North Somerset Council Proposes Reducing Tax Discounts for Thousands Amid Financial Struggles Wednesday, December 3, 2025 northsomerset counciltax discounts financialcrisis workingage poverty consultation hardship socialcare budgetcuts North Somerset Council is once again considering cutting the council tax discounts given to its lowest-income residents, a move that could impact approximately 6,400 working-age households. This follows last year’s abandoned … Read More
Bills Now Consume 80% of My Income – I Can’t Afford to Heat My Home, Even in Snow Wednesday, November 26, 2025 heating bills mortgage energy poverty income costofliving budget cold benefits Julie Prince, a 52-year-old civil servant from Somerset, faces a harsh reality: despite earning £27,000 annually, almost 80% of her income goes toward her mortgage and bills. This leaves her with barely enough money to cover … Read More
'Hopeless' South West seaside town where second homes are taking over and locals rely on foodbanks Thursday, July 24, 2025 stives cornwall seaside foodbank poverty secondhomes housing tourism affordability community St Ives, heralded as the quintessential Cornish seaside town, is famed for its picture-perfect harbour, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant tourist scene. Yet beneath the postcard charm lies a community grappling with hardship. … Read More
Labour Pushback Intensifies as Government Plans Major Cuts to Personal Independence Payments Wednesday, June 18, 2025 welfare pip labour dwp benefits cuts poverty disability government policy Over 100 Labour MPs are gearing up to oppose the Government’s proposed cuts to welfare payments, specifically targeting Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for a … Read More
Free School Meals Scheme to Expand, Offering Crucial Support to Children in Poverty Thursday, June 5, 2025 freeschoolmeals childpoverty education nutrition universalcredit government schools children poverty wellbeing The UK government has announced a significant expansion of the free school meals scheme, set to take effect from September 2026. Currently, all children in England receive free school meals up to the end of Year 2, with … Read More
'Dad Raises Concerns Over Government Plans to Cut Disability Benefits' Tuesday, April 22, 2025 advocacy disability benefits government proposal opposition community support employment poverty Mark Blaker, a parent carer from Wiveliscombe, has taken action to oppose the government’s proposal to cut disability benefits. His son, Joe, who has learning disabilities, is one of approximately a million disabled … Read More