Labour have revealed plans to lift the cap, which was introduced by the Conservative Party in 2017

Reform has announced plans to reinstate the two-child benefit cap in full – in a move which would leave hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty.

The announcement comes after Labour revealed plans last year to lift the cap, which was introduced by the Conservative Party in 2017. Under the limit parents were restricted to receiving Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit for just two children, leaving families unable to claim support for a third child.

According to figures from July, around 1.6 million children in larger families have been impacted by the cap. However Robert Jenrick, Reform’s new Treasury spokesman, today said Reform would bring back the controversial cap, the Mirror reports.

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The announcement comes weeks after Mr Jenrick accidentally voted in favour of lifting the two child limit alongside Suella Braverman. The Reform members reportedly got “trapped” in the wrong voting lobby by mistake.

Speaking in London today, Mr Jenrick said: “We want to help working families have more children. But right now, we just cannot afford to do so with welfare. So it has to go.

“And, as Reform’s Shadow Chancellor, I’m ending it. A Reform Government will restore the cap in full. We are the party of alarm clock Britain – a party for workers and not welfare.”

Reform would also put in place in-person assessments for any sickness or disability benefit, and restrict mental health benefits to those with a clinical diagnosis, Mr Jenrick added. He said: “We will stop those with mild anxiety, depression, and similar conditions from claiming disability benefits and instead encourage them into the dignity of work.”

Mr Jenrick also vowed to restrict benefits to British nationals. He also proposed a crack down on the Motability scheme, which allows people receiving certain benefits to use their allowance towards leasing a new vehicle.

Sir Keir Starmer has called Reform UK’s pledge to reinstate the two-child benefit cap “shameful”.

The Prime Minister said in a post on X: “Shameful. I’m incredibly proud that this Government has scrapped the cruel two-child limit.

“Reform wants to push hundreds of thousands of children into poverty.”

Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley also criticised the policy shift, saying: “Robert Jenrick has united the right behind a cruel child poverty pact that would see nearly half a million kids pushed into poverty.

“Farage’s party is stuffed full of former failed Tories who are now hell bent on continuing their damaging legacy, with working people and their children set to pay the price.

“Labour chooses the other road – lifting almost half a million kids out of child poverty – and that’s what we’re doing this year.

“It’s the right thing to do for them, their families and our economy. It’s appalling that Reform and the Tories would undo that change and leave a lost generation of kids in every corner of Britain.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:  “Cutting the cost of living is my number one priority. Thanks to the choices we made at the Budget we are bringing inflation down, with £150 off energy bills, a freeze in rail fares for the first time in 30 years and prescription fees frozen again.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mark Zuckerberg will testify in an unprecedented social media trial that questions whether Meta’s platforms deliberately addict and harm children.

Meta’s CEO is expected to answer tough questions on Wednesday from attorneys representing a now 20-year-old woman identified by the initials KGM, who claims her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube are the two remaining defendants in the case, which TikTok and Snap have settled.

Zuckerberg has testified in other trials and answered questions from Congress about youth safety on Meta’s platforms, and he apologized to families at that hearing whose lives had been upended by tragedies they believed were because of social media. This trial, though, marks the first time Zuckerberg will answer similar questions in front of a jury. and, again, bereaved parents are expected to be in the limited courtroom seats available to the public.

The case, along with two others, has been selected as a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could impact how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies would play out.

A Meta spokesperson said the company strongly disagrees with the allegations in the lawsuit and said they are “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”

One of Meta’s attorneys, Paul Schmidt, said in his opening statement that the company is not disputing that KGM experienced mental health struggles, but rather that Instagram played a substantial factor in those struggles. He pointed to medical records that showed a turbulent home life, and both he and an attorney representing YouTube argue she turned to their platforms as a coping mechanism or a means of escaping her mental health struggles.

Zuckerberg’s testimony comes a week after that of Adam Mosseri, the head of Meta’s Instagram, who said in the courtroom that he disagrees with the idea that people can be clinically addicted to social media platforms. Mosseri maintained that Instagram works hard to protect young people using the service, and said it’s “not good for the company, over the long run, to make decisions that profit for us but are poor for people’s well-being.”

