Author: MIL OSI Publisher

Source: Scottish Greens

27 Jul 2026 Finance

Greens offer route to deliver Patriotic Millionaires’ calls through Scottish wealth taxes

The Scottish Greens have welcomed Patriotic Millionaires UK calls for Andy Burnham to tax extreme wealth, saying the party’s proposed taxes on the super-rich would give Scotland its own route to delivering the reforms.

More than 120 UK-based millionaires, including Gary Lineker, Gary Stevenson and Val McDermid, have written to the Prime Minister, calling for higher taxes on extreme wealth. 

The intervention comes after the Labour leader suggested that a wealth tax was not currently on his agenda, claiming that he did not want to create new divisions.

Polling from Patriotic Millionaires UK shows that 80% of UK millionaires support a 2% tax on wealth over £10 million. There is also huge public backing for increasing taxes on the very richest, with 75% of people in support of a wealth tax. 

The Scottish Greens have made taxing wealth rather than work a central priority. The party recently secured new taxes on mansions and private jets through negotiations with the Scottish Government. At May’s Scottish Parliament election, the Scottish Greens’ manifesto put forward a range of progressive tax policies, including replacing the Council Tax and ending lucrative tax breaks for big businesses.

Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer MSP said:

“When even millionaires are writing to the Prime Minister to say they should be paying more tax, Andy Burnham has no excuse for continuing to protect extreme wealth.

“People are constantly told that there is no money to tackle child poverty, rebuild public services or protect our planet. That is a lie designed to protect the extremely wealthy. The truth is that the money does exist, but it has been hoarded by a tiny elite with fortunes they could not spend in a thousand lifetimes.

“Patriotic Millionaires UK has made a great case for action across the UK. We all know that a UK Labour government is never going to accept these proposals, but the Scottish Greens have proven time and again that we don’t need to wait for Westminster. We can tax the super-rich fairly using the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

“Burnham claims that taxing wealthy elites would create division, but the real division is between working people being hammered by soaring rents, rising food bills and unpredictable energy costs; and a billionaire class that has rigged the economy in its own favour.

“Burnham promised a new kind of politics, but running scared of the super-rich is a repeat of what we’ve seen from Westminster governments for decades. He should stand on the side of working people, rather than protecting the greedy few who have poisoned our society and rigged our economy.”

Ross added:

“The Scottish Greens are clear that we must tax wealth, not work. We have already shown what can be achieved by pushing the Scottish Government to introduce taxes on private jets, mansions and second homes, and to end tax breaks for elite shooting estates.

“The tax powers devolved to Scotland are limited, but we certainly haven’t hit that limit yet. There is more we can do to make billionaires, property empires, polluters and greedy corporations pay their fair share. That money can then be invested back into the support our communities really need, like more staff in our schools and more social housing.”

Source: Scottish Government

Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed the Scottish Government will provide further funding to Clackmannanshire Council to support its emergency response to ground movement in Coalsnaughton which caused residents to be evacuated.

The Mining Remediation Authority has today (Monday) confirmed the incident is coal mining related and as a result it will take responsibility for remediation.

In June, the Scottish Government allocated £1 million to ensure the local authority could cover expenses incurred as a result of its emergency response, including temporary housing, welfare and staffing costs. Any costs incurred by the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council for the incident response will be reimbursed, where they fall under the Mining Remediation Authority’s remit.

Ms Somerville said:

“We know the situation in Coalsnaughton has caused considerable anxiety and stress to the residents affected. Whilst residents will be relieved that there is now a cause identified and next steps can be progressed, this is of course going to mean considerable disruption and continued distress whilst permanent solutions can be found for those who have been displaced and my thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

“The Scottish Government will continue to participate in the resilience and recovery operation and work with Clackmannanshire Council. The Scottish Government has made £1 million available to the council to support residents, and we understand that some of this will now be reimbursed by the MRA. The Scottish Government has confirmed that this will be made available to the Council and that financial flexibilities remain in place so they can continue to provide support to residents.

“We will also work with the Council and Kingdom Housing Association to maximise opportunities to secure property in the local area, this includes providing flexibilities to Clackmannanshire Council to draw on funding available through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

“I urge the Mining Remediation Authority to ensure claims for remediation or compensation are dealt with as quickly as possible.”

Background

The Mining Remediation Authority confirms the cause of ground movement in Coalsnaughton is linked to historic coal mining. Residents of 97 evacuated homes will now be protected by law, with the UK Government to cover costs. Some residents will not be able to return to their homes.

