3 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Martin Lewis issues warning for 880,000 pensioners missing out on “financial lifeline” worth £3,900 a year
MARTIN Lewis has issued an urgent warning to 880,000 pensioners who are missing out on a “financial lifeline” worth £3,900 a year.
With colder months approaching and energybills on the rise, this extra cash could be a real financial lifeline.
Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to 880,000 pensionersIt could provide pensioners with support worth up to £3,900 a year
The Government’s Pension Credit Week of Action kicked off yesterday, urging pensioners across the country to check their eligibility and claim what they are entitled to.
Yet, despite the campaign and countless reminders, thousands of pensioners are still failing to claim the Pension Credit they’re due – and they could be missing out on much more than just that.
Pension Credit is worth an average of £4,000 a year and opens the door to a host of other benefits, such as a free TV licence, help with housing costs, and the all-important Winter Fuel Payment.
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to issue a stark warning, saying: “The government must rethink winter fuel payments or almost all pensioners will need to find £100s more than last winter.”
He added: “While energy will cost less than during last winter’s crisis time, the reduction in rates only equates to a drop of roughly £100 over the six winter months for a household with typical usage.
“Yet specific pensioner energy support has dropped by far more.”
With the new price cap from Ofgem set to increase energy bills by 10 per cent from October 1, pensioners are facing an average annual bill of £1,717.
The government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payments, limiting them to those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, has left many pensioners out in the cold – literally.
Last year, 11.5 million households received up to £600 in winter fuel support, but this year, millions will miss out unless they claim Pension Credit.
If you’re over the State Pension age and your income is below £218.15 (if single) or £332.95 (if a couple), you could be eligible for Pension Credit.
Even if your income is slightly above these thresholds, you might still qualify if you have certain expenses like housing costs, or if you’re a carer or have a disability.
The application is simple, and the benefits are substantial.
Pension Credit doesn’t just top up your income – it’s the gateway to other critical support like Council Tax reductions, free NHS dental treatment, and help with housing costs.
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply for Pension Credit in three easy ways:
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Anna Mariana, the wife of Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has come to the rescue of her husband by posting pictures of the trophies the Brazilian has won so far in his career. Since Sunday, September 1, Casemiro has been subjected to different degrees of criticism by pundits and some United fans for his poor performance […]
3 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Two killed in head-on-crash after sat-nav sent driver wrong way down slip road
TWO women were killed in a head-on crash after a sat-nav sent the driver the wrong way down a slip road.
A coroner has now called for clearer signs at a road junction after two women died in November.
Google MapsA coroner has called for clearer signs on the A5 slip road at Little Brickhill in north Buckinghamshire[/caption]
The assistant coroner for Milton Keynes, Sean Cummings, has taken the unusual step of issuing a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report ahead of the full inquest which has yet to be held into the tragedy.
Mr Cummings made the move after being handed reports of several other near misses at the same spot on the “off” slip road from the A5 at Little Brickhill in north Buckinghamshire.
Amal Mohamed Ahmed, 38, was killed on November 20 having driven her Peugeot 208 along the road, apparently having used her sat-nav to get her to Queensway, Bletchley.
She turned onto the slip road and drove in the wrong direction, colliding head-on with an oncoming Volkswagen Tiguan.
Ms Ahmed died at the scene and her passenger was critically injured.
The driver of the Volkswagen died later in the John Radcliffe Hospital.
The Chief Executive of Milton Keynes City Council and the Chief Executive of National Highways Dr Cummings said in his PFD report he had been told that although there were No Entry signs they were either badly positioned or did not seem to relate to the slip road.
It was also noted the area is unlit, the Bucks Free Press reports.
He said: “After the collision attending police officers saw three further vehicles perform exactly the same manoeuvre as Ms Ahmed and attempt to travel down the slip road in the wrong direction.
“Local residents have contacted police and complained that it is a very common occurrence for drivers to mistakenly travel down the slip road in the wrong direction.”
He added the slip road was long, allowing vehicles to build up some considerable speed.
