Petrol hits 160p, October Budget & more today
Drivers are facing higher costs as average petrol prices have risen to over 160p per litre, the highest level since the start of the conflict in Iran. Households should also prepare for the upcoming 28 October budget, which is expected to outline significant fiscal decisions that may influence the current economic outlook and cost of living.
In the workplace, new trade union access rights will come into effect on 30 October. These rules grant unions greater access to workplaces to represent members, a change employers are currently preparing to implement.
Regarding immigration and legal status, more than 1,000 individuals have been convicted of "illegal arrival" offences between July 2022 and January 2026. Additionally, authorities are tracking several athletes from Uganda and Pakistan who failed to return home following the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
On the economic front, the UK economy saw a modest growth of 0.1% in May. Meanwhile, the government has launched a new investment fund designed to help communities raise capital for local co-operative projects, and Great British Energy has announced its first major investment in solar-thermal technology to support domestic manufacturing.
For more updates, including the latest on film production schedules and international trade agreements, please check the News section of the app.