Andy Burnham is seeking a delicate balance between optimism and realism at Labour's annual party conference. He promised hope and an end to "politics as usual" but also an "honest conversation" about ...

The proposals would also see benefits cut for people who are able to work but have failed to hold down a job.

An Edinburgh bike charity has launched a crowdfunder after their workshop was affected by flash flooding. The Bike Station’s basement workshop in Tollcross was forced to close for eight days, after torrential rain caused their underground workshop to flood on 19 August. Their team was able to get the shop back up and running in “record time”, but the work stoppage caused a 30% drop in bike repairs compared to the previous month. Thousands of pounds of revenue were lost at what is usually the workshop’s busiest time of year.

A thrifting festival will be held at Meadowbank Sports Centre in October. The operator, Clothes Cycle, is taking over 25,000 square feet at the centre hoping to attract shoppers who would like to pick up some pre-loved clothing.  There will be more than a hundred sellers under one roof, with designer and one-off pieces on the racks along with gems for only £2. In addition, there will be a free clothes swap running all day – shoppers can take up to five items with them to exchange for something new.