The Mining Remediation Authority is engaging directly with those affected to provide specialist support.

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Recent changes to national planning rules made by the government mean the council must begin work this year on a new local plan, which will protect the environment and shape where development takes place up to 2045.

The consultation, which runs until 8 September, 2026, invites feedback on what the plan should contain and how the community should be involved.

It seeks views on the proposed scope of the plan and what it will replace, any supporting evidence that may be required to inform the plan, and a community engagement strategy for the plan preparation process.  

Full details of how people can have their say can be viewed at Wolverhampton Plan. People are encouraged to complete the online survey.  Paper reference copies of the main document and representation forms are available at the Civic Centre and Wolverhampton Central Library.

The plan will identify environmental areas to protect and enhance, sites to allocate for development including housing and employment uses, key transport schemes, and policies to guide design and secure infrastructure.

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “It remains critical to have a local plan in place to provide certainty for our communities and support regeneration and investment in our city. I would urge people to get involved and have their say.

“The revised National Planning Policy Framework means we are now legally required to develop a local plan that fits the new government plan making system – and this scoping consultation is an important part of that process.

“In the meantime, we await the outcome of the Wolverhampton Local Plan we submitted under the previous plan making system. Both plans will help facilitate a vibrant mixed use city centre and enable new housing and employment opportunities on brownfield sites across the city, supporting local centres and strengthening the local economy.”

People can view the consultation documents and speak to planning officers at the following joint drop in sessions for the Wolverhampton Plan consultation and the Our Future City Centre Plan consultation.

The “01902” Shop Unit, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TQ, on Wednesday 5 August, 2026, 1pm to 3pm

Wolverhampton Central Library, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, WV1 3AX, on Thursday 6 August, 2026, 3pm to 7pm, and Saturday 8 August, 2026, 10am to 2pm

Once the consultation is completed, a new Wolverhampton Plan process will follow a statutory 34 month preparation timetable – with 2 chances for the public to comment, and a public examination prior to adoption of the new plan in 2029.

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

News story
Top Ten Imported Veterinary Medicines – Quarterly Report 1 April to 30 June 2026

Details of certificates issued under the Special Import System for the top ten veterinary medicines imported between 1 April 2026 and 30 June 2026.

Product
Active Ingredients
Number of Certificates Issued
Percentage issued based on total during this period

Artuvetrin® Therapy suspension for subcutaneous injection in dogs
Allergens
2,964
27%

Arthramid Vet
Polyacrylamide hydrogel
981
11%

CLAMOX RTU 140/35mg/ml suspensie injectabila pentru bovine, porci, câini si pisici
Amoxycillin, Clavulanic Acid
483
3%

Arthropen Vet 250 Injection
Pentosan, Polysulphate Sodium
434
3%

Arthramid Vet
Polyacrylamide
422
11%

Intra-Log Injection
Triamcinolone Acetonide
372
2%

Antepsin 20% Oral Suspension
Sucralfate
250
2%

ENTYCE Capromorelin Oral Solution 30mg/ml
Capromorelin tartrate
244
2%

GentaDug 85 mg/ml solution for injection for horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats
Gentamicin Sulphate
215
2%

Dodicile
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Thiamine Hydrochloride (declared active)
185
4%

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
Government to support evacuated residents in Coalsnaughton

UK government to support residents of evacuated homes in Coalsnaughton.

The Mining Remediation Authority confirms the cause of ground movement in Coalsnaughton is linked to historic coal mining
Residents of 97 evacuated homes will now be protected by law, with the UK government to cover costs
The Mining Remediation Authority is engaging directly with those affected to provide specialist support

Residents of the 97 evacuated homes in the Coalsnaughton area will be supported by the UK government, as the Mining Remediation Authority has confirmed the cause of recent ground movement is linked to historic coal mining.


The UK government has today (27 July) announced that the Mining Remediation Authority will take over management of the incident response – with the priority to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every resident.

 Any costs incurred by the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council for the incident response will be reimbursed, where they fall under the Mining Remediation Authority’s remit.


This follows a thorough eight-week investigation from the Mining Remediation Authority, after reports of ground movement in the Coalsnaughton area led to homes being evacuated in May to ensure their safety.


All evacuated residents will now be protected by the law – with the government meeting the costs of making homes safe.

Where properties have suffered significant damage, alternative support could be made available to residents based on the condition of their home.


For homes with the most serious damage, residents may be offered an option for the government to purchase their property at its full market value prior to the incident, as well as additional support to relocate if required.


