News 16/09/26

New official figures show UK inflation increased to three point one per cent in August.

The Office for National Statistics has announced the increase, which is up from a rate of two point nine per cent in July. It meets economists’ expectations, given the rising cost of fuel. Inflation is the rate at which prices are rising and is measured by the Consumer Price Index.

Wandsworth Council has announced plans for a record 94% increase in council tax from April 2027.

The south London borough, which previously had one of Britain’s lowest rates, will raise Band D properties by £958. The Conservative administration says government Fair Funding reforms will cut funding by £84m a year.

All remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran’s US tour have quit after rapper Macklemore was dropped over pro-Palestinian remarks.

Departing acts include Finneas, singer Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Irish folk band Beoga. The departures followed statement from Sheeran saying he would not be drawn into public debate over Gaza and was not responsible for Macklemore’s removal.

At least three people have died after a news helicopter crashed in Los Angeles near the scene of a fatal bus accident.

Fire officials said another person was taken to hospital in an unknown condition. It remains unclear if all victims were onboard the aircraft, which crashed in Chatsworth just before seven PM local time, three AM UK time.

Emergency services and members of the public are searching for a missing three-year-old boy in Suffolk.

Noah Woods became separated from a relative at a playground in Brantham around three PM on Tuesday and ran down an alleyway towards a housing estate. Police say the toddler is partially deaf, autistic, and non-verbal, urging residents to check gardens, sheds, and outbuildings.