City news in 250 words: Tuesday 4 January

VAT INCREASE TODAY: VAT went up at midnight from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent, meaning an extra 2.13p added to products that had previously been sold for £1. The rise aims to raise an extra £13bn in revenues for the government. The increase also brings the UK more into line with the rest of Europe where the tax is higher in most countries.

TRAMS AND TRAINS RISE TOO: Tram fares in Greater Manchester have gone up by an average of more than six per cent meaning an increase of 20p to an adult peak return fare. Councillor Ian Macdonald, GMITA chairman, said the change in fares represented value for money. Fares have also risen on National Rail routes

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE: Manchester City Council wants your tree chippings to use in a city park. The chippings from recycled real trees will be used to provide tracks for animals at Heaton Park's animal centre, and trails for horses at the stables. People can leave the trees on the kerb outside their homes on their usual collection days or take them to temporary recycling centres in parks.

RYAN GIGGS’ FITNESS DVD: He may be an unlikely candidate for the New Year exercise DVD market, but the Manchester United winger’s ‘Giggs Fitness’ is tipped to become a bestseller. Pre-sales demand meant it was already in the top 20 best-selling fitness DVDs last week alongside more traditional names like Jane Fonda, Davina McCall, Claire Nasir and Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard.

Out of the window weather forecast:New year, same old snow.