Ahead of visiting Coalsnaughton and meeting affected residents, Energy Minister Michael Shanks has confirmed that the government will do everything in its power to ensure every household is given a long-term solution as quickly as possible.

The Mining Remediation Authority has confirmed households will find out the outcome of their property and the specific options available to them in the coming weeks and months, depending on ongoing investigations.


Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: 

This has obviously been an extremely difficult situation for families over the past few months and I want to reassure all those affected that no one will be left to shoulder the burden alone.


The UK government stands ready to do everything within our power to support those households affected, working side by side with the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council.


Unfortunately there is no quick fix but the Mining Remediation Authority is providing tailored advice and support for every household and our priority is to provide longer term certainty as quickly as possible.


My thoughts are with all those caught up in this disruption which I know will be taking a real toll on families in the community.

The Mining Remediation Authority has contacted all affected households today to put immediate support in place and explain the next steps, depending on their individual circumstances.

This includes working closely with Clackmannanshire Council and local partners to meet the residents’ immediate needs, such as appropriate temporary accommodation.


Each household will be appointed with a named Community Support Account Manager by the Mining Remediation Authority, who will guide them through this process over the next few months and help them access the support available.

 
This service will be made available to those affected for as long as necessary – with residents also able to access information via a dedicated resident website, a community helpline or a by visiting the community hub in Coalsnaughton to meet a member of the team.

 
Carl Banton, Chief Operations Director at the Mining Remediation Authority said: 

The safety and welfare of residents remain the priority for every partner involved in the response.

We are working closely with Clackmannanshire Council and the Local Resilience Partnership to make sure that support remains in place and that everyone has a clear point of contact.

 
We will be contacting affected residents directly to explain what this means for them personally, and to talk through the support that is available.


We are committed to keeping you informed at every stage of this recovery phase, and we are working hard to ensure that this community is safe.

Investigations at the site are ongoing and the Mining Remediation Authority has confirmed there are still signs of ground movement.

 Once the ground has stabilised, the site will continue to be monitored to ensure it is safe and stable.


The Mining Remediation Authority operates a 24-hour helpline, year-round service to monitor the safety of historic coal mining sites.

However, incidents requiring evacuation are extremely rare.


Notes to Editors
Under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, the UK government has a duty to remedy coal mining subsidence damage, including funding repairs to make homes safe again or, where appropriate, providing alternative solutions.


The Mining Remediation Authority conducted a thorough eight-week investigation programme including camera scans, underground surveys, geophysical investigations, weekly LiDAR surveys, borehole drilling, and monitoring instrumentation.


The local council and Scottish Government have been a key part of the incident response.

The MRA and UK government will closely coordinate with both to ensure residents are prioritised and receive the support they need.

Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

It’s time to celebrate the outstanding people and groups who help make our borough such a vibrant, caring and connected place to live!

Nominations are now open for the Community Awards 2026, recognising those who go the extra mile to support others and make a positive impact across our communities.

Organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Community Awards feature 11 categories that shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements, dedication and community spirit of local volunteers, groups and champions who make a real difference every day.

“I am delighted to officially launch the Community Awards 2026,” said the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd.

“Our borough is home to so many inspiring individuals and groups who consistently go above and beyond to support others. These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise their dedication and to say a heartfelt thank you. Thanks to their efforts, we have a thriving community and voluntary sector, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements with everyone involved.”

The award categories are: Age Friendly, Youth Champion, Innovation, Equality and Good Relations, Health and Wellbeing, Community Eco, Volunteer of the Year, Lifetime Achiever, Under 18 Youth Volunteer, Community Safety and the Everyone. Everywhere. Everyday. Award.

Whether it’s a devoted volunteer, an inspiring young person, an innovative project or a community group making a lasting impact, now is your chance to ensure their efforts are recognised and celebrated.

The deadline for nominations is 12 noon on Friday 21 August 2026, and the awards ceremony will be held at the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown, on Friday 16 October 2026.

Nominations can be made here: https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/community_awards/

The Community Awards are funded by The Executive Office District Councils Good Relations Programme.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: updates to advice pages and other information

The Planning Inspectorate has updated advice and information supporting nationally significant infrastructure projects following a change in legislation and government guidance.

Various amendments to the Planning Act 2008 introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 came into force on 24 July 2026.

These amendments affect the process of applying for, and making representations about, applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs).

 Government has published guidance which explains and supports the changes on its National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal.

 
Updated advice 
At the Planning Inspectorate we publish advice pages about running the infrastructure planning process which are drawn from experience and good practice.

