Earlier this month, the head of the Northern Ireland Childminders Association, Patricia Lewsley Mooney, told Belfast Live that more than 2,000 families could be impacted by a reduction in the availability of childminders as a result of the changes

An MP has said it is “deeply concerning to see proposals that may inadvertently weaken” childcare provision as she calls for a meeting over childminder tax concerns.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Chancellor to request a meeting to discuss the impact of the removal of the ‘wear and tear’ tax-free allowance for childminders who move onto HMRC’s Making Tax Digital system.

Earlier this month, the head of the Northern Ireland Childminders Association, Patricia Lewsley Mooney, told Belfast Live that more than 2,000 families could be impacted by a reduction in the availability of childminders as a result of the changes.

Under the current system, childminders can claim a 10 per cent discount on their tax bill to account for ‘wear and tear’ on their homes caused by operating their businesses.

HMRC have said that those using the new MTD system will be able to see an in-year estimate of how much tax they owe, understand their cash flow better, make more informed financial decisions for their business and reduce the risk of under or overpaying tax and that claiming actual costs may be more beneficial than the flat-rate deduction, ensuring that expenses accurately reflect the valuable work childminders do.

Childminders with a qualifying income of over £50,000 are required to use MTD from April 2026. These childminders, HMRC have said that, like any other business, they can continue to get full tax relief on the business proportion of their expenses when they join MTD, meaning their actual expenses will need to be recorded and deducted.

HMRC said that childminders do not currently get a separate allowance from HMRC, and that administrative changes for childminders were announced at the Budget to record keeping and the way some expenses are calculated for childminders in MTD.

They also said that they are aware that childminders are uncertain about how these changes may affect them and may have seen misleading information online. They confirmed that they are supporting customers with a suite of guidance products, direct communications, webinars, live events and social media activity to help them to prepare. and are using targeted paid-for advertising and making direct contact with MTD customers by writing to them to explain the changes and how to prepare.

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said: “I have written to the Chancellor to seek an urgent meeting with the Treasury following HMRC’s proposal to remove the long-established 10% wear and tear allowance for childminders who are required to move onto Making Tax Digital.

“For almost four decades, this allowance has recognised the unique nature of home-based childcare. Childminders operate from their own homes, using their living rooms, kitchens, gardens, equipment and family spaces to provide professional care. The 10 per cent allowance was designed to reflect the inevitable wear and tear that comes with that responsibility, while also providing a simple and proportionate system for small providers.

“Under these proposals, childminders who fall within the Making Tax Digital threshold would lose access to this straightforward allowance and instead be required to itemise individual expenses. That represents a significant increase in administrative burden for small, often single-person businesses, and creates the risk of reduced financial viability at a time when the sector is already under immense pressure.”

Carla Lockhart said that she is working closely with NICMA, the Childminding Association, and engaging directly with local childminders to ensure that the concerns within the sector are clearly understood by the Government.

“There has been no meaningful consultation in Northern Ireland, despite the fact that our childminding model remains home-based and distinct in important respects,” she said.

“The childminding workforce in Northern Ireland has declined sharply in recent years, with a significant reduction in registered providers and available childcare places. Families are already struggling to access affordable and flexible childcare. Any further policy change that increases costs or bureaucracy risks accelerating that decline and reducing capacity even further.

“Childminders are not simply small businesses; they are a vital pillar of our childcare infrastructure. They provide flexible, community-based care that enables parents to work, supports early years development and underpins our wider economy. At a time when we should be strengthening childcare provision, it is deeply concerning to see proposals that may inadvertently weaken it.

“I have therefore called on the Treasury to pause these changes, to properly assess their impact in Northern Ireland, and to engage directly with representatives of the sector. I will continue to press for a fair and proportionate approach that supports, rather than penalises, those who provide this essential service.”

Earlier this month, a HMRC spokesperson said: “All childminders will still be able to claim for the same categories of expenses as they currently do, including wear and tear. Those in MTD may also be able to claim more than they currently do.”.

