It means the Duchy will remain separate from Devon in its devolution journey

Cornwall has taken another significant stride in its devolution ambitions with a decision that “firms up” the county’s position against merging with Devon as a cross-border local authority. Cornwall Council’s Liberal Democrat/Independent cabinet today (Wednesday, March 18) voted to accept, in principle, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s proposal to explore designating the authority as a Single Foundation Strategic Authority.

In what represents a prime example of local government terminology, cabinet members backed the initiative which would be “consistent with the request for a Cornwall-only Spatial Development Strategy footprint to ensure coterminosity between the two”.

Put simply, subject to satisfaction with the broader details, Cornwall Council will avoid amalgamation with any other South West authority and will persist in pursuing greater devolution from Westminster, with a long-term goal of administering its own affairs akin to fellow Celtic nations, Wales and Scotland.

Today’s decision follows correspondence last November from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, which set out his proposals regarding enhanced devolution to Cornwall.

He said: “We also recognise the strong enthusiasm in Cornwall for devolution and the benefits it provides. In recognition of Cornwall’s distinct local identity and history of programme delivery across the Cornwall footprint, the Government is minded, on an exceptional basis, to work with you to explore designating the council as a Single Foundation Strategic Authority.”

Cornwall Council leader Cllr Leigh Frost said: “I don’t want anyone to think ‘oh devolution, it’s the end of the journey now’. This is absolutely the start for us to really take that fight to the next level, but we have to operate within the frameworks that the Government says we have to operate in.

“The long-term aim is a devolution arrangement that sits similarly to Wales and Scotland, but we aren’t going to get there tomorrow and we have to use the opportunities that we’ve got in front of us now to get there.

“The key thing is to protect the Cornwall footprint, make sure we get extended powers for Cornwall and then we can make a stronger case as we go forward to continue making those arguments of why we should be a distinct and separate nation in the United Kingdom.”

Cllr Tim Dwelly, cabinet member for economic regeneration and investment, added: “It’s really quite an amazing result for us; for those of us who were opposed to a Mayor of Cornwall being imposed against the will of the people and for the idea of combining with Devon.

“For anyone who is aware of the change of political control of this authority, this is probably one of the biggest changes that we have absolutely firmed up – the idea that Cornwall is not going to combine with Devon and Government has recognised that.

“I don’t think it’s a small thing. I think it took a lot of tough politics.”

Cllr Dick Cole, leader of Mebyon Kernow, acknowledged there remained considerable ground to cover before realising his aspiration of comprehensive and substantive devolution as an independent Cornish nation.

“This is just a stepping stone. From my perspective, we’re still so far back from where we should be, it’s off the scale. If we were talking about which step we were on, I’d say we’re still only two steps up Bedruthan Steps.

“We’re talking about greater recognition for the Cornish nation but we’re doing it in a local government context. We’ve made progress but we have to up the ante even further.”

The Treasury’s proposed overhaul of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has come under scrutiny from senior MPs, who have warned that the reforms risk undermining the independence of a body tasked with resolving disputes between consumers and financial firms.

In a letter to City minister Lucy Rigby, Dame Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury Select Committee, raised concerns that key elements of the government’s proposals could fundamentally alter the role and perceived neutrality of the ombudsman. The reforms, unveiled earlier this week, are intended to address criticism that the FOS has evolved into a “quasi-regulator” rather than a complaints resolution body. However, MPs argue that the changes could have unintended constitutional consequences.

At the centre of the criticism is a proposal that would see the chair of the FOS appointed directly by government. Hillier warned that such a move risks eroding both the actual and perceived independence of the institution, which plays a critical role in adjudicating disputes across the UK’s financial services sector.

Writing on behalf of the committee, she emphasised that the ombudsman “must be and must be seen to be an independent mechanism” for resolving complaints, highlighting that public trust in the system depends on its ability to operate free from political influence.

The committee has called for additional safeguards, including the introduction of a statutory “lock” that would give Parliament, specifically the Treasury Select Committee, the authority to approve or veto the appointment and dismissal of the FOS chair. Such mechanisms are already in place for other oversight bodies, including fiscal and audit watchdogs, and are designed to reinforce institutional independence.

Hillier also questioned why the proposal for government appointment was not included in earlier consultation processes, seeking clarity on what prompted the shift in approach. The intervention reflects broader unease within Westminster about the balance between reforming regulatory bodies and preserving their autonomy.

The debate comes at a sensitive time for the Financial Ombudsman Service, which has faced significant internal upheaval over the past year. Former chief executive Abby Thomas departed abruptly in February following what was described in a Treasury Committee report as a “mutual collapse in confidence” between her and the board over strategic direction. Shortly afterwards, chair Baroness Zahida Manzoor announced she would step down at the end of her term, leaving the organisation’s senior leadership largely in interim positions.

MPs have now sought assurances on whether the proposed reforms would apply to forthcoming permanent appointments, raising concerns about governance stability during a period of transition.

