Nearly nine in ten (88%) of the 153 upper-tier authorities in England are set to impose a 4.99% council tax increase this year, the highest amount allowed without triggering a local referendum. When councils increasing bills by 4.5% or more in April are included, the proportion rises to more than nine in ten (94%). According to an analysis, for just over two-thirds (68%) of top-tier authorities, this marks the third consecutive year that bills have increased by at least the maximum legal amount. By contrast, only nine councils have opted for a smaller increase below 4.5% this year are: Sunderland:…
Author: Fatimah Idera
North Macedonia is grappling with the tragic loss of dozens of young lives in a nightclub inferno while working to hold those responsible accountable and prevent another such catastrophe. A fire tore through the overcrowded Club Pulse early Sunday in the eastern town of Kocani, killing 59 people and injuring 155 from burns, smoke inhalation, and trampling as panicked attendees rushed toward the building’s single exit. Although the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, video footage shows sparkling pyrotechnics on the stage hitting the club’s ceiling, igniting the blaze while a band played. Among the casualties were…
