Overall consumer confidence saw incremental movement in July 2026, according to the latest data from YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). The index rose from 105.3 to 105.5 (+0.2). Any score greater than 100 indicates positive sentiment, while a score of less than 100 indicates negative sentiment.

A new briefing from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Buildings: In defence of ‘stupid growth, is written by Kristian Niemietz, the IEA's Editorial Director, and forms part of a forthcoming IEA book, The Great Stagnation: Why Britain Stopped Growing, which brings together contributions from multiple authors, each examining a different explanation for Britain's growth malais…

If any city has a claim to being the most Yorkshire of all Yorkshire places, it is Ripon. Rooted firmly at the county's heart, reachable from every direction, and steeped in heritage and community spirit, Ripon is preparing to mark Yorkshire Day on 1st August in fitting fashion — doubly so, since the date coincides with the city's beloved St Wilfrid's Procession.

Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has launched an industry-first digital Priority Seating Card, making it easier for customers who need additional support to discreetly communicate that they require a priority seat onboard.

Andy Burnham has been urged to make rewiring Britain’s faltering education system a key priority of his government.

New YouGov research reveals that nearly three in ten members of the British public (28%) say they are not planning ahead financially. Of the rest, a fifth plan less than one year ahead (21%) and the same proportion plan 1-3 years ahead (21%). Some 12% plan 3-5 years ahead, but only a quarter (25%) plan more than five years ahead.

Charities across Yorkshire are being encouraged to apply for funding from LNER’s 2027 Customer & Community Investment Fund (CCIF). Grants of up to £10,000 are available to small and medium-sized charities based within 15 miles of the East Coast Main Line for projects that support LNER's three key priorities: better for planet, better for people and better for places.

The former Anglican Bishop of Lancaster from 1998 to 2005, Rt Rev. Stephen Pedley, has died at the age of 85. Bishop Stephen was also Honorary Chaplain to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth between 1984 and 1998.  A priest's son, Stephen was born in Coventry in 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain and the subsequent bombing blitz of many British cities.

Heavyweight titles fell as the very cream of the crop in agricultural and equestrian competitions took centre stage at the sold-out 167th Great Yorkshire Show on day three. Among the highlights on Thursday was a fairytale end to the Ripon Select Foods Cock O’ the North, the Show’s biggest showjumping class, when the trophy went to 70-year-old local hero John Whitaker for the seventh time.

Yorkshire farmer Tom Carlisle, known as The Dales Farmer, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and RABI Award for Outstanding Achievement in Farming & Agriculture. Nominated by RABI – the Farmers Charity, Tom has been recognised for his contribution to improving public understanding of modern farming.

The UK economy grew by 0.1% in May, official figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown, with warm weather lifting retail sales even as renewed conflict in the Middle East threatens to disrupt global supply chains and dampen business confidence.

New ticket gates for stations across England with £33 million to crack down on fare evasion and deliver a fairer railway Funding to tackle deliberate fare evasion to recover up to £400 million lost annually and reinvest in better journeys for passengers Passengers already seeing the benefits of a simpler and fairer ticketing system ahead of the creation of Great British Railways with expanded Pay As You Go and digital ticketing trials

New analysis from the TUC reveals bank bonuses have hit a post-crash record – as the union body calls for a hike in the bank windfall tax, which it says is “common sense and long overdue”. Ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech on Tuesday, the TUC is calling for an increase in the bank surcharge tax to permanently cut energy bills for the majority of households through a social tariff.

The summer getaway is expected to peak as schools break up in England and Wales, with one in five drivers considering a road trip of more than 100 miles between Friday 17 and Thursday 23 July, according to a new AA survey.

The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey revealed divergent hiring trends in June, as a fall in permanent staff appointments contrasted with a rise in temp billings. While there was a sharper reduction in permanent job openings, growth in temp vacancies slowed.

Smart Money People's newly launched "Smart Money Risers" index reveals which financial services brands are winning over customers, and why simplicity, speed and service are driving loyalty

As nominations open for the next Prime Minister, food supply chain leaders have written an open letter to candidates setting out a five-point plan for a more resilient and affordable food system.

1976: It was a long, and intensely hot summer, inflation was spiralling at 24 per cent, punk music was breaking through - and St Peter’s School in York opened its doors to girls for the first time. It was a truly historic occasion for St Peter’s, founded in AD 627, fully 1,350 years before five brave and ground-breaking girls walked through its doors as sixth-form students.

Overall index increased by +0.4. Retrospective (+1.5) and forward-looking (+2.6) household finance figures continue recovery. Perceptions of house prices worsened over the past 30 days (-3.2) and looking ahead to the next 12 months (-0.5). Business activity measures improved over June (+3.6), as did outlook (+1.2)

With the school summer holidays around the corner, Aldi is sharing the quietest times to shop at its stores to help families avoid busier periods and make their money go further. From quieter shopping windows to practical ways to stretch the weekly shop, the UK’s cheapest supermarket is offering simple support for families during one of the busiest times of the year.