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Surrey County Council has admitted it does not have enough state school places to accommodate children transferring from private schools, following the government’s introduction of a 20 per cent VAT levy on independent education.

Forecasts obtained through a Freedom of Information request show that for the September 2025 intake, there are expected to be no vacancies available for Year 9, 10, or 11 students, and only limited spaces in younger year groups. The shortfall comes despite estimates suggesting that around 2,400 children in Surrey will be forced to switch from fee-paying schools as a result of the VAT charge, which takes effect next month.

Surrey’s predicament highlights the regional imbalance in how the tax change may affect school capacity. While the government claims there is sufficient room in the national state school system, it has not accounted for the uneven distribution of private school enrolment. In Surrey, nearly one in five pupils attend independent institutions—significantly higher than the national average of 6 per cent.

A concerned father who requested anonymity told The Telegraph: “No council is equipped for mass mid-year school entrance with no capacity planning. Almost 20 per cent of Surrey pupils go to independent schools and the state system is full.”

Local authorities are legally obliged to provide a school place for every child in their area, but if nearby state schools have no available spots, children may be assigned to distant schools, with councils potentially footing the bill for free transport or even taxis.

The new VAT levy is predicted by the government to force around 35,000 pupils—6 per cent of those in private schools—into the state sector nationwide. However, this one-size-fits-all calculation belies significant local variations. Surrey, with more than 40,000 privately educated pupils, faces a disproportionate surge in demand for state school places.

Clare Curran, a Surrey County Council cabinet member, acknowledged the challenge but maintained that the council would monitor the situation and consider expanding certain state schools if the need arose. She also noted that some schools have not filled all the places they could theoretically offer.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary petition calling for the government to reverse the VAT decision on private schools reached over 100,000 signatures in a week, reflecting widespread concern about the policy’s unintended consequences.

A government spokesman defended the policy, stating: “Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise £1.8bn a year by 2029-30 to help fund public services. Local authorities are responsible for securing enough school places, and we are confident the state sector can handle any additional pupils.”

However, families and educators worry that the sudden influx of private school pupils into a system already under strain could intensify competition for places, push children to travel further for an education, and impose heavy costs on councils.

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Surrey runs out of state school places for private pupils as VAT raid bites

Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, is poised to rewrite Britain’s planning rules to clear the path for a massive expansion of wind and solar energy, effectively reducing local powers to block or alter green energy projects.

Under proposed changes, wind turbines and solar farms of a certain scale will be classified as “nationally significant infrastructure projects” (NSIPs), granting them the same priority status as airports and major power plants.

As part of Labour’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, any wind farm exceeding 100 megawatts (MW) in capacity—equivalent to about 15-20 turbines—would fall under national jurisdiction. This shift will give unelected planning inspectors, rather than local communities and councils, the final say on whether projects proceed. Solar developments meeting these criteria will also follow the same rules, potentially ending an era of local-level control over large renewable energy schemes.

The Government expects the reforms to unlock around £40 billion of private sector investment every year up to 2030, as Britain aims to decarbonise its power grid and reduce dependence on imported gas. However, the announcement, published on Friday, makes no mention of Miliband’s pre-election pledge to cut household bills by £300 a year, focusing instead on long-term cost stability and energy security.

By fast-tracking approvals, Labour hopes to double onshore wind capacity from 15 gigawatts (GW) to nearly 30GW by 2030, which could mean up to 3,000 new turbines, including taller models of up to 800 feet. Solar capacity is also set to more than triple, from 15GW to about 50GW, potentially covering around 500 square miles of farmland with panels.

Miliband argued the reforms are essential if the UK is to achieve fully decarbonised power by 2030, saying: “A new era of clean electricity offers a positive vision for Britain’s future, with energy security, lower bills in the long run, and good jobs.”

Critics warn that the move strips communities of their right to object, and they are likely to object even more strongly if the Government pushes ahead with measures to limit legal challenges. The plan hints at cutting “bites of the cherry” for High Court reviews, curbing the number of times a project can be challenged once it’s approved.

Regional green energy targets are also expected, requiring each area to host a set amount of wind and solar farms. Such plans are already stirring local discontent: in Cornwall, farmers recently protested against a large-scale solar project, and opposition may intensify as these rules come into force.

Renewable energy developers, largely responsible for meeting the clean power deadline, will invest billions to realize these ambitions. Although some savings in the long run may be possible, much of the initial cost may eventually be recovered through customers’ energy bills.

Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, accused Miliband of reneging on his promise to cut consumer bills by £300 and warned that rushing toward a 2030 deadline could drive up prices further. “We need cheap, reliable energy and he must put living standards first,” she said.

The announcement comes as recent calm and cloudy weather—described as a “dunkelflaute”—has forced Britain’s grid to rely heavily on gas, highlighting the ongoing challenge of ensuring reliability amid a rapid renewables rollout.

Read more:
Miliband planning shake-up to bypass local opposition in wind farm push

Britain’s farmers are set to collectively lose around £600 million after poor growing conditions produced the second-worst wheat harvest on record.

New figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reveal that the UK’s wheat crop fell to 11.1 million tonnes in 2024, down from 14 million tonnes the previous year.

This is the lowest level recorded since 2020, when pandemic disruptions took a significant toll on harvest yields. Wet weather, which hampered sowing and stunted crop growth, was a primary factor, though the area of land devoted to wheat also shrank by 11 per cent.

Tom Lancaster from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said the dismal harvests represent a £600 million blow to British agriculture. “This year’s harvest was a shocker, and climate change is to blame,” he said. “The impacts are only going to worsen unless we reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero.”

Other crops also suffered in the challenging conditions. According to Matt Daragh at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, “cereal and oilseed rape production in the UK was considerably challenged,” especially for winter-sown varieties. Across wheat, barley, oats, and oilseed rape, production contracted by 13 per cent this year to 20 million tonnes.

The poor harvest numbers land as the farming sector grapples with a series of policy changes and financial pressures. Farmers this week staged protests and blocked roads in an attempt to deter the Government from introducing a new inheritance tax regime that will limit long-standing reliefs for agricultural property. Under the planned changes, farmers will only pass on land tax-free if they survive for seven years after doing so, sparking fears that some may take drastic measures due to the stress and uncertainty.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, warned MPs that the looming tax changes could push vulnerable farmers to consider taking their own lives. At a time when harvest shortfalls and weather extremes are already squeezing profits, the policy shift could further undermine the resilience of Britain’s farming industry.

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Farmers face £600m hit as second-worst harvest on record intensifies pressure

Britain’s workforce will slide to a record low as growing numbers of people too unwell to work dampen the economy’s future prospects, according to the tax and spending watchdog.

New projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the share of over-16s either in work or looking for a job will never return to pre-pandemic levels. Instead, the combination of an ageing population and escalating health issues will leave a permanent mark on the labour market.

The OBR estimates that the proportion of adults participating in the workforce will decline to 61.8 per cent in the 2060s, the lowest figure on record. This reverses a decades-long pattern in which decreasing male employment rates had been offset by more women entering the workforce since the 1970s.

The participation rate peaked just before lockdown at 64 per cent, but has since fallen back to 62.8 per cent. Some 2.8 million people are now economically inactive because of long-term health conditions, ranging from mental health struggles to chronic pain. While improving health outcomes might seem a solution, the OBR warns that even major advancements won’t significantly boost workforce numbers.

The warning comes as new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that 1.6 million people have started claiming sickness-related benefits since just before the pandemic, with no requirement to look for work. Of 2.9 million Universal Credit decisions linked to ill health, two-thirds were classified as having “limited capability for work and work-related activity,” granting them an additional £5,000 per year and freeing them from job preparation obligations.

Despite government hopes that cutting NHS waiting lists would spur economic growth, the OBR analysis casts doubt. It notes that even restoring people’s health does not guarantee they will seek employment. This undercuts claims that reducing the record 7.57 million NHS backlog could yield significant economic gains. The OBR found that only around 28 per cent of working-age individuals who recover from ill health or avoid becoming ill would enter or remain in the labour force.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) also highlighted the scale of the challenge. With 6.6 per cent of the working-age population now inactive due to ill health, up from 5 per cent in 2019, hitting government employment targets will be tough. The problem is particularly acute among older workers: 11.3 per cent of those aged 55 to 64 are inactive due to health issues, compared with 8.9 per cent four years ago.

Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports a decline in healthy life expectancy. Men can now expect 61.5 healthy years, and women 61.9 years—both figures having dipped since before the pandemic.

Overall, the OBR’s findings suggest that Britain’s labour market faces long-term structural headwinds. More than just a consequence of an ageing society, ill health and diminished workforce participation look set to remain a persistent drag on productivity and growth, challenging policymakers to find new ways of supporting individuals and keeping the economy on track.

