A meeting of the full council on Wednesday evening (February 18) confirmed bills will increase by 4.99 per cent from April, 2026.

The town hall agreed a two-year budget in February, 2025 which included £7.8m of savings proposals over two years.

This year’s budget does not contain any further cuts to spending or services, bosses say.

Some two per cent of the rise is ring-fenced to be spent on adult social care.

The meeting heard the increase in council tax would equate to around £1.19 per week for a typical Bolton household.

The proposed one-year budget for 2026/27 includes the use of £10.6m of reserves to balance the budget. This year’s budget also includes a three-year indicative savings target for 2027/28 to 2029/30 of £30m.

‘People want to seen an improvement to their local environment’

(Image: Henry Lisowski)

Proposing the budget council leader Nick Peel, said: “In this two year budget for growth, we are continuing to build back those priority areas in neighbourhood services that have previously been seriously damaged due to austerity.

“People want to see an improvement to their local environment and we are delivering that. “We funded a £2m investment programme into parks, play areas, recreational space and sports pitches in every part of our borough.

“This is the third year running with no cuts to highways budgets, neighbourhood services, street cleaning, parks and play areas and fly tip enforcement.

“Last February we invested £1.2m into new areas of service delivery in neighbourhood services. “This included employing new staff for the first time in years looking after cemeteries and our green spaces. And what a great job they are doing.”

Tories ask for 2.99 per cent increase

(Image: Newsquest)

The Conservative opposition proposed an budget amendment, which would have only led to a 2.99 per cent increase in bills.

They said it would largely be funded by spending an additional £1.7m of reserves and taking £1m from cash earmarked to be spent on children’s social care.

Tory leader Nadim Muslim said: “This year, we saw 70 per cent of residents disagree with proposals to increase council tax by 4.99 per cent each year.

“In fact, 43 per cent of residents believed there should be no increase whatsoever.

“But Bolton Labour have ignored what they think.

“The cost-of-living crisis, worsened by the damaging economic policies of the government resulting in lower growth, higher inflation, higher unemployment, and a higher deficit, are all contributing to the poor state of the UK economy. And Bolton does not remain immune to that.”

That amendment was defeated. The only other councillor outside the Conservative group in favour of it was the borough’s single Reform UK member, Sue Haworth.

How extra money will be spent in wards

The budget report also stated that one-off funds have been returned from Greater Manchester Waste, with Bolton to receive £1.35m.

How that to spend money was the focus of a budget amendment tabled by the Liberal Democrats, which gained the support of the majority of councillors so was therefore added to the budget.

It means £500,000 will be divided to be spent on small projects by ward councillors, at £25,000 per ward

£212,000 is for cemetery access improvements with driveway resurfacing at Astley Bridge and Heaton cemeteries.

£506,510 will go on improvements to parks, play areas and open spaces throughout the borough.

The budget report noted an improvement in central government funding to the council.

It said: “The overall net impact of the December settlement is an improved funding position from that forecast in the budget report presented to council in February 2025.

“Although this is a welcome development, there remain significant pressures on the council’s finances and a programme of savings and efficiency measures will be required for future years.”

Ski mountaineering, or ‘skimo’, is making its Winter Olympics debut at the 2026 Games in Milan-Cortina.

Skimo is a sprint event consisting of three uphill elements and one downhill in the individual events, which combine skiing and running.

The first element in the men’s and women’s sprints sees athletes run uphill with skis on their boots through an obstacle course that includes two sets of diamonds that competitors have to negotiate around.

After that, athletes reach their first of three transition areas. They must take their skis off their feet and attach them to their backpacks, before sprinting up a set of stairs to the second transition area.

When reaching the second transition area, athletes will then put their skis back on and will ‘skin’ for around 10 to 20 meters to reach the final transition area – so called due to the fabric skins attached to the skis for grip on the surface.

From there, athletes will ski downhill in a race to the finish line. The whole course usually takes between three to four minutes to complete.

The mixed team relay sees teams of one man and one woman completing four alternate laps of the course, with two ascents and two descents per lap.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.

King Charles has said “the law must take its course” following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with the Prince and Princess of Wales understood to support his statement

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The Prince and Princess of Wales have supported King Charles’ statement following the arrest of the disgraced former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday morning (February 19).

Andrew is currently in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at his temporary residence on the Sandringham Estate around 8am on his 66th birthday. Thames Valley Police, who led the operation, also confirmed that searches are being conducted at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.

Following his younger brother’s arrest, King Charles broke his silence, stating “the law must take its course”. This sentiment is understood to be echoed by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, according to the Press Association.

The former Duke has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Jeffrey Epstein but has faced increasing scrutiny over his relationship with the convicted paedophile whilst he was alive. On November 3, 2025, King Charles stripped Andrew of his HRH style and “Prince” title.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” The King said in a written statement.

“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

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A police spokesperson at the scene confirmed that the search is ongoing within the property. Dog walkers and families are continuing to pass through the surrounding Windsor Great Park.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.”

It is vital that we maintain the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work alongside our partners to examine this alleged offence.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

The King has previously expressed his “profound concern” regarding allegations over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct, also saying he would “stand ready to support” the police, according to Buckingham Palace.

The financial industry is entering a new era, with AI and new regulations on accessing data transforming how finance works. These changes are giving people more options to manage their money in new ways – taking us closer to totally cashless transactions.

Over the last century, banks implemented new technologies like ATMs, internet banking and smartphone apps to fundamentally change our relationship with money. Now, new regulations and initiatives around the world are forcing banks to allow fintech firms (companies that use technology to provide financial services) to access customers’ banking data.

