Ben Hurst

Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government to prevent benefit claims from being made by phone and to provide treatment rather than long-term welfare support for people with moderate anxiety or depression. Hunt said welfare spending had mushroomed since the pandemic and argued that returning it to 2019 levels could save more than £50 billion annually, while insisting that vulnerable people should retain a welfare safety net. He also criticized the Conservatives’ previous focus on clean rather than cheap energy, supported drilling in the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields, and said domestic production could reduce reliance on unstable overseas energy supplies.

NS&I will increase the Premium Bonds prize fund rate from 3.80% to 4.35% for the September 2026 draw and improve the odds from 22,000 to 1 to 21,000 to 1. The changes are expected to add about £63 million in tax-free prizes, bringing the total prize pot above £497 million. NS&I is also raising variable rates for Direct Saver and Income Bonds and introducing improved fixed-term rates for several British Savings Bonds issues.

Inheritance tax experts explain that individuals can generally give away £3,000 each tax year without the gift counting toward their taxable estate, carry forward one unused year’s allowance, and give £250 to multiple recipients who have not received part of the £3,000 allowance. Larger gifts may fall outside the estate if the donor survives seven years, while regular gifts from surplus income can qualify if HMRC conditions are met. The article also outlines the £325,000 nil-rate band, the £175,000 residence nil-rate band, the 40% tax rate above applicable thresholds, and the importance of recording all gifts for inheritance tax forms, particularly ahead of pension-tax changes due in April 2027.

The Department for Work and Pensions is trialling a transformed decision-making process for Personal Independence Payments that gives DWP case managers final responsibility for decisions, while healthcare professionals provide factual evidence about claimants’ functional limitations. The pilot covered about 1% of PIP assessments from March 2026 and expanded to roughly 4% nationally from June, involving an estimated 2,800 to 3,300 customers each month. Ministers say the change is intended to improve decision quality and free assessment-provider capacity, but reports suggest it may be expanded nationally before a detailed evaluation is complete. The DWP says it will assess outcomes, staff experiences and decision quality, although comparisons involving claimants with learning disabilities may be unreliable because of their small numbers in the trial.

TalkTalk is transferring around 120,000 broadband customers to rival provider Rise Fibre, which will increase its customer base to about 250,000 while TalkTalk retains roughly 1.5 million customers. The transfer will happen automatically, with customers generally keeping their existing contracts, routers and broadband speeds and experiencing no planned downtime. Customers who leave during a minimum contract period may still face early termination fees, although Ofcom compensation rules could apply if service disruption lasts more than two working days. The deal comes as TalkTalk faces a falling customer base and recent job losses, while Rise Fibre says it aims to grow to one million customers.

Delivery drivers may briefly stop on or obstruct a driveway while loading or unloading, provided they do not linger unnecessarily and no relevant loading restrictions apply. Persistent or prolonged use could potentially amount to trespass or nuisance, allowing homeowners to pursue civil action, although identifying vehicle owners and obtaining removal orders can be costly and time-consuming. The RAC advises homeowners not to escalate matters or use revenge tactics, instead speaking to drivers or companies where possible. Practical deterrents include a movable bollard or placing bins at the end of the driveway.

Millions of households receiving means-tested benefits, including Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and Universal Credit, are expected to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount during winter 2026–27. Eligible customers should ensure they are named on their electricity bill by 23 August, particularly if they have recently moved or use a prepayment meter. The scheme is expected to reach about six million households, with participating suppliers listed across Great Britain, while the government says wider energy measures and its Warm Homes Plan will help reduce bills and fuel poverty through 2030–31.

A Vodafone Connected Crowd Report identifies reliable smartphone connectivity, social media, practical boho-inspired fashion and high-quality global street food as major UK festival trends for 2026. Most surveyed festival-goers consider connectivity essential, use social media to discover performers and plan outfits, and intend to document their experiences online. Charli XCX is the most discussed act, while Sienna Spiro is highlighted as a potential breakout star. Vodafone is promoting a free seven-day network trial for non-customers during the festival season.

