UK economic growth forecast cut for this year

An evening surge in shoppers keen on Boxing Day bargains drove a decade-high increase in footfall for the annual sales, figures suggest. It was up by 4.4% across all UK retail destinations including high streets and shopping centres compared to the same day last year, according to data from MRI Software. Footfall also remained strong…

A food bank has said the number of people asking for its help has tripled. Ludlow Food Bank in Shropshire said on average it helped 28 people per week, but last week that had shot up to 84. It is appealing for more donations, particularly of tinned goods like soup and baked beans. “Our poor…