GEELONG, Australia — The Geelong Cats held off a determined Adelaide Crows side to secure an eight-point victory in a rain-affected contest at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night, improving to a strong start in the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership season.

Geelong finished with 9.14 (68) to Adelaide’s 9.6 (60) in Round 3, snapping a potential slide after an undermanned Crows outfit mounted a spirited comeback but fell short in the dying stages. The win keeps the Cats in the mix early in the season while dealing Adelaide a second consecutive narrow loss.

Played in wet and slippery conditions typical of autumn evenings in Geelong, the match featured physical contests, costly penalties and several standout individual performances. Geelong’s greater efficiency in front of goal and ability to win key moments in the final quarter proved decisive.

Match Summary and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Geelong started strongly in the first quarter, capitalizing on two 50-metre penalties conceded by Adelaide’s Darcy Fogarty. Unlikely goal kicker Tom Stewart converted one from long range, marking just his seventh career major and giving the Cats an early momentum boost. Geelong led 28-14 at the first change after kicking four goals to Adelaide’s two.

Adelaide fought back in the second term, outscoring Geelong and narrowing the gap through slick transition play and individual brilliance. Luke Pedlar’s contested win on the wing set up Zac Taylor for a crucial goal, while Riley Thilthorpe was active around the ground. At halftime, Geelong held a slim advantage.

The third quarter saw both sides trade goals in a tight arm-wrestle. Adelaide briefly threatened to take control, but Geelong’s midfield responded with disciplined ball movement. The Cats entered the final change with a modest lead.

In the last quarter, Geelong steadied under pressure. Oliver Dempsey delivered a clutch goal to seal the result, while Jack Martin produced a moment of magic, gathering a wet football at pace to kick a vital major after an umpiring decision went against the Crows. Adelaide pushed hard late but could not bridge the gap, finishing with fewer scoring shots despite competitive possession numbers.

Key Performances and Statistics

Geelong’s midfield and defense stood tall in the greasy conditions. Mark Blicavs battled effectively in the ruck, while Sam Mannagh earned praise for a strong first-half contribution. Tom Stewart’s early goal and defensive reliability added value, and Oliver Dempsey’s composure late proved match-winning.

For Adelaide, the Crows were without key players including Jordan Dawson, Taylor Walker and Rory Laird, forcing coach Brad Scott to blood debutant Finnbar Maley from North Melbourne. Despite the absences, Zac Taylor and Luke Pedlar provided spark, and Darcy Fogarty remained a focal point up forward despite the early penalties.

Stats reflected a hard-fought contest: Adelaide edged total disposals slightly (around 750 to Geelong’s 742), but Geelong won more clearances (69-67) and tackles. Inside-50 entries were nearly even, yet Geelong’s accuracy in the wet proved superior with 14 behinds compared to Adelaide’s six.

Umpiring came under scrutiny, with one late non-call on a last-touch situation labelled a “farce” by some observers. Adelaide coach Brad Scott expressed frustration post-match over the slow start and several key decisions, while Geelong players celebrated a gritty four-point haul on the ladder.

Context and Implications

The match highlighted Geelong’s resilience at home, where they have historically been difficult to beat. GMHBA Stadium’s conditions favored the Cats’ experienced core, who adapted better to the slippery surface and capitalized on Adelaide’s errors.

For the Crows, the loss extends early-season challenges. Missing experienced leaders hurt their structure, particularly in stoppages and defensive transitions. Scott will likely demand a sharper opening quarter in future games, as Adelaide has now dropped two close encounters.

The result adds early intrigue to the 2026 season. Geelong demonstrated they remain competitive despite roster evolution, while Adelaide showed fight but must address injury concerns and execution under pressure.

Broader AFL talking points included the impact of wet-weather football on scoring and the growing conversation around umpiring consistency. Fans and commentators debated the balance between physicality and rule enforcement in slippery conditions.

Notable Moments from the Highlights

• Darcy Fogarty’s two first-quarter 50-metre penalties gifted Geelong easy scores and set an early tone.
• Tom Stewart’s long-range goal from the penalty provided an unlikely highlight.
• Luke Pedlar’s wing contest and Zac Taylor’s resulting goal showcased Adelaide’s counter-attacking potential.
• Jack Martin’s skillful goal in the wet after a controversial decision lifted Geelong at a critical juncture.
• Oliver Dempsey’s sealer in the final minutes triggered celebrations among the home crowd.