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UK workforce set to hit record low as sickness surge takes toll on jobs market

Royal Mail has been fined a record £10.5 million by the postal regulator after delivering more than a quarter of first-class letters late.

Ofcom said that the company failed to meet its obligations to handle letters swiftly enough, marking the second financial penalty it has faced in just over a year.

Under its regulatory obligations, Royal Mail is required to deliver 93 per cent of first-class letters within one working day of collection and 98.5 per cent of second-class letters within three days. However, between April 2022 and March 2023, it managed only 74.7 per cent for first-class and 92.7 per cent for second-class, falling short of its targets and affecting millions of customers.

The company blamed its poor performance partly on its financial struggles, having recorded a loss of £348 million last year. However, Ofcom concluded that Royal Mail had taken “insufficient and ineffective” steps to remedy delays, following a year in which many households received Christmas cards weeks late.

This is the largest financial penalty ever imposed on Royal Mail for delayed post, surpassing the £5.6 million fine handed down last year. Although Ofcom had considered a £15 million penalty this time, it reduced the figure by 30 per cent after Royal Mail admitted liability and agreed to settle.

Ian Strawhorne, Ofcom’s director of enforcement, said: “With millions of letters arriving late, far too many people aren’t getting what they pay for when they buy a stamp. Royal Mail’s poor service is now eroding public trust in one of the UK’s oldest institutions.”

The regulator acknowledged that Royal Mail’s performance has improved marginally and that it is following an improvement plan published earlier this year. However, it urged the company to accelerate progress and restore public confidence.

Royal Mail insisted it is “making substantial changes to drive improvements” and pointed to better year-on-year figures. It called for “urgent reform of the Universal Service” to reflect modern postal usage and ensure a sustainable, reliable service for the future.

The fine comes as Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky closes in on a £3.6 billion takeover of Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services. Government approval is expected in the coming weeks.

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Royal Mail fined record £10.5m for late deliveries

The UK economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1 per cent in October, marking its second consecutive monthly decline, according to official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Economists had predicted a return to modest growth following September’s fall, but uncertainty ahead of the October Budget and persistently high interest rates kept both consumers and businesses from spending freely.

The ONS noted a particularly weak month for pubs, restaurants, and retailers, while some professional services sectors such as real estate, legal, and accountancy firms brought forward work ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget announcement.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the figures as “disappointing” but maintained that policies are in place to deliver long-term growth. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride argued the latest numbers reveal the negative impact of the government’s decisions and pessimistic economic messaging.

Economists also highlighted that the drag on growth may not be solely due to the Budget’s effects. Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said higher interest rates may be weighing on activity more than anticipated. Although the Bank of England has cut rates twice this year, they remain elevated compared to previous years, further discouraging spending and investment.

Over the past five months, the economy has grown only once, and it now sits 0.1 per cent lower than before Labour took office in July. Despite the weak October figure, some experts, including Simon Wells from HSBC, cautioned against reading too much into a single month’s data, as initial estimates are often subject to revision.

In the three months to October, the economy still managed a slight expansion of 0.1 per cent, offering a glimmer of hope even as near-term prospects remain uncertain.

Read more:
UK economy contracts again in October, defying hopes of a rebound

More than 10,000 people running small businesses have enrolled in the Help to Grow: Management programme, a government-subsidised training initiative designed to enhance leadership and boost productivity.

By September, 10,635 individuals had signed up, with 7,860 completing the 12-week course since its launch in June 2021. The scheme, which costs business owners £750 each, is 90 per cent funded by the Treasury and has cost the government £53 million over the past three years.

The enrolment figure falls short of the initial target set by Rishi Sunak, who, as chancellor, aimed for 30,000 business leaders to complete the training by April this year. Participation rates have also eased recently: 1,835 leaders finished the course in the first nine months of 2024 compared with 2,310 completions previously.

However, feedback on the programme has been largely positive. According to an independent review by Ipsos Mori, 91 per cent of participants would recommend the scheme to other business leaders. Many reported improvements in leadership and management skills, with 62 per cent saying it helped increase their revenues.

In her autumn budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves extended funding for Help to Grow: Management until the end of March 2026. The Treasury estimates that for every £1 spent, the scheme delivers £2.30 in value. Provided through more than 60 UK business schools, the 12-week programme offers 50 hours of classroom-style training and ten hours of mentoring, along with networking opportunities through events and alumni activities.

