While free calls to Santa from payphones are a festive perk, they highlight the essential role of free public goods for vulnerable groups, from transport to libraries. Discover why their value extends far beyond revenue.
A mother avoided jail but must repay £16,558.61 in fraudulently claimed Universal Credit over 22 years after her children were removed. Read the full court details.
Full guide to when state benefits and pensions will be paid over the festive period. Check dates for Universal Credit, PIP, Child Benefit and more to manage your budget.
The UK's first Universal Studios theme park, set to open near Bedford in 2031, has been approved. The £50bn project promises 28,000 jobs and will transform the region's economy. Discover the plans and local reaction.
The Marshall Islands has launched a pioneering universal basic income scheme, offering $200 quarterly payments via cryptocurrency or cash. Discover how this Pacific nation is tackling the cost of living crisis.
The UK's first Universal Studios theme park has been granted planning permission near Bedford. The £500m part-publicly funded project promises 8,000 jobs and a £50bn economic boost. Read the full details.
The UK's first Universal Studios theme park has received planning permission near Cambridgeshire, promising 8,000 jobs and a massive £50 billion economic boost. Discover the details.
Nearly a million young people on Universal Credit must engage with new intensive support or face sanctions. The £820m plan aims to tackle rising NEET figures. Read the full details.
The UK government is offering 350,000 training and job opportunities to young people on Universal Credit, with potential benefit sanctions for non-engagement. This aims to tackle the near-million youth 'Neet' crisis.
Young people on Universal Credit will be offered jobs in construction and hospitality. Those who refuse could lose benefits. The £820m scheme starts Spring 2026.
Germany's parliament votes to reintroduce voluntary military service for 18-year-olds, sparking widespread youth protests. Discover why Gen Z is resisting and the geopolitical pressures behind the move.
A key CDC advisory panel has voted to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine for all adults in the US. This major policy shift aims to combat rising infection rates and reduce health disparities.
Germany's parliament has approved a new law reintroducing voluntary military service, with powers for needs-based conscription. The move aims to expand the Bundeswehr to 260,000 soldiers by 2035.
Labour launches a new child poverty strategy, pledging to end the two-child benefit cap. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden insists further welfare reform is still needed to tackle rising costs and inactivity. Read the full details.
Universal Credit recipients with health conditions are urged to check eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), potentially boosting monthly income to £1,149. Learn how to claim.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Budget pledges £15bn for welfare, with Universal Credit rising 6.2% and the two-child cap scrapped. See how much more you'll get from April 2026.
The Victorian government announces a major public sector overhaul, aiming to cut 4,000 jobs and save $2.3bn. Find out which departments are affected and the impact on services.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves scraps the two-child benefit cap, set to lift 350,000 UK children from poverty. Discover which London constituencies are most affected.
A record 3.7 million applicants in China are competing for just 38,100 civil service roles, highlighting a major shift towards job security amid economic uncertainty. Discover the driving forces behind this trend.
France confirms a new voluntary military service model in response to the Russia war threat, as Putin denies plans to attack Europe. Get the full story.
French President Emmanuel Macron announces a new 10-month volunteer military service for 18-19 year olds, citing the Russian threat. A €6.5bn defence boost also revealed.
President Macron announces 10-month voluntary military service for 18-19 year olds, aiming to strengthen France's defence capabilities against growing European security threats.
As France reinstates national service, questions emerge about whether Britain could follow suit amid growing Russian threats. Explore the debate around conscription revival.
UK banks face an £86m Financial Ombudsman Service levy as Treasury reforms cost £8m. Motor finance cases to surge 300% under new crackdown. Discover how this affects financial services.
An NHS trauma doctor has been suspended for 15 months pending a GMC investigation into alleged antisemitic social media posts. Read the full tribunal findings.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils a £15 billion benefits boost, raising Universal Credit, PIP, and child benefits while scrapping the controversial two-child cap. Find out how this affects you.
Netflix briefly crashed as the final series of Stranger Things dropped, leaving thousands of fans unable to stream. Discover the details and the show's record-breaking chart success.
Netflix briefly crashed as millions of fans streamed the new season of Stranger Things. The final season is already a top hit. Read the full story and fan reactions.
France announces voluntary military service to expand its armed forces as European nations prepare for potential conflict with Russia by 2030. Learn about the new defence strategy.
Londoners can now order fresh Christmas trees for same-day delivery via Deliveroo. A stress-free festive solution from £59.99. Get your tree delivered today!