These moments, captured in official AFL highlights, underscored the game’s intensity and the small margins that decide modern AFL matches.

What’s Next for Both Teams

Geelong will look to build on the victory with improved percentage and consistency as the season progresses. Their home-ground advantage remains a significant asset.

Adelaide faces a tough road ahead and must find ways to integrate returning players while maintaining competitiveness. The Crows’ young talent showed promise, suggesting long-term potential if they can tighten defensive structures and improve starts.

For fans unable to attend, the full match replay and extended highlights packages are available on official AFL platforms and broadcasters.

The Cats’ narrow win keeps them in the early-season conversation, while Adelaide will regroup ahead of their next assignment. In a competition where every point counts, Geelong’s ability to grind out results in adverse conditions could prove valuable as the premiership race intensifies.

Britain is heading towards a significant shortage of mechanics trained to service electric vehicles, raising concerns that the country’s transition to cleaner transport could outpace the workforce needed to support it.

New analysis from the Institute of the Motor Industry suggests the UK could be short of 44,000 EV-qualified technicians by the time petrol and diesel car production is phased out, under current government targets.

While ministers have reaffirmed plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, only around a quarter of the UK’s mechanics are currently trained to work on electric cars. The gap between policy ambition and workforce readiness is widening, particularly among smaller independent garages.

A key concern is the uneven distribution of EV expertise. A disproportionate number of qualified technicians are employed by larger national chains such as Kwik-Fit, which have the scale and resources to invest in training and benefit from servicing contracts with corporate EV fleets.

By contrast, many smaller, independent garages, which make up a large part of the UK’s automotive repair network, remain hesitant to invest in EV training. Owners cite a lack of local demand, high training costs and uncertainty over the pace of the transition.

In areas where electric vehicle adoption remains low, particularly outside major urban centres, garage operators say the business case for upskilling staff is not yet compelling.

For many workshop owners, the decision comes down to economics. Traditional repair work — such as servicing engines, clutches and fuel systems — remains a core revenue stream, yet these components are largely absent in electric vehicles.

EVs typically require less maintenance and fewer moving parts, reducing both the frequency and value of repair work. Even routine checks such as MoTs tend to involve less labour, further eroding potential income for independent garages.

This structural shift is creating uncertainty across the sector, with some operators concerned that investing in EV capability could fail to deliver sufficient returns in the short term.

The transition is also being shaped by regional disparities in EV uptake. In some parts of the UK, particularly rural areas, demand remains limited, reinforcing reluctance among smaller businesses to invest.

Consumers are already experiencing the consequences. In some cases, EV owners have been forced to travel long distances to access qualified repair services, as local garages lack the necessary expertise or equipment.

This highlights a growing disconnect between national policy and local infrastructure, both in terms of charging networks and servicing capacity.

Broader uncertainty around global EV policy is adding to the hesitation. Shifts in international markets, including changes to electric vehicle targets in the United States and Europe, have made some business owners wary of committing to long-term investment.

At the same time, the UK government has introduced measures such as expanded charging infrastructure and new road pricing proposals for EVs, but these have yet to fully translate into stronger consumer demand.

Despite these challenges, industry analysts believe the transition to electric vehicles is ultimately inevitable.

Even if policy timelines shift, manufacturers have already invested heavily in electrification, and EVs are expected to dominate new car sales within the next decade. Quentin Le Hetet of automotive analysts GiPA suggests that electric vehicles could outnumber petrol and diesel cars on UK roads by the mid-2030s.

However, the pace of that transition will depend heavily on whether supporting industries, including repair and maintenance, can keep up.

Experts warn that without targeted support, independent garages could be left behind, with larger operators and manufacturer-approved service centres capturing a growing share of the market.

Peter Wells, of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research, said the shift could fundamentally reshape the sector, with manufacturers increasingly controlling access to repair data and systems.

This trend raises concerns about competition, pricing and the long-term viability of smaller businesses that have traditionally formed the backbone of the UK’s automotive repair industry.

