40 h. ago China slaps huge tax rise on condoms to get people having kids again amid baby shortage

China is attempting to grapple with its plummeting birth rates, which some experts say could close to half by 2100. But the move has been met with fierce opposition

Economics

3 d. ago Owner of the Swiss ski bar where 40 people died spent time in prison for 'fraud, kidnapping and false imprisonment' and was 'a known pimp'

The owner of the Swiss ski bar at the centre of a New Year's Day inferno that claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured spent time in prison for 'fraud, kidnapping and false imprisonment' and was a known pimp, it emerged today.

Events

4 d. ago Cars with these specific number plates face huge £790 tax bill

Drivers of the most polluting vehicles could be forced to pay up to £790 in annual car tax from April 2026, with VED rates rising in line with inflation

Economics

6 d. ago Councils should spend huge pension fund surpluses on services instead of hiking tax, says ROS ALTMANN

Local authorities spend around a quarter of the council tax they collect on pension contributions for staff.

Economics

1 week ago Red Rachel's RECORD £75bn tax bomb: Reeves has hit Britain harder than any Chancellor since figures began

An historic database of Budget measures shows Ms Reeves has been 'scored' as adding £75.1billion a year to the burden on hard-working Brits.

Economics

2 w. ago HMRC update on using AI to tackle huge £6.5bn tax problem in UK

The Treasury has issued details about plans to make it easier to spot and target tax dodgers

Economics

2 w. ago Top five tips to stop smartphones 'swallowing' children this Christmas

A new movement is sweeping the UK after 165,000 people signed a 'parent pact' to delay giving kids smartphones with five top tips on how to stop the smartphone addicttion

Politics

2 w. ago British mum says people 'don't deserve kids' if they can't afford Christmas presents

Shannan Robertson, 24, claimed people "shouldn't have children" if they can't afford to buy them Christmas presents. According to her, there is no excuse for little ones to go without

Politics

3 w. ago Christmas attractions to face huge tax rise from April next year

One business alone will see its bill rise by almost half a million pounds

Politics

3 w. ago Stirling steps up to plate once again as Observer appeal donates huge toy haul

The 17th edition of the Give A Gift appeal once again showed the generosity of this city and its people - with kids all over the region set to enjoy a special boost over Christmas.

Politics

4 w. ago Labour MPs banned from pubs and restaurants for 'taxing hospitality into extinction'

Pubs and restaurants are facing huge tax hikes of 76% over three years after Covid-era business rates relief ends in April, according to industry body UKHospitality

Events

4 w. ago Morocco buildings collapse as kids among 19 killed in major disaster

A major rescue operation was launched after two four-storey residentials buildings suddenly collapsed in the Moroccan city of Fez with kids feared to be among the 19 people killed

Events