What matters in the UK: from Britain, from your area, from the community and from around the world.
On 22 October 2026, the Home Office updated its guidance on reporting by phone or another device. It covers, among other things, the UK IEC app, location sharing and the consequences of not responding.
On 21 October 2026 the government published its response to Sir David Bell's independent review of antisemitism in schools and colleges in England. It promises training, new guidance and a review of Holocaust education.
On 22 October 2026 the government announced new prison sanctions for offenders who refuse to attend sentencing, including up to 21 days in a cell and restricted visits. The rules are due to take effect next year.
On 21 October 2026 it was 60 years since the Aberfan disaster in Wales, which killed 116 children and 28 adults. The King, the Queen and the Prince of Wales were due to visit the village.
The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for all of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of West Devon. Storm Austen is due late on Thursday into Friday, 23 October 2026.
The ONS reported on 21 October 2026 that CPI inflation rose to 3.5% in September. Public sector borrowing was £24.5 billion, more than the OBR had forecast.
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.
On GOV.UK, HMRC sets out the steps it takes against people who don't pay tax: from a conversation and a repayment plan, through debt collection agencies, to seizing goods. HMRC stresses that enforcement is a last resort.
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.
The government plans to limit who is allowed to carry out risky cosmetic procedures in England and to introduce penalties for breaking the rules. Botox and fillers are to be subject to licences.
From 6 April 2026, Universal Credit pays the child element for every child, regardless of how many there are. Higher payments are expected to appear from May or June; the benefit cap still applies.
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.
The DWP has made available the form for claiming Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026/27. The payment is between £100 and £300, and most eligible people receive it automatically.
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