News

Matt Hancock confirms a ‘new variant’ of coronavirus has been detected in the UK

He made the confirmation to MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon.

The Manc The Manc - 14th December 2020
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It has been confirmed by government and public health officials this afternoon that a “new variant” of coronavirus has been identified in the UK.

This variant is believed to be causing the faster spread in the South East of England.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the confirmation of the new variant during a direct address to MPs in the House of Commons a few moments earlier, and stated that the spread of this new variant is growing faster than the existing variant, with over a thousand identified cases.

There have been reports of this new variant in 60 local authority areas at present.

Mr Hancock also stated that the variant is believed to be similar to that found in other countries over the last few months.

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He told MPs that there is currently “nothing to suggest” this variant will cause serious disease however, and added that it is highly unlikely that it won’t respond to a vaccine.

More information is expected in due course.

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This is a BREAKING NEWS story – More to follow.

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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.

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Manchester Marathon found fresh community fund following milestone charitable efforts

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Marathon new community fund Trafford MCR Active

The Manchester Marathon has begun a new community fund following more than a decade of incredible charity efforts.

Known as the Trafford Active Fund for the last 10 years or so, the initiative covers not only the city and its wider boroughs’ annual 26.2-mile long race, but various other sports and activity-based schemes across the region.

Now, though, the fresh Manc Marathon Fund is evolving in partnership with the existing Trafford Moving Fund and MCRactive arm of Manchester City Council by expanding its vital charity work further afield than ever before.

Launching ahead of the 2026 event this spring, runners will once again be behind crucial funding across the Greater Manchester region and beyond.

The new Manchester Marathon Community Fund logo (Credit: Supplied)

For context, back in 2024, the MCR Marathon raised nearly £30 million for the local economy and roughly £3.7m for charities like the Alzheimer’s Society; last April, that figure surpassed more than £4m, and the fundraising numbers only continue to increase with every year.

With that in mind, more than £60k is distributed to various partner programmes that “inspire
movement, improve wellbeing, and create meaningful change for local people”.

Moving forward, not only will £1 from every paid entry into the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half continue to go directly into the Manchester Marathon Community Fund (MMCF).

Andrew Smith, Chief Executive of A.S.O. UK – organisers of the MCR Marathon and Half – said: “We’re incredibly proud of the positive impact the Trafford Active Fund has delivered locally over the years, and we’re excited to extend that impact across both Trafford and Manchester City [Centre].

“By broadening our reach, the MMCF will help even more people to get active and contribute to a legacy of movement and wellbeing. Our relationship with Trafford remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to continuing to support the brilliant community projects that make a real difference there.”

As for those who can benefit directly from the scheme, applying for funding through the Manchester Marathon Community Fund is simple:

  • Community groups and projects in Trafford or the City of Manchester can apply for funding via the Trafford Moving Fund and MCR Active (dependent on their location).
  • A panel from each organisation reviews applications and selects projects that best demonstrate lasting impact.
  • We share stories from funded projects throughout the year, so you can see the difference your event entry makes.

You can access funding by applying for the Trafford Moving Fund online, and you can apply for funding through MCR Active HERE.

We love how much the North West regularly dedicates its charitable efforts, both socially and physically, towards important causes throughout the year.

Chester Zoo announces new spring date for its popular running event to help UK wildlife

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via Manchester Marathon/ASO UK)

News

North West water bills to see the biggest average increase of anywhere in the country in 2026

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Water bills in the North West are set to see the biggest increase in 2026 on average.

It has been announced that household water bills in England and Wales will rise by an average of 5.4% overall – which works out to around £33 a year, or approximately £2.70 per month – from April, which is said to be two percentage points above December’s official inflation figure… but when you look closer at the North West, that percentage rises from 5.4% to 9%.

The average United Utilities water bill is set to sit at £660 annually in 2026-27, with that being an increase of £57 from the previous year – the largest increase of anywhere else in the country.

Water UK says the nationwide rise in bills reflects the ‘significant investment’ being put towards upgrading water infrastructure.

Water companies are said to be currently in the process of delivering a £104 billion investment programme to secure the nation’s water supplies, support economic growth, and end sewage entering our rivers and seas.

The money raised by water bills can only be used to fund infrastructure that is independently determined to be ‘new, necessary, and value for money’.

The regulator says United Utilities will begin a £3 billion upgrade in 2026 of the 110 km Haweswater Aqueduct, which carries 570 million litres of water every day to 2.5 million people in Cumbria, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester (or nearly 5% of England’s population), hence water bills increasing at a higher rate to other areas.

North West water bills are set to see the biggest average increase in 2026 / Credit: Raibeart MacAoidh (via Geograph)

“We understand increasing bills is never welcome, but the money is needed to fund vital upgrades to secure our water supplies, support economic growth and end sewage entering our rivers and seas,” explained David Henderson, who is the Chief Executive at Water UK.

“While we urgently need investment in our water and sewage infrastructure, we know that for many this increase will be difficult.

“That is why we will help around 2.5 million households – more than ever before – with average discounts of around 40% off their water bill.”

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More than two million households currently receive help with their bills through social tariffs, the WaterSure scheme, and other affordability measures, and an extra 300,000 households are expected to receive support in 2026-27, taking the total number to around 2.5 million.

Those who are struggling should contact their water company to see what help is available, as support can often be tailored to individual circumstances.

Featured Image – Sora Shimazaki (via Pexels)

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