Library memberships rise by 600 per cent

4 April 2020
Library memberships rise by 600 per cent
Libraries have seen an increase in newly registered users of more than 600 per cent since lockdown measures were introduced.

Nearly a million universal credit claims in past fortnight

2 April 2020
Nearly a million universal credit claims in past fortnight
As the coronavirus pandemic has worsened, nearly a million people have applied for universal credit benefits in the past fortnight.
The Department for Work and Pensions, which would normally expect 100,000 claims in a two week period, said that 950,000 successful applications for the payment were made between 16 March, when people were advised to work from home, and the end of the month.

Councils warn over ‘wave of waste’

2 April 2020
Councils warn over ‘wave of waste’
Concerns over spiralling household waste have prompted councils to issue a plea to residents to minimise the rubbish they throw away.