The Institute of the Motor Industry has called for increased funding to support training and workforce development, warning that without intervention, the skills gap could become a major bottleneck in the UK’s net zero ambitions.

For policymakers, the challenge is clear: ensuring that the transition to electric vehicles is not only technologically feasible, but also economically and operationally sustainable.

For the thousands of garages across the country, the message is equally stark; adapt to the electric future or risk being left behind as the automotive industry undergoes its most profound transformation in decades.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

As the market for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs explodes toward a projected $150 billion, NFL legend Tom Brady is stepping into the arena — not to promote a magic pill, but to infuse the clinical surge with his trademark “TB12” discipline.

“Making a difference in other people’s lives, trying to share some of the things that have been in my mind that I’ve learned from incredible mentors, understanding and trying to inspire through the different people that have come into my life to communicate the messages that I’ve been able to get, that have helped me kind of live my dream, and I want to do that for others,” Brady said in an exclusive “Mornings with Maria” interview that aired Thursday.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion and eMed CEO Linda Yaccarino joined forces to announce a massive $200 million funding round, valuing the digital health company at more than $2 billion. The duo is aiming to revolutionize “population health” by using AI and clinical oversight to provide employers with a sustainable way to offer GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, while slashing corporate insurance claims.

“The raise confirms immense momentum and establishes us as the definitive company for population health and helping employers break the runaway health care costs and break their cost curve,” Yaccarino told Bartiromo.

TOM BRADY SAYS POST-N.F.L. LIFE IS ABOUT ‘BUILDING TRUST’ AS HE MAKES BUSINESS PLAY WITH HERTZ

“When you have overweight or obese people, their health care costs are two times the average employee who’s not obese,” she continued. “So that is the question that hasn’t been answered yet, that finally, eMed steps in, is able to deliver those solutions to employers all over the country.”

Tom Brady at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic Press Conference & Practice held at BMO Stadium on March 20, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

While many Americans use GLP-1s as an easy weight-loss solution, Brady views the eMed platform as a kickstart for those who lack the biological advantage of natural high-willpower. He insists that medication must be based on a foundation of clinical support and personal accountability.

“This isn’t about shortcuts for anybody. This is about a well-delivered program for people to kick-start their health journey in certain ways,” Brady clarified. “I’ve been so fortunate to be around the best professionals, the best doctors, the best trainers, the best nutritionists. And I realized how fortunate I was at having that guidance.”

“I really want to kind of break the stigma around the fact that, you know, discipline and hard work and willpower are something that… we’re born with. I was born with that, and I have the ability to do that. I think there’s a lot of other people that that is something that is more of a struggle,” he added. “But we need to be able to provide support for those people as well.”

Brady further detailed how his most valuable asset required a level of maintenance that is only now becoming mainstream.

“I realized because I was an athlete, my body was my asset,” the former quarterback said. “If I loved playing football and I love being on the field, then I love performing my very best. I had to treat my body, you know, a very certain way. I tried to get a lot of muscle work to repair injured tissue. I hydrated all the time. I tried to eat a low inflammatory diet. I tried to get the proper rest.”

“How can I ever stop? This is my life, I tell you, I’ve been so obsessed with training. I would feel horrible and worse if I didn’t move all the time. I feel like I have a lot of energy… I want to stay active. I have three children. I want to go out there and play basketball and swim and hit the golf ball, and play volleyball with my daughter in the backyard,” Brady said.

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Yaccarino — the former CEO of X Corp who declined to comment on Wednesday’s social media verdict — explained that the goal of eMed is to take Brady’s “rigor” and apply it to the American workforce and minimize chronic diseases.

“Ninety-percent of people stay on our program. They do two things: First, and most important, what Tom was referencing, they get healthier,” she said. “And when you get people on the program, when you deliver those health outcomes, that’s the secret sauce for employers, for CEOs, CFOs — who you have on your show all the time — because they get their return on their investment.”

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Travelers across the United States are enduring some of the longest security wait times in TSA history as a partial government shutdown drives high staff call-out rates at major airports, forcing many hubs to warn passengers to arrive three to four hours early for domestic flights.