Alongside the governance changes, the Treasury’s reform package includes a series of structural adjustments aimed at reshaping how the FOS operates. These include the introduction of a 10-year time limit for bringing complaints, with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) retaining discretion to make exceptions in certain cases.

The government has also begun implementing changes to the cost structure of the ombudsman system. Since April, professional representatives such as claims management companies and law firms have faced a £250 fee for each case submitted beyond an initial allowance, while financial institutions are exempt from fees on their first three complaints each year before incurring a £650 charge per case thereafter.

Ministers argue that these measures are designed to improve efficiency, reduce speculative claims and refocus the FOS on its core function. However, critics warn that the cumulative effect of the reforms — particularly changes to governance — could reshape the institution in ways that weaken its independence and credibility.

The Treasury Select Committee has made clear that it expects a detailed response from the government, particularly on how it intends to safeguard the ombudsman’s impartiality while pursuing its wider reform agenda.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

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The changes are said to impact fewer than 1% of the more than 5,500-strong workforce

Several jobs have been axed at the East Yorkshire headquarters of frozen foods supermarket Heron, with management stating they are part of alterations to the business. The Melton-based retailer – which operates a network of over 340 locations nationwide – confirmed a “small number” of employees at its head office had been affected.

The modifications are reported to impact less than 1% of the more than 5,500-strong workforce at the discount food company’s base. It stated efforts were underway to offer impacted employees alternative roles within the firm.

Last year, Heron slashed as many as 250 staff across the country, throughout its stores and warehouses as it grappled with declining sales and profits. However, the budget chain had pinpointed areas for growth – and is aiming for 10 new store launches in its current financial year.

Despite escalating costs, including from a rise in the National Minimum Wage, Heron said it was intensifying efforts to refurbish existing shops and relocate others, where opportunities arose to enhance customer experience and attract more consumers.

In January, the firm’s owner – discount titan BandM – issued a profit warning citing Heron’s weak financial performance. BandM executives said they were reassessing the company’s offering to customers, and chief executive Tjeerd Jegen spoke of a “back to BandM basics” strategy for the group, reports Hull Live.

A spokesperson for Heron Foods stated: “Unfortunately, a small number of roles at our Store Support Centre in Melton, East Yorkshire are impacted as part of changes within the business. Wherever possible, we have worked to transition affected colleagues into alternative roles within the business.

“These changes impact less than 1% of our workforce and are necessary as we continue to adapt to an evolving retail landscape. Our focus remains unchanged: providing customers with top-quality products at the lowest possible prices, every day in every store.”

Heron Foods originated as Grindells Butchers on Hull’s Holderness Road in the late 1970s. It has since expanded significantly and is now owned by the B&M group.

In the year ending 29 March 2025, the retailer launched 14 new and relocated outlets. This represented eight net additions following the closure of older and underperforming locations that had reached the end of their lease agreements.

Last year, the chain’s Cottingham outlet was relaunched following a refurbishment which introduced new-style freezers and its food-to-go meal deal selection. The Spring Bank West branch in Hull also underwent a makeover.

Based on an expected deal size of about $2.5 billion (approx Rs 23,085 crore), the total fee pool could be about $16.25 million, with the bulk likely to be shared among the six lead banks, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.

That compares with a roughly 1.86% average paid by 417 companies last year and 1.67% by 350 issuers in 2024, according to data from LSEG.

NSE last week appointed about 20 banks to work on the IPO. Of those, Kotak Mahindra Capital Co, JM Financial Ltd, Morgan Stanley, HSBC Holdings Plc, Citigroup Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. have been given key roles, with Kotak acting as left lead, the people said.

Representatives for NSE and the banks didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

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The relatively modest fee underscores a broader pattern in India, especially in government-linked or quasi-sovereign transactions, where issuers keep tight control over costs. In some cases, banks accept token fees in exchange for the prestige and league table positioning that comes with marquee mandates. When State Bank of India raised Rs 25,000 crore ($2.8 billion) in July, it paid six banks a symbolic Re 1 each, according to local media.
“Compared with large state-owned or public institutions, NSE’s fee payout appears relatively fair,” said Raghuram Kasiviswanathan, head of IPO advisory at Uniqus Consultech. “With the exchange at the heart of the country’s capital markets, securing a role offers not just immediate revenue, but a longer-term strategic foothold.”Earlier this year, State Bank of India and France’s Amundi SA offered fees of about 0.01% for the planned $1.4 billion IPO of SBI Fund Management, a level some bankers described as rock-bottom, prompting a few global firms to opt out. Life Insurance Corporation Ltd. paid about 0.58% of the issue size as fee in 2021 while NTPC Green Energy paid around 0.54%, according to IPO prospectus.

By contrast, private-sector deals have tended to be more lucrative. Hyundai Motor India’s record IPO in 2024 paid about 4.93 billion rupees, or 1.77% of the issue size, in fees and commissions, the largest such payout in the country. LG Electronics paid about Rs 226 crore or 1.94% to five banks for its $1.3 billion India listing.