This includes regulations like the EU’s revised payment services directive (PSD2), which aims to encourage innovation in financial products while protecting consumers’ data. In the UK, the CMA9 order serves a similar purpose. These regulatory changes are a game changer in the world of finance.

Accessing customer data allows for greater openness in the financial industry. It enables a shift from a closed banking model, where banks kept a tight hold of their customers’ data, to an open banking ecosystem where people are free to share their financial data with third-party apps or websites.

For the first time, this shift is enabling customers themselves to benefit from the sharing of banking data as fintechs use it to enhance their experiences and offer them a wider range of services.

My research shows that the traditional role of banks is changing in profound ways. Banks are increasingly operating behind the scenes as infrastructure providers, facilitating secure data exchange with fintechs. These fintechs are more agile and tech-savvy than banks, focusing on specialised customer solutions and often offering superior customer experiences.

A 2025 report found that open banking is becoming central to the global financial system. Fintechs, including digital-only banks, payment services like Stripe and Trustly, buy-now-pay-later providers and crypto platforms, are emerging as major providers of alternative financial services.

With data central to innovation, AI is reshaping how we interact with money. As an example, the same report indicates that 80% of fintechs are implementing AI. Customers are beginning to experience these advances thanks to data-driven agents like chatbots and robo advisors. This technology can analyse customer behaviour to offer personalised services in ways that were previously not possible.

Here are five ways that AI could be reshaping your relationship with money.

1. Intelligent credit-scoring

AI-driven credit scoring uses open banking data instead of a customer’s traditional bank credit history. It considers customers’ context and behaviour – things like mobile phone and rent payments – to make fairer assessments. This can encourage responsible access to credit for people on low incomes, and promote financial inclusion.

2. Debt rehabilitation services

These services can be used to manage financial behaviour. People who are struggling financially can use these debt services to track their spending patterns in real time. Trusted individuals, maybe a friend or relative, can be alerted when their spending is irregular.

3. Automated savings trackers

Saving trackers use AI to advise customers on when and how much to save. They can also transfer funds into savings accounts automatically. This can help people to manage money shocks and build financial resilience.

4. Account aggregation services

Customers can connect accounts from different banks to get an aggregate view of their financial health. This can help them to make better decisions around their money, enhancing their sense of being in control and making them more resilient against financial shocks.

5. Predictive finance

Personalised services can assess financial behaviour by learning customers’ habits and anticipating their future needs. Predictive finance can translate these assessments into practical, money-saving recommendations. People can use AI agents to plan and time a family trip. The AI agent can then autonomously make a booking that best fits and alert the customer.

Financial technology firms (fintechs) are using customer data to develop services like these that make accessing and managing money simpler – potentially making it easier for everyone to participate in the financial system. Taken together, these innovations show the promise of AI for making finance more inclusive.

But risks are inevitable. In this new landscape, the traditional trust between bank and customer might be challenged, as the open nature of transactions can increase security risks. Automated profiling, data vulnerabilities and fraud can also erode trust, invade customers’ privacy and violate their dignity. That’s why transparent regulations are needed to protect customers and preserve their digital rights.

When traditional banks and fintechs work together, they must keep the customer’s best interests in focus. After all, there is no doubt that the double-edged consequences of AI and data will continue to shape the evolving financial landscape.

But with the minute – detailing that Murrell is charged with embezzling almost £460,000 from the SNP – sent to Mr Swinney on January 19, weeks before details of the charge became public, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay was insistent that the Lord Advocate had handed the First Minister a political advantage.

In a statement, actor Norton said: “This film sits in a tradition of films we deeply love, from The Godfather to Gangs of New York, that both thrill us with visceral drama and iconic characters and eras while also forcing us to face up to the shadow story under the American narrative of idealism.

Pakistan cricketers are not being considered by Indian-owned sides for next month’s Hundred auction, sources have told BBC Sport.

Players from Pakistan have not featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009 because of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Four of The Hundred’s eight franchises – Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds – are now at least part-owned by companies that control IPL teams.

In messages seen by the BBC, a senior official from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) indicated to an agent that interest in his Pakistan players would be limited to sides not linked to the IPL.

Another agent described the situation as “an unwritten rule” across T20 leagues with Indian investment.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould said last year he expected “players from all nations to be selected for all teams” in The Hundred and warned “clear anti-discrimination policies” were in place.

None of the four teams or ownership groups in question responded to requests for comment.

An ECB spokesperson said: “The Hundred welcomes men’s and women’s players from all over the world and we would expect the eight teams to reflect that.

“Almost 1,000 cricketers from 18 nations have registered for The Hundred auction, with representation on the longlist of over 50 players respectively from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies.”

In order to combat speeding on their roads, Siward and Godwin residents would like extra traffic calming measures put in place such as narrowing the road, installing planters, chicanes, road paint or having extra signs alerting motorists to the presence of elderly people and young children in the area.

The sweeper was carrying out a routine clean along a Cambridgeshire street

A street sweeper had to be “freed” after it got stuck in a cycle and footway. While trying to clean along Yarrow Road in Cherry Hinton earlier today (Thursday, February 19), the wheel on a street sweeper became stuck.

The wheel got stuck in a cycle and footway along the street. South Cambridgeshire Council, which runs the sweeper, had to free it from the footway.

A council spokesperson said: “A wheel on one of our small street sweepers unfortunately got stuck in a cycle and footway. This happened during a routine sweep of the cycleway and pavement along Yarrow Road.

“The sweeper has been freed, and we let Cambridgeshire County Council know – and they’ve told us their crews are already on the way to carry out repairs.”

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