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport has reported the most severe delays, with checkpoints showing waits of up to three to four hours in recent days. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world’s busiest airport, has advised allowing at least four hours for screenings amid fluctuating but often extended lines.

The disruptions stem from elevated TSA officer absences — sometimes exceeding 30-47% at affected airports — linked to the funding lapse. This has compounded spring travel demand, creating unpredictable and occasionally chaotic scenes with lines stretching outside terminals or into parking areas.

Here are 10 U.S. airports currently experiencing among the longest TSA wait times, based on recent reports, airport advisories, call-out rates and traveler accounts as of late March 2026. Wait times can shift rapidly within the day and vary by terminal or checkpoint; these reflect the most frequently cited problem spots.

1. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston Waits have repeatedly hit three to four hours at open terminals, with some checkpoints reporting 180 minutes or more during morning peaks. High call-out rates around 36-42% have forced reduced operations, prompting strong advisories and even assistance from ICE agents providing water to those in line.
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) The busiest U.S. airport by passenger volume has urged travelers to allow four hours or more for security. Call-out rates have reached 33-37%, with lines sometimes exceeding two hours during rushes. Officials have removed or suspended real-time wait displays due to volatility.
3. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York One of the hardest-hit East Coast hubs, with call-out rates near 33% and reports of multi-hour delays. The airport has suspended routine wait-time reporting, warning that conditions can change quickly based on staffing and volume. Long lines have been visible in multiple terminals.
4. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston Often posting even higher call-out percentages than its larger sibling IAH — up to 47% in recent data — Hobby has seen significant delays and reduced checkpoint availability, contributing to the broader Houston-area chaos.
5. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) Travelers have faced waits stretching to three hours or more, with advisories to arrive at least three hours early. Call-out rates around 34% have strained operations, occasionally pushing queues into parking structures.
6. LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York Reports of 90-minute-plus waits during morning peaks, with lines extending outside buildings. The airport has seen notable staffing pressures amid the regional New York challenges.
7. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey Wait-time reporting has been temporarily suspended due to rapid changes from staffing shortages. Delays have contributed to flight disruptions, with lines frequently extending during busy periods.
8. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Major West Coast hub experiencing longer-than-normal waits amid nationwide issues, with some reports highlighting multi-hour delays during peak spring travel. High passenger volume amplifies the impact of reduced staffing.
9. Miami International Airport (MIA) South Florida’s primary gateway has seen elevated lines, with waits reported in the 30- to 60-minute range or higher during peaks, exacerbated by international traffic and staffing constraints.
10. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Another busy Florida airport hit by the broader disruptions, with reports of extended security lines during the recent wave of spring and leisure travel.

Other airports frequently mentioned in recent delays include Philadelphia International (PHL), where some checkpoints closed entirely, and occasionally Orlando (MCO) or Austin (AUS) during event-driven surges.

Broader Context and Causes

The ongoing partial government shutdown has dramatically increased TSA call-out rates from a normal level below 2% to double digits or higher at many large hubs. This has occurred while passenger volumes remain robust, particularly with spring break overlapping the disruptions.

TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told Congress that the agency is facing unprecedented wait times in its 24-year history. Some airports have deployed alternative staff or adjusted operations, but capacity remains constrained.

Airports in Houston and Atlanta have been among the most visibly affected, with real-time data sometimes unavailable as officials prioritize safety and flow over precise estimates. Smaller or mid-sized airports have generally fared better, though isolated spikes occur.

Tips for Travelers Facing Long TSA Lines

Authorities and experts recommend the following strategies:

• Arrive early: Plan for three to four hours before domestic departures at affected major airports; allow even more for international flights.
• Check real-time sources: Use airport websites (when available), the MyTSA app for crowd-sourced reports, or third-party trackers. Note that some official displays have been paused.
• Enroll in expedited programs: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and Global Entry can significantly reduce times where lanes remain open, though they are not immune to overall staffing issues.
• Pack smart: Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule and minimize carry-on complexity to speed screening.
• Monitor flight status: Delays in security can cascade into gate issues; build in buffers for connections.
• Consider alternatives: Off-peak flights or smaller regional airports sometimes experience shorter lines.

