First-time buyer scheme helped wealthy Britons snap up homes in cheaper areas, think tank says
The Help to Buy scheme helped wealthier Britons snap up homes in cheaper areas, according to new analysis from a leading think tank.The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found the flagship Conservative policy disproportionately benefited higher earners, while delivering a “limited impact” on social mobility.Despite being designed to support first-time buyers without family backing, the scheme often aided those already better placed to get on the housing ladder.At its peak in 2014/15, around one in five first-time buyers in England used Help to Buy. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say However, the IFS concluded that “Help to Buy made only a limited difference to housing affordability".The findings come amid renewed calls for the scheme to be revived.Help to Buy consisted of two elements - a mortgage guarantee scheme enabling buyers to secure loans with a 5 per cent deposit, and an equity loan scheme offering Government-backed funding worth 20 per cent of a new-build home.But the IFS said restricting the scheme to new-build properties significantly limited its reach, as such homes were “relatively rare in most areas".The analysis also found higher earners were best placed to take advantage of the policy, particularly in more affordable parts of the country.“Help to Buy policies can help first-time buyers get on the housing ladder, in theory, but can also push up house prices,” said Bee Boileau, research economist at the IFS.The Home Builders Federation defended the scheme, saying: “The scheme was a major factor in the doubling of housing supply that occurred in the few years following its introduction, creating tens of thousands of jobs and leading to a boom in the supply of affordable housing provided through private sector cross-subsidy.”Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly also backed the policy, saying it “gave many thousands of people the chance to realise the dream of homeownership.”BRITAIN'S HOUSING CRISIS - READ MORE:Sadiq Khan’s London homes target ‘impossible to meet’ as building falls far short of 88,000 targetEnglish countryside would be bulldozed for 'dystopian concrete sprawl' under new green plansSeaside town in revolt at plans for new homes amid fears 'people from Birmingham' would swarm inThe equity loan scheme has now closed to new applicants in England and Scotland, with Wales set to follow in September.The Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government said the scheme was both introduced and ended under the previous Government, adding that “an evaluation of the scheme is ongoing".A spokesman confirmed there are currently no plans to revive it in its original form.“While we have no current plans to introduce a new Help to Buy scheme, we have launched a comprehensive mortgage guarantee scheme that will open the door to homeownership for more young families and hardworking renters,” the spokesman said.The mortgage guarantee scheme has now been made permanent across the UK, while Northern Ireland never operated an equivalent equity loan programme.Just weeks ago, research from the Skipton Group revealed the average age of a first-time buyer in England has climbed to 34.The findings showed just six per cent of first-time buyers are now under 25 - down sharply from 25 per cent in the 1990s.Skipton Group chief executive Stuart Haire said the data showed “the aspiration of homeownership has been pushed further out of reach for many younger adults, delaying independence and stability”.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
Britain and US ramp up drills to counter ‘devastating’ Russian nuclear space threat
Britain and the US have ramped up drills to counter a potential Russian nuclear strike from space.On Tuesday, America's top military space commander warned the US must change its approach in order to prevail in future conflicts - which could be waged outside Earth's atmosphere.The potential use of a nuclear anti-satellite strike by Russia was the theme of a wargame involving US Space Command and allies, including the UK.General Stephen Whiting, told Space Symposium attendees on Tuesday that the reported development of the weapon was the focus of an exercise which concluded last month. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say "We just concluded our first [exercise] last month, and it was an event focused on weapons of mass destruction in orbit - a development we do not want to see come to fruition, but reporting about Russia’s plans to launch such a weapon, and that has forced us to prepare," General Whiting said.In May 2024, the US said it believed Russia had launched an anti-satellite nuclear weapon.At the time, Moscow accused the Biden administration of fabricating the allegations in a bid to force Congress to approve additional aid to Ukraine.Sergey Ryabkov, the Russian deputy foreign minister, denied the claims, saying it was "fake news from Washington".At the time, a spokesman for the US Space Command said: "We have observed nominal activity and assess it is likely a counter-space weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit."Russia deployed this new counter-space weapon into the same orbit as a US Government satellite."Participating in the "worst-case scenario" Apollo Insight Commercial Integration exercise were US Space Command commercial partners along with allies Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK.Also taking part were representatives from 17 different US Government agencies, including Nasa, the Department of Energy, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.Chief Master Sargeant Jacob Simmons, said: "Space is no longer a supporting supplement…it is a central system woven into the web of our modern life.RUSSIA - READ THE LATEST:Panicked Vladimir Putin installs air defences around palace amid 'safety fears for secret family'UK Special Forces to board and seize Russian ships after PM signs off on military actionDefence Secretary lashes out at Vladimir Putin in emergency press conference - 'We see you!'"From markets to medicine, from agriculture to aviation, from navigation to notification, we are all synchronized with space."He added: "If and when space is struck down, all of society is struck down."General Whiting and US Space Command did not disclose the results of the wargame, but a weapon would inflict "devastation" to satellites, Defense One reported.He also stressed the importance of satellites capable of changing their position in space amid fears US satellites could be tracked, targeted, or interfered with in conflict.He said: "We need a different strategy to deter and win a global, protracted conflict against a great power. That strategy is maneuver warfare."Future satellites might be designed with more propulsion in order to change orbits, which would introduce more real-time decision making in the atmosphere ahead of future conflicts.The Space Symposium is currently taking place in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Describing itself as the "only event with the highest level of senior government officials, military leaders, industry leaders and space experts", speakers also include Jared Isaacman, Nasa administrator, Michael Kratsios, science advisor to the President, and Dr Josef Aschbacher, the director general of the European Space Agency.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