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The six-acre site will eventually be transformed into 62,000 square feet of mixed-use space, suitable for business, industrial and storage use.

Work is starting on the first phase of development at Ravenscraig Enterprise Park to create new commercial premises which will support local jobs and economic growth.

The six-acre site will eventually be transformed into 62,000 square feet of mixed-use space, suitable for business, industrial and storage use.

North Lanarkshire Council successfully bid for £4.447million for this first phase, comprising £3.05m from Glasgow City Region City Deal and £1.397m from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund.

The investment, which aims to address a lack of available modern, high-quality commercial and industrial premises, will be delivered through Fusion Assets Ltd, the council’s property development and regeneration company.

Contractor Luddons will start construction this month on the first phase, with the work expected to be complete by November.

An additional £8.2 million awarded by Glasgow City Region City Deal will be used to develop more commercial premises on a second phase at Ravenscraig and a 3.6-acre site at Westfield Point in Cumbernauld.

Councillor Alex McVey, the council’s Convener of Enterprise, said: “This funding is a major boost for North Lanarkshire and will help us unlock the potential of two key sites, creating high-quality space for businesses to grow and thrive.

“There is an urgent demand for modern, high-quality commercial and industrial spaces for existing and new businesses across the Glasgow City Region.

“These two sites in North Lanarkshire will help attract more companies to the area, bringing vacant and derelict sites back into use and creating jobs and supporting the local economy.”

READ MORE: Craigneuk Family Learning Centre hailed in new report from Care Inspectorate

Murray Collins, Managing Director of Fusion Assets, added: “We are grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their continued support and look forward to delivering much needed modern energy efficient commercial facilities to the local area, bringing with it new jobs and investment.”

Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest brownfield regeneration and community creation initiatives, with a masterplan focused on sustainable and inclusive growth for a mixed-use site.

The vision for Ravenscraig is a self-sufficient community, with high quality housing, transport links, education and employment opportunities, all surrounded by beautiful green space and ancient woodland.

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READ MORE: Lanarkshire MSP’s Bill to improve political accountability voted down at Holyrood

1) Don’t rely on luck

2) Embrace the “mere exposure” effect

3) Assume people will like you

4) Like others in return

Harry Maguire has been unfairly treated over his Manchester United career and deserves a new contract, believes an iconic former Red Devils centre-back.

Maguire’s current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season, with a decision yet to be made on his future.

The 64-cap England international turns 33 next month, so is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but has been in good form in recent weeks.

Interim manager Michael Carrick has leant on Maguire’s experience since taking charge, with the former Leicester City man starting all six games under the current boss and performing impressively.

With Lisandro Martinez struggling to stay fit and Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined with injury, Maguire has been a key figure in the Red Devils’ upturn in results under Carrick.

The BBC reported this week that there are ‘positive’ signs over a new deal being agreed for Maguire to stay at the club for at least one more season.

However, an agreement has not been reached and the possibility remains that Maguire could end his seven-year stay at Manchester United.

Red Devils hero Steve Bruce feels the defender has earned a new deal and has been unfairly criticised at times during his time at Old Trafford.

Maguire’s spell at the club, which began in 2019, has not been a classic period in Manchester United’s history, but Bruce feels the centre-back has been made a scapegoat for the team and club’s failings.

‘I believe Harry has been made the whipping boy for too long,’ Bruce told the Daily Mail. ‘I don’t think he’s ever let Man United down. In that fact, he’s never let England down either.

‘As I said, I think he became a whipping boy for what was going on around him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets offered a new deal. Why wouldn’t you? I think centre-halves get better with age.

‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to the World Cup either. He’s got good experience, he’s played at the highest level, he’s never let England down either. And he’s given a reminder of just what he’s about over the last five, six weeks in particular, if he ever needed to.’

