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As of early March 2026, Australia experienced its hottest summer on record with severe heatwaves and intense rainfall, especially in South Australia. Europe saw unseasonably warm temperatures in Spain and France, while France endured its longest rainy streak since 1959. The UK had a brief mild spell with temperatures reaching 18.6°C before rain and cooler weather returned. Meanwhile, the US Northeast faced a record-breaking blizzard, and parts of Britain experienced temperatures warmer than Barcelona.
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The UK government announced a three-year funding settlement for local councils, prioritising deprived urban areas with significant increases in spending power. Some councils, especially in London and affluent regions, will be allowed to raise council tax above usual limits, amid criticism of the funding model's fairness.
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The UK government has introduced new laws allowing authorities to seize and download data from asylum seekers' phones at Manston processing centre. The measures aim to disrupt people-smuggling networks amid record migrant arrivals, with officials also planning to close asylum hotels in coming months. Critics warn of privacy violations.
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Multiple UK local authorities, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, and Scottish councils, are grappling with severe financial challenges. They plan significant council tax hikes, service cuts, and debt management strategies amid ongoing budget shortfalls, social care costs, and systemic funding issues, raising concerns about local service sustainability.