The RSPCA and RHS offer humane ways to deter foxes and cats from fouling gardens. Recommendations include securing bins and compost, removing fallen fruit and pet food, protecting crops and pets, blocking unused shelter areas only when no fox den is occupied, and using wildlife-friendly fencing. For cats, gardeners can try the smell of a Scaredy Cat plant or repellents such as cayenne pepper, which Tesco sells for £1.10, although these products may be washed away by rain and require repeated application.

HMRC is urging people born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 to check whether they have an unclaimed Child Trust Fund, which could be worth an average of about £2,212. More than 750,000 young adults may have lost track of their accounts, which were opened with government contributions and held by banks or other savings providers. Accounts can be traced for free through GOV.UK using a National Insurance number and date of birth. HMRC, Martin Lewis and other experts warn against third-party agents that can charge substantial fees, while The Share Foundation says it has helped more than 65,000 people reconnect with their funds.

Homeowners in local authority-designated alarm notification areas must register a nominated keyholder within 28 days of installing an intruder alarm. Councils can enter properties and silence alarms that sound continuously for more than 20 minutes or intermittently for over an hour, with homeowners potentially liable for contractor costs and fixed penalties of up to £1,000. The guidance is intended to reduce noise nuisance, protect neighbours and prevent unnecessary diversion of police resources.

People born on or before 27 June 1960 will qualify for the 2026/27 Winter Fuel Payment if they meet the other conditions, while those born later may be aged 66 when payments are made but will miss out because of the rising State Pension age. Payments of £100, £200 or £300 are generally made automatically, with letters sent in early autumn; recipients should ignore text or email requests that may be scams. Pensioners with taxable income above £35,000 must repay the benefit through self-assessment or an adjusted PAYE tax code, although eligible recipients can also opt out voluntarily.

A couple allegedly left The Halfway House in Brentwood without paying a £231.30 bill after ordering a large meal and 14 Baby Guinness shots. CCTV reportedly showed them running across the car park after requesting a table near the back door. General manager Deanne Perkins said the incident appeared premeditated and reported it to police. The woman later returned and paid £90, while the remaining £141.30 was still outstanding; Essex Police confirmed that no arrests had been made.

Yourtravelshop.com Ltd, an Ilford-based travel company specialising in Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarat pilgrimage packages, has entered liquidation after more than two decades in business. The company was founded in 1995 and incorporated in 2004, serving thousands of customers with religious travel packages priced from £1,200. The Gazette reported the liquidation on July 26, with Donald Harper and Andrew Maak of The Insolvency Practice Limited appointed as joint liquidators on July 21. The company’s website is now displaying 404 errors for key pages.

New food-waste collection rules are being introduced across England, but councils have faced delays. Residents are warned that caddies may not be emptied if they contain packaging, liquids, animal waste, bedding, flowers or other non-food items. Acceptable contents include cooked and uncooked food, meat and bones, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, bread, tea bags, coffee grounds and pet food. Liner rules vary by council: Darlington and several other authorities allow ordinary plastic bags or newspaper because processing plants remove the bags, while councils including Stockport and Rochdale require certified compostable liners. Residents should check their local authority’s guidance before using alternatives.

With temperatures forecast to reach 35C during a UK heatwave, experts recommend the Egyptian sleep method: using a slightly damp sheet or towel to cool the body through evaporation. The technique may improve sleep in hot, dry conditions but is less effective in humid environments and requires ventilation and careful handling to avoid skin irritation or excess moisture. Other suggestions include chilling damp towels, hanging one near an open window, or positioning it in front of a fan. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for parts of England and warned of heightened risks for vulnerable people.

Pest-control experts report a sharp rise in rat callouts across the UK, including an 11% monthly increase recorded by Rentokil and an estimated 80% rise over five to seven years. Experts attribute the growth to warmer winters linked to climate change, overflowing bins, food waste, bird feeding and other sanitation problems. Garden ponds can attract rats for drinking, but eliminating food sources and blocking access points are preferred to filling in ponds. Humane live traps may ultimately kill relocated rats through stress and exposure, while snap traps and improved sanitation are recommended before poison. Rats also pose health risks by spreading leptospirosis, Salmonella and E. coli, so people should avoid handling dead rats without gloves and should wash their hands.