The Red Devils are looking to trim the wage bill

Maguire’s future could ultimately come down to money, with Manchester United reportedly happy to offer him a new deal but on reduced terms.

The Sun report that he earns around £200,000-a-week, but this would have to be significantly cut for him to stay at Old Trafford.

There could be the chance to earn more elsewhere, not necessarily in wages, but a signing-on fee would be available given he would be moving on a free transfer.

AC Milan and Napoli have been touted as possible destinations, as has Saudi side Al-Qadsiah, managed by his former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Red Devils are looking to significantly trim the wage bill this summer, with Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia leaving the club on free transfers, while Marcus Rashford is also expected to make his loan move to Barcelona permanent.

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The guidance, published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, comes as new figures reveal there were 1.26 million fly-tipping incidents last year.

For the first time, councils are being given comprehensive instructions on how to search, seize and dispose of vehicles involved in illegal dumping – and how to pursue owners through the courts to secure convictions.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said the move would send a clear warning to offenders.

“We are empowering local authorities to clamp down on waste cowboys and restore pride in our local areas,” she said.

“I share the public’s fury at seeing our streets, parks and fields used as dumping grounds.

“Fly-tippers should know – if you use your van to trash our countryside, don’t be surprised when it ends up on the scrapheap.”

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Annual fly-tipping stats announced today….utterly shocking:

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1.26 million fly-tips in 2025
9% increase on previous year
1 prosecution for every 915 fly-tips pic.twitter.com/GT0fMLdMFQ

— Clean Up Britain (@cleanupbritain) February 25, 2026

The guidance encourages councils not only to seize vehicles but also to publicise enforcement action by “naming and shaming” offenders on social media. Authorities are advised to share images and videos of crushed vehicles to maximise deterrence and community awareness.

Overt and covert surveillance techniques – including CCTV, drones and Automatic Number Plate Recognition – are also recommended to catch criminals in the act.

Although councils already have powers to seize vehicles, new case studies are intended to provide a clearer model for enforcement. In 2024/25, enforcement officers from 41 councils seized 139 vehicles linked to fly-tipping.

The Government is also urging councils to share intelligence with the police, the Environment Agency and National Trading Standards to build stronger cases and carry out joint operations.

Latest data show local authorities carried out 572,000 enforcement actions in 2024/25 – up 8% on the previous year. This included 69,000 fixed penalty notices, a 9% increase year-on-year.

Ministers say they are backing the crackdown with additional resources, including a more than 50% increase in the Environment Agency’s enforcement budget to £15.6 million and extra officers for the Joint Unit for Waste Crime.

One high-profile case highlighted in the guidance involved the London Borough of Croydon, where repeat offender George Smith was jailed for 52 weeks after multiple fly-tipping incidents across London and Surrey. Three of his vehicles were seized and destroyed, and CCTV footage of his activities was released publicly to underline the consequences of waste crime.

Recommended reading:

What is fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping – the illegal dumping of waste on land or in water – is a specific form of waste crime, often driven by attempts to avoid legitimate disposal costs. Convicted offenders can face unlimited fines, community sentences or imprisonment, with courts able to order cost recovery for affected landowners.

While councils are responsible for clearing waste from public land, ministers are urging landowners to secure private land and report incidents promptly.

The Government has said it does not generally compensate victims of non-violent crime, warning that compensation could create a “perverse incentive” for further dumping.

Alongside tougher enforcement, ministers are consulting on reforms to the waste carrier regime and introducing mandatory digital waste tracking to make it harder for rogue operators to operate undetected.

With over a million incidents recorded in a single year, ministers say the message is clear: use your vehicle to dump waste illegally, and you risk losing it for good.

Ms Ferullo has been giving talks over the last two weeks at the museum on Brontemania, the literary pilgrimages to the sisters’ home in Haworth which began in the late 19th century even when the sisters’ father, the Reverend Patrick Bronte, who outlived them, was still living in the building.

