Author: Tara Whitman

Registered providers seeking funding from Homes England’s new Social and Affordable Homes Programme must deliver at least 60 percent of homes for social rent, with the housing agency opening bidding for the ten-year scheme worth at least £27 billion. The 2026-2036 programme requires partners to prioritize social rent whilst demonstrating high-quality, deliverable schemes offering strong value for money. Homes England has published updated bidding guidance outlining requirements and expectations as it calls for bold, ambitious proposals. Two routes provide access to the funding. Continuous Market Engagement enables partners to work with the agency throughout the programme’s life on a scheme-by-scheme…

Legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession requires approval from all 14 Commonwealth countries where King Charles serves as head of state, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming his government’s support for such a proposal. The UK government is considering introducing legislation to remove Andrew from succession following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday. Any act of Parliament would need approval from MPs and peers before receiving royal assent from King Charles, but cannot proceed without backing from Commonwealth realms including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Jamaica. Albanese’s letter to…

John Davidson, the Tourette’s sufferer whose life inspired Bafta-nominated film I Swear, left Sunday’s ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall halfway through after his involuntary vocal tics including a racial slur prompted host Alan Cumming to halt proceedings and the BBC to issue an apology. Davidson was not heard during the second half of the awards show, with reports indicating he departed of his own accord. A source told US publication Variety that the 54-year-old activist was an invited guest and would under no circumstances have been asked to leave. The BBC addressed the controversy on Monday morning after some…

Thames Valley Police have confirmed searches at Royal Lodge in Berkshire will continue through to Monday whilst separate operations at a Norfolk property on the Sandringham estate have concluded, marking a divergent timeline in the investigation connected to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Officers remain stationed outside the Berkshire residence for a second consecutive day, with the force announcing search operations at Andrew’s former home will extend throughout the weekend. The continued activity at Royal Lodge contrasts with Norfolk operations that wrapped up yesterday. The Norfolk searches took place at what is understood to be Wood Farm, located on the Sandringham estate where…

King Charles has pledged “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” with investigating authorities following the arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stating unequivocally that “the law must take its course.” The monarch issued a statement expressing his “deepest concern” following the detention of the former Duke of York at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk this morning. The King emphasized his support for a thorough and appropriate investigation whilst indicating it would be inappropriate to offer additional commentary as proceedings continue. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and…

Thames Valley Police have arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday following their assessment of allegations that emerged in the Jeffrey Epstein files. The former Duke was detained this morning at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk where he is currently residing, with witnesses reporting the arrival of individuals wearing civilian clothing who “appeared to be police officers.” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed the force had opened an investigation after completing a thorough assessment of the claims. “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in…

Surrey Police have discovered no evidence that allegations of historic sexual offences and human trafficking against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were previously reported to the force, despite claims contained in a redacted document spanning 1994 to 1996. The force examined its records using limited details available after becoming aware of allegations within US Department of Justice files relating to Jeffrey Epstein released recently. Police confirmed the search of their archives revealed no prior complaints matching the allegations had been lodged with Surrey Police. An FBI report dated July 2020 contained within the released materials made allegations of sexual abuse naming the former…

Shia LaBeouf has been arrested in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday facing two charges of simple battery, days after staff at multiple bars described the actor as “terrorizing the city” during an extended drinking spree through the city’s Uptown neighbourhood. Court records confirm the 39-year-old actor was arrested on 17 February, with details surrounding the specific circumstances of the battery charges yet to be disclosed. The arrest came as New Orleans celebrated Mardi Gras. The arrest followed a three-day bar crawl from Thursday to Sunday that had already made LaBeouf the talk of the city. Staff at several venues described…

Robert Duvall passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love and comfort, his wife Luciana confirmed on Facebook Monday, ending a seven-decade acting career that earned him an Academy Award and six additional Oscar nominations. The San Diego native, who turned 95, leaves behind an extraordinary filmography spanning from his 1962 debut as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird through to 2022’s Hustle. His wife described him as “one of the greatest actors of our time” in her announcement of his death. Duvall claimed the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of an alcoholic former country music…

Prince Andrew faces mounting pressure to assist American officials investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes following the emergence of an email in which the Duke referred to himself as wanting to be the paedophile’s ‘pet’. The correspondence, sent in August 2010 and reported by The Times, appears to reference an unspecified business arrangement in London between the former prince and the disgraced financier. The revelation forms part of the latest disclosures released by the US Department of Justice. Sources have indicated that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under increasing pressure to cooperate with investigators examining Epstein’s criminal network and those connected to him. The…