Many airports have added signage, rope lines and support staff to manage crowds, but patience remains essential.

Outlook and Potential Relief

Negotiations to resolve the funding lapse continue, with some lawmakers expressing urgency over the impact on travel and the federal workforce. Until a resolution, variability is expected to persist, particularly during morning and evening rushes at large hubs.

Travelers are advised to verify conditions the day of travel, as wait times can drop dramatically later in the day once initial peaks clear. Those with flexible schedules may benefit from shifting to less busy periods or airports.

The situation underscores the critical role of consistent TSA staffing in maintaining efficient air travel. While some checkpoints have seen temporary improvements when call-outs ease, the underlying pressures remain until broader funding and personnel issues are addressed.

For the latest updates, check individual airport websites, the TSA’s resources or reliable news outlets. Conditions evolve quickly, and proactive planning is the best defense against missing a flight.

Data reflects reports and advisories from March 23-26, 2026. TSA wait times fluctuate hourly and by checkpoint; always confirm with official sources before traveling. This article is for informational purposes only.

SYDNEY — With rising road accidents, workplace injuries and public liability claims in New South Wales, Sydney residents seeking compensation increasingly turn to specialist personal injury lawyers who operate on a no win, no fee basis to secure maximum payouts for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.

Personal injury law in NSW covers motor vehicle accidents under the CTP scheme, workers compensation through icare, medical negligence, public liability slips and falls, and institutional abuse claims. Lawyers must navigate complex statutory schemes with strict time limits, making experienced representation essential for successful outcomes.

Here are 10 of the strongest personal injury law firms and lawyers in Sydney for 2026, drawn from peer-reviewed directories such as Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms Australia, Doyles Guide rankings voted by defendant solicitors, client choice awards, Google reviews and independent editorial lists. Selections emphasize plaintiff-focused practices with strong track records in compensation claims.

1. Maurice Blackburn Lawyers One of Australia’s largest plaintiff firms with a robust Sydney team, Maurice Blackburn handles motor accidents, workplace injuries and medical negligence. Known for its scale, resources and no win, no fee model, the firm has earned consistent recognition for protecting injured clients’ rights since 1919.
2. BPC Lawyers (Beilby Poulden Costello) Ranked Tier 1 in Sydney for personal injury litigation by Best Law Firms 2026 and frequently topping Doyles Guide categories for work injury, motor vehicle and public liability claims. Lawyers such as Mark Nelson and Scott Hall-Johnston receive pre-eminent recognition from insurance-side peers for strong advocacy and results.
3. Garling and Co Winner of Best Personal Injury Law Firm in the Client Choice Awards for multiple years, including 2025, with Matthew Garling holding accreditation as a specialist in personal injury law. The firm earns high Google ratings for client service and no win, no fee arrangements on compensation matters.
4. Law Partners Multiple-time Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year recipient in Global Law Experts and Lawyer Monthly awards. Specialists such as Chantille Khoury feature prominently in Doyles Guide for work injury claims. The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury with zero upfront fees.
5. Slater and Gordon A national leader in personal injury with dedicated Sydney offices offering no win, no fee services for catastrophic injuries, workplace claims and public liability. The firm emphasizes client support and has a long history of landmark compensation outcomes.
6. Shine Lawyers National firm with a strong Sydney presence specializing in catastrophic injuries, medical negligence and public liability. Shine provides no win, no fee representation and focuses on achieving life-changing results for seriously injured clients.
7. Turner Freeman Lawyers Long-established plaintiff firm serving Sydney with expertise across compensation claims. Recognized in Doyles Guide and known for thorough case preparation and maximizing client entitlements under NSW schemes.
8. Stacks Goudkamp Dedicated no win, no fee personal injury lawyers with over 40 years’ experience in NSW. The firm builds a reputation for compassionate service and fighting for injured Australians in motor, work and public liability matters.
9. Taylor & Scott Lawyers Operating since 1905, this firm highlights its focus on high-quality representation to maximize compensation for serious injuries. It offers free claim checks and no win, no fee options for eligible personal injury cases.
10. Monaco Solicitors Award-winning firm voted Compensation Law Firm of the Year by Global Law Experts, with high Google ratings. Monaco handles workers compensation, motor accidents and other injury claims on a no win, no fee basis with a 25-year track record.

