Latest news with #Skipton
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
'We're really excited about votes for 16 and 17-year-olds'
The Government has announced plans for 16 and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote across the UK, by the next general election. The move is among changes to the voting system announced last week, which - subject to approval in Parliament - will form the biggest electoral shake-up since 1969. Labour says the proposal is "only fair", while the Liberal Democrats describe it as a "no-brainer". However, the Conservatives say the plan is "hopelessly confused". But what do teenagers make of it? 'I want a say on how my taxes are spent' Noah, 16, is the treasurer of Skipton's Youth Council. He says he is "really excited" for people who will be able to vote in the next general election as a result of the proposed change. "A 16-year-old can pay taxes, join the armed forces, get married with consent, and that is a lot of responsibility," he says. "I am starting an apprenticeship in September. I will pay my national insurance, I will pay my tax. "I want to get involved with how the country is going to evolve in the future." He says being over the age of 18 does not necessarily mean you know more about politics. "You could say that anybody is not mature enough to vote," he adds. "There are many adults out there who are not as well-educated as others." 'It's important we're heard' Rosie, 18, is part of a youth group in Leeds and says she would have voted in 2024 if the rules had changed sooner. She says she would have done extra research to learn about the political parties. "Lots of people are worried about people that are uneducated voting but I think there won't be much of a problem with that," she says. Albert, 17, agrees, adding: "I think it's really important for younger people to have their voice heard, in a way that isn't just protesting." "The people who would vote would be conscious of the decision they're making and how it impacts people." 'It will tackle low turnout' Anna Calvert, who lives near Skipton in North Yorkshire, missed out on voting at the 2024 general election by less than three months. "I was a bit gutted that I wouldn't have a say on who would be looking after my constituency for the next five years," she says. Anna, now 18, is a member of the UK Youth Parliament, which has campaigned for the voting age to be lowered since its creation, 25 years ago. "The group chats were all going mental when the plans was announced," she said. "We were just all so surprised." She is hoping that politicians will focus more on issues that matter to young people during the next election campaign, as she says the generation currently feels "ignored". Anna believes that engaging young people in politics will also help to tackle low voter turnout. "If you start getting people interested in politics young, you'll have voters for life." 'We need to be informed' Will, 15, York's member of the UK Youth Parliament, believes 16-year-olds are "mature enough, but possibly not informed enough" to vote. However, he says that is not the fault of young people and he hopes education about politics will improve as a result of changes to the voting age. "At the moment, people turn 18 and learn about politics online, which can be good but also can be difficult, because you can't help the spread of misinformation," he says. "Or they're voting with their parents and that can lead to tribalism, and that's just not a true democracy." Young people need to be taught how to identify misinformation online in time for the next general election, he adds. 'Policies affect my future' Lucas, 16, is says he is pleased with the proposed change as "a lot of the new terms and policies affect me as a young person". However, he says he feels many people his age would not be able to make an "informed vote", because of a lack of teaching about the "current state of the UK" in schools. Meanwhile, Charlie, 15, says he reads the news and added: "I look at some of the parties now and then but I wouldn't look too greatly into them." Evie, 14, says a lot of young people she knows are "particularly interested" in the possibility that they will soon be able to cast their ballot. "I think it's a great idea and I'm really looking forward to my first vote," she says. Voting age to be lowered to 16 by next general election Which parties could benefit from lower voting age? How will votes at 16 and changes to voter ID work? Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story Voting age to be lowered to 16 by next general election Should 16-year-olds be able to vote? How will votes at 16 and changes to voter ID work? Related internet links UK Youth Parliament
BBC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Votes at 16: Yorkshire teenagers have their say on Government plans
