Thames Water rescue plan attacked by excluded bidders

The UK services sector has experienced a significant decline in optimism, marking the fastest drop in three years, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). This downturn reflects growing concerns among businesses about the economic outlook and potential challenges ahead.

Domino's Pizza Group has announced the immediate resignation of its chief executive, following comments suggesting that the UK may be nearing 'peak pizza' amid rising competition from other food trends, particularly among Generation Z who favor fried chicken.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has denied accusations of misleading the public regarding tax increases ahead of the recent budget announcement. She stated that the £26 billion tax rise was necessary to ensure economic stability and to protect public spending, amidst growing scrutiny from opposition MPs demanding her resignation.

Research in England indicates that water shortages could significantly hinder the UK's plans to achieve net zero emissions, particularly affecting carbon capture and hydrogen projects. The Environment Agency has raised concerns about potential widespread drought conditions in the coming year, intensifying tensions among government, water suppliers, and regulators.

The UK government has announced that it will implement mandatory e-invoicing starting in April 2029, aligning with a global trend towards digital tax and invoicing systems. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the tax collection process and improve efficiency in business transactions.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves initially offered hope to struggling hospitality businesses by announcing the lowest tax rates since 1991. However, as details of the budget emerged, pub owners and hoteliers expressed outrage over the implications of changes to business rates, which they argue will exacerbate their financial difficulties.

Research indicates that the UK has at least 8,000 illegal waste sites, containing around 13 million tonnes of rubbish, leading to an estimated £1.63 billion in avoided landfill taxes. This alarming situation raises significant concerns regarding public health and environmental safety.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented a grim economic outlook for the UK, despite receiving more favorable forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). This contradiction highlights the challenges Reeves faces as she prepares for the upcoming budget, where she is expected to announce a downgrade in growth forecasts and significant tax increases to fund welfare programs.