Tenerife South and Lanzarote airports have been identified by UK tourists as the worst in Europe for passport-control delays. The disruption is linked largely to the EU’s Entry/Exit System, which digitally registers non-EU travellers through facial images, fingerprints and passport data. Ryanair has warned passengers about long queues and said it will not hold flights for travellers delayed at border control. Separate strikes by airport and Swissport staff at Palma de Mallorca are also expected to disrupt baggage handling and other services.

Two strikes at Palma de Mallorca Airport are expected to cause longer queues and delays from July 27, with technical and metal-sector staff action affecting all airlines operating at Palma, Ibiza and Menorca. Swissport ground-handling staff are also scheduled to strike during peak periods on July 28 and August 1, 4 and 8 over pay and working conditions, potentially disrupting check-in, baggage handling, gates and ramp services for airlines including TUI. Airport minimum-service rules mean widespread cancellations are considered unlikely, but passengers are advised to check in online, monitor airline updates and travel with hand luggage only where possible.

New EU rules expected to take effect in 2027 will require airlines to include a small piece of hand luggage, measuring 40cm by 30cm by 15cm, in advertised fares alongside the existing under-seat personal item. Airlines may still offer cheaper fares to passengers who choose not to bring hand luggage. The reforms also strengthen compensation communications, disruption assistance, boarding-pass access and protections against fees for minor name corrections. Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air could raise headline fares by an estimated £20-£40, although UK carriers are likely to apply similar rules on EU routes to avoid differing policies. Critics warn that limited overhead-bin capacity could cause delays and require some bags to be placed in the hold.

Sainsbury’s has signed 10-year partnerships with Evesham Vale Growers and Thanet Earth to expand supplies of British tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers amid weather-related disruption to imported crops. Thanet Earth plans to grow cucumbers through the winter in Kent using controlled lighting, heat and CO2, with the agreements intended to create a more resilient supply chain and support British farming. The first benefits are expected this summer through a new Taste the Difference British Salad Selection.

The Royal Horticultural Society says residents may cut back branches and vegetation overhanging their property without obtaining the neighbour’s permission, provided they do not trespass. Trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order or located in a Conservation Area require local-authority consent. Cut branches should be returned to the tree owner or disposed of if declined, while fruit and windfalls remain the owner’s property. Tree owners are generally not responsible for clearing fallen leaves unless they cause damage, such as blocked drains. Poorly executed pruning that damages or destabilises a tree could result in negligence claims, so using an insured, competent tree surgeon is recommended.

Sainsbury’s has introduced its Full on Fibre labelling initiative across 600 UK supermarkets, covering more than 500 products and highlighting fibre, fruit and vegetable content. The scheme responds to low national fibre consumption and widespread confusion about dietary sources and recommended amounts. Sainsbury’s is also promoting fibre-rich foods through discounts, Healthy Start support and investment in affordable staples, while the NHS recommends adults consume 30 grams of fibre daily. The Food Foundation welcomed the initiative, which could increase demand for high-fibre ingredients, reformulated products and clearer nutritional information from suppliers.

The Department for Work and Pensions has introduced automatic audio recording as the default for health assessments covering Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance work capability assessments, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Claimants can opt out, while recordings may support quality monitoring and appeals alongside written reports. The government is also increasing face-to-face assessments, with PIP and work capability assessments targeted to reach 30%, and plans to add staff to address the Access to Work backlog. The changes follow concerns about trust in assessments, criticism of high virtual-assessment rates and rising PIP claims, with a final review of PIP due in autumn.

The state pension age is being phased up from 66 to 67 between 2026 and April 2028, but the Work and Pensions Committee warns that many people are unaware of the change and may be unable to work until the new eligibility age. Chair Debbie Abrahams highlighted declining healthy life expectancy, rising work-limiting health conditions, frailty and poverty among people in their early 60s, noting that only 42% of 65-year-olds and fewer than 30% of 66-year-olds were in work in 2025. The committee said the previous increase from 65 to 66 doubled absolute poverty among 65-year-olds and urged an uplift in Universal Credit during the year before state pension eligibility. It estimated this support would cost about £600 million annually, compared with projected savings of £10.5 billion a year once the pension age reaches 67. The Department for Work and Pensions is contacting affected people and reviewing communications, while the committee rejected claims that a further increase is about to be accelerated.

