Church hall set to become supported living apartments for people with learning disabilities

April Lara
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Church hall set to become supported living apartments for people with learning disabilities

A proposal has been put forward to convert St Saviour’s Church Hall on Gladstone Road in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, into supported living accommodation for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

The plan, submitted by Squirrel Wood Properties (SWP), includes transforming the church hall into 11 single-bedroom apartments, as well as staff facilities. The development would preserve much of the existing green space, which will be maintained as a communal garden for residents.

The local authority’s health and adult services department has expressed support for the project, with a final decision expected in the coming months. The building is recognised as a “non-designated heritage asset,” and the development will aim to preserve its key architectural features.

In addition to the living spaces, the proposal includes six parking spaces for residents and a designated area for bicycle storage. The application is currently open for public comments, with no set date for a final decision.

HMRC to introduce digital record-keeping for self-employed taxpayers in 2026

April Lara
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HMRC to introduce digital record-keeping for self-employed taxpayers in 2026

HMRC will require sole traders and landlords with income exceeding £50,000 to comply with Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax starting from April 2026. This marks the most significant change to the Self Assessment system since its introduction in 1997.

Under the new rules, affected taxpayers will need to keep digital records, use MTD-compatible software, and submit quarterly updates of their income and expenses to HMRC. This move aims to streamline tax reporting and reduce the administrative burden traditionally associated with the January 31 deadline.

The introduction of quarterly updates is designed to balance the workload throughout the year, moving towards more real-time tax reporting and helping businesses avoid last-minute filing rushes. Self-employed individuals with qualifying income, which includes gross income from self-employment and property before allowances or expenses, must comply with these new digital requirements.

A phased roll-out will follow, starting with the £50,000 income threshold in 2026. The threshold will drop to £30,000 in April 2027 and to £20,000 in 2028. HMRC is encouraging businesses to engage with its testing programme to familiarise themselves with the changes ahead of the mandatory implementation.

The government hopes the transition will help businesses improve efficiency and reduce errors in their record-keeping, offering clearer insights into their tax obligations. These changes are part of HMRC’s broader plan to modernise the tax system, building on the success of MTD for VAT, which over two million businesses have used.

Private capital drives £10bn contribution to Yorkshire and Humber economy

April Lara
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Private capital drives £10bn contribution to Yorkshire and Humber economy

Private capital-backed businesses are generating £10 billion annually for the Yorkshire and Humber economy, according to a new report from the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA). This underscores the growing importance of private capital in regional economic growth.

In 2024, investments by private capital firms in the region totalled £1.33 billion. These firms use an active ownership model, directly influencing portfolio companies through strategic and operational changes, which in turn supports broader regional development.

The number of businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber backed by private capital has risen by 15% since 2023, with 533 companies now benefiting from this investment. Venture capital plays an increasingly significant role, supporting 257 businesses, a 25% increase from the previous year. Private equity, on the other hand, backs 276 businesses, maintaining the level seen in 2023. Together, these companies now employ over 162,000 people—up 30% from the year prior.

The findings were presented at the BVCA’s Invest Yorkshire & North East England Forum, where discussions focused on boosting regional investment through reforms in pensions, local leadership, and planning.

Older homeowners control £2.89 trillion in UK housing wealth, says Savills

April Lara
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Older homeowners control £2.89 trillion in UK housing wealth, says Savills

Homeowners aged over 60 now hold 56% of the UK’s owner-occupier housing wealth, with a total net value estimated at £2.89 trillion, according to new figures from Savills. Despite this substantial equity, the group still has £60 billion in outstanding mortgage debt, representing around 2% of the value of their homes.

Savills’ analysis shows that over-75s alone account for nearly a quarter of the UK’s property wealth, while those under 35 hold just 6%. Older homeowners are more heavily concentrated in regions such as the South West and Wales, with lower representation in London.

The figures highlight the deepening generational divide in property wealth. Older generations, having benefited from decades of equity growth and reduced borrowing, now dominate the housing market, while younger buyers have faced greater barriers to building property wealth.

Savills argues that encouraging downsizing among older homeowners could help ease pressure on the housing market by freeing up family-sized homes and releasing equity to support younger buyers.

Regional estimates from the research show that the South East leads with £603 billion in housing wealth among those over 60, followed by London at £400 billion, the East of England at £354 billion, and the South West at £326 billion. Other regions include the North West with £234 billion, the West Midlands with £212 billion, Scotland with £186 billion, the East Midlands with £178 billion, Yorkshire and the Humber with £169 billion, Wales with £106 billion, the North East with £64 billion, and Northern Ireland with £54 billion.

Savills based its calculations on a combination of HM Revenue & Customs data, the Census, and the English Housing Survey. The findings have important implications for businesses involved in property development, retirement living, and financial services that target later-life planning.

