It is being reported today that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is looking set to extend the furlough scheme and business rate relief until the summer.
According to the Financial Times and the Telegraph, Mr Sunak is expected to announce in his Budget next month that the UK government’s Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme – dubbed furlough, which has been supporting employees unable to work during the COVID-19 pandemic by paying 80% of wages up to £2,500 a month – is now to be phased out from autumn, rather than the current date of 30th April.
It’s also been reported that he is expected to announce that the year-long business rates holiday for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, will also continue beyond the previous end-date of 31st March.
Mr Sunak will again issue his final report on a review of business rates in the autumn instead.
These two expected announcements will come as a relief for employers and staff who are at present unsure as to exactly when their businesses will be allowed to welcome back customers again amid England’s current third national lockdown.
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The reports also appear to indicate that some job support is still set to stay in place even after the furlough scheme ends, as well as an emergency £20-a-week increase in Universal Credit expected to be extended by six months, and The Treasury is also said to be considering tax increases in an effort to balance the books, with the UK’s budget deficit predicted to hit £394 billion this financial year.
The most significant tax increases are not expected to be tackled until the November Budget however, when it is hoped the UK has emerged from lockdowns.
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Speaking ahead of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget announcement next month, A Treasury spokesperson said: “We’ve already extended our furlough scheme through to April so that people have certainty that help is in place [and] we will continue to invest in protecting and creating jobs through the remainder of the pandemic and through the recovery.
“We will set out further details via the next stage of our Plan for Jobs at the upcoming Budget.”
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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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Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
The Manc -
19th February 2021 
