Brighten the Corners
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The Cost of Living
Aldi launches £100 weekly voucher fund for Suffolk parents
New parents in Suffolk can now apply for Aldi's Mamia New Parent Fund, offering £100 vouchers every week for a year to help with baby essentials.
More than heat: The warm spaces providing support and connection in Ipswich
As winter draws to a close, we speak to the warm spaces in Ipswich that have been tackling isolation and offering vital support in the heart of our community over the winter months
Ipswich families caught in nationwide housing benefit crisis
Nearly half of Ipswich families with children face rent shortfalls, as experts warn almost a million UK children could be pushed into poverty by 2026.
Residents brace themselves for another tax hike as Ipswich Borough Council set to increase rate by 3%
Ipswich Borough Council warns of continuing financial pressures as it looks set to increase council tax by 2.98% in April, adding to the 4.99% and 5.06% increases planned by Suffolk County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, respectively.
'Stop this spiral of decline': Ipswich artist battles Royal Mail cuts
An Ipswich card designer has joined the fight against Royal Mail's plans to slash second-class post delivery, warning the changes could put affordable postal services "beyond financial reach."
Suffolk school fines soar as 90% linked to term-time holidays
Parents in Suffolk faced an unprecedented 11,784 fines for unauthorised school absences last academic year – up 19% from the previous year, with nine in 10 penalties issued for term-time holidays.
Stamp duty changes to cost Ipswich homebuyers thousands more from April 2025
From April 2025, homebuyers in Ipswich will face paying thousands more in stamp duty as the government prepares to introduce new thresholds that will particularly impact first-time buyers.
Suffolk police chief warns of service cuts without 5% tax rise
Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore says police services could face cuts unless residents accept a 5.1% increase in the policing portion of council tax, as government funding falls short of meeting rising costs.
Ipswich MP backs advance rent cap limit but local property experts warn of 'unintended consequences'
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has backed new legislation limiting advance rent payments to one month, but local property experts warn the changes could have unintended consequences for renters in Ipswich.
Suffolk charity hits £100,000 winter support target, urges more to apply
Suffolk Community Foundation has raised more than £100,000 to help older residents stay warm this winter, but says more people should come forward to claim the support.
Christmas markets draw big crowds to Ipswich town centre
Ipswich town centre was bustling this weekend as two Christmas events attracted shoppers and families to enjoy festive entertainment and support local makers and retailers.
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Brighten the Corners
Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.