struggle to connect offline and prevents them from finding role models and communities.
A local councillor argues that UK local governments, like Kensington and Chelsea, are not doing enough to support residents with the cost of living, particularly regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.
A three-year rewilding project on a former dairy farm in east Somerset has led to a significant increase in wildlife, with recorded bird species rising from 67 to 94 and butterfly species from 11 to 24. The Heal Somerset site is also home to more small mammals and 15 bat species.
A UK government-commissioned review warns of a potential 25% rise in young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet) by the 2030s, exacerbating homelessness among youth, with almost 124,000 at risk in 2024-25, a 6% increase from the previous year.
English schools saw a 68% rise in suspensions for prejudicial abuse (55,000+ racist, 13,000+ homophobic/transphobic, 1,600+ disablist) between 2020-21 and 2024-25, attributed to reduced anti-bullying support and societal issues.
A poll reveals UK adults have overwhelmingly positive memories of childhood outdoor play, yet nearly half now spend less than three hours weekly in nature. Accessibility issues and council budget cuts to parks are cited as major barriers, despite government commitments to improve green space access.
Alcohol charities have criticized a new 99p shot from the company behind BuzzBallz, warning its cheap price and heavy marketing are designed to appeal to children. The product's sweet flavors, TikTok-style branding, and ice-cream van promotion are seen as targeting young people, despite the company's claims of adult-only activation.
Australia's charities regulator suspended Dr Sharmila Chandran, president-elect of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), until September 20. The suspension stems from alleged contravention of a SafeWork NSW directive not to contact RACP staff, posing risks to their psychological health.
