News

Liz Truss announces cap on domestic energy bills of £2,500 a year

She's also announced measures for businesses.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 8th September 2022

Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced that the energy price cap will be fixed at £2,500 a year.

The PM confirmed today that households won’t pay more than £2,500 a year for gas and electricity.

The price cap will come into place from 1 October and will last for two years, Truss announced today in the House of Commons.

It comes in addition to the £400 payment to households promised by former chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Liz Truss announcing the energy price cap today. Credit: BBC

The move is expected to cost tens of billions, funded by more Government borrowing.

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Truss says it will save households £1000 a year.

The PM has also announced a similar price cap for businesses, though only for six months.

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The price per unit of energy will be capped for businesses at the same rate as households.

After three months, the business energy price cap will be reviewed to see if more targeted help is necessary, and vulnerable businesses – such as hospitality – may have their price cap extended further.

Before the announcement was made today, households were facing a sharper rise in gas and electricity bills, from an average of £1,971 to £3,549.

Featured image: BBC

News

No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant A Metrolink tram in Manchester city centre

Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).

Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.

A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.

Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.

No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM

As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.

No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.

For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.

Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.

As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.

“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.

“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”

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He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”

Find out the latest on the TfGM website here.

Featured Image – Janus Boye

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AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.

The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.

This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory.

The Red Devils will be heading to San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.

The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.

There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch United (hopefully) take home a nice bit of silverwear.

And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

The event says: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa Cup Final, presented by Red Square.

“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!​​​​

“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Europa league final on Wednesday 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”

The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May – grab your spot HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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