Author: britishbulletin.com

Rachel Reeves has provided an update on changes to Employee Car Ownership Schemes, which could see thousands of drivers lose crucial car tax reliefs.The move was announced at this year’s Autumn Budget, with the Chancellor hoping to align company cars more closely with Benefit-in-Kind taxes.HMRC explained that the measure will impact an estimated 76,000 individuals who currently receive cars through ECOS, who will soon “become liable” for the income tax associated with the benefit.The Chancellor has revealed these changes will be delayed until 2030 to allow more time for businesses to become acquainted with the rules.Ms Reeves told the House…

Sir Richard Branson has shared heartfelt details about the final moments with his wife Joan Templeman, who died at 80 years old. The Virgin founder disclosed on Instagram that she died suddenly whilst hospitalised, departing peacefully without pain.The 75-year-old entrepreneur revealed he was at her bedside when she passed. “Then suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly. And thankfully, I was right by her side. It brings us all great comfort to know we were together,” he wrote in the emotional post.Richard Branson shared the news of his wife Joan’s death on Tuesday evening | INSTAGRAMThe businessman is currently grieving…

Electric car drivers across the country have been backed with £1.5billion in new investment to help millions of petrol and diesel drivers switch to cleaner vehicles.The Chancellor has confirmed a huge £1.5billion funding package for motorists to support its Electric Car Grant and install more electric vehicle charging points across the country.Around £1.3billion will be given to additional funding for the Electric Car Grant, which is already backed by an initial investment of £650million.The incentive helps motorists save up to £3,750 off the price of a new electric vehicle with a list price of £37,000 or less, with more than…

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) released their forecast for public finances early in error – just ahead of the chancellor delivering her Budget in the House of Commons.Reacting live on-air, the ‘s political editor Chris Mason and economics editor Faisal Islam, grappled with the “mind-blowing” early publication and attempted to break down what it means for the UK’s finances.

Ireland internationals Niamh O’Dowd and Brittany Hogan have exited the Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU]’s central contract system for playing opportunities in England. Prop O’Dowd has joined Ireland team-mates Sam Monaghan, Neve Jones and Ellena Perry at Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury as injury cover for the rest of the season.Back-row forward Hogan will move to Sale Sharks in January. O’Dowd and Hogan both featured for Ireland at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where Scott Bemand’s side lost to France in the quarter-finals. Earlier this year, Ireland star Aoife Wafer left Leinster to join Harlequins. Ireland internationals Linda Djougang,…

The Indian city of Amdavad has vowed to “lay the foundation for the next 100 years” after being confirmed as the host for the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030 amid a riot of colour and noise in Glasgow.The city in the west of the world’s most populous country was ratified as the host on Wednesday, having been proposed by governing body Commonwealth Sport’s evaluation committee last month in preference to Abuja in Nigeria.In doing so, it was revealed that 15-17 sports will feature at the second Games to be held in India – up on the 10…

A Devon homeowner has been ordered to demolish his £150 summer house after his neighbour, a former Labour councillor, complained to Exeter City Council about the garden structure.Andrew Causley, 59, a Royal Mail HGV driver, faces tearing down the wooden structure following an 18-month dispute which has already cost him £3,000 in legal costs.The enforcement notice marks the local authority’s first such action in nearly three years, according to Mr Causley.It sits in the corner of his front garden, replacing a children’s Wendy house that stood in the same spot for 25 years before it began leaking two years ago.Despite…

Drivers have been handed a major lifeline after Rachel Reeves announced an extension to the fuel duty freeze until September 2026.The move was unveiled today by the Chancellor, who shared her intent to back drivers by extending the freeze by a further six months.Fuel duty has been repeatedly frozen at 5p since 2011, with the current rate for standard petrol and diesel being 52.95p per litre.But as more cars have become electric due to the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate push, the Chancellor has been under growing pressure to address rapidly falling tax receipts.Ms Reeves told Parliament: “I know that the…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has supported petrol and diesel drivers by confirming the introduction of the new Fuel Finder scheme.Speaking in the Commons today, the Labour MP said: “Because I know that changes in wholesale prices are not always passed on to motorists, I am bringing in new rules to mandate petrol forecourts to share real-time price rises through a new Fuel Finder. “Empowering drivers to find the cheapest fuel, calling out rip-offs and strengthening competition, saving the average household £40 a year.”The Fuel Finder scheme was confirmed in last year’s Autumn Budget in an attempt by the Government to help…

All Creatures Great and Small actor Samuel West has shared a candid update about the bittersweet feelings he has towards the show’s Christmas Special after losing both parents within a year.The Siegfried Farnon star revealed his father, actor Timothy West and mother, actress Prunella Scales, were big fans of the Channel Five period drama.While the latest series of the Yorkshire Dales-based show wrapped up in October, it was confirmed recently that another Christmas Special would be coming to screens again this year.Mr West, 59, talked candidly about the upcoming episode as well as the loss of both of his parents.Samuel…