Falkirk sets Scotland’s largest council tax increase of 15.6%

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has given permission for Conservative councillors to form coalitions with Nigel Farage's Reform UK after the upcoming local elections in England on 1 May. This decision could lead to formal pacts between Tory and Reform councillors to govern local authorities. The move opens the door for potential collaborations between the two parties in town halls across the country. Full Article

Tesco plans to cut £500m in costs to offset higher operating costs and Rachel Reeves's tax increases, as well as invest in a price war with rivals. The supermarket chain aims to deepen existing measures to maintain profit margins amidst challenges. The company forecasts lower profits for the year due to these factors. Full Article

Scientists have observed a rise in seasonal allergies lasting longer in many regions, attributing it to a complex mix of factors. László Makra, a climate scientist in Hungary, experienced sudden allergy symptoms in 1989 and subsequent years, leading to questions about the cause and permanence of this trend. Makra's experience highlights the need for further research to understand and address the worsening impact of seasonal allergies worldwide. Full Article

Jack Cadwallader was fatally stabbed by his girlfriend's cousin, Paige Poulton, after a quarrelsome day in Harrietsham, Kent. Poulton, then 19, had grown irritated with Cadwallader and texted her mum about it before fatally stabbing him in the chest. Poulton denies murder and possessing a bladed article but is expected to argue self-defense, with the trial revealing details of the violent encounter at a friend’s flat. Full Article

The Resolution Foundation thinktank reports that gas boiler fittings significantly outnumbered heat pump installations last year, with only one in eight new homes opting for the low-carbon alternative. Poorer households are facing barriers to adopting heat pumps due to inadequate grants, prompting calls for increased funding to speed up the rollout and meet government clean energy targets. Full Article

The Head of National Education Union is advocating for a statutory ban on phones in schools and a social media ban for under-16s, citing the detrimental effects on young people. A national survey revealed that almost all schools in England have already implemented bans on mobile phone use by pupils, with 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools enforcing some form of restriction. The move comes in response to concerns about the negative...