Much of Mosseri’s questioning from the plaintiff’s lawyer, Mark Lanier, centered on cosmetic filters on Instagram that changed people’s appearance — a topic that Lanier is sure to revisit with Zuckerberg. He is also expected to face questions about Instagram’s algorithm, the infinite nature of Meta’ feeds and other features the plaintiffs argue are designed to get users hooked.

Meta is also facing a separate trial in New Mexico that began last week.

The award show was held at Utilita Arena in Newcastle last October, the first time it took place outside of London since it launched in 1992, and will return to the venue this autumn.

The award ceremony aims to spotlight the best new British and Irish music while also celebrating artistic achievements across genres.

Dr Jo Twist and YolanDa Brown from organisers the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), said: “Last year’s Mercury Prize and its brilliant performances and Fringe gave the region a £1.4m economic and cultural boost and the whole of Newcastle came together to give the event a warm, big Geordie hug.

“We are delighted to see the Prize return to the Toon and to the North East for what we know will be another memorable occasion for artists and fans.”

An independent judging panel selects a shortlist of 12 albums across genres, championing emerging and established artists alike.

The 2025 ceremony marked the first time the event was held outside London, bringing an estimated 8,000 extra visitors to the region.

This year’s return aims to build on that impact, with organisers planning an expanded public programme.

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The return of the Mercury Prize to Newcastle for a second consecutive year is a tremendous vote of confidence in our city and our thriving music scene.”

Past winners of the Mercury Prize include Sam Fender, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice, and Young Fathers.

Police, paramedics, and an air ambulance were called to the incident near the A171 on Tuesday (February 17), arriving at the scene just after midday. 

Cleveland Police closed the road between Guisborough Hall and Lawrence Jackson School for several hours, with the route only fully reopening around 3.45pm.

The force has now confirmed that the 999 crews were called to a medical incident.

A spokesperson for the Great North Air Ambulance said: “Our critical care team was activated at 12.11pm to an incident on the A171 near Guisborough. They arrived on scene at 12.20pm.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 11.49am on Tuesday 17 February to reports of a road traffic incident on the A171 northbound near Guisborough Hall. 

“We dispatched two ambulance crews and a clinical team leader to the scene, and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).”

Emergency services were called to Hastings Street in Hendon, Sunderland, on Tuesday (February 17) after an alleged assault inside a home shortly before 7.15am.

A man in his 50s was found to have sustained serious injuries but despite the best efforts of paramedics, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Northumbria Police has now confirmed that a 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The force said that those involved are believed to be known to each other, and there is no risk to the public.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, added: “This is clearly a very serious incident, and our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“We will continue to support them in any way that we can following their tragic loss, and would ask that their privacy is respected as they look to process what has happened.

“An investigation has been launched in order for us to determine the exact circumstances of the man’s death, and our officers remain in the Hendon area while they carry out further enquiries.”

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service added: “We were called just before 7.15am on Tuesday (February 17) to an incident at a private address in the Hendon area of Sunderland.

“We dispatched a paramedic ambulance, doctor, a clinical team leader and specialist paramedic to the scene.”

There is a currently a lane closure in Nunnery Lane while Yorkshire Water complete a repairs on the wastewater network. 
 
The lane is closed from the junction with Drake Street to just after the junction with Victoria Street, which is also closed.  

Yorkshire Water say the works are currently expected to be completed by Saturday, March 7, though this can be impacted by multiple factors, including the weather, ground conditions, and unforeseen engineering challenges, and may change.  

The company say that immediately following the repair, there will be a road closure in nearby Scarcroft Road in South Bank between the junction with Scarcroft Hill and the junction with The Mount and a signed diversion will be in place. This is to allow Yorkshire Water to continue with a £1.4 million mains replacement scheme that began in spring 2025.  

The project, which will replace 4.3km of mains, will improve the reliability of drinking water supply, reduce leakage, and prevent water main bursts in the area. It forms part of the utility’s £8.3 billion investment into Yorkshire over the next five years, and a £406 million overall investment into replacing 1,000km of mains across the region.  