Dr Cummings also noted that while large temporary No Entry signs had been placed at the top of the slip road after the tragedy, they were soon removed because the original signs were said to comply with regulations.
He said: “That seems wholly irrelevant to me because drivers are clearly not seeing the signs because of the large numbers who mistakenly drive the wrong way onto the slip road.
“In my opinion, consideration should be given to alternative arrangements to prevent vehicles entering and travelling along the slip road in the wrong direction.”
Milton Keynes Council told the BBC that National Highways “have responsibility for the roundabout” and the nearby signage and lighting.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “Our deepest sympathies remain with the family and friends of those involved in this tragic incident.”
“We have received the Coroners Regular 28 Report to Prevent Deaths and will prepare a response to meet the deadline,” they added.
The authorities have until February 14 to respond to the coroner’s concerns.
Google MapsAmal Mohamed Ahmed and the driver of a Volkswagen Tiguan were killed in the horror crash[/caption]
Air fryers crisp up food to perfection and generally offer other functions too, so you can bake cupcakes, dehydrate orange slices or roast a chicken as your mealtimes demand.
Black Friday is the ideal opportunity to buy a new air fryer if you have never tried one before.
Perhaps you’re ready for an upgrade from your basic model or need a larger capacity model for entertaining, if so, there are sure to be a wealth of great choices available with a big discount during November.
When is Black Friday 2024?
Make a note in your calendar because this year Black Friday takes place on 29 November.
The annual shopping event always happens the day after Thanksgiving in the USA and though originally it was solely a US thing, it has evolved into the biggest sale bonanza in the world.
Black Friday is the time to stock up on high-price items as savings can be massive, and it’s ideal for Christmas gift shopping too.
What’s even better is that in recent years many retailers have started offering discounts from the start of November.
These savings often continue past the Black Friday weekend, and in some cases run up until Christmas.
So keep an eye on our Black Friday features and discover the best Black Friday deals as they’re launched.
If you have ever wondered how Black Friday came about and where the name came from then take a look at our explainer for all of the info.
Will air fryers be on sale during Black Friday this year?
The short answer is yes. Air fryers have become so popular in recent years and there can’t be many households that don’t have one in their kitchen.
Black Friday is the perfect time to upgrade your existing fryer or if you don’t have one, find out what all the fuss is about.
Last year we saw discounts from big names including Ninja, Tefal, Salter and Philips, with retailers such as Argos, Amazon, John Lewis and Currys taking part in the event.
This year we expect these brands and stores to once again offer big discounts as part of their Black Friday sale, though we haven’t had confirmation yet as to what will be included.
Your best bet is to revisit this page regularly as we’ll be updating it with information as soon as it becomes available.
Which retailers taking part in Black Friday this year?
Though details have yet to be announced, there are certain to be lots of discounts available across a wide range of air fryers.
Keep an eye on these major retailers to make sure you don’t miss out on Black Friday offers:
Make sure you shop around to find the best and cheapest deal on the air fryer you want during the sale period.
The great thing about Black Friday is that retailers compete with each other to bring you the lowest price.
Ideally, this should be a lasting investment, just at a lower price.
But don’t hang about too long, otherwise you risk missing out and with many deals, it’s a case of once they sell out, they’re gone for good.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy an air fryer?
Yes! There are great discounts available on all the best models, which means you can save a substantial amount on this handy kitchen item.
Top brands compete to offer the best Black Friday deals, and you reap the benefits.
Black Friday is the ideal time to purchase a product like an air fryer since they can be quite expensive – but equally, if you’re buying one, you want something high-quality and long-lasting.
An air fryer can also make an enormous difference to the way you cook and eat, as well as saving you money on running your regular oven.
When is Cyber Monday 2024?
Cyber Monday is the Monday after Black Friday, so this year that’s 2 December. It marks the official end of the Black Friday sale, with the event traditionally closing at midnight that day.
As you might guess from the name, Cyber Monday was originally an online-only occasion with substantial price cuts across all kinds of goods.
Now, however, the entire event encompasses both offline and online discounts so there’s no longer any real distinction and great deals can be found across the whole of the weekend.