New UK pricing rules introduced in April are reportedly being actively enforced by Trading Standards, the Competition and Markets Authority and other designated bodies. Supermarkets must display clear selling and unit prices, use standardised metric measurements, and show both regular and loyalty-card prices with the conditions for obtaining discounts. Non-compliance can lead to criminal or civil action, including fines of up to £300,000 or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher.

Tesco has emailed customers about a recall of 140g Doritos Chilli Heatwave packs with batch code GBC 209 184C and a best-before date of December 5, 2026. Some packs were reportedly filled with Tangy Cheese crisps, creating a risk for people with milk allergies or intolerances because milk is not declared on the label. Customers are advised not to eat the product, return it for a full refund, and contact PepsiCo for further information.

A government-commissioned review of Personal Independence Payment reported that soaring claimant numbers, especially for anxiety, depression, ADHD and autism, have increased costs and highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the system. Review chair Stephen Timms said major reform is needed to make assessments fairer and ensure long‑term financial sustainability. Conservative figures urged quicker action and questioned rising claims, while disability charities called for compassionate changes, fewer reassessments and support that better reflects fluctuating or invisible conditions. The final recommendations are expected in the autumn.

A heatwave across the UK has prompted health advice from GP Clare Rooms, who warns that very cold showers can constrict blood vessels and delay cooling. She recommends cool, not ice-cold, showers, improving bedroom airflow, using breathable bedding, and staying hydrated to ease sleep during high temperatures. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts for several regions as temperatures could reach 36C. Rooms notes that disrupted sleep due to heat is common but persistent sleep issues may signal insomnia requiring medical attention.

Insurance experts warn that a cancelled car insurance policy can remain on a driver’s record indefinitely, forcing them to declare it whenever applying for future cover and often resulting in higher premiums. A mother seeking advice about her son’s cancelled policy was told that insurers can verify cancellations and that failing to disclose them can invalidate a policy or constitute fraud. While some insurers ask about cancellations within a limited timeframe, others require lifetime disclosure, making careful attention to wording essential. Comparison sites and insurers routinely check for past cancellations, and individuals who provide false information risk fines, prosecution, or inclusion on the Insurance Fraud Register, which can impact future insurance applications and credit ratings.

Martin Lewis urges eligible pensioners to claim Attendance Allowance, a non‑means‑tested benefit worth up to £5,959 annually that remains significantly underclaimed, with an estimated 1.1 million people missing out. The allowance supports those aged 66 and above with disabilities or health conditions requiring regular care, with eligibility unaffected by income or savings. Guidance explains payment rates, qualifying conditions and the application process, emphasising the value of submitting a claim even at the lower rate. A reader's case study highlights substantial financial gains from claiming related benefits. Support from organisations such as Citizens Advice and Age UK is recommended for navigating the complex application process.

The minimum age for using e‑gates at UK airports will be lowered to eight from 8 July, allowing around 1.5 million additional children to bypass manual passport checks. The Home Office says the change will speed up border processing while maintaining security. Children eight and nine who are at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult will be eligible to use the gates at 13 UK airports and at juxtaposed controls in Brussels and Paris. Government ministers and industry leaders say the move will ease family travel and reduce waiting times, while also freeing Border Force officers for higher‑priority tasks.

A GP highlights four physical symptoms—unsteady gait, clumsiness, coordination difficulties, and tremors or stiffness—that may signal dementia before memory loss develops. The article stresses the importance of early diagnosis, noting rising dementia prevalence in the UK and globally. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, healthy diet, weight management, and reducing smoking and alcohol consumption are cited as ways to lower risk. Surveys show many people delay seeking medical advice due to uncertainty about symptoms, despite dementia not being a normal part of ageing.

