Councillors urge government not to 'shift the burden' on Salford's taxpayers

link!Mr Gray said: “Since the pandemic began, we in the SNP, along with several consumer groups, have repeatedly warned that an increase in energy bills due to the coronavirus lockdown could leave more and more families at risk of fuel poverty.“I have joined the call for the UK Government to assist households with meeting energy costs through a package of financial measures for the self-employed, increasing UK Statutory Sick Pay to the EU national average, increasing Child Benefit and making the

initially introduced in July last year, but the prolonged closures of venues due to the coronavirus pandemic means that they are yet to directly benefit. It is now feared that the VAT rate could now rise to 20%, striking a direct blow to beleaguered venues.Greg Parmley, CEO of LIVE (Live music Industry, Venues & Entertainment), said: “The live music industry supports hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs across the UK and brings in billions of pounds for the UK economy.

Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentThe Brussels-based International Union of Cinemas (UNIC), which represents European cinema’s main trade associations, is launching an appeal for more government support to face an estimated 70.6% drop in total 2020 box office grosses across Europe, which it says accounts for a loss of €6.2 billion ($7.5 billion) in theatrical revenues compared to 2019.“National governments and European institutions have introduced various support schemes since the start

Tian Richards (Dumplin’) has been tapped for the role of Tom Swift in an upcoming episode of the CW drama Nancy Drew, which will serve as a backdoor pilot for a potential spinoff series, now in development at the network.

coronavirus recovery efforts as the pandemic continues.The 2022 event, which was first touted under Theresa May’s government, is described as a showcase for “the UK’s unique strengths in creativity and innovation” after leaving the European Union – with comparisons to the 1951 Festival of Britain.While critics have consistently questioned the estimated £120m cost of the festival, planning took a step forward last year when organisers called for “daring, new and popular” ideas that will unite the

indyref2 was extended to “anyone who believes in democracy in Scotland.” The Scottish Government’s preferred option for securing another referendum is based on a joint agreement with the UK Government. This was the basis of the 2014 referendum, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will not consent to another vote.Over the weekend, it emerged that the SNP’s plan B involves the Scottish Parliament organising its own referendum.

Scots to unite against the condition.Nicole Little was just 27 when she was diagnosed with the disease – five years younger than her mum Celine Mason was when it took her life.Now she is launching World Cancer Day in ­Scotland and urges people to unite on February 4 by donating to Cancer Research UK or wearing the charity’s Unity band.The ambulance controller carries the BRCA1 gene, known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.Nicole of Bathgate, West Lothian said: “Most people are

MoneySavingExpert is urging BP customers to dig out their receipts to check if they have won £2,000-worth of points, following a competition glitch. The consumer website founded by Martin Lewis, said it had been contacted by some BP customers who said they had been denied prize wins after buying petrol or other items at garages across the UK.

Taylor Swift and her British boyfriend Joe Alwyn have kept their relationship private for years, declining to speak in interviews about it and flying largely under the radar. Four years in, things have changed, Entertainment Tonight reports.

Jason Leitch spoke out today after a poll found that more than a quarter of 18-to-34-year-old women in the UK said they would say no to the jab, citing concerns over the vaccine's effect on pregnancies. It comes as several rumours and myths have been circulating online about the range of vaccines now approved for use, including fears that the jab could affect fertility.

Naman Ramachandran Working Title and Studiocanal romantic comedy “What’s Love Got To Do With It?,” directed by Shekhar Kapur (“Elizabeth”), has added to its cast.Joining the existing cast of Lily James (“Yesterday”), Shazad Latif (“Departure”) and Emma Thompson (“Last Christmas”) are British actors Rob Brydon (“The Trip to Greece”) and Asim Chaudhry (“Wonder Woman 1984”), Pakistan’s Sajal Ali (“Mom”) and veteran Indian actor Shabana Azmi (“Kaali Khuhi”).The film is based on an original script

Olivia Attwood has urged her followers not to post “mean” comments about influencers online amid the ongoing backlash they face for jetting off to Dubai.The likes of Laura Anderson, Joshua Ritchie and Chloe Ferry have all come under fire for escaping the UK in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, and while Olivia previously criticised influencers who had done the same in a scathing Instagram rant, she’s now told fans to “unfollow or mute” instead of leaving negative messages.The Love Island

direct to your inbox Policing minister Kit Malthouse has outlined the scenarios in which buying a takeaway coffee would be allowed, as he said people need to use their “common sense” when following coronavirus lockdown rules.