Peter Whittlesea

A Kent widow has been unable to access her late husband's civil service pension for nine months after Capita took over scheme administration, leaving her in financial distress and reliant on her children. More than 4,500 bereavement cases remain delayed, prompting the UK government to impose commercial pressure on the contractor and plan to bring the scheme back in-house. Capita apologised for poor service and said new processes and technology are being used to address the backlog.

A Kent widow has been unable to access her late husband's civil service pension for nine months due to a backlog created after Capita took over the scheme’s administration. The payment delay has forced her into debt and financial hardship, with her family providing support to prevent eviction. The Cabinet Office criticised Capita for repeatedly missing recovery targets and announced commercial measures to pressure the contractor, while Capita apologised and said it is working to resolve operational issues affecting thousands of bereavement cases.

Hannah Kitney is raising funds for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex in memory of her partner, PC Bradley Corke, who died after a car crash while responding to an emergency call. She credits the charity’s rapid response with allowing family and friends time with him before he died. Kitney and a friend plan to complete a sponsored skydive, with more than £12,000 already raised alongside contributions from Corke’s family and friends. A police investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

A women-only group founded in Eastbourne to help people attend music events without going alone has expanded to more than 700 members across East Sussex. Members describe significant emotional benefits, including renewed confidence and social connection. The group hosts meetups at music venues and daytime gatherings to help newcomers integrate, with organisers emphasising inclusivity and community-building.

A long‑standing Brighton snooker club faces possible closure after St Matthias Church challenged the validity of its historic peppercorn‑rent lease and sought a commercial rent due to financial pressures. The church’s legal advice indicates the original agreement may not be binding, leaving members uncertain about their future in the building they have used and maintained since 1929. Club members stress the venue’s alignment with church values and its importance as a rare, alcohol‑free community space for young people. Supporters have launched a petition that has gained over 1,400 signatures as they urge the church to reconsider.