It’s being reported that all UK households are to be offered discounts to help with soaring energy bills.
With the expectation that energy regulator Ofgem is today set to announce an up to 50% rise in the energy price cap for 22 million households due to soaring wholesale gas prices, meaning the average bill could hit £1,915 a year, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly due to respond today to growing pressure for him to help millions of people who struggling with this increasing cost of living.
The chancellor is expected to announce plans for billions of pounds in state-backed loans, which will give all households a £200 discount off their energy bills.
These measures are aimed at limiting the effect of price rises from 1 April.
Taxpayers will underwrite loans to energy suppliers, with the suppliers then passing the money on to households in the form of a rebate, and the money would be recouped from consumers in the following years so the loans could be paid back as energy prices fall.
When asked about the new support package due to be announced by the Chancellor today, a government spokesperson said: “We recognise people are facing pressures with the cost of living, which is why we are providing support worth around £12 billion this financial year and next.
“We will provide an update in due course on further help for households across the UK to meet their energy costs in the face of rising global gas prices.”
The Bank of England is also expected to raise interest rates from 0.25% to 0.5% today, as inflation has already reached 5.4% – almost three times the target – and forecasts show it is likely to remain high through the spring.
National Irnsurance payments are also said to be increasing by 1.25 percentage points to create a new health and social care levy, and although it been previously been reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was reconsidering this hike, he and Mr Sunak did confirm at the end of January that this would be going ahead.
Mr Sunak is expected to announce measures to limit the impact of the Council Tax rise today, however, after The Times reported that he would confirm that more than 15 million households in bands A, B and C could be given rebates funded by government grants.
The Treasury did not deny the plans regarding energy bills and Council Tax.
Huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech to open at Quayside MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
Time to get practicing your swing, as a huge new premium indoor golf venue is opening up over in Salford this autumn.
Founded by a local PGA Professional and spanning a whopping 4,500 sq ft of state-of-the-art space, TeeClub is set to be a revolutionary new venture where cutting-edge technology meets luxurious comfort at the unique waterside destination.
TeeClub will provide a first-of-its-kind premium environment with seven high-tech Trackman simulators, taking players to more than 450 world-famous courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and more.
The new venue is also launching a partnership with sports equipment brand TaylorMade, so golf fans can either bring their own clubs to use on the day, or make use of TaylorMade equipment available if needed.
Resident PGA professionals will offer personalised lessons with AI-driven video analysis when the venue opens later this year, while a dedicated club fitter will make sure every swing is matched with the right equipment.
There’ll also be a club shop stocking TaylorMade gear alongside apparel from Manchester-based brand, Concrete Links Co.
The new venue is designed for both individuals and businesses alike, and will offer exclusive memberships and corporate packages, as well as semi-private bays and interactive gaming modes, making it an ideal place for team-building events or relaxed evenings with friends.
A huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech is opening at Quayside MediaCity / Credit: Supplied
There’ll also be bar on site serving coffee, pizzas, snacks, wine, and craft beers.
“Our vision for TeeClub is to create an indoor golf experience that combines the authenticity of the sport with modern luxury,” commented Nick Holmes, who is a PGA Professional and the Director of Golf at TeeClub, ahead of the venue opening this autumn.
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a corporate group hosting an event, or an experienced golfer, TeeClub will provide the tools, technology, and atmosphere.”
TeeClub is set to open at Quayside this autumn, but an official launch date is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Florence + The Machine announce massive Manchester gig on new tour
Daisy Jackson
Florence + The Machine are heading back out on a huge arena tour, with a massive gig here in Manchester.
Florence Welch has announced the UK and European tour dates in support of her sixth studio album, Everybody Scream.
As well as a show at the Co-op Live in Manchester, Florence + The Machine will perform in Sheffield, London and Liverpool, along with several other UK cities.
She’ll be joined by Paris Paloma as support across all 18 dates.
Last week, Florence released the album’s title track, ahead of the album’s release on 31 October. She’s worked for two years on this new music, calling on collaborators including Mark Bowen of IDLES, Aaron Dessner and Mitski.
She has said that this new album explores womanhood, partnership, aging and dying, inspired by her recovery from lifesaving surgery on the Dance Fever Tour.
Big hits of Florence + The Machine’s discography include You’ve Got The Love, Shake It Out, and Spectrum (Say My Name), and she’s collaborated with the likes of Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, and Lady Gaga.
She’s famed for her high-energy, ethereal stage presence which has seen her sell out arenas for years.
Florence + The Machine will be back in Manchester in February 2026, performing at the Co-op Live on 20 February.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 5 September 2025 at 10am HERE.
There are also packages available with Seat Unique HERE.