A Worcestershire woman built a successful resale business after discovering she could profit significantly from second-hand clothing, including a Laura Ashley dress purchased for £35 and sold for £350. After her physical shop closed during the pandemic, she shifted fully to eBay, where live-streamed auctions accelerated her growth, helping her surpass £100,000 in turnover within six months. She now sources clothing from charity shops, car boot sales, and retail returns, emphasising sustainability, and plans to expand her operation while aspiring to eventually launch a knitwear brand.

A heatwave expected to exceed 30C has prompted SongBird Survival to urge gardeners to provide clean water for songbirds while avoiding summer bird feeding due to increased disease risks such as Salmonella and Trichomonosis. Experts warn that UK songbird populations are already declining and that bird feeders may worsen disease transmission and species competition. The charity recommends shallow water dishes, reduced summer feeding and planting insect‑attracting vegetation. Garden designer Nicola Oakey advises providing sheltered water sources and leaving plants with seed heads to support natural foraging.

New UK veterinary regulations will introduce legally binding prescription fee caps, mandatory publication of price lists and clearer ownership disclosures to improve transparency and reduce costs for pet owners. The Competition and Markets Authority set the first prescription at £21 and additional medicines at £12.50, alongside requirements for written estimates on treatments above £500, clearer pet plan pricing, improved complaints processes and easier switching from out‑of‑hours providers. Large chains will implement changes from September 23, with full industry compliance staged through 2027.

Over 6,000 UK motorists received licence points last year for vehicle defects, most commonly due to unsafe tyres, according to data obtained by the RAC from the DVLA. Tyre-related offences accounted for nearly two‑thirds of recorded incidents, with issues such as insufficient tread depth, damage and incorrect specifications highlighted as major risks. The RAC warns that many unroadworthy vehicles likely go undetected due to declining traffic police numbers, noting a drop of over 1,000 officers since 2015. With millions of MOT failures annually, the organisation urges drivers to carry out regular checks, use maintenance reminder apps and ensure tyres and other components remain roadworthy to avoid fines, points and safety hazards.

New regulations will allow the use of certified digital ID services for alcohol purchases in England and Wales starting in autumn 2026. The change, announced by Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones, updates licensing rules to permit digital age verification through approved services meeting UK trust framework standards. Physical ID will remain acceptable. Apps such as Yoti and Post Office EasyID will enable users to verify age using various identity sources, including forthcoming digital driving licences. Supporters say the move improves security and convenience while maintaining protections against underage sales.

A doctor recommends eating protein-rich meals, even traditional dinner foods, for breakfast to improve satiety and support weight loss. He criticises the influence of cereal marketing on breakfast habits and advises patients to reduce access to ultra-processed foods at home to avoid snacking. Strategies include reframing breakfast expectations and removing tempting items to reset eating patterns and improve weight maintenance.

Extreme heat has forced UK supermarkets to shut down refrigerated aisles as cooling systems struggle to expel hot air, particularly in older stores with external condenser units. A BBC expert explained that the systems become inefficient rather than fully broken, creating a cycle of overheating. The heatwave has led to record temperatures, service disruptions, emergency incidents, hospital pressures and warnings from health officials urging the public to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun and limit outdoor exercise.

Experts recommend opening a loft hatch during extreme heat to allow trapped warm air to escape, helping upper floors cool more quickly. The technique works best when lofts are ventilated or have windows that can be opened to improve airflow. Home‑advice sources and experts note that hot air naturally rises, meaning releasing it through the loft can reduce indoor temperatures without opening regular windows, which can allow more heat inside. Closing blinds and curtains is also advised during peak heat.

A petition urges the UK Government to set a legally binding maximum working temperature of 25°C as the country faces extreme heat warnings and record temperatures. Unions including Usdaw, GMB and Unite warn of rising health risks and unsafe working conditions, calling for stronger protections and immediate employer action. Legal experts highlight ambiguity in existing regulations, which require employers to maintain “reasonable” temperatures but do not define a maximum limit. The proposal would require cooling measures or paused work once temperatures reach 25°C and set lower thresholds for physically demanding roles.

A pharmacist warns that several common medications—including antidepressants, antipsychotics, heart medications such as beta‑blockers and diuretics, stimulants, and insulin—can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature during extreme heat. These drugs may reduce sweating, increase dehydration risk, or alter blood flow, potentially leading to heat-related illness. Insulin users may face faster absorption and degraded medication in high temperatures. Preventative measures include proper medication storage, staying hydrated, avoiding peak heat hours, and consulting healthcare professionals before altering prescriptions.

