News

Residents, businesses and community groups across West Northamptonshire are being urged to take part in a major consultation that will shape how the area grows and develops for decades to come.

Taxi and private hire drivers, operators and wider stakeholders are being reminded that there are now just two weeks left to take part in West Northamptonshire Council’s consultation on proposed plans to introduce a single, unified fee structure for taxi and private hire licensing across the area.

There is now one week left for residents, businesses and community groups across West Northamptonshire to give their views on West Northamptonshire Council’s draft budget proposals for 2026/27.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today published its first-ever assessment of how West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) delivers services for adults, as part of a new national programme assessing all local authorities in England.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a public consultation on proposed school term dates for the 2027–28 academic year for Community and Voluntary Controlled (local authority maintained) schools.

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone is asking for an increase in the fire precept of £12 a year for a Band D household. The fire precept is the part of the council tax that goes to fund Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

West Northamptonshire’s road network is currently facing significant pressure following a prolonged spell of wet weather combined with extended freezing conditions. This mix of saturation and frost has caused widespread and accelerated deterioration across many parts of the network.

West Northamptonshire Council has confirmed the permanent appointment of Sarah Hall as Corporate Director for Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer.

Paul Warne declared himself content to see MK Dons’ battling abilities in a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers at Stadium MK.

The operators of the EastWestRail project have announced plans to build a new depot to house its trains on the outskirts of Bletchley.

Brackley Town manager Gavin Cowan has left the club to take charge of League 2 side Shrewsbury Town.

A Tree of Hope has been planted in the city, marking Milton Keynes’ role in a nationwide initiative to honour the legacy of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.

The organisers of the Reggae Land festival have revealed their full line-up for their 2026 edition, which will be held at the Milton Keynes National Bowl in August.

Northampton Town’s troubled start to 2026 continued as they lost 2-1 at relegation rivals Rotherham United.

Luton Town’s bid to make the League One play-offs suffered a major dent as they lost 1-0 to 10-man play-off rivals Huddersfield Town.

MK Dons made it 3 wins in a row as a Callum Paterson goal saw them beat Bristol Rovers 1-0.

In Iran, the climate of fear has been restored after the clerics who run this country successfully crushed nationwide revolt.

A seven-year-old girl is missing after she was "swept away by a wave" in Morocco, an MP has said.

China has executed 11 members of a mafia family for killing 14 people and running a crime syndicate worth more than $1bn, authorities said. 

A man has been charged with impersonating an FBI agent after he turned up to a New York jail claiming to have a court order to release Luigi Mangione, authorities have said. 

A report into disgraced former Great Ormond Street Hospital surgeon Yaser Jabbar has found that 94 children were harmed during the care he provided.

A teenager has pleaded guilty to the murder of a 12-year-old boy from Birmingham.

A woman has been charged with murder after the death of a one-year-old girl on the Isle of Wight in August last year.

Anthony Joshua has paid tribute to his two close friends killed in a car cash in Nigeria last year. 

In Iran, the climate of fear has been restored after the clerics who run this country successfully crushed nationwide revolt.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to strike a new border security pact with China aimed at disrupting the supply of small boats.

American climber Alex Honnold ascended one of the world's tallest buildings on Sunday without a rope or protective equipment. 

A report into disgraced former Great Ormond Street Hospital surgeon Yaser Jabbar has found that 94 children were harmed during the care he provided.

Driverless cars are coming to London – some time this year.

One of the first people in the UK to use Elon Musk's brain chip says it "feels magical" and believes it could transform the lives of those with severe paralysis.

Tesla is to axe production of two electric vehicle (EV) models as part of a shift towards robotics after the company reported its first ever decline in annual revenue.

Free artificial intelligence training is being made available to everyone in the UK as the government steps up efforts to prepare the workforce for rapid technological change.

Notifications from Facebook and Instagram have been pinging to users' phones, asking if they want to pay £3.99 a month for their platforms - or continue to use them for free.