Other frequently mentioned firms include Gerard Malouf & Partners for claimant-focused advocacy, Firths Compensation Lawyers for strong client testimonials, and Jameson Law, which received APAC recognition as Best Personal Injury Law Firm Australia 2026.

Choosing the Right Lawyer in Sydney

Sydney personal injury cases often involve statutory benefits under the Motor Accidents Injuries Act, Workers Compensation Act or Civil Liability Act. Top lawyers help clients understand entitlements, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers and litigate when necessary in the Personal Injury Commission or courts.

Most leading firms offer free initial consultations and no win, no fee agreements, meaning clients pay legal fees only from a successful settlement or judgment. However, disbursements such as medical reports may still apply in some cases, so clarifying terms upfront remains important.

Accredited specialists in personal injury law, recognized by the Law Society of NSW, bring additional expertise. Peer rankings like Doyles Guide, which surveys defendant lawyers, and Best Lawyers, based on peer review, provide objective indicators of capability alongside client feedback.

Market Context for Injury Claims

NSW recorded steady volumes of CTP and workers compensation claims in recent years, with common injuries including whiplash, fractures, spinal damage and psychological conditions. Rising medical costs and inflation have increased average settlement values, making skilled negotiation critical.

The 2026 legal landscape features ongoing reforms to compensation schemes, requiring lawyers to stay current with legislative changes affecting thresholds, benefits and dispute resolution processes.

For victims of institutional abuse or medical negligence, specialist teams can access additional support pathways and longer time limits in some cases.

Risks and Considerations

Not all claims succeed, and outcomes depend on evidence of negligence or fault, injury severity and compliance with time limits — generally three years for many claims, with shorter periods for CTP matters.

Clients should verify a firm’s focus on plaintiff work rather than defendant insurance defense. Reading recent Google reviews, checking awards and confirming no win, no fee terms in writing help avoid surprises.

Those with complex cases involving multiple injuries, long-term disability or disputed liability benefit most from firms with litigation experience and medical expert networks.

Outlook for Injured Sydney Residents

Demand for quality personal injury representation is expected to remain strong in 2026 amid population growth and urban activity in Greater Sydney. Firms investing in client service, technology for case management and specialist accreditation are positioned to deliver better outcomes.

Injured individuals should act promptly after an accident to preserve evidence and meet deadlines. A free claim assessment from a reputable firm can clarify eligibility without obligation.

While no lawyer can guarantee results, selecting from highly ranked practices with proven plaintiff expertise and strong client satisfaction increases the likelihood of fair compensation.

Sydney residents seeking help should contact multiple firms for comparisons, ask about specific experience with their injury type and review fee agreements carefully. Professional legal advice tailored to individual circumstances remains the most reliable path to protecting rights after an injury.

Officers say ‘redevelopment is expected to act as a catalyst for wider investment’

More than 150 new apartments could be built in a 10-storey block on the edge of Liverpool city centre. Proposals have been lodged with the city council for a new development in the Pumpfields area on a prominent, long-vacant brownfield site at Vauxhall Road, Paul Street and Oriel Street.

Originally part of a mixed-use but predominantly light-industrial area, following post-war slum clearance, the remaining and more recent warehouses still commemorate the area’s industrial character, to which sporadic car sales, car parking and student housing have been added. Now, with a masterplan being put together for the area, a design has been lodged with the local authority by Manchester-based Rosmara Development Group.

The application seeks full planning permission for a 10-storey residential-led development comprising 158 apartments, intended for private sale, and a ground floor commercial unit. The proposed development, which would contain no housing considered to be affordable, would front Vauxhall Road, where it would include a colonnade and where the main pedestrian accesses would be located.

The scheme would include a communal rooftop open space as well as a residents’ lounge and gym at ground floor level. Also on the ground floor, internal residential and commercial waste storage and secure cycle storage are proposed with access from Oriel Street and Paul Street through a gated, enclosed courtyard.

A five-space car park is proposed, which includes one accessible parking bay with electric vehicle (EV) charging as well as two other EV charging bays. The proposed dwellings comprise 78 one-bed one-person apartments and 72 two-bed three-person apartments as well as five two-bed three-person townhouses and three three-bed four-person townhouses.

