Bath MP Urges Emergency VAT Cut to Save Local Businesses Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis Friday, November 14, 2025 vat hospitality costofliving bath businesses economy liberaldemocrats tax budget inflation Bath’s Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse has called for an immediate VAT cut to support struggling local businesses hammered by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. She is urging the government to reduce VAT by 5% for pubs, … Read More
Leonardo Workers Reject Latest Pay Offer, Strike Continues Across UK Tuesday, November 11, 2025 leonardo strike pay unite defence yeovil inflation industrialaction aerospace negotiations Workers at Leonardo, a major defence and aerospace company with a key site in Yeovil, Somerset, have rejected the firm’s latest pay offer, prompting ongoing strike action, the union Unite announced today (Tuesday, November … Read More
Seaside Towns Face Closure Risk Amid Sharp Rent Hikes Wednesday, October 29, 2025 dorset seaside tourism rents smallbusiness westbay lymeregis council kiosks inflation Dorset Council’s significant rent increases on kiosks at West Bay and Lyme Regis have sparked serious concerns among local business owners, who warn that these “hostile” hikes could lead to permanent closures. Sam … Read More
Businesses Warn of 'Worst Year Yet' Amidst Devon Hospitality Challenges Tuesday, September 16, 2025 hospitality devon tourism pubs cafes hotels inflation consumertrends costofliving staycation Businesses across Devon’s hospitality sector are facing a tough year, with many owners revealing serious challenges threatening their sustainability. From pubs and hotels to cafes and holiday resorts, the summer season’s … Read More
Somerset Council Chief Executive and Senior Officers to Receive Pay Increase Wednesday, September 10, 2025 somerset council payincrease chiefexecutive leadership salaries budget hrcommittee inflation localgovernment The chief executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, along with his senior leadership team, will receive a backdated pay increase following approval by councillors. The raise aligns with a nationally agreed one-year pay … Read More
Somerset Council Chief Executive and Senior Officers to Receive Backdated Pay Increase Wednesday, September 10, 2025 somerset council pay chiefexecutive salary inflation localgovernment budget leadership hrcommittee The chief executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, along with his most senior officers, will receive a backdated pay increase following councillors' formal approval. This decision aligns with the National Joint Council … Read More