Alicia* bears the marks of sleeping rough in Bridgwater during last month’s intense heatwave, her body covered in blisters and severe sunburn. Despite being on a waiting list for temporary accommodation, she remains exposed …
A disabled man from Taunton is set to challenge Somerset Council in the High Court over changes to its council tax reduction scheme, which he claims are discriminatory and irrational. The council amended its scheme in …
For me, Christmas is all about coming together, showing kindness, reflecting on the year gone by, enjoying delicious food, and sharing heartfelt conversations. So when Plymouth’s Shekinah Centre invited me to cover their …
North Somerset Council is contemplating cuts to its council tax reduction scheme in an effort to save £500,000, a move that local officials warn could drive more residents into deeper poverty. The council is grappling with …
A North Somerset Council cabinet member has raised urgent concerns that proposed cuts to the council tax reduction scheme may push vulnerable residents into deeper poverty. Facing an unprecedented financial crisis, the …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions reveal a stark reality - 4.5 million children across the UK were living in poverty in the year ending March 2024, marking a record high. Despite the government’s …