Today (Friday 3 February), the government supported Blackpool South MP Scott Benton’s Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill, which will bring forward huge changes for tens of millions of workers across the UK.The move, which would apply to all workers and employees including agency workers, comes after a review found many workers on zero hours contracts experience ‘one-sided flexibility’.This means people across the country are currently left waiting, unable to get on with their lives in case of being called up at the last minute for a shift. With a more predictable working pattern, workers will have a guarantee of...

03 February, 2023

Visitors to Chester House Estate can now weave their way through time – thanks to the introduction of large storyboards showcasing the site’s 10,000 years of history.Nine history boards, which take visitors from the Mesolithic age into the Bronze and then Iron ages, through Roman times and into the Medieval era, now line the Northamptonshire estate’s main walkway.This step back in time charts the extraordinary history of the Chester House Estate, a nationally significant heritage site and one of only a few places in the country which can demonstrate more than 10,000 years of human activity.Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader...

03 February, 2023

The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee announced on 2 February 2023 to increase the Bank of England base rate to 4% from 3.5%.HMRC interest rates are linked to the Bank of England base rate.As a consequence of the change in the base rate, HMRC interest rates for late payment and repayment will increase.These changes will come into effect on:13 February 2023 for quarterly instalment payments 21 February 2023 for non-quarterly instalments paymentsInformation on the interest rates for payments will be updated shortly. How HMRC interest rates are set HMRC interest rates are set in legislation and are linked to the Bank of England base rate.Late payment interest...

02 February, 2023

February is LGBT+ History and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) are promoting and raising awareness of the support available for members of the LGBT+ community.LGBT+ History month is a national event that was set up to highlight struggles the LGBT+ community have faced over the years. It also highlights the achievements and the work that still needs to be done to ensure true equality.The month is about education, reflection and working together to spread kindness.NNC are committed to ensuring everyone has access to safe and thriving places, which can only happen when everyone feels safe to be themselves. With this in...

02 February, 2023

Performers, food vendors, stallholders, volunteers, and community groups are invited to take part in this year’s Northampton Pride, which will take place on Saturday, 8 July from 11am to 6.30pm.The event, which is organised by the Northampton Pride Committee and West Northants Council’s LGBTQ+ and Allies Forum, celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and encourages acceptance and equality for all.Previous celebrations have seen organisations such as Q Space, The Lowdown, Outlaws and Kinky Boots, Northampton Leisure Trust and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust taking part by holding pop-up shops.The Pride Parade, which has become a central part of the celebrations, will also...

02 February, 2023

This year’s International Women’s Day event is set to be West Northants’ biggest yet with over 30 stalls, a variety of performances, workshops, and more.Taking place at the Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton, on Saturday, 4 March from 11am to 3pm, the event will include African drumming and dance performances, a Flavour of Somalia fashion show and a designated business corner for female entrepreneurs.Partner organisations from across the county including Eve, Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS), Gamcare, New World Women and Baby Basics will be among the many stalls in the event marketplace.There will be two free workshops taking place...

02 February, 2023

North Northamptonshire Council recently completed a public consultation process for the setting of its 2023/24 budget.  The Council is proposing to set a balanced budget and this will be presented to the Executive for approval on February 9.One of the proposals set out in the budget consultation focused on the standardisation of grants for community centres.  The impact of this standardised approach would have resulted in a reduction in grants to a number of community centres.  The Leader and the Executive have considered the feedback received in preparation for their meeting on February 9.In light of the feedback received from...

02 February, 2023

The government’s Start Up Loans scheme has achieved another landmark milestone as the 100,000th business loan is granted, bringing the total support given to firms to more than £941 million, it has been announced today (Thursday 2 February).The scheme, administered by the British Business Bank, offers financial support, guidance, and advice to entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake visited the 100,000th recipient, a thriving St Albans based noodle shop Ramen Electra, run by James Fraser, to hear about how crucial the firm’s Start Up Loan was in getting the successful business off the ground and to...

02 February, 2023

People across West Northamptonshire are being invited to provide their views on plans to improve walking and cycling routes in the Abington Park area and encourage more active ways of travelling.Residents, businesses and community groups can provide their feedback on West Northamptonshire Council’s consultation from Wednesday 1 February to Wednesday 15 March.The Abington Park Area Active Travel scheme proposes the introduction of segregated cycleways and footways connecting Abington Park Crescent with Wellingborough Road, Bridgewater Drive, and Park Avenue South, as well as improvements to the junction of Billing Road and Rushmere Road. These proposals support safe active access to Abington...

01 February, 2023

Work has started on transforming Chisholm House in Corby into a new state of the art campus, for 16 – 18-year olds, ahead of its opening in time for the start of the Autumn term.Once completed, the 4000 sq. ft Corby Sixth Form will offer a wide range of A Level subjects and comprise an impressive new entrance, more than 25 classrooms, state of the art science labs, resource centres and performance areas. The students will be able to enjoy an external roof terrace, a modern café and common room areas – all in a town centre location.The design will...

01 February, 2023

HMRC has revealed that 11.7 million customers filed their tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year by 31 January.A record 11.7 million customers submitted their tax returns on time, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.On 31 January, 861,085 customers filed online to meet the deadline, some with minutes to spare. There were 36,767 customers who filed in the last hour before the deadline, but the peak hour for filing on the day was 16:00 and 16:59, when 68,462 customers submitted their tax return.More than 12 million customers were expected to file a Self Assessment tax return for...

01 February, 2023