In the past few years, we have seen price cuts continue after the official close of Cyber Monday and this year is likely to be the same, which is great news for shoppers.
What are the best air fryers you can buy in 2024 at a glance?
Wondering which air fryer model is worthy of your Black Friday purchase?
What our reviewer says:“Considering its dinky size and simplicity, it would be a great choice for uni students and elderly family members who sometimes can’t find their way around complicated gadgets.”
Pros: Compact size, budget-friendly price, easy to use, pre-heating light
What our reviewer says:“This is a great value fryer. It’s not too noisy, offers great functions – air fry, grill, bake, saute and roast – and doesn’t take up too much space.“
Pros: Easy to set up, budget-friendly, recipes included
Online marketplace eBay had some great offers for Black Friday 2023, including up to 40% off selected refurb Ninja appliances plus an additional 25% off on top.
EMtronics Double Basket Air Fryer Digital Dual 9L with Timer, £69.99 (save £40) – shop here
Salter Air Fryer 7.6L Dual Zone Digital Display 10 Cooking Functions 1700W Black, £109.99 (save £140) – shop here
Salter Digital Air Fryer 4.5 L Compact, £49.99 (save £70) – shop here
Ninja Foodi MAX 9.5L Dual Zone Air Fryer – AF400UK, £179.99 (save £70) – shop here
Ninja
NinjaNinja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer[/caption]
AO also had a number of air fryers discounted in its sale, with many models quickly selling out.
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK Air Fryer, £149 (save £70) – shop here
Tefal EasyFry 2in1 Precision, was £76 during Black Friday 2023, but is currently available for £135 – shop here
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer AF100UK Air Fryer, £88 (save £61) – shop here
How do air fryers work and are they healthy?
Air fryers cook food by convection heating. When you place food in the basket and turn your air fryer on, hot air is pumped around the food by the fan.
This process makes the food crisp, like deep frying but without the oil.
Air frying is certainly healthier than deep frying in oil – cutting calories by around 70% and a lot less fat.
Compared to oven-baking, air-fried dishes are just as healthy as if you had oven-baked them.
However, many of the traditionally deep-fried foods you would put in an air fryer are not the healthiest options, so they should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How to cook chips in an air fryer
Cut potatoes into chips – not too thin and not too big – wash them and towel dry.
Spray the chips with oil – you can go oil-free but a little can make them crispier.
Season and transfer the chips to the air fryer basket.
Air fry for around 20-25 minutes – give the basket a shake halfway through and spray the chips with more oil if needed.
An air fryer can be a really useful addition to your kitchen that you’re sure to use on a regular basis.
This type of cooking uses less oil so can be healthier. An air fryer also cooks food quicker than a conventional oven does and uses less energy, which is particularly important as fuel costs are due to rise again soon.
Many models offer multiple functions, such as bake, roast and steam, as well as air frying, meaning you have lots of different options for making the most of this versatile and increasingly popular kitchen tool.
What are the pros and cons of an air fryer?
As we’ve explored, there are plenty of great pros.
Air fryers are cheaper, faster, healthier and more energy efficient – plus they don’t take up too much space in your kitchen.
As for the cons, they work best if you’re cooking smaller portions – so that might mean having to cook more often rather than generating lots of leftovers.
Some models are trickier to clean or can be noisy.
If that’s a concern for you, make sure you choose a model that is dishwasher-friendly and doesn’t make a lot of noise.
Is it cheaper to cook in an air fryer than in an oven?
In terms of energy costs: absolutely. It can be half as expensive to cook in the air fryer than in the average oven.
Air fryers are also cheaper to buy than ovens, so you’ll get your money back faster if you use them a lot.
Plus, you only need a tiny bit of oil for most of your air fryer cooking – which should save you money in the long run.
3 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Watch moment 15 abandoned high rises are DEMOLISHED in just seconds after Chinese builders ‘ran out of money’
THIS is the moment a host of Chinese high-rises collapse one after another in just seconds after builders were believed to go broke.
Shocking footage shows 15 apartment buildings sink to the soil immediately, leaving nothing but huge clouds of dust.