A technical issue cut short McLaren's running on the penultimate day of Formula 1's first 2026 pre-season testing event as rivals Mercedes and Ferrari delivered strong showings in Barcelona.

Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to his two friends who died in a car accident in Nigeria.

Crystal Palace's deal for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is hanging in the balance.

The Vitality Roses suffered defeat in the opening Test of their three-match series away to South Africa in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Jofra Archer has been named in England's team to face Sri Lanka in the first T20 on Friday after recovering from injury.

A report into disgraced former Great Ormond Street Hospital surgeon Yaser Jabbar has found that 94 children were harmed during the care he provided.

Anthony Joshua has paid tribute to his two close friends killed in a car cash in Nigeria last year. 

A woman has been charged with murder after the death of a one-year-old girl on the Isle of Wight in August last year.

Let's be frank, in China the UK is not seen as a particularly big or important player.

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson said none of the healthcare workers who checked her twin babies realised they had a rare genetic condition which means they may never walk - and it was only thanks to her mum that they were diagnosed.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to strike a new border security pact with China aimed at disrupting the supply of small boats.

It would be "outrageous" to use the Parliament Act to force through the assisted dying bill without the approval of the House of Lords, a leading opponent of the bill has said.

A fifth man has been arrested in relation to arson attacks on properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer last year.

The government is to postpone a fifth of English council elections that were supposed to take place this May.

The government has restated its rejection of the campaign from women who claimed they were owed billions after their state pensions age was changed.

American climber Alex Honnold ascended one of the world's tallest buildings on Sunday without a rope or protective equipment. 

A Fabergé pendant has been recovered - after police spent six days closely monitoring the man accused of swallowing it.

A raccoon has gotten as drunk as a skunk.

It's a debate that's torn families apart for years - with selection boxes thrown in rage, and stony silences around the dinner table.

Don't get too upset, but 'rage bait' has been named by Oxford University Press as this year's Word of the Year, beating other online terms.

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson said none of the healthcare workers who checked her twin babies realised they had a rare genetic condition which means they may never walk - and it was only thanks to her mum that they were diagnosed.

US singer Chris Brown has appeared in court for a short hearing ahead of a trial over an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.

Sky News enjoyed a successful evening at the 2026 Political Podcast Awards, taking home three trophies, including Presenter of the Year and Most Original Format. 

The BBC has announced who will carry the corporation forward after the departure of director general Tim Davie.

One Battle After Another, the politically charged dark comedy thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed-up revolutionary, leads this year's BAFTA nominations with 14 nods.

Santander has announced plans to close 44 bank branches, placing almost 300 jobs at risk.

The government has restated its rejection of the campaign from women who claimed they were owed billions after their state pensions age was changed.

Fried chicken lovers have more choice then ever after a host of big international players arrived on UK high streets over the last few years.

For months now, stories have been emerging about holidaymakers being turned away from their flights due to having invalid passports.

Tesla is to axe production of two electric vehicle (EV) models as part of a shift towards robotics after the company reported its first ever decline in annual revenue.

Families facing financial hardship across Milton Keynes, Northampton and surrounding areas have received a major boost this Christmas thanks to the success of the Pallets of Hope campaign, led by Franklins Solicitors.

Crime historian and author from Olney has been shortlisted for two categories in the True Crime Awards.

Efficient contract management processes are crucial to ensuring a company’s growth and competitiveness. 

Time is running out to enter your team for a chance to take home the inaugural Northampton Dragon Boat Festival trophy!

It’s been over 13 years since an unknown man was found in a collapsed state at The Grosvenor Centre. We believe Northampton can still find the answers that may lead to his identity.

Northampton based manufacturer International Brand Group are celebrating winning a prestigeous industry award for their groundbreaking Totectors Denton safety trainer.

Video

A charity single performed by a 'singing solicitor' has raised over £3,097 for the Lewis Foundation.

Fresh measures to encourage responsible dog ownership are being considered in the Daventry and South Northants areas of West Northamptonshire Council.