United Kingdom – THE BUSINESS TIME

Law & public offices

Local government reform in England: five counties closer to new councils. May 2027 local elections on old boundaries

The government wants to reorganise local government in East Sussex with Brighton and Hove, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Decisions for 15 other areas, including Kent, Lancashire and Hertfordshire, will be taken in early 2027. The new councils are due to start in 2029, and the May elections will be held on current boundaries.

By TBTOctober 29, 2026, 18:42

United Kingdom

VIDEO | Met Office: the weekend will start with fog. On Halloween, rain only in the north-west

In its weekend forecast the Met Office expects foggy mornings across most of the country. Sunshine will break through during the day. On Halloween, on Saturday evening, it will be wet in the north-west and largely dry elsewhere. Dense fog will form again overnight.

By TBTOctober 29, 2026, 16:15

Law & public offices

Ban on selling vapes to under-18s now covers nicotine-free ones too. Buying for a child is an offence

From 29 October 2026 it is illegal across the UK to sell nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches to under-18s. Buying them for someone under 18 is also an offence. Shops must remove free samples and large discounts, and Trading Standards can issue a £200 fine.

By TBTOctober 29, 2026, 12:02

Travel

Autumn in the Scottish Highlands: golden birches in Glen Affric and leaping salmon. Where to go after Storm Boelo

Glen Affric, Uath Lochans and Lael Forest Garden are among Forestry and Land Scotland’s autumn picks in the Highlands, while leaping salmon can still be seen at Rogie Falls and the Falls of Shin. After Storm Boelo some trails may be damaged, and the Highland Council is asking landowners to check trees near roads.

By TBTOctober 28, 2026, 13:39

Travel

Autumn in England: more evening crashes after the clocks go back. The most dangerous hour is 5pm–6pm

After the autumn clock change, the number of road collisions between 4pm and 7pm rises by almost a quarter, and between 5pm and 6pm by 45%. That is the finding of an analysis of four years of Department for Transport data. We explain how to prepare your car and yourself for dark evenings in England.

By TBTOctober 28, 2026, 12:44

Travel

Autumn in Scotland: firework control zones in Edinburgh and Glasgow from 30 October. Where to see official displays

From 30 October, zones where fireworks may not be set off, even in your own garden, are in force in Edinburgh and central Glasgow. Police promise a firm response to antisocial behaviour. We explain the rules and list official displays in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Ayrshire and the Borders.

By TBTOctober 28, 2026, 12:44

Travel

Autumn in Wales: Calan Gaeaf, ghost trains and pumpkins. Where to go with the children until 1 November

Until 1 November, Halloween and autumn half-term events are taking place across Wales: from the traditional Calan Gaeaf at National Trust Cymru castles to ghost trains on heritage railways. We have picked suggestions from the official VisitWales round-up and explain how to get home safely after dark.

By TBTOctober 28, 2026, 12:44

Travel

Autumn in the Scottish Highlands: road gritting is under way, with firework displays from 5 November. What to check before you travel

Winter road maintenance has been running in the Highlands since 14 October: gritters operate from 6am to 9pm, with no overnight service. In early November there will be firework displays in Inverness, Aviemore, Ullapool and Dornoch. We explain how to drive safely after dark and where to check routes.

By TBTOctober 28, 2026, 12:44

Law & public offices

Blue Badge in Europe: Italy recognises the UK parking card. It also works in Poland, but check local rules

The UK Blue Badge, the parking card for disabled people, is recognised in Italy – the government updated its list on 28 October. The card is also recognised in countries including Poland. In Spain local authorities decide, and in some countries the rules are limited, so it is worth checking before you travel.

By TBTOctober 28, 2026, 12:36

Law & public offices

Package holidays: new rules from 6 April 2027. More bookings made “in one place” protected like a package

The government has published guidance on the amended package travel regulations. From 6 April 2027 some bookings made separately but at a single point of sale will be treated as a package with full traveller protection. Travel firms will gain a right to a refund from suppliers within 14 days.

By TBTOctober 28, 2026, 12:36

Category: United Kingdom

Local government reform in England: five counties closer to new councils. May 2027 local elections on old boundaries

VIDEO | Met Office: the weekend will start with fog. On Halloween, rain only in the north-west

Ban on selling vapes to under-18s now covers nicotine-free ones too. Buying for a child is an offence

Autumn in the Scottish Highlands: golden birches in Glen Affric and leaping salmon. Where to go after Storm Boelo

Autumn in England: more evening crashes after the clocks go back. The most dangerous hour is 5pm–6pm

Autumn in Scotland: firework control zones in Edinburgh and Glasgow from 30 October. Where to see official displays

Autumn in Wales: Calan Gaeaf, ghost trains and pumpkins. Where to go with the children until 1 November

Autumn in the Scottish Highlands: road gritting is under way, with firework displays from 5 November. What to check before you travel

Blue Badge in Europe: Italy recognises the UK parking card. It also works in Poland, but check local rules

Package holidays: new rules from 6 April 2027. More bookings made “in one place” protected like a package

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