The moment before a bunch of buildings implode like dominoesThey start sinking to the groundSeveral of them collapse in a dramatic sceneA cloud of smoke expands into the air
Social media users speculated that the sequence of buildings were deliberately demolished because builders’ bank accounts were drained and they couldn’t afford to finish the job.
The vision now going viral is from August 2021 in Kunming, southern China, according to a Vice report.
Chinese state media Global Times also reported they were originally built for residents but were never finished.
It’s not a new phenomenon in China, where an overzealous construction boom led to huge amounts of unclaimed apartments.
Empty high-rises are strewn across eerie cities – dubbed ghost cities – after a building boom through the 2000s that ultimately wasn’t met with demand to match.
A decade-long golden run between 2004-2014 led to a doubling in Chinese house prices, which inspired local governments and developers to borrow increasing levels of cash from banks.
But after obscene levels of debt emerged, President Xi Jinping launched a huge crackdown.
The housing bubble now appears to be blowing with developers in too much debt to complete their projects.
Consequently, buildings are either demolished or sit empty like scenes from an apocalyptic movie.
Building work at Guangzhou Evergrande football stadium was halted due to a lack of cash – with pictures showing cranes sitting abandoned and dormant over the half built structure.
And a elsewhere a complex of hotels, theme parks and tourist attractions in north China’s Hebei province remains unfinished after the real estate company went bankrupt after.
Roger Garside, Associate Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, previously told The Sun China was facing a “debt mountain”.
Infamously, big-time developer Evergrande in 2021 collapsed with the company having a huge $300billion in liabilities.
It led to dozens more stalled projects across the country.
There was even a 100,000-seat stadium in the works to provide a new home for Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande.
Mr Garside added in a previous Sun feature: “The Communist regime has known full well for over a decade the risks that have been building in its economy.
“It has been relying excessively on debt to fuel growth since 2008, a reliance which is most strikingly illustrated by the property sector, until it now has a debt mountain of a height such that no nation has ever succeeded in reducing it significantly without either inflation or recession.
“Its return on investment has been steadily declining. More and more of its economic activity has been unprofitable.”
Chinese President Xi JinpingAPGettyAn unfinished stadium in China[/caption]
One of the country’s so-called ghost citiesGetty
3 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on New AI cameras to be rolled out from TOMORROW to catch drivers breaking the law – here’s six offences they can capture
NEW AI cameras that can automatically detect drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel are set to be rolled out from tomorrow.
The smart tech is to be deployed in the Greater Manchester area from September 3 – as part of a wider national trial.
National HighwaysNew AI cameras will be rolled out across Greater Manchester as part of a wider national trial[/caption]
National HighwaysAI powered cameras have already been deployed in Devon and Cornwall[/caption]
The state-of-the-art cameras, which can be mounted to a vehicle or to a trailer, will be set up at several locations across the region.
Built by tech company Acusensus, it’s claimed that the AI software will “provide automated recognition of drivers using mobile phones while driving in order to enforce traffic safety laws intended to prevent distracted driving”.
First trialled by the National Highways in 2021, the software works by capturing footage of passing vehicles which is then run through AI to detect whether a driver is using their smartphone or not wearing a seatbelt.
Two precise photos are taken, one taken at an angle that captures whether or not the driver has a phone to their ear and if their seat belt is being worn.
A second is taken from a deeper angle which can capture if a driver is messaging on their device.
Are AI cameras coming to a roadside near you?
Beginning in 2021, the National Highways and the police began their trial rollout of AI camera tech – which is set to run until March 2025.
Currently, 10 police forces are taking part in the AI trial; Greater Manchester, Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.
The long-term plan is for AI cameras to be attached to gantries on motorways in the trial regions, but for now the aim is to simply help police understand how AI can be used on National Highway roads.
The tech isn’t completely dominated by AI though, as the footage is then examined by a human to confirm if the software has indeed picked up an offence being committed.
It is only after the human check that the driver is issued with a penalty charge notice.
According to the Acusensus, the AI cameras, known as their ‘Heads Up’ software, has the ability to