  Our advice pages are non-statutory, but to ensure the system runs effectively, applicants and others are encouraged to follow our recommendations.

Our advice pages are intended to complement the legislation and guidance issued by government.

 
Responding to the process changes introduced on 24 July 2026, we have made updates to several of our NSIP advice pages, on an initial basis, to reflect some of the key changes to the Planning Act 2008 process.

 These initial updates include, amongst other things, the removal of references to the obsolete statutory requirement for applicants to carry out pre-application consultation.

 
The following advice pages were updated on 27 July 2026: 

Advice on the consultation report (withdrawn) 

Advice on the preparation and submission of application documents (including new arrangements for the submission of NSIP applications through the ‘Apply for and manage your infrastructure project’ site)

Advice for local authorities

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: People and organisations involved in the process

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: The stages of the NSIP process and how you can have your say

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: Advice on the process for rights of entry to land (under section 53 of the Planning Act 2008) (withdrawn) 

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: Pre-application advice on Environmental Impact Assessment (replacing Advice note 7: Environmental Impact Assessment: Process, preliminary environmental information and environmental statements and Advice note 9: Rochdale envelope, which are both withdrawn) 

Advice on example documents

Other affected advice pages, including the remaining pages in the Advice on environmental matters collection, will be subject to an initial update during August 2026.

 
We are undertaking a further detailed review of our NSIP advice page collection from this summer to fully align our published advice with the amended legal and guidance framework.

All future updates will be published on our GOV.

UK pages.

 You can sign up for alerts when changes are made via the GOV UK pages.

  
Updated pre-application services 
The 2024 Pre-application Prospectus sets out our pre-application service offer for NSIP applicants.

 
As a result of the changes to the process introduced on 24 July 2026, some features of the pre-application service offer set out in the 2024 Pre-application Prospectus are obsolete.

  
We are undertaking pilots with some applicants to test updated and improved approaches to our pre-application services which align with government’s policy aims.

We expect to update the Prospectus to reflect the outcomes of these pilots and the amended legal and guidance framework by summer 2027.

 
Until those changes have been implemented, applicants are still requested to engage our pre-application services by subscribing to one of the three service tiers described in the 2024 Pre-application Prospectus.

 The service received by applicants prior to the Prospectus being updated will be adjusted to disapply the obsolete features.

  
If you are an applicant and have any questions about the impact of these changes on the service you are receiving, please contact your assigned case manager or NIEnquiries@planninginspectorate.

gov.

uk.

  
Other information to be updated
The process guide on the Find a National Infrastructure Project website will also be updated during this week to reflect the changes.

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Leading the way is Yo! Active, the city’s biggest ever summer activity offer, delivered by WV Active and Wolves Foundation. Running throughout the school holidays, it provides a wide range of free activities each week for children and young people aged up to 18, or up to 25 for care leavers and young adults with a disability whose families pay Council Tax to the City of Wolverhampton Council.

Activities include free swimming, gym and court hire, multi sport sessions, netball, family activities and special sessions for younger children, with events taking place at WV Active sites and community venues right across the city. The full programme can be found at Yo! Wolverhampton Young Opportunities. 

Alongside Yo! Active, a wide range of free activities are being delivered by the council and its partners to help children and young people stay active, build confidence, develop new skills and make new friends over the summer.

Children and young people who meet criteria for Wolverhampton’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) can access more than 33,000 places at 44 city wide locations delivering fun activities with food.

Activities range from arts, crafts and drama to sports, cooking, martial arts and snooker. There are trips out too and all activities include a meal. For full eligibility details, visit Yo! Wolverhampton Young Opportunities. 

Wolves Foundation’s popular Kicks in the Park programme returns, offering free sports activities for young people aged 8 to 18 at locations including Warstones Playing Fields, Hickman Park in Bilston, the Youth Hub at Molineux Stadium, Peace Park and Heath Town Park throughout the holidays. Find out more at Wolves Foundation. 

Young people can also take part in the Your Spaces programme, which is bringing free sport, physical activity and creative sessions to parks and open spaces across Wolverhampton, including Long Ley Sports Ground, Heath Town, every Wednesday and Friday from 6pm to 8pm, Peace Park, Whitmore Reans, every Thursday and Saturday also from 6pm to 8pm, and Tennyson Road, Bushbury and Low Hill, every Thursday evening, also from 6pm to 8pm. For more details, visit Wolves Foundation. 

