The IMF has raised its UK growth forecast, and ministers are making final preparations for the Budget. Today’s digest also covers runway works in London, a cyber incident at a fashion group and the return of the pensioners’ Christmas Bonus.
Resurfacing a busy London runway without closing it
In London, crews are replacing one of the world’s busiest runways while it stays in use, laying 75 metres (246ft) of new surface every night. The work is planned to last three months. Doing it overnight lets flights carry on during the day, so travellers should not need to change their plans because of it.
Source: BBC London
Hobbs, Phase Eight and Whistles owner reports cyber incident
The fashion retailer behind Hobbs, Phase Eight and Whistles has been hit by what it calls a “cybersecurity incident”, and an investigation is under way. If you shop with any of these brands, look out for official updates and be careful with unexpected emails or messages that claim to come from them.
Source: Manchester Evening News
Christmas Bonus returns for pensioners and some benefit claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is bringing back its Christmas Bonus for winter 2026 to 2027, with payments due in December. People who claim the State Pension, Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance are among those who will receive it. If you or a relative claims one of these, the bonus should arrive with your regular payment.
Source: BirminghamLive
IMF raises UK growth outlook but sees a harder 2027
The International Monetary Fund has raised its forecast for UK growth. It warns that energy prices and interest rates will weigh on the economy in 2027. The forecast comes as final preparations are made for the first Budget under the new prime minister, so household bills and borrowing costs are likely to stay at the centre of the debate.
Source: BBC News
IMF tells Healey to keep repairing the public finances
The IMF now expects UK GDP to grow by 1.3% in 2026, though it says growth is likely to “edge down” next year. Its economic counsellor, Silvana Tenreyro, said John Healey should “stay the course” on the public finances, and that the UK “stands out” in the G7 for having a plan to narrow its deficit. Healey’s first Budget is little more than a fortnight away, so expect tax and spending to dominate the news until then.
Source: The Guardian
Deaths reported in Waterford fire
People have died in a fire in Waterford, and emergency services are at the scene. No further details have been confirmed yet.
Source: Evening Standard
UK Today is a curated digest: we summarise and link, the reporting belongs to the publications named. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.
Sources
- BBC London: How to replace one of the world's busiest runways – while still using it, accessed 13 October 2026
- Manchester Evening News: Fashion retailer behind Hobbs, Phase Eight and Whistles hit by 'cybersecurity incident', accessed 13 October 2026
- BirminghamLive: DWP bonus payment for State Pension, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance claimants in December, accessed 13 October 2026
- BBC News: UK growth forecast upgraded but energy prices and rates to hit in 2027, accessed 13 October 2026
- The Guardian: Healey should ‘stay the course’ and repair UK finances, says top IMF economist, accessed 13 October 2026
- Evening Standard: Fatalities reported in Waterford fire, accessed 13 October 2026
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