American paedophile sentenced to record 438 YEARS in prison for abusing six children
An American paedophile has been sentenced to a record 438 years in prison for abusing six children over more than a decade.Matthew Cody Ball, 36, was convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child, nine counts of rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, rape, and statutory rape by an authority figure.His youngest victim is believed to have been just four years old.Prosecutors said Ball’s abuse began in 2011, targeting children in Texas and Tennessee. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The 36-year-old was tried in Sumner County, Tennessee, and was sentenced without the possibility of parole -meaning he will only leave prison in a coffin.After the sentence was passed, District Attorney Thomas Dean confirmed it was "the longest, short of life without parole, which has been imposed in a child sexual abuse case in Sumner County history". Mr Dean said Ball could not be given the death penalty or an official life sentence because “the time frame during which his offenses were committed".The paedophile was finally arrested in 2024 after he inappropriately touched a 10-year-old girl, who later reported him to the authorities. Mr Dean wrote on social media: “During a forensic interview … the victim gave a graphic disclosure of sexual abuse carried out against her by Ball over a 6 year period, beginning when she was just 4 years old."After the 36-year-old was arrested, five more victims came forward with allegations of sexual abuse against him. “The victims disclosed rape and molestation taking place as far back as 2011 in Davidson, Dickson, and Sumner Counties as well as Texas,” Mr Dean said.Before the guilty verdict was delivered, a jury deliberated for just 20 minutes. US NEWS - READ THE LATEST:US on high alert for terror attacks as Iran will try to 'extract revenge' for strikesAmerican tradition banned for England and Scotland World Cup games as decision sparks fan outrageRoyals stay overnight in White House after meeting Melania and Donald TrumpAfter he was convicted, the District Attorney released a statement, which read: "Matthew Cody Ball’s conduct in this case was disgusting and outrageous."He caused immeasurable damage to these victims and the effects of his actions will continue to reverberate through their lives for years to come."Mr Dean vowed to "continue to aggressively prosecute those who harm children". He added: “This defendant could not have been brought to justice without the bravery of these victims, excellent investigative work of the Hendersonville Police Department, and crucial evidence gathered by Ashley’s Place, Our Kids Clinic, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s crime laboratory."I am also grateful for the efforts of Assistant District Attorneys Nathan Nichols and Parker Sewell, who fought hard to achieve justice in this case alongside Victim Witness Coordinators Jennifer Woodard and Sally Ann Pirtle, who provided valuable support to the prosecutors, victims, and their families."Although he was ordered to spend more than half a millennium behind bars, it is not the longest sentence handed down in US history.The longest sentence was issued in 1994, when Charles Scott Robinson was given a 30,000-year term by Judge Dan Owens in Oklahoma.Robinson was ordered to serve six consecutive sentences of 5,000 years after sexually abusing a three-year-old girl.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
Dame Prue Leith and Vick Hope among stars at V&A East Museum opening
The Victoria and Albert Museum’s second east London venue, V&A East Museum, officially opened to the public with a star-studded event at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The opening attracted a range of cultural and creative figures, including Dame Prue Leith, Vick Hope, actress Nathalie Emmanuel, and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan. The museum aims to serve as a new cultural hub, showcasing contemporary art and design while celebrating diverse creative voices. Dame Prue Leith, former Great British Bake Off judge, arrived in a vibrant orange outfit, while TV presenter Vick Hope and comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg opted for stylish black ensembles. Other notable attendees included actors Archie Madekwe, Nathalie Emmanuel, Fola Evans-Akingbola, and Sheila Atim, alongside creatives such as artist Sophie Tea, designer Saul Nash, filmmaker Betty Bachz, and sustainable fashion duo Vin and Omi. The event highlighted the museum’s commitment to bringing together a broad spectrum of talent from the arts, entertainment, and fashion industries. The V&A East Museum is set to feature a range of exhibitions, including two permanent Why We Make galleries that explore contemporary culture and creativity. Its inaugural show, The Music Is Black: A British Story, celebrates 125 years of black British music, underscoring the museum’s focus on inclusivity and cultural heritage. The new venue is expected to play a significant role in East London’s cultural landscape, offering fresh perspectives and engaging diverse audiences. Mayor Sadiq Khan’s presence at the opening emphasized the importance of cultural investment in the capital, particularly in East London’s ongoing regeneration. The museum’s launch reflects broader efforts to expand access to the arts and foster creative innovation in one of the city’s most dynamic areas. As the V&A East Museum begins welcoming visitors, it promises to be a vital institution for celebrating creativity and cultural history in the UK.