Families will be able to enjoy a series of Love Your Community Fun Days taking place across the city, featuring free entertainment and activities including sports and games, arts and crafts, face painting, gardening activities and information stalls from local organisations and services. They are being held on Wednesday (29 July) at Dunstall Community Centre, Dunstall Avenue, Wednesday 5 August at Big Venture Centre, Chesterton Road, Wednesday 12 August at Ettingshall Memorial Hall, George Street, and Wednesday 19 August at East Park Methodist Church, Brooklands Parade. Each will run from 11am to 2pm and entry is free.

There are loads of brilliant Summer Reading Challenge activities taking place across the city’s libraries – all are free but please contact branches directly to find out more and to book spaces.

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Bantock House and Museum and Bilston Craft Gallery have a range of family friendly shows and activities over the coming weeks – for details, please visit Wolverhampton Arts & Culture. 

Mandem Meetup’s Youthdem Outdoors programme will offer outdoor adventure activities for boys aged 12 to 16, including nature walks, archery, axe throwing, outdoor cooking, shelter building and an overnight camp, helping participants develop confidence, resilience and teamwork skills. For more information, call 07751 589289 or email wolves@mandemmeetup.org.

There will also be opportunities for young people to take part in Splash holiday sessions, delivered by Engage Youth Empowerment Services (EYES) and offering free creative, sports, physical and wellbeing activities every Tuesday and Thursday at Wednesfield Park and Ashmore Park during the summer break for children and young people aged 10 to 17. Find out more by calling 01902 219640 or 07898 599540 or at Engage Youth Empowerment Services. 

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We are proud to be working with so many organisations to offer an outstanding programme of free activities for children, young people and families this summer.

“At the heart of the programme is our biggest ever Yo! Active offer, giving thousands of young people the chance to get active, try new activities and enjoy their summer holidays in a fun, safe and welcoming environment.

“Alongside Yo! Active, there are fantastic opportunities through programmes such the Summer Reading Challenge, Kicks in the Park, Your Spaces, Love Your Community, Splash and Youthdem Outdoors, ensuring there is something for all ages and interests across the city.

“I would encourage families to find out more and sign up as soon as possible. While many sessions are free, places for some activities are limited and we want as many residents as possible to benefit from what promises to be a fantastic summer of activities.”

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Officers from Bilston Neighbourhood Team, joined forces with the Road Harm Prevention Team and interceptors from the Traffic Unit for the targeted activity around the Bilston area and Weddell Wynd last week.

During the operation 2 motorbikes were spotted in convoy, one suspected stolen and displaying no registration plates.

With support from the National Police Air Service, officers brought one of the bikes to a stop on Church Street and detained the rider, who was 15.

The second bike, which had been reported stolen the day before, tried to evade the team by riding the wrong way down a road and onto a footpath at speed before being abandoned.

The rider tried to run off but a man was soon detained by officers.

A 25 year old has since been charged with driving whilst disqualified, driving without due care and attention, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, failing to stop, possession of cannabis. The 15 year old has been bailed as enquiries continue.

A third illegal bike was also seized during the operation and as with all the bikes we seize on operations like this, once checks and examinations have been completed, they will be crushed.

Police work tackling this sort of anti-social behaviour with illegal bikes causing nuisance and potentially being a danger to others, is supported by partners including the council.

Bilston and East Park Inspector Emma Clark, who oversees Wolverhampton’s dedicated operation targeting off road bikes, OpDriftcloud, said: “This is yet more focussed police activity to detain those who ride these bikes in space and spaces they should not be in, and in a manner that we know causes concern for many people.

“We are getting these bikes off our streets and out of our open spaces so our public places can be enjoyed by everyone, safely and in peace.”

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We know the misuse of off road bikes can cause significant distress to residents and put people at risk, which is why we remain committed to working closely with colleagues from West Midlands Police to tackle the issue and hold those responsible to account.

“We would also encourage anyone who witnesses offences or has information about offenders to report it to the police, as information from the public plays a vital role in helping the authorities to take action and keep our communities safe.”

People who see something suspicious are asked to contact police by calling 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to stay anonymous.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
Discontinuation report 01/2026: Derailment of a tram at Piccadilly tram stop, Manchester

RAIB has today released its discontinuation report into the derailment of a tram at Piccadilly tram stop, Manchester, 5 April 2026.

The tram involved in the derailment at Piccadilly tram stop.

DR012026_260727_Manchester Piccadilly
PDF, 326 KB, 6 pages
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Where the Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents has determined that there are no significant safety lessons to learn from continuing an investigation, it can be discontinued in accordance with Regulation 5(13) of The Railways (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2005.


This report explains the reasons for RAIB’s discontinuation of its investigation.