Gary Stewart

The Department for Work and Pensions has identified 25 skin conditions associated with Personal Independence Payment claims, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, lymphoedema and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. DWP data shows 27,391 people were claiming PIP for these conditions in April 2026. Eligible recipients may receive up to £114.80 per week through the enhanced daily living component, with total payments reaching £187 per week when mobility support also applies. PIP is not means-tested and does not depend on National Insurance contributions.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 33% believe they are more prone to insect bites or stings than other people, while 56% had experienced one in the previous year. Respondents commonly attributed this to body chemistry, scented products, sugary drinks, blood type and clothing. Research from Johns Hopkins suggests that higher levels of certain skin compounds, along with body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide, can make some people more attractive to mosquitoes. Fear of insects is also affecting summer behavior, with some people staying indoors, covering up or fleeing. Wasp-Eze general manager Mike Rondas recommends using repellent, avoiding strong scents, covering exposed skin and treating stings with soap, water and a cold compress, while seeking medical help for allergic reactions.

UK law sets no fixed age for leaving a child home alone, but parents can face prosecution if doing so puts a child at risk. NSPCC guidance advises against leaving children under 12 alone for long periods or anyone under 16 alone overnight, stressing that decisions should be based on maturity and preparedness. Helen Westerman of the NSPCC urges parents to gradually build children’s independence, take precautions, consider additional needs and set clear boundaries, noting an increase in related calls during school holidays as families manage childcare pressures.

Merseyside ranks as the UK’s second worst area for Japanese knotweed, with more than 3,300 verified incidents according to Environet’s heatmap data. Research indicates around 7% of UK homes are affected, typically reducing property values by about 5%. Former industrial sites and historical soil movement have contributed to the spread of the invasive plant, whose resilient rhizome system makes early detection critical. Environet’s director advises regular checks during the growing season and offers free identification support for suspected cases, while surveys can determine treatment needs and risks of property damage.

The Lotto jackpot stands at an estimated £9.5 million with two rounds of numbers drawn, followed by the Thunderball results. The article provides live updates, including winning numbers for both Lotto rounds and the Thunderball draw, along with reminders about draw times and explanations of recent changes allowing two chances to win per ticket.

Teachers and other education workers are encouraged to join the Blue Light Card scheme, which costs £4.99 for two years and can offer savings of more than £3,000 annually through discounts at over 15,000 retailers. The programme, also open to NHS, emergency services, armed forces and social care staff, aims to recognise the wider impact of educators. Blue Light Card highlights that many people only appreciate teachers’ contributions later in life, and urges eligible members to check available offers as the school term ends.

A pharmacist explains that hydration is the only effective remedy for a hangover, debunking common myths such as fry‑ups soaking up alcohol or coffee sobering you up. He warns against taking paracetamol after drinking due to liver strain, advising ibuprofen the next morning instead. Hot weather worsens dehydration, increasing hangover severity. Guidance is also given on managing hangxiety and avoiding harmful alcohol interactions with medications including sedatives, antidepressants, antibiotics, statins, antihistamines and cold treatments.

Police stopped a disqualified driver on the M62 and discovered more than £100,000 worth of illegal drugs in an M&S bag, along with the driver's 13-year-old son. Darren McDonnell admitted acting as a courier to repay a drug debt, despite previous convictions and a suspended sentence. The judge deemed the child's presence an aggravating factor and sentenced McDonnell to seven and a half years in prison for possession with intent to supply and driving offences.

A 12-year-old schoolgirl received a £102 fine on a Merseyrail train after forgetting her pre-paid term pass, despite showing a photograph of it. Her father, Carl Gurnell, said she was left in tears, though Merseyrail disputed she appeared distressed. The family’s initial appeal was rejected but later overturned, aligning with national rules for forgotten passes. Gurnell criticised the system for targeting children rather than deliberate fare evaders, while Merseyrail defended its strict requirement for physical tickets and its appeals process. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is reviewing the incident, and the family is calling for changes to prevent similar cases.

Around 50 far‑right anti‑immigration protesters gathered outside the Royal Oak pub on County Road in Liverpool before marching toward the city centre under heavy police presence. A small group of counter‑protesters confronted them, and brief verbal clashes occurred. Local resident Silé Macraghnaill voiced community frustration with recurring demonstrations. Police, including mounted units, accompanied the marchers as they moved toward St George’s Hall, while nearby businesses and streets remained largely unaffected.