Government approves gas production at North Sea's Jackdaw field
The Energy Secretary has agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas production at the Jackdaw field. The government says supplies could begin at the end of October 2026.
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What happens if you do not pay your tax bill? HMRC explains its debt enforcement
HMRC's GOV.UK guidance sets out the steps it takes with people who do not pay tax: from talks and payment plans to debt collection agencies and seizing goods. It stresses that enforcement is a last resort.
Storm Austen to hit UK on 23 October with yellow wind warning
The Met Office has named the season's first storm Austen. Strong winds and heavy rain are expected from late Thursday into Friday 23 October, with a yellow wind warning for southern England and south Wales.
England: government plans tighter rules on cosmetic procedures, with penalties for those who break the law
The government plans to limit who can carry out high-risk cosmetic procedures in England and to introduce penalties for breaking the rules. Botox and fillers are to require licences.
Universal Credit: two-child limit ended on 6 April 2026, DWP guidance says
From 6 April 2026, Universal Credit pays the extra child amount for every child, however many a family has. Higher payments are due from May or June, and the benefit cap still applies.
Serious offenders detained in hospital to lose entitlement to benefits
The government has laid regulations in Parliament removing benefits from people convicted of the most serious offences who are detained in hospital under a Hospital Order. The change is due to take effect in early 2027.
Winter Fuel Payment 2026/27: DWP has published the claim form
The DWP has made available a form for claiming Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026/27. The payment is between £100 and £300, and most eligible people receive it automatically.
DWP seeks views on deferring the State Pension. Submissions by 1 December
On 20 October 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced a call for evidence on deferring the State Pension. Submissions can be sent until 11:59pm on 1 December 2026.
Nottingham: first Youth Guarantee jobs fair attracted around 770 young people
Nottingham has held its first jobs fair under the Youth Guarantee programme. According to the DWP, around 770 young people came to the Notts County stadium, and employers offered more than 600 vacancies.
England: fines of up to £100 for loud music on buses, with a campaign on trains too
On 19 October 2026 the government announced that local authorities in England can fine bus passengers up to £100. A campaign against playing music loudly on trains has also been launched.
Met Office: yellow wind warning for southern England and Wales on Friday 23 October
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds for the night of 22 to 23 October 2026. Gusts could reach 50–60 mph, and up to 70 mph on the coast.
HMRC updates its list of genuine contacts: new entry concerns the Construction Industry Scheme
On 6 October 2026, HMRC added to its list of genuine contacts an entry on correspondence for contractors in the CIS. The list helps people recognise scams.
UK government: 22,400 new apprenticeships and 40,000 construction placements for young people under industrial strategy
On 19 October 2026 the government published jobs plans for the professional services and construction sectors. They are intended to open up routes into apprenticeships, internships and training for young people.