Outlook Coventry: GCSE Success, HMRC Tax Reforms & Spain’s Solar Eclipse (26 August 2026)

Website : https://talkingnewspaper.org.uk/podcast/coventry-talking-newspaper

Welcome to Outlook, Coventry’s local talking newspaper, recorded on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. Presented by Peter , alongside news readers Elaine and Peter, and co-host Hugh.

In this episode:

• Coventry GCSE Celebration: Local secondary schools—including Caludon Castle, Ash Green, Pattison, Cardinal Wiseman, and West Coventry Academy—report notable improvements in English and Maths top grades.
• Economic & Business News: The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce addresses rising business costs and flatlining unemployment rates. Plus, analysis on rising UK inflation figures and state pension age reviews.
• HMRC Tax Proposals: Discussion on proposed criminal sanctions for "reckless" tax return errors.
• Coventry Community Projects:
  • Construction begins on a new 50-home supported housing scheme at Feasman Avenue (replacing Frank Walsh House).
  • Coventry University Art Society students paint wellness murals for Chase Avenue Police Station.
  • ARMAC Group and Hill Group transform community gardens at Broad Street Adult Education Center.
• Culture & Events:
  • The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum opens its major Curious Creatures, Stones, and Bones exhibition, featuring the 4.67-billion-year-old Barwell meteorite and a Vanessa Bell oil painting.
  • Highlights from Broadgate's annual Sportsfest and upcoming Bands in the Park events at War Memorial Park.
• Special Feature: Co-host Hugh shares his experience witnessing the total solar eclipse in northern Spain