The Government has announced plans for 16 and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote across the UK, by the next general move is among changes to the voting system announced last week, which - subject to approval in Parliament - will form the biggest electoral shake-up since says the proposal is "only fair", while the Liberal Democrats describe it as a "no-brainer".However, the Conservatives say the plan is "hopelessly confused".But what do teenagers make of it? 'I want a say on how my taxes are spent' Noah, 16, is the treasurer of Skipton's Youth says he is "really excited" for people who will be able to vote in the next general election as a result of the proposed change."A 16-year-old can pay taxes, join the armed forces, get married with consent, and that is a lot of responsibility," he says."I am starting an apprenticeship in September. I will pay my national insurance, I will pay my tax."I want to get involved with how the country is going to evolve in the future."He says being over the age of 18 does not necessarily mean you know more about politics."You could say that anybody is not mature enough to vote," he adds."There are many adults out there who are not as well-educated as others." 'It's important we're heard' Rosie, 18, is part of a youth group in Leeds and says she would have voted in 2024 if the rules had changed says she would have done extra research to learn about the political parties."Lots of people are worried about people that are uneducated voting but I think there won't be much of a problem with that," she 17, agrees, adding: "I think it's really important for younger people to have their voice heard, in a way that isn't just protesting.""The people who would vote would be conscious of the decision they're making and how it impacts people." 'It will tackle low turnout' Anna Calvert, who lives near Skipton in North Yorkshire, missed out on voting at the 2024 general election by less than three months."I was a bit gutted that I wouldn't have a say on who would be looking after my constituency for the next five years," she now 18, is a member of the UK Youth Parliament, which has campaigned for the voting age to be lowered since its creation, 25 years ago."The group chats were all going mental when the plans was announced," she said."We were just all so surprised."She is hoping that politicians will focus more on issues that matter to young people during the next election campaign, as she says the generation currently feels "ignored".Anna believes that engaging young people in politics will also help to tackle low voter turnout."If you start getting people interested in politics young, you'll have voters for life." 'We need to be informed' Will, 15, York's member of the UK Youth Parliament, believes 16-year-olds are "mature enough, but possibly not informed enough" to he says that is not the fault of young people and he hopes education about politics will improve as a result of changes to the voting age."At the moment, people turn 18 and learn about politics online, which can be good but also can be difficult, because you can't help the spread of misinformation," he says."Or they're voting with their parents and that can lead to tribalism, and that's just not a true democracy."Young people need to be taught how to identify misinformation online in time for the next general election, he adds. 'Policies affect my future' Lucas, 16, is says he is pleased with the proposed change as "a lot of the new terms and policies affect me as a young person".However, he says he feels many people his age would not be able to make an "informed vote", because of a lack of teaching about the "current state of the UK" in Charlie, 15, says he reads the news and added: "I look at some of the parties now and then but I wouldn't look too greatly into them."Evie, 14, says a lot of young people she knows are "particularly interested" in the possibility that they will soon be able to cast their ballot."I think it's a great idea and I'm really looking forward to my first vote," she says. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Titus Salt-founded brass ensemble to perform at Skipton Town Hall
An award-winning brass band is set to perform an evening of music in Skipton later this year. The Hammonds Band will make its return to Skipton Town Hall on Saturday, September 20, for what a spokesperson billed as "an evening of world-class music from one of the finest brass bands in the country." The band, which dates back to 1855, was originally founded by Sir Titus Salt as a musical outlet for workers at his Saltaire mill. Ties were later developed with the Hammonds Sauce Works (known for producing the Hammonds Chop Sauce), with the band having even been known as the Hammonds Sauce Works Band for a time. In recent history, under the moniker of the Hammonds Band, the ensemble has performed at venues across the UK and internationally. Recent highlights include appearances on BBC Radio 3, a feature on BBC One's Christmas Day special, and a win at the French Open Brass Band Championships. The band also took home top honours at the Doc Martin Contest. Morgan Griffiths, the band's musical director, said: "We're delighted to be returning to Skipton. "The town hall is a fantastic venue, and we're really looking forward to sharing what promises to be a truly memorable evening of music with the local community." A spokesperson added: "The Skipton concert promises an evening of thrilling music and spectacular brass, as the band returns to the beautifully refurbished Skipton Town Hall – a venue steeped in heritage and perfectly suited for the rich, resonant tones of a top-tier brass ensemble." The concert begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced between £8.50 and £12.50. A spokesperson said: "With such a strong track record and growing public profile, this is a concert not to be missed. "Tickets are expected to sell fast, so early booking is strongly advised." Tickets are available at