Emma Jones, founder and chief executive of the small business network Enterprise Nation, praised the initiative: “For ambitious business leaders who want to strengthen their leadership skills, Help to Grow: Management is an absolute no-brainer.”

Enterprise Nation works alongside the Association of Business Mentors and Newable—a London-based enterprise development agency—to deliver mentoring match-ups. The contract for these mentoring services was advertised in 2022 as worth £8 million annually. According to the review, 89 per cent of participants were satisfied with the advice and support provided by mentors.

The Department for Business and Trade highlighted that improved management practices can boost a company’s productivity by 10 per cent. A spokesperson said: “Our most recent evaluation shows 92 per cent of participants are satisfied with the programme, so we’d encourage any interested businesses to enrol.”

For more information or to sign up, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support/help-to-grow-management-uk#how-to-apply

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10,000 small business leaders enrol in government-backed management training scheme

Tangle Teezer, the British hairbrush company famously rejected by Dragons’ Den panellists seventeen years ago, has been acquired by French consumer goods giant Bic in a deal worth €200 million.

Founded in 2007 by former hairdresser Shaun Pulfrey, 63, Tangle Teezer was initially met with scepticism by investors including Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden on the BBC show. However, its brief television appearance kick-started online sales and paved the way for significant growth.

The company’s eponymous detangling brushes, designed to smooth hair with less damage than traditional tools, have become a global success. Tangle Teezer now sells its products in more than 75 countries and recorded revenues of £53.5 million in 2023, doubling its turnover in the last four years. Pre-tax profits reached £4.93 million, up 1 per cent on the previous year.

Gonzalve Bich, Bic’s chief executive, hailed the acquisition as an opportunity to expand the firm’s presence in the €4.5 billion global hairbrush and comb market. “With a consumer-first approach, together we aim to redefine personal grooming by creating personalised haircare solutions that enhance daily routines,” he said.

Bic, best known for its ballpoint pens, also has a strong foothold in beauty and grooming with its range of razors and Bodymark temporary tattoo markers. The group believes adding Tangle Teezer to its portfolio will help it tap into a dynamic, fast-growing segment of the personal care industry.

James Vowles, Tangle Teezer’s chief executive, said that in selecting a partner for the next stage of growth, Bic “stood out” thanks to its track record in meeting consumer needs with simple, affordable products.

In 2021, private equity firm Mayfair Equity Partners acquired a majority stake in Tangle Teezer, valuing it at around £70 million. Shaun Pulfrey sold the bulk of his shares at that time, having turned a fledgling idea into a multi-million-pound enterprise that overcame the early knockback from Dragons’ Den to secure a place in bathrooms worldwide.

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Tangle Teezer, once rejected on Dragons’ Den, sold for €200m to Bic

Make UK, the leading organisation representing British manufacturers, has announced Lord (Richard) Harrington as its new Chair. He will succeed Lord (John) Hutton, who has served as Chair since 2022, and will formally take up the position in early 2025.

Lord Harrington brings a wealth of experience from both business and government. After a successful private-sector career, he served as the Member of Parliament for Watford from 2010 to 2019 and held several ministerial roles. These included Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and Minister for Business and Industry between 2017 and 2019. In 2022, he served as Minister of State for Refugees, overseeing the UK’s humanitarian response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He also led a key review of the government’s foreign direct investment strategy, contributing to policy decisions on appointing an Investment Minister and establishing a “concierge service” for global investors. Additionally, Lord Harrington has a long-standing commitment to apprenticeships, having advised former Prime Minister David Cameron and chaired the Apprenticeship Delivery Board.

Commenting on his new appointment, Lord Harrington said: “I’m delighted to take up this appointment at such an important moment for manufacturing. I’m passionate about the sector and its contribution to the UK economy overall, and how it can address the societal challenges we all face. Make UK is a powerful voice for industry, and I look forward to helping develop its role at the centre of policymaking and creating opportunities for young people in particular.”

Lord Hutton, reflecting on his tenure, said: “It has been an honour to lead Make UK through such a challenging period for manufacturing and the economy overall. With rapid technological change and the pressing need to accelerate growth, I am confident Richard will guide Make UK forward and strengthen its influence at the heart of government.”

Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, added: “Richard is a committed and passionate supporter of manufacturing and its importance to the economy and regions across the UK. At a time of immense change and complex challenges, I look forward to working with him to enhance Make UK’s role as a powerful advocate for British business.”

