UK News

A new style of more flexible Isas to encourage further saving are among the key measures announced in George Osborne’s 5th budget revealed today. In a surprise late announcement Mr Osborne said that cash shares and Isas would be combined into a ‘New Isa’ which allows savers to accumulate tax-free savings of up to £15,000 each year beginning from July 1st. In 2010/11 more than half of people in the South West were reported to have Isas an today’s announcement is thought to benefit around 648,000 South West Isa holders. Speaking to MPs the Chancellor, George Osborne, said: “This is a Budget...

Husband and wife Anthony and Katey Pimblett celebrate the birth of their baby daughter Lauren at their new home purchased under the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme at Fern Green based in Langport. The Somerset development built by award-winning independent builders C G Fry & Son has to-date sold five of its 30 private houses under this scheme.

The *‘Help to Buy’ Equity Loan scheme helps first time buyers and those looking to move up the property ladder to purchase a new-build home. The government-backed initiative was set up to help new and existing home owners to purchase a property...

The government has today said they will reconsider suggestions to extend alcohol licensing hours during the FIFA world cup pending the result of a consultation launched today.

The extension requested by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) had been rejected by the Home Office earlier this year in favour of case-by-case temporary licensing orders, however the rejection was then overruled by the Prime Minister, David Cameron who called for a “re-think”. The decision has pleased pubs lobbyists who have called on landlords and others supporting an extension of licensing hours...

The overwhelming response to help farmers affected by floods in Somerset has left the South West NFU with more supplies than it can keep.

People from across the UK delivered forage and bedding to Sedgemoor livestock market tohelp keep the animals displaced by flooding on the Somerset Levels.

The South West NFU has thanked everyone who helped but has asked for no more deliveries as they simply cannot find room for any more at the current time.

“What we need now are pledges of fodder and straw or financial donations rather than actual deliveries, so that we can call...