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Major building society launches quirky new Isa with a 4.12% rate
Skipton Building Society has launched a new easy-access cash Isa. The building society has launched an 'annual allowance' cash Isa which pays a 4.12 per cent rate in an attempt to get customers to use their Isa allowance early rather than rushing to use it up at the end of the tax year. Skipton said it launched the new Isa after seeing how many customers typically wait until the end of the tax year to use their Isa allowance. There's no set deadline to get funds in the Isa though, once the account is open customers can deposit this tax year's Isa allowance into the account up until the end of the tax year. There is a catch in that the new Isa only permits current year subscriptions and does not allow Isa transfers in from other providers or previous tax years. Alex Sitaras of Skipton Building Society said: 'While the deadline runs until April 2026, this competitive rate gives customers a great opportunity to start benefiting from their tax-free savings sooner rather than later.' It comes as Skipton saw a 45 per cent jump in the number of cash Isas opened between 23 June to 30 June as savers rushed to stuff Isas with cash ahead of rumoured rule changes that the cash Isa allowance would be slashed from £20,000. This plan was put on pause by the Chancellor last week after a furious backlash from savers and industry figures. Sitaras saud: 'The decision to keep the cash Isa limit the same is a big win for savers and we look forward to continued consultation from the government on future Isa changes. Customers can transfer current year Isa subscriptions from other Skipton Isas - but only if all of the funds held in the account were paid in during the current tax year. It is not open to older Isa contributions. Anyone can open the annual allowance Isa and you don't have to be a Skipton Building Society member to open one. It's not the best rate on the market as other Isas pay close to 5 per cent. The best easy-access Isa pays 5.44 per cent and is offered by CMC Invest. This Isa comes with a bonus rate of 0.85 per cent for three months, after which the rate reverts to 4.59 per cent. Meanwhile Plum and Trading 212 offer easy-access cash Isas paying 4.98 per cent, though Plum only allows three free withdrawals before the rate is cut. There is no short term bonus on Skipton's annual allowance Isa that drops off after a few months and money is easily accessible without restrictions. The rate is variable so it could drop or rise depending on the savings market. The account can be opened online, though Skipton's app, by email, over the phone or in a branch.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Skipton-based Fenetic Wellbeing recognised with Which? Best Buy award
A Skipton-based mobility specialist has received a coveted Which? Best Buy award. Fenetic Wellbeing won the award for its Nitro Sprint Rollator. In the words of a spokesperson for Fenetic Wellbeing, the award "highlights the product's weight, adjustability, manoeuvrability, and ability to travel on unsteady terrain." Which? Best Buy awards are made based on an assessment of value for money, customer satisfaction, and innovation. Thomas Appelbee, co-founder of Fenetic Wellbeing, said: "We're incredibly proud to receive another Which? accreditation for our rollators and mobility walkers. "It reflects our ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction and delivering reliable, affordable mobility solutions. "Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and it's fantastic to see that recognised nationally through this esteemed award. "We're delighted to have achieved the highest accolade to support customers with their buying journey." Caroline Beddington, a Sprint Rollator user, added: "I cannot recommend this rollator enough! "It is a wonderful piece of lightweight equipment which allows me to easily manoeuvre, and to walk upright as normally as possible. "It has given me my freedom back after my accident." The company has received Which? Best Buy titles for several other products, including the Cullingworth Chair, which has been rated the Which? Best Rise and Recliner Chair in each of the last six years. Other Which?-recognised products include the Westminster Chair (which was voted the Which? Best Value Chair in 2024), Sapphire Mobility Scooter, Envoy 4 Mobility Scooter, and the Atlas Chair. Childhood friends Thomas Appelbee and Graeme Firth started Fenetic Wellbeing out of "a small attic in Keighley." The company currently operates from a 30,000 square foot showroom in Skipton. According to a spokesperson, Fenetic Wellbeing serves more than 500,000 customers across the UK. More information is available at