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Make UK appoints Lord Harrington as new chair

Michael Papandrea, a Long Island native now residing in Frankfort, Illinois, has made a name for himself by transforming outdoor spaces into breathtaking retreats through his company, The New Lawn Guy.

With a meticulous eye for detail and a creative approach honed over decades, Michael has become a trusted expert in crafting landscapes that balance beauty, functionality, and sustainability. His journey from New York to Illinois is marked by a dedication to creating meaningful spaces that bring joy and connection to those who use them.

What inspired you to transition into landscaping?

After years in a creative field, I wanted a new challenge that would allow me to spend more time outdoors while still making an impact. Landscaping felt like a natural progression because it combines creativity, design, and the ability to transform something raw into something extraordinary. I’ve always loved nature, and landscaping lets me work with it every day while crafting spaces that enhance people’s lives.

How do you approach creating outdoor spaces tailored to a client’s lifestyle?

It all starts with listening. Every client has a unique vision and set of needs for their space, so I begin by asking how they intend to use it. Are they looking for a space to entertain large groups or a quiet retreat to unwind? Families with children might need open areas for play, while others might want features like an outdoor kitchen or a fire pit. From there, I design a space that balances practicality with beauty, ensuring it meets both their functional and aesthetic desires.

What’s been one of your most memorable projects so far?

One project that stands out was for a couple who wanted their backyard to feel like a luxury resort. We created a multi-tiered patio with a fire pit, added a calming water feature, and planted native greenery to blend the design with the natural environment. When they saw the finished space, their reaction was priceless. Moments like that remind me why I’m so passionate about this work—seeing a client fall in love with their yard is incredibly rewarding.

What lessons have you learned about landscaping that make it unique?

Landscaping is a combination of art and science. You need to create something visually stunning, but it also has to be practical and sustainable. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of preparation. Planning every detail, from plant placement to drainage solutions, ensures the final product not only looks great but also stands the test of time. Flexibility is also key—you have to adapt to challenges like unexpected weather or site conditions.

How do you ensure a design is beautiful and functional year-round?

Designing for all seasons is one of the most exciting challenges in landscaping. I use a mix of evergreens, perennials, and hardscaping features to create visual interest no matter the time of year. For example, incorporating pathways, fire features, or lighting ensures the yard remains usable and inviting even in cooler months. It’s all about creating a space that evolves beautifully with the seasons while staying functional.

What’s one trend in landscaping you’re particularly excited about?

Sustainable landscaping is something I’m passionate about. Using native plants, integrating smart irrigation systems, and designing with the local environment in mind not only creates beautiful spaces but also supports the ecosystem. It’s similar to the concept of farm-to-table—it’s about working with what’s local and sustainable to get the best results. Clients are becoming more aware of these practices, which makes it an exciting time for the industry.

What challenges do you face in landscaping, and how do you overcome them?

Weather is always a wild card in landscaping, and it can throw a wrench in even the best-laid plans. The key is preparation and adaptability. By building in flexibility during the planning phase, we can pivot when needed without compromising the design. Another challenge is ensuring that the space will mature well over time. By choosing the right materials and plants, we can create landscapes that look great not just when they’re finished but for years to come.

What advice would you give someone looking to transform their yard?

Start by defining how you want to use the space. Is it for entertaining, relaxation, or something else entirely? Having a clear vision helps guide the design process. I also recommend working with a professional who can help bring that vision to life while considering practical factors like drainage, maintenance, and sustainability. And don’t rush—taking the time to plan will always pay off in the end.

How do you balance artistry and practicality in your designs?

The key is to think about the long-term functionality of the space while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. For example, a garden path can be both a beautiful design element and a practical feature for navigating the yard. Similarly, plant selections need to thrive in the local climate while complementing the design. Striking that balance is part of the artistry of landscaping—it’s what makes every project unique and rewarding.

What’s next for you and The New Lawn Guy?

I’m focused on expanding our use of innovative technologies, like smart irrigation systems and energy-efficient lighting, to improve both sustainability and functionality. I’m also excited to continue educating clients about the benefits of eco-friendly design and how thoughtful landscaping can transform not just their yards but their entire relationship with the outdoors. My ultimate goal is to keep pushing boundaries and creating spaces that people truly love.

Michael Papandrea’s journey into landscaping is driven by his creative vision, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep appreciation for nature. His work with The New Lawn Guy is a testament to his commitment to excellence, transforming yards into beautiful, functional spaces that enhance his clients’ lives.

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From Vision to Reality: A Conversation with Landscaping Innovator Michael Papandrea