While the project has been recommended for approval by Liverpool Council planning officials, the scheme could fall short in terms of its financial contributions to the wider community. A report to go before the planning committee when it meets next week sets out how a financial viability appraisal concludes that the scheme, with no affordable housing, can viably support only £115,000 in contributions.

This would firstly pay towards statutory mitigation for recreational disturbance and highway-related obligations, with the remaining portion directed to affordable housing. However, the NHS has advised this would not be enough.

The report said: “There is not sufficient existing primary healthcare capacity locally to address demand generated by the development. Mitigation is therefore required in the form of a financial contribution of £156,251 towards the capital cost of delivering the additional primary care floorspace required to serve residents of the new development.”

The officers’ document added: “The site occupies a prominent gateway location and has remained unused for a substantial period. Its redevelopment is expected to act as a catalyst for wider investment envisaged by the emerging Pumpfields SPD.

“The proposal will deliver high-quality, accessible new homes, activate the street frontage through commercial use, and support sustainable travel through substantial cycle parking and contributions to active travel improvements.”

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

More than 2,000 North Sea jobs have been safeguarded after HM Revenue & Customs agreed not to pursue further legal action against a restructuring deal involving Petrofac, clearing the way for the sale of its UK business to US engineering firm CB&I.

The decision removes a major obstacle that had threatened to derail the transaction and push Petrofac’s North Sea operations into insolvency, with potentially severe consequences for workers, supply chains and energy infrastructure.

HMRC had been seeking to recover more than £150 million from Petrofac relating to a long-running tax dispute, and had argued that the proposed debt restructuring was unfair because it would leave the tax authority with just £3 million, while other creditors stood to recover a greater proportion of their claims.

However, Scotland’s Court of Session rejected HMRC’s challenge earlier this month, and the tax authority has now confirmed it will not appeal that ruling. The move effectively clears the path for completion of the rescue deal, which is contingent on significant debt write-offs across the group.

Petrofac had warned that without swift resolution, its UK asset solutions division, which employs around 2,250 people and operates approximately 20 North Sea platforms, was at risk of running out of cash and collapsing.

Such an outcome would likely have triggered emergency contingency measures to maintain offshore operations, potentially leading to a break-up of the business and significant job losses.

The company, once a FTSE 100 constituent, employs around 8,000 people globally and has been under sustained pressure in recent years, grappling with a combination of legal issues, project delays and financial strain.

The asset solutions division had continued trading after Petrofac entered administration in October, and a deal was agreed in December to sell the business to CB&I.

The transaction is seen as a viable route to preserve operations and employment, while providing a stable long-term owner for the business.

Petrofac said it is now focused on completing the sale “as soon as possible”, describing CB&I as “an excellent fit” that offers a positive outcome for both the company and its workforce.

In his judgment, Lord Sandison criticised HMRC’s handling of the case, highlighting delays in pursuing the tax claim, which dates back to alleged avoidance issues between 1999 and 2014, allegations Petrofac denies.

The judge noted that the liability was not formally assessed until 2020 and was not scheduled for tribunal determination until 2025, describing the pace of enforcement as “very leisurely”.

He concluded that HMRC’s position in 2026 was due “at least as much to its own inaction” as to the restructuring itself, suggesting the dispute could have been resolved much earlier.

The resolution of the case underscores the delicate balance between creditor rights and the need to preserve viable businesses and jobs in complex restructurings.

For the UK’s energy sector, the outcome is particularly significant. Petrofac’s North Sea operations play a critical role in maintaining offshore infrastructure, and disruption could have had wider implications for production and supply chains.

The case also highlights the challenges facing companies in the oil and gas services industry, which has been navigating a difficult period marked by regulatory scrutiny, shifting energy policies and financial pressures.

With the legal uncertainty now removed, attention will turn to finalising the sale and stabilising operations under new ownership.

For workers and stakeholders, the decision represents a reprieve after months of uncertainty. For Petrofac, it marks a crucial step in its restructuring process.

And for policymakers and regulators, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of timely intervention, and the potential consequences when disputes drag on in critical sectors of the economy.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.