Economy

Yeovil Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance in Westminster.

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Adam Dance MP demands boss bonus ban for Wessex Water and South West Water

The new look was launched earlier this month

The new look was launched earlier this month

Local battery pack manufacturer reveals exciting rebrand

Aldi has sold more than 300,000 Surprise Bags.

Aldi has sold more than 300,000 Surprise Bags.

Aldi extend reservation for Somerset customers to pick up Surprise Bags

Holyrood Academy students, Hannah, in Year 13, and Mylo and Caitlyn, in Year 7, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

Holyrood Academy students, Hannah, in Year 13, and Mylo and Caitlyn, in Year 7, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

Holyrood Academy provide additional 225 pupil places after school improvement project

Housing provider Abri is helping residents in Chard, Crewkerne, and South Somerset

Housing provider Abri is helping residents in Chard, Crewkerne, and South Somerset

Housing provider helps South Somerset residents during cost-of-living crisis

NatWest has published its latest South West Business Activity Index.

NatWest has published its latest South West Business Activity Index.

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South West Business activity returns to growth in February

Chard Guildhall. Picture: Mike Smith, Geograph (geograph.org.uk/p/3627172)

Chard Guildhall. Picture: Mike Smith, Geograph (geograph.org.uk/p/3627172)

'Energy Essentials' training sessions to be held in Chard Guildhall

The warm hubs will help people who are struggling with the rising cost of heating their homes.

The warm hubs will help people who are struggling with the rising cost of heating their homes.

Your Money Matters

Council releases survey to shape ‘warm hubs’ plan amid rising heating costs

Crewkerne residents gathered outside the train station with “Cut their profits, not our ticket offices” signs. Picture: Supplied by Ben Hartshorn

Crewkerne residents gathered outside the train station with “Cut their profits, not our ticket offices” signs. Picture: Supplied by Ben Hartshorn

Department for Transport

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Crewkerne residents join campaign to save train ticket offices from closure

More than 30 million people in the UK will benefit from the increase to payments (PA)

More than 30 million people in the UK will benefit from the increase to payments (PA)

Cost of living crisis

Universal Credit, PIP and other benefit payments to increase, DWP confirms

A second payment of £324 will follow in the autumn (PA)

A second payment of £324 will follow in the autumn (PA)

Your Money Matters

Cost of living crisis

Millions of homes will receive a £325 cash boost this week

The Engage Somerset partners.

The Engage Somerset partners.

Engage Somerset column: Working to support Chard residents

DATA: Hundreds of South Somerset households pushed to homelessness during pandemic

DATA: Hundreds of South Somerset households pushed to homelessness during pandemic

Hundreds of South Somerset households pushed into homelessness during pandemic

EXPENSES: Member of Parliament attend the House of Commons for PMQs (Image: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor, PA Wire)

EXPENSES: Member of Parliament attend the House of Commons for PMQs (Image: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor, PA Wire)

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Five Somerset MPs claim more than Commons average in business costs

GOVERNMENT FUNDING: Local businesses in the hospitality, leisure or accommodation sectors have until the end of February to apply for funding

GOVERNMENT FUNDING: Local businesses in the hospitality, leisure or accommodation sectors have until the end of February to apply for funding

Eligible businesses can now apply for Omicron Hospitality and Leisure funding

DEPOSIT UNLOCK: CGI of new homes at Blackdown Heights, Chard (Image: Barratt Developments PLC)

DEPOSIT UNLOCK: CGI of new homes at Blackdown Heights, Chard (Image: Barratt Developments PLC)

Finance scheme launches to make new Somerset homes more affordable

JOB RETENTION: Around 27,600 jobs held by workers in the district have been furloughed since March 2020 (Image: RADAR)

JOB RETENTION: Around 27,600 jobs held by workers in the district have been furloughed since March 2020 (Image: RADAR)

1,800 workers in South Somerset were on furlough when scheme ended

OPENING: Chard Leisure Centre, part of the Chard Regeneration, is set to open its doors next month

OPENING: Chard Leisure Centre, part of the Chard Regeneration, is set to open its doors next month

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HAVE YOUR SAY: Residents asked to give views on future of Chard

Thousands fewer on furlough in Somerset in May, figures show

Thousands fewer on furlough in Somerset in May, figures show

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Thousands fewer on furlough in Somerset in May, figures show

HAPPY CAMPER: Demand for holiday accommodation is high in tourist hotspots like Somerset

HAPPY CAMPER: Demand for holiday accommodation is high in tourist hotspots like Somerset

New rule helps Landowners make more from pop-up camping

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: Ilminster town centre. Pic: Steve Richardson

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: Ilminster town centre. Pic: Steve Richardson

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HAVE YOUR SAY: Town plan published this week

BACK TO WORK: Fewer benefits claimants in South Somerset as lockdown eases

BACK TO WORK: Fewer benefits claimants in South Somerset as lockdown eases

Fewer people on unemployment benefits as lockdown eases

SOLD: South Somerset house prices have bucked the regional trend

SOLD: South Somerset house prices have bucked the regional trend

South Somerset's house price rise bucks regional trend