UK HMRC News Stories

Antibiotics and MenB Vaccination Offered to 6,500 Young People in Dorset

UKHSA confirmed 3 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (MenB) in young people in Weymouth, Dorset between 20 March and 15 April 2026. As a precautionary measure, antibiotics and MenB vaccination are being offered to approximately 6,500 young people in years 7-13 (or equivalent) who live or study in Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell. UKHSA is working with Dorset Council, NHS and local partners to deliver the rollout, with Budmouth Academy and Wey Valley Academy among the first schools to receive the offer.

Chancellor Rallies Retail Banks Behind Her Economic Plan

Chancellor Rachel Reeves met on 22 April 2026 with CEOs of Barclays UK, Lloyds Banking Group, Santander UK, NatWest Group, Nationwide Building Society, and HSBC UK to discuss the government's economic plan. The meeting, held during Fintech Week 2026, addressed global uncertainty following the Middle East conflict and highlighted the financial services sector's role in managing risk and supporting households. Ministers also discussed the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, including Targeted Support for retail investment, skills reforms, and major pensions reform via the Pensions Bill.

Company and Director Fined £20k, Must Clear Sheffield Waste Site by 18 May

Concept Investments Limited and director Austin Fitzgerald, 65, were sentenced at South Yorkshire Magistrates' Court on 15 April 2026 for allowing an illegal waste site to operate without an environmental permit at the Former Stanley Works, Rutland Road, Sheffield. The company was fined £8,000 plus £2,000 victim surcharge and £5,442 costs, while Fitzgerald received a 12-month community order with 140 hours unpaid work, £5,442 costs, and £114 victim surcharge. Both must clear the site by 18 May or face further court action. Another individual charged in relation to the same site has pleaded not guilty with a trial listed for 11 February 2027.