Yorkshire Water say the closure in Scarcroft Road has been delayed to minimise disruption caused by the repair in Nunnery Lane. This closure is expected to be in place for about a month to complete.  

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “We’re working as quickly as we can to complete the repair, and the subsequent mains replacement scheme in the area.

“We appreciate that the roadworks will be disruptive, but they are essential for the safety of our colleagues and those living and working in the area, and for the upkeep and improvement in our infrastructure.  We’ve taken the decision, alongside the council, to delay our Scarcroft Road work to try to minimise the amount of traffic disruption felt at one time. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding in advance.” 
 
For more information about the mains replacement project, please visit: https://www.yorkshirewater.com/news-media/news-articles/2025/14m-mains-replacement-work-in-york-mount-has-begun/ 

The course has been altered with the 18 hole round being replaced by two loops of nine giving accessible opportunity for shorter golf.

How do you move a clubhouse to the middle of a golf course?

Answer: create two loops of nine holes.

Stonehenge might have been easier to move. Yet that is what Linlithgow Golf Club have done.

Though, in this case, the Mountain has been brought to Mohammed – the clubhouse remains where it is and the golf course has been moved to encompass it.

READ MORE: West Lothian RAAC campaigners to hold rearranged meeting with Scottish Government

The clubhouse is now in the middle of the golf course.

Linlithgow Golf Club has cut the grass of tradition. Out for nine and back for nine, and God Bless the 19th. That’s a fair way on a narrow sandy links course ‘wi’ a hauf-wey-hoose’ for relief and refreshment.

But let’s be honest, in 2026 does everyone want to spend four hours chasing a dimpled wee white ball through the wilderness with a stick?

In the pandemic, golf was the only sport that could manage physical distancing. A great time for golf club popularity and membership soared. In 2026 we have new realities. And shorter golf is one.

Eighteen holes remains the pre-eminent competitive format and is the mainstay at Linlithgow. However, the new World Handicap System enables both 18 and nine hole formats.

READ MORE: Plans for upcoming Scottish Parliament elections being finalised in West Lothian

The club has altered one hole to create two loops of nine holes without the need to demolish and rebuild the clubhouse.

From a golfing perspective this has allowed the creation of a new par 5 “dog-leg” from a superb new tee using the contours and natural hazards of the course to better effect.

For the “consumer” the opportunity to stop off for food, refreshment and comfort at the comprehensively appointed clubhouse is a joy. The Clubhouse is a popular place to eat in Linlithgow, whether golfer or passer-by.

The fully stocked bar and restaurant allow time for contemplation in a convivial atmosphere with stunning views toward the Ochils and the Trossachs.

READ MORE: Labour councillor challenges colleagues on health board to demand more funding from Scottish Government

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The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows falling petrol prices and slower food inflation helped push prices down. On a monthly basis, prices actually fell by 0.5%.

That’s good news for households – but what does it really mean for your mortgage, savings and bills?

Why inflation fell

Petrol prices dropped by 3.1p per litre between December and January, while food price inflation slowed from 4.5% to 3.6%. Airfares also fell after December’s seasonal spike.

ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “Airfares were another downward driver this month… Lower food prices also helped push the rate down, particularly for bread & cereals and meat. These were partially offset by the cost of hotel stays and takeaways.”

Core inflation – which strips out volatile items like energy and food – also edged lower to 3.1%.

The choices this Labour government has made means inflation has fallen today to its lowest rate in a year.

Lower food and petrol prices are helping ease the pressure on household budgets.

I know there’s more to do, cutting the cost of living is my number one priority.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 18, 2026

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What it means for mortgages

Economists say the drop strengthens the case for the Bank of England to cut interest rates at its next meeting on 19 March.

Thomas Pugh, chief economist at RSM UK, said: “The sharp drop in inflation in January all but nails on a rate cut next month… This should take inflation to 2% in April, which will set the stage for another interest rate cut in the summer.”

The Bank’s base rate currently sits at 3.75%. If it falls, mortgage rates could follow.

Ben Thompson, Director of Home Moving Strategy at Mortgage Advice Bureau, called the figures: “The ‘green light’ the mortgage market has been waiting for.”

