6:42 am, July 23, 2026
UK inflation eases to 15-month low in June after food and fuel prices fall
UK inflation fell to the lowest rate in 15 months in June as food and fuel prices dropped in an early boost to the cost-of-living-focused Andy Burnham.
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was 2.6% in June, down from 2.8% in May, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This was the lowest level since March 2025, and also came in below the 2.7% rate that most economists had been expecting. It means that average prices across the country are still rising, but at a slower rate than they were before.
Ex-Southern Water chief charged over ‘efforts to manipulate water quality tests’
The former chief executive of Southern Water has been charged over alleged efforts to manipulate water quality tests to avoid millions of pounds in penalties.
Matthew Wright has been accused alongside three others of conspiring to defraud the Environment Agency (EA) and water regulator Ofwat by manipulating the self-monitoring regime at water treatment works to avoid failing environmental checks.bvThe move could have avoided fines of £45m or higher, according to the allegations.
Wright, as well as Philip Barker, Clive Massey and Mark Gregory, who also worked at the company, have been charged with conspiring to ‘defraud persons performing public duties in respect of environmental and financial regulation’ of Southern Water, including the EA and Ofwat. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison.
Aston Martin Vanquish ‘25’ edition celebrates a quarter of a century of the firm’s V12 supercar
Aston Martin is celebrating 25 years of its Vanquish V12 supercar with a new limited-run ‘25’ edition.
This new limited-run variant celebrates that car and will be available as a coupe or drop-top Volante, finished exclusively in Skye Silver paint. There is commission metal foil detailing on the side sills and front wing vents, while there is ‘25’ badging and unique ‘V’ highlights on the car’s 21-inch wheels.
Its cabin is finished off with embroidered ‘25’ logos on the headrests, laser-etched Aston Martin trim inlays, a red start-stop button, a black Alcantara headlining and a choice of three interior trim colours: Onyx Black, Oxford Tan and Phantom Grey. No more than 50 examples – 25 of each body style – and no prices have been confirmed.
‘No commitment’ to raise tax allowance, Burnham says after £2 bus fare cap
Andy Burnham has said there is no immediate commitment to increase the income tax personal allowance as a means of easing the cost of living, after reinstating a £2 cap on bus fares across England to help struggling households.
But the Prime Minister suggested increasing the £12,570 tax-free personal allowance would be something that the Government will look at in the budget this year.
It came as Burnham reversed a decision to increase the bus fare cap to £3 made by his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
Widow of Pc Harper says it is ‘deplorable’ that two killers could be freed early
The widow of police officer Andrew Harper has said it is ‘deplorable’ that two of his killers are being considered for early release.
Lissie Harper said that politicians are ‘making decisions from behind a desk that will have real and lasting consequences’ for the families of victims. Pc Harper was 28 years old when he sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019.
The driver of the vehicle which caused Pc Harper’s death, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence, and will not be eligible for the scheme. But the Constable’s mother said she had been told that early release could be on the cards for Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the car and handed 13 years in custody for manslaughter after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020.
Wednesday on Car Dealer
Arnold Clark doubles down on Solera Cap HPI data with new three-year partnership
Two of the UK motor trade’s biggest hitters are to continue working together after Arnold Clark extended its long-standing partnership with Solera Cap HPI.
From a marquee to marques: BCA celebrates 80 years since its first sale
One of the best-known names in the used car industry turns 80 this week, with BCA marking eight decades since its first sale took place in a marquee in Surrey.
Used car dealers back BYD’s flash charging to be a ‘game changer’ for EV sales
Used car dealers are backing BYD’s upcoming flash charging technology to be a ‘game changer’ for electric car sales.
KGM Hereford raises £4,000 for farming mental health charity after month-long campaign
KGM Hereford has raised £4,000 for a local farming mental health charity, We Are Farming Minds, following a month-long fundraising campaign and classic car show.
Weather
Today will be dry for most with a mix of sunny spells and variable cloud, reports BBC Weather. A few light showers are possible in northern and eastern areas, while north-west Scotland stays cloudier.
Tonight remains largely dry with clear spells, although western and far northern Scotland will turn cloudier with further showers.