Hotspots where home buyers will get more – or less – floor space for their money
A recent analysis by property website Zoopla highlights stark regional disparities in the amount of floor space home buyers can typically afford for £200 across the UK. In Westminster, London, £200 would buy the equivalent of just a quarter of a sheet of A4 paper in floor space, while in Burnley, Lancashire, the same amount could secure more than two full sheets. This comparison underscores the significant variation in housing affordability and space availability between southern England and northern regions. Zoopla’s findings reveal that in London boroughs such as Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Camden, the cost per A4-sized floor space sheet ranges from £665 to £837. In contrast, major northern cities including Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Cardiff offer a full sheet of A4 floor space for around £200. More affordable areas like Hull, Blackpool, Middlesbrough, Blaenau Gwent, and Sunderland provide at least two full sheets of A4-sized space for the same price. In Scotland, Edinburgh’s average cost per A4 sheet stands at £204, while in Yorkshire, York is the least affordable location at approximately £209. Richard Donnell, Zoopla’s executive director, emphasized that the difference between what £200 buys in Westminster versus the North West is not merely numerical but represents a tangible disparity in living space. This housing divide reflects broader economic and social inequalities affecting buyers and homeowners across the UK. Zoopla’s tool, which allows users to filter properties by minimum square footage and price, aims to help buyers better understand these regional variations when planning their next move. The analysis also identifies the most and least affordable locations by region, with areas such as Boston (£115 per A4 sheet) and Sunderland (£83) among the cheapest, while places like St Albans (£351) and Elmbridge (£363) rank as the most expensive outside London. These findings provide crucial context for prospective buyers navigating a challenging housing market marked by significant regional disparities in affordability and space.
Beauty entrepreneur’s wedding day ‘nightmare’ launched successful business
A beauty entrepreneur turned a personal wedding day disaster into the foundation of a thriving business. After experiencing significant challenges with her makeup on her wedding day, she identified a gap in the market for reliable, high-quality bridal beauty services. This led her to launch a company focused on providing professional makeup and hair styling tailored specifically for brides and bridal parties. The entrepreneur’s firsthand experience highlighted the importance of trust and expertise in the bridal beauty industry, where pressure and expectations are exceptionally high. Her business emphasizes personalized consultations, trial sessions, and the use of premium products to ensure clients feel confident and look their best on their special day. The company has since gained recognition for its commitment to customer satisfaction and attention to detail. This story underscores how setbacks can inspire innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in service sectors driven by personal experience and emotional investment. The beauty industry, especially the niche of bridal services, continues to grow as couples increasingly seek specialized and dependable professionals for their weddings. The entrepreneur’s success also reflects broader trends in consumer demand for authenticity and quality in personal care services. By transforming a negative experience into a positive outcome, the entrepreneur not only built a successful business but also contributed to raising standards within the bridal beauty market. Her journey offers insight into how resilience and customer-centric approaches can drive growth in competitive industries.
