A central English cultural and historical region
The UK is under a red heat warning as a spell of extreme heat drives record temperatures across southern England and Wales. Hospitals declare incidents, water companies enforce hosepipe bans, and travel is disrupted as rail and road networks struggle to cope.
The government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April next year, excluding the very largest venues. The move is funded by reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not contribute positively to local communities and by cracking down on online marketplaces that avoid VAT. The policy aims to support hospitality on high streets as part of a broader cost-of-living package.