Guinea pig owners across the UK are urged to bring their pets indoors as temperatures exceeding 26C can cause fatal heatstroke. The Blue Cross warns that guinea pigs cannot regulate their body temperature and may overheat rapidly during the ongoing heatwave, which has reached record-breaking levels. Owners are advised to move pets into cool rooms, use frozen water bottles, provide ample fresh water, offer hydrating vegetables in moderation, and use chilled tiles for cooling while avoiding heat‑trapping plastic shelters.

A severe heatwave with temperatures potentially reaching 40C prompted a red Met Office alert across parts of England and Wales, alongside red health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency. NHS doctor Mohit Mandiratta advised avoiding outdoor activity between 11am and 3pm, staying hydrated and checking on vulnerable people as health services face mounting pressure. The extreme conditions are disrupting schools, rail services and travel across the UK, with authorities urging the public to avoid unnecessary journeys and prepare for potential delays and breakdown risks.

The UK government will introduce a 22% charge on interest earned from cash held inside stocks and shares ISAs to prevent circumvention of upcoming cash ISA limits. The reform follows the discontinuation of the Lifetime ISA and maintains a £20,000 allowance for non‑cash ISAs, with the same limit retained for savers over 65 holding cash ISAs. HMRC will implement rules from April 2027 to stop savers using non‑cash ISAs for long‑term tax‑free cash holdings or cash‑like investments. Industry groups express mixed reactions, with some warning the changes may deter investment, while others welcome the clarity and emphasis on fairness. A technical consultation will begin before regulations are finalised in the autumn.

Extreme heat across Spain, France and Portugal prompted the UK Foreign Office to issue updated travel guidance warning of health risks and heightened wildfire danger. France placed dozens of regions under red heat alerts amid widespread disruption and numerous drowning deaths, while Spain forecast temperatures up to 44C and highlighted worsening conditions linked to climate change. Authorities in all three countries advised travellers to monitor weather updates, follow local safety guidance, and exercise caution as heatwaves and fires become increasingly frequent and severe.

Extreme heat across the UK triggered a red health warning as temperatures approached 40C, prompting public health guidance from Dr Ranj Singh, who advised avoiding outdoor activity between 3pm and 5pm when heat peaks. Retailers reported sharp increases in sales of cooling-related products as households sought relief. Authorities warned of risks to vulnerable groups and highlighted the symptoms and emergency signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, urging rapid cooling and medical intervention when necessary.

Proposed reforms to family law in England and Wales would grant unmarried couples greater protections after separation or bereavement, with eligibility based on at least three years of cohabitation or sharing a child. Legal experts explain that current law offers no automatic inheritance or asset rights for cohabiting partners, creating risks of financial hardship, especially in abusive or economically controlled relationships. The consultation seeks to establish a statutory framework with clearer rights while still keeping distinctions from marriage. Officials highlight the intent to provide fairness and support for vulnerable individuals, with the consultation running until mid-August.

A UK heatwave and related concerns about deodorant safety prompted TV doctor Hilary Jones to address claims linking ingredients such as parabens and aluminium to health risks. He stated that scientific evidence does not support associations with dementia or breast cancer and described absorption levels as minimal. Charlotte Church’s decision to stop using deodorant due to chemical concerns resurfaced the debate, while separate complaints about skin irritation from specific batches of Mitchum roll‑on deodorant led the company to apologise and revert a manufacturing change. Additional medical commentary reaffirmed that antiperspirants are not linked to cancer and that aluminium restrictions before breast screening relate only to imaging clarity.

Families receiving Child Benefit are being warned to confirm by August 31 that teenagers aged 16 to 19 are remaining in education or approved training or monthly payments may stop in September. HMRC is sending around 1.5 million reminder letters and encouraging parents to extend claims through the HMRC app or GOV.UK. Child Benefit rates, eligibility rules, and the High Income Child Benefit Charge are outlined, with officials urging early action to avoid disruption in payments.