Campaigners' alarm over use of AI in consulation on under-16s social media ban
Two fathers have announced their intention to challenge the UK government in the High Court over its use of artificial intelligence in a public consultation regarding a proposed social media ban for under-16s. The challenge centers on concerns that the government relied on AI-generated responses during the consultation process, potentially undermining the legitimacy and fairness of the exercise. The campaigners argue that this approach could have skewed the results and impacted policy decisions affecting children’s online safety. The consultation was part of the government’s broader efforts to regulate social media platforms and protect young users from harmful content. However, critics have raised alarms about the transparency and integrity of using AI in public consultations, especially on sensitive issues involving children’s mental health and digital wellbeing. The fathers contend that AI-generated input may not accurately reflect genuine public opinion and could be manipulated to support predetermined policy outcomes. This legal challenge highlights growing concerns about the role of artificial intelligence in democratic processes and public policymaking. As governments increasingly incorporate AI tools, questions arise about accountability, data integrity, and the potential for technology to influence or distort citizen engagement. The outcome of the High Court case could set important precedents for how AI is used in future consultations and the safeguards needed to ensure fair representation. The issue also underscores the ongoing debate over social media regulation and the protection of minors online. While there is broad agreement on the need to shield children from harmful content, the methods and mechanisms for achieving this remain contentious. The government’s consultation and the subsequent legal challenge reflect the complexities of balancing technological innovation, public participation, and effective regulation in the digital age.
'Highland Hotel Robbers' among 100,000 online Victorian prisoner records
A collection of more than 100,000 Victorian prisoner records from across Victoria, Australia, has been made available online, providing a significant resource for social researchers and family historians. Among the records are details of notable cases, including the infamous Highland Hotel robbers. The archive offers insights into the lives and crimes of prisoners from the 19th century, shedding light on the social and legal history of the period. The digitised records include personal information such as names, ages, physical descriptions, crimes committed, and sentences served. This comprehensive dataset allows researchers to explore patterns of crime, punishment, and social conditions in colonial Victoria. Family historians can also trace ancestors who may have been incarcerated, gaining a deeper understanding of their lives and the challenges they faced. The release of these records is part of a broader effort to preserve and make accessible historical documents that contribute to the understanding of Australia’s past. By providing online access, the initiative supports educational and genealogical research, helping to contextualise the experiences of individuals within the wider framework of Victorian society. The records also highlight the evolving nature of the criminal justice system and its impact on communities during a formative period in Australian history.
Kanye West postpones concert indefinitely - a week after UK ban
Kanye West has indefinitely postponed his upcoming concert, following a recent ban on his performances in the United Kingdom. The decision comes amid growing controversy surrounding the artist, who has faced significant backlash for his public statements and behavior. The postponement affects scheduled events that were highly anticipated by fans and industry stakeholders alike. The UK ban was imposed due to concerns over West’s conduct, which authorities and event organizers deemed potentially harmful or disruptive. This move reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny on public figures whose actions spark public safety or ethical concerns. West’s management has not provided a new date for the rescheduled concert, leaving fans uncertain about when or if the event will take place. This development adds to the challenges West has encountered recently, including strained relationships with promoters and sponsors. The indefinite postponement may have financial implications for venues and local economies expecting revenue from the concert. It also raises questions about West’s future in live performances and his ability to maintain a presence in international markets. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between artistic freedom and public accountability, as well as the responsibilities of event organizers to ensure safe and respectful environments. West’s case may set precedents for how similar incidents are handled in the entertainment industry moving forward.
NHS has a problem with 'basic, everyday sexism', health sec says
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is facing ongoing challenges with “basic, everyday sexism,” according to the Health Secretary. This issue persists despite efforts to promote equality and inclusivity within the healthcare system. The remarks highlight concerns about the workplace culture in the NHS, where sexist attitudes and behaviors continue to affect staff experiences and potentially impact patient care. The Health Secretary emphasized that tackling sexism is essential for creating a fair and respectful working environment. The NHS employs millions of people, with a significant proportion being women, making gender equality a critical priority. Addressing everyday sexism involves not only policy changes but also cultural shifts to ensure all staff are treated with dignity and respect. The government and NHS leadership have committed to ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing discrimination and promoting diversity. Sexism in the workplace can undermine morale, reduce productivity, and contribute to staff shortages, which are already a pressing issue for the NHS. The sector has faced significant strain due to funding pressures, increasing demand, and workforce challenges. By confronting ingrained sexist attitudes, the NHS hopes to improve retention and recruitment, particularly among women who make up a large share of healthcare professionals. This acknowledgment of sexism within the NHS also reflects broader societal concerns about gender inequality in the UK. The Health Secretary’s comments serve as a call to action for healthcare leaders and policymakers to intensify efforts to create a more inclusive environment. Progress in this area is seen as vital not only for staff welfare but also for delivering high-quality patient care across the health service.