He added: “Lower inflation also makes lender stress tests easier to pass, handing first-time buyers back the borrowing power that has felt out of their grasp for years.”

Good news for borrowers

Riz Malik, Director at R3 Wealth, said: “Falling inflation with rising unemployment should give the Bank of England the confidence to continue their rate cutting cycle. Good news for borrowers – not so good news for savers.”

However, some experts are urging caution.

Rohit Kohli, Director at The Mortgage Stop, warned: “Inflation is cooling, but so is the wider economy… The question now is whether a cautious 0.25% move is enough given the pace of economic slowdown.”

For homeowners coming off fixed-rate deals, this could mean slightly lower remortgage costs in the coming months — but rates are unlikely to return to the ultra-low levels seen before 2022.

null (Image: James Manning)

What it means for savers

When inflation falls, savings earn more in “real terms” — meaning your cash holds its value better.

Philly Ponniah, Chartered Wealth Manager at Philly Financial, said: “This is the first bit of good news we’ve had in a while… While 3% still means things are getting more expensive, it is happening more slowly than before.”

But there’s a catch.

If inflation keeps easing, the Bank of England may cut rates — and savings rates could start to fall too.

Sally Conway, Savings Expert at Shawbrook Bank, warned: “For savers, this could be a last chance to secure today’s stronger returns.”

She added that many households are still missing out: “Moneyfacts data shows the average rate among some of the largest high street providers is just 1.19%, meaning households could be missing out on hundreds of pounds a year.”

Ben Mitchell, Director of Savings at Chetwood Bank, said: “Large sums still sit in accounts paying minimal interest, and even a small gap in rate can make a noticeable difference over time.”

What to consider now

If you’re a saver:

• Check your current rate
• Compare providers
• Consider fixing if you want certainty
• Look at moving money from low-paying accounts

If you’re a borrower:

• Watch for new mortgage deals in the coming weeks
• Consider speaking to a broker before rates shift
• Factor in timing if your fix ends soon

When will mortgage rates drop?

While inflation is falling, the wider economy remains fragile. Unemployment has risen to 5.2%, and growth was flat in the final quarter of last year.

Jonathan Moyes, Head of Investment Research at Wealth Club, said: “With a deteriorating labour market, weak wages, weak economic growth, and no ugly surprises on inflation, it is likely we will see our first rate cut of 2026.”

For households, that means cautious optimism.

Mortgage borrowers could soon see relief. Savers may need to act fast.

And while prices are still rising, they’re doing so more slowly – giving shoppers, for the first time in months, a little more breathing room.

Campaigners who have been lobbying for months to meet ministers and officials called the opportunity a turning point.

The national RAAC campaign will hold a rearranged meeting with the Scottish Government on Thursday.

Campaigners who have been lobbying for months to meet ministers and officials called the opportunity a turning point.

And Livingston’s Kerry Macintosh, who will be one of the team to meet officials stressed: “ we need urgent solutions.”

The meeting is with the government’s Better Homes department officials Louise Thompson and deputy director Matt Elsby. Joining Kerry and Wilson Chowdhry, who leads the campaign, at the table will be his daughter Hannah Chowdhry a co- voice chair of the national group and the campaign’s secretary Fiona Crichton.

READ MORE: Police investigating housebreakings in West Lothian and Forth Valley area

Ahead of the meeting, Kerry told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Families are living in fear of a material failure that is not their fault. We need urgent solutions and clear commitments – anything less leaves thousands at risk and in financial strain.”

Writing on his blog Mr Chowhdry said: “Crucially, the discussions will now include a dedicated focus on homeowners in Housing Association estates and the Associations’ responsibilities to support them, reflecting our continued insistence that all housing sectors must be part of any credible solution.”

Across the UK the campaign is seeking the creation of a national fund capable of restoring homeowners to their pre-RAAC financial position, pressing for a national inquiry and removing barriers facing affected homeowners.

The campaign also hopes to that local authorities will eventually be able to help homeowners affected by RAAC using the Affordable Housing Supply Programme Funding and look and the role of housing associations in coordinated remediation and funding solutions.

READ MORE: Labour councillor challenges colleagues on health board to demand more funding from Scottish Government

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