The upcoming changes, effective from April 15, 2027, will also see billing for council tax shift to a 12-month payment schedule by default, replacing the current 10-month arrangement. This extended timeline aims to ease the financial burden on families struggling with payments.

The government will cap the costs councils can charge when seeking a liability order for overdue bills at £100. This is part of an effort to reduce the financial strain on households and prevent aggressive debt collection practices.

Local authorities will now be required to work with residents on sustainable repayment plans. This marks a departure from previous practices that often led to swift punitive measures against those in arrears.

The name and definition of the Severely Mentally Impaired council tax discount will also be updated. A standardised application form will be introduced to improve access to support for this discount, enhancing assistance for vulnerable populations.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed emphasized that “too many families are facing aggressive enforcement action.” He stated that the system would be made fairer by supporting families who fall behind on payments.

Consumer advocate Martin Lewis has been vocal regarding the harshness of existing council tax debt collection methods. He remarked, “Council Tax debt collection is so aggressive it’d make banks blush.” His comments highlight the need for reform in a system that he describes as one of the most damaging forms of legal debt collection.

Currently, if someone misses a monthly payment, many councils demand payment for the entire year within three weeks—a practice Lewis criticizes as unrealistic for those already struggling financially. How people who can’t find a month’s money are expected to find a year’s remains unclear.

This change comes after decades of unchanged enforcement practices since 1993. The overhaul reflects growing concerns about the impact of aggressive collections on families and individuals.

The new measures aim not only to provide relief but also to create a more supportive environment for those facing financial difficulties. With these changes, households may find themselves better equipped to manage their council tax obligations moving forward.

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What does the passing of Leo Radvinsky mean for the future of OnlyFans and the adult content industry? Radvinsky, who died from cancer at the age of 43, was a pivotal figure in the rise of OnlyFans, the adult content platform that has gained immense popularity since its inception.

Radvinsky acquired Fenix International Limited, the parent company of OnlyFans, in 2018, and served as its director and majority shareholder. Under his leadership, OnlyFans reported a staggering $6.6 billion in annual revenue for 2024, showcasing the platform’s explosive growth, particularly during the COVID pandemic when it surged in popularity.

As of 2024, OnlyFans boasted a total of 4.6 million creator accounts producing content, reflecting the platform’s vast reach and influence in the adult entertainment sector. Radvinsky’s strategic vision and business acumen were instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities within this rapidly evolving industry.

Born in Ukraine and raised in Chicago, Radvinsky graduated from Northwestern University in 2002 with a degree in economics. He founded a venture capital fund called Leo in 2009, which further solidified his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur. His journey into the adult content industry began as a teenager when he started running pornography sites, laying the groundwork for his future success.

In 2024, Radvinsky received £522 million in dividends, a testament to the financial success of OnlyFans and his significant stake in the company. Notably, OnlyFans takes a 20 percent share of payments made on the site, which has contributed to its robust revenue model.

Radvinsky’s net worth was estimated at $3.8 billion as of May 2025, positioning him among the wealthiest individuals in the tech and entertainment sectors. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the spokesperson for OnlyFans expressed deep sadness at his passing, stating, “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Leo Radvinsky. Leo passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer.”

As the adult content landscape continues to evolve, the future of OnlyFans remains uncertain without its visionary leader. Radvinsky had moved his ownership to a trust in 2024, which may influence the platform’s direction moving forward. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the immediate plans for the company in the wake of his death, leaving many questions about the future of OnlyFans and its millions of creators.

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David Storch has been named as the new preferred bidder to take over Sheffield Wednesday, a significant development for the club currently facing financial challenges.

The Storch family successfully fended off interest from former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley in the race to secure an agreement with Begbies Traynor, the firm overseeing the administration process.

David Storch, who previously served as the chief executive of AAR Corp before retiring in 2018, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His leadership at AAR Corp was marked by a notable £41 million settlement with the Department of Justice and the Securities Exchange Commission, which raises questions about the implications of such a history for his bid.

As the founder and managing partner of Arise Capital Partners, Storch’s financial acumen is well-established. The Storch family’s net worth is rumored to exceed £1 billion, positioning them as a potentially stabilizing force for Sheffield Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday has been in administration since October, following financial mismanagement under previous owner Dejphon Chansiri. The club’s situation has been precarious, highlighted by a 15-point deduction at the start of the season.

The Storch bid has been chosen by Begbies Traynor as the preferred bidder, with the firm noting that “the offer from Arise Capital Partners represents the strongest proposal received following the renewed bidding process initiated last week.” This endorsement could signal a new chapter for the club.

However, the Storch bid will need to address concerns regarding the $55 million (£41 million) settlement, which may impact their plans moving forward.

Keir Gordon, a spokesperson, noted that Mr. Storch was chairman of AAR Corp when the company self-reported a potential wrongdoing by a rogue employee in 2019, indicating a commitment to transparency.

The company cooperated with authorities and successfully resolved the matter in 2024, which may help bolster confidence in Storch’s leadership.

As the situation develops, the focus will be on how the Storch family plans to navigate the challenges facing Sheffield Wednesday and what steps they will take to restore the club’s fortunes.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the finalization of the takeover and the specific strategies the Storch family will implement to revitalize the club.

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