New housing development planned near major regeneration site in Doncaster

April Lara
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New housing development planned near major regeneration site in Doncaster

Vistry has submitted plans for a 229-home development on Waggons Way, Stainforth, Doncaster, located next to the Unity regeneration project. The site, part of the former Hatfield Colliery, forms part of a 600-acre mixed-use development, one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

The proposed development will focus on delivering new homes with access to green spaces, enhancing the area’s appeal for potential residents. The project is situated near the Unity site, which offers extensive community facilities and strong connectivity.

A planning decision on the development is expected from Doncaster Council in late 2025.

Raworths strikes gold with Investors in People award recognition

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Raworths strikes gold with Investors in People award recognition
Harrogate-based Raworths has retained its prestigious Investors in People (IIP) ‘We invest in people’ Gold accreditation, putting the firm in the top 15% of similar sized legal firms to achieve this internationally recognised benchmark for people management. The Investors in People ‘Gold’ standard highlights organisations that demonstrate a proven commitment to delivering a positive and nurturing work environment for their people. To secure the accreditation, businesses undergo a rigorous assessment of their practices, policies, leadership and strategy – conducted by IIP’s independent assessors combined with feedback from employees. Raworths – which was first awarded ‘Gold’ status in 2021 – has secured the accreditation for a further three years, reinforcing its commitment to creating a supportive environment where its 70-strong team can grow and thrive. The firm, which provides integrated commercial and private client services to businesses and individuals, is dedicated to delivering exceptional legal expertise and puts both its clients and its people at the heart of everything. Simon Morris, Managing Partner at Raworths said “Our people are our greatest asset, and we constantly strive to create a workplace that is supportive, nurturing and dynamic at every level. Our team is supported to achieve both career development and work-life balance, and this, alongside an inclusive, collaborative environment, is what makes Raworths such a great place to work.” Lisa Robinson, HR Manager at Raworths added “Continuing to invest in our people is a key growth strategy, and we’re looking to recruit more talented legal experts to join our team and start the next chapter of their career as part of one of the top legal firms in the North.” Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Raworths. Gold accreditation on ‘We invest in people’ is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Raworths in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

Travelodge expands its presence with new Bradford South hotel

April Lara
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Travelodge expands its presence with new Bradford South hotel

ravelodge has launched a new 130-room hotel in Bradford South, enhancing its UK network of over 600 properties. The new hotel, situated between Bradford and Leeds, provides convenient access to key business and leisure destinations.

The location benefits business travellers with close proximity to major transport links, including the M62 motorway, Low Moor, Bradford Interchange, and Forster Square Railway Stations. Leeds Bradford International Airport is also within an eight-mile radius.

The area offers a range of attractions for visitors, including the National Science and Media Museum, Saltaire, and the Brontë Parsonage Museum. Sports enthusiasts can also access Bartercard Odsal Stadium, home of the Bradford Bulls rugby league team.

Travelodge continues to expand its footprint across the UK, with 17 hotels already operating in North Yorkshire, contributing to local employment and economic development.

Tackling the rise in Employers’ National Insurance: what businesses need to know

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Tackling the rise in Employers’ National Insurance: what businesses need to know
In this episode of The Streets Sessions, host James Pinchbeck is joined by Michael Greene, Partner at Streets, and Anita Wynne, Managing Director of BestStart Human Resources. Together they unpack one of the most talked-about measures from the Autumn Budget 2024 — the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions.
With the changes now in effect many businesses are beginning to feel the financial strain, facing increased staffing and payroll costs. So, what can employers do to mitigate the impact?

LeoVegas Group boosts UK presence with new office in Leeds

April Lara
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LeoVegas Group boosts UK presence with new office in Leeds

LeoVegas Group is strengthening its UK operations by opening a new office in Leeds, which will support its brands, including BetMGM and LeoVegas. The office, currently being refurbished, is located in a central Grade A building and will play a crucial role in the company’s recruitment strategy.

This new addition marks the group’s second UK location, complementing its existing headquarters in Newcastle, which has been operational since 2018. The Leeds office will focus on attracting key talent, with several senior roles already being recruited, including Senior UK Sports Director and Senior Finance Business Partner.

Severfield to reduce workforce by 6% amid cost-cutting efforts

April Lara
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Severfield to reduce workforce by 6% amid cost-cutting efforts

Severfield has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 6% in response to ongoing trading pressures in the UK and Europe. The company, which employs approximately 1,800 staff, will cut over 100 jobs as part of a broader strategy to address delays in project deliveries and tighter pricing.

Along with the redundancies, Severfield will also implement a freeze on new hires and focus heavily on managing cashflow. The company has also reduced its planned capital expenditure and is working to accelerate tax refunds from HMRC. This comes as part of its efforts to mitigate the impact of the current economic challenges.

Severfield confirmed its bridge remedial works programme is on track, with costs remaining at £20 million. For the fiscal year ending 29 March 2025, the company reported net debt of £44 million, with an expected underlying pre-tax profit range of £18 million to £20 million.

The company’s order book in the UK and Europe is valued at £440 million, with £327 million of that scheduled for delivery within the next 12 months. Severfield’s CEO, Alan Dunsmore, is set to step down on 30 June after leading the company for over seven years.

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