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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
US authorities arrested alleged Iraqi commander Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, accused of orchestrating 18 terror attacks across the UK, Europe, and Canada, including firebombings and shootings, allegedly on behalf of Iran's IRGC.
US authorities arrested alleged Iraqi commander Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, accused of orchestrating 18 terror attacks in the UK, Europe, and Canada, including firebombings and shootings, linked to Iran's IRGC.
An Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, has been arrested and charged by the US Justice Department with involvement in nearly 20 alleged terror attacks and attempted attacks across the US and Europe. He is accused of operating for Kata'ib Hezbollah and Iran's IRGC.
An Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, has been arrested and charged by the US Justice Department with involvement in nearly 20 alleged terror attacks and attempted attacks across the US and Europe. He faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and conspiracy to bomb a place of public use.
An Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, has been arrested and charged by the US Justice Department for alleged involvement in nearly 20 terror attacks and attempted attacks across the US and Europe. He faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and attempted destruction of property.
Over 60 charities call for a new clean air act to ban wood burning, clear diesel vehicles, and cut pollution, as air pollution costs the UK £27bn a year and harms public health.
A recent study showed millions are put off by early experiences of physical education. But sport can bring camaraderie and joyThere is a disconnect between the proliferation of reports recommending we should be more active and actual levels of activity, that are scarcely budging. Sports councils, health bodies, charities and thinktanks are piling up the evidence that sport and physical activity help us live healthier, happier lives, improve academic attainment at school and productivity at work, connect our communities and help prevent crime and reoffending. Why can’t we turn this into reality?Reports often call for better coordination, including the recent House of Commons inquiry Game On: Community and School Sport. But sport and physical activity remains poorly linked among schools, sports clubs, community organisations, parks and playgrounds. In an era of superintelligence and rockets flying around the moon, surely we could do better? Continue reading...
Amid strong demand for its services, an Ipswich food charity is being forced to close in a devastating blow for those in need.
