Millions to get £150 off energy bills for further five years

The former chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended his pandemic-era Bounce Back Loan scheme against accusations that it was subject to excessive levels of fraud. He said he was aware of the risks, but given the need for speed, he would do the same again. Bounce back loans (BBLs) offered small businesses up to £50,000 with…

A food sharing charity said it had provided more than 500,000 meals to those in need across Devon and Cornwall this year and was ramping up its operation in the run up to Christmas. Charity FareShare South West (FSSW), which works with local supermarkets and farmers, said this year more than 800 tonnes of produce…