Donald Trump’s approval ratings have hit an all-time low, with 60% of Americans disapproving of his leadership.

The dismal ratings were released right before his lengthy State of the Union address on Tuesday, in which the President rambled for almost two hours about how America was entering its ‘golden age’.

But in one speaking event, Trump appeared to offer a bizarre reason for why so many Americans aren’t publicly supporting him.

‘It just amazes me that there’s not more support out there,’ he said.

‘We actually have a silent support… that’s probably how I won [the election],’ Trump said.

The numbers have even been reported by one of Trump’s most favourable media organisations, Fox.

The poll, conducted by the Washington Post, ABC and Ipsos, found that just 39% of Americans approve of Trump’s leadership, with a whopping 60% saying they didn’t.

The lowest ever Presidential approval rating was Harry Truman, who had only 22% of Americans approve of his leadership in 1952, due to the Korean War, firing a popular general and economic issues.

Trump’s approval rating could be tanking for any number of reasons, but immigration appears to be a major one.

58% of those surveyed said they don’t approve of how Trump is dealing with illegal immigration, with 57% saying they disagree with his economic deals.

Trump’s popularity began to tank in late November, when the US Leader ranked negatively in every single poll for the first time.

One catalyst for that shift in approval could be the Jeffrey Epstein files – an issue which Trump campaigned on, promising to release them in full, before calling the matter ‘pretty boring stuff’.

The files were eventually released, but Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the matter has been under scrutiny as well.

Even Republican lawmakers, many of whom were staunch MAGA supporters before, have soured a bit.

In September, the number of Trump voters who believed the USA was not on the right track jumped from 17% to 22%.

The Epstein drama, Charlie Kirk’s murder in September, tariffs, and a press conference claiming paracetamol was linked to autism in children also sowed seeds of doubt in Trump’s followers.

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Hospitality has the highest rates of low pay of any industry in Northern Ireland,

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Northern Ireland has the second-highest rate of low pay in the UK, a report has found.

Low pay in the region was increasing, despite some overall falls, according to analysis of the ONS’ Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) by the Living Wage Foundation.

Overall rates of below real living wage pay fell to 17.3% from 20.1% in 2024, but Northern Ireland continues to have one of the highest rates of low pay, second only to the north-east of England.

The real living wage is independently calculated based on the cost of living and is £13.85 across the UK and £14.80 in London, slightly higher than the Government’s legal minimum (national living wage) of £12.21.

Hospitality has the highest rates of low pay of any industry in Northern Ireland, with nearly three in four (72%) jobs paid below the real living wage, up 11.7 percentage points from 2024 and higher than the UK average of 53%.

Wholesale and retail have the highest number of low-paid jobs of any industry in the region, with 62,000 paid below the real living wage, up 7% on 2024.

Young people in Northern Ireland are more likely to be low paid than any other age group.

In 2025, nearly three in four workers aged 18-21 were paid less than the real living wage.

Causeway Coast and Glens, where 29% of jobs are paid below the real living wage, is the council area with the highest rate of low pay in Northern Ireland and has the 15th highest rate across the whole of the UK.

To date, 211 businesses in Northern Ireland have signed up to pay the real living wage, uplifting the salaries of more than 5,000 workers.

Mary McManus, Living Wage NI regional manager, said the overall reduction in low-paid jobs was encouraging but “the reality is stark: we still have the second-highest rate of low-paid jobs in the UK”.

Fiona Magee, interim chief executive, Advice NI, said her organisation sees “every day the impact low pay has on people in work who are still struggling to meet basic costs, turning to advice services for support with debt, housing and making ends meet”.

“Low pay is a key driver of financial stress and in-work poverty. While the rate of low pay in Northern Ireland has fallen slightly, we still have too many people on low pay,” she said.

In 2024, Advice NI launched Living Wage NI, a partnership with the Living Wage Foundation funded by the Department for the Economy NI.

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