Households are set to face an additional £1,000 in yearly costs from next week, driven by higher council, water, and energy bills alongside Labour’s tax plans, prompting concerns over mounting financial strain.

The King, aged 76, has withdrawn from a series of engagements after suffering short-term side effects linked to his ongoing cancer treatment, with those close to him stressing there is little cause for serious concern.

Rachel Reeves faced strong criticism after insisting her plans would bolster the nation’s finances, even as growth forecasts were cut in half and questions arose over further potential tax hikes.

In the face of rising scepticism, the Chancellor’s attempt to attribute the nation’s economic struggles to wider turmoil is facing criticism, with predictions indicating stagnant living standards for years to come.