LONDON — Former One Direction member Niall Horan has fans buzzing with the announcement of his new single “Dinner Party,” set for digital release on Friday, March 20, 2026. The track marks the Irish singer-songwriter’s first solo single since his 2023 album *The Show* and serves as the lead single from his as-yet-untitled fourth studio album.

Horan, 32, shared the news directly with fans in early March via Instagram and other social platforms, posting a heartfelt video in which he teases lyrics and explains the song’s deeply personal inspiration. “I’m so happy and excited to tell you my new single ‘Dinner Party’ is coming out March 20,” he said. “This song is about a really happy and big moment in my life. An evening at a simple dinner party that changed the course of my life.”

He continued, revealing that the song became the creative core of the entire new record: “After writing the song, the words ‘Dinner Party’ became the nucleus for the rest of the record. That once-in-a-lifetime moment that I am grateful for and for everything that came after that night.”

A snippet shared by Horan includes lines such as “I’m done looking for somebody / behind closed doors / things I never felt before / crashing lights / when you first saw me / yeah, I met you at a dinner party,” hinting at a romantic, introspective ballad rooted in real-life gratitude. Multiple reports suggest the track draws from his relationship with girlfriend Amelia Woolley, though Horan has not explicitly confirmed details beyond its transformative personal significance.

The announcement follows Horan’s February 2026 update that his fourth solo album was “DONE,” posted alongside casual photos and a brief preview of new music. That post ignited speculation among Directioners and solo fans eager for fresh material after a multi-year gap since *The Show*, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned critical praise for its folk-pop maturity.

In the weeks leading up to the single’s arrival, Horan has built anticipation with listening events. Fans in select cities including Milan and Toronto got early access to “Dinner Party” on March 14, followed by London, Paris and Berlin on March 15, and Manila on March 17. These intimate previews have generated widespread social media excitement, with clips circulating on TikTok, Instagram and X.

Physical formats are also available for preorder. Horan’s official online store offers a limited-edition red 7-inch vinyl featuring the new single, described as his first solo release since 2023. Digital presaves went live immediately after the announcement at niallhoran.com.

**A New Era for Horan**

Horan rose to global fame as one-fifth of One Direction, the British-Irish boy band that dominated charts in the 2010s before going on hiatus in 2016. His solo career launched successfully with 2017’s *Flicker*, followed by 2020’s *Heartbreak Weather* and 2023’s *The Show*. Known for blending pop, folk and rock influences with introspective songwriting and guitar-driven melodies, Horan has also built a television presence as a coach on “The Voice” and collaborated with artists including Lewis Capaldi and, more recently, Myles Smith on “Drive Safe.”

The upcoming project, tentatively referred to in some fan circles and early reports as connected to the “Dinner Party” theme, represents Horan’s continued evolution as an artist. While a full album title and release date remain unconfirmed in official channels as of March 19, recent social media buzz and unverified posts have circulated speculation of a June 5, 2026, album drop titled *Dinner Party*, complete with track lists featuring upbeat cuts like “Boys Are Fun.” However, Capitol Records, EMI and Horan’s team have not yet corroborated those details, focusing promotion strictly on the March 20 single.

Music critics and industry observers view the single as a strategic re-entry. After a period of touring, television work and personal milestones, “Dinner Party” appears positioned to showcase Horan’s growth while delivering the heartfelt, relatable storytelling that built his loyal fan base. Early lyric snippets suggest themes of unexpected connection, gratitude and life-changing encounters — a departure from some of the more polished pop of prior eras toward something more intimate.

**Fan and Industry Reaction**

The news has been met with widespread enthusiasm across social platforms. Directioners, who have cheered on solo releases from bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik in recent years, celebrated the timing as “2026 is the year of One Direction alumni.” Hashtags such as #DinnerParty, #NiallHoran and #NH4 trended shortly after the announcement, with fans sharing pre-save confirmations and theories about the dinner party’s real-life details.

Radio stations and streaming playlists have already begun teasing the track. Outlets including Audacy, iHeartRadio and MOViN 92.5 highlighted the personal story behind the song, positioning it as a potential spring radio hit. Previews have drawn comparisons to Horan’s softer acoustic moments on *Flicker* while hinting at evolved production.

Limited details about additional album tracks or a supporting tour have emerged, though Horan’s official store lists festival appearances, including BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May 2026. Fans hope the single’s release will be followed by more reveals, potentially including a full album rollout later in the year.

**What’s Next**

“Dinner Party” arrives on streaming platforms and digital retailers worldwide on March 20, 2026. The limited red vinyl is available for preorder now via niallhoran.com, with shipping expected after the digital launch. Fans can presave the single and stay updated through Horan’s official social channels and website.

As anticipation builds in the final hours before release, Horan’s message of gratitude and personal milestone resonates strongly. In an industry often focused on spectacle, the former boy band star continues to ground his music in authentic moments — starting with a simple dinner party that, according to the artist, altered everything that followed.

For the latest updates on Niall Horan’s “Dinner Party” single, upcoming album and tour news, follow official announcements at niallhoran.com or his verified social media accounts. The March 20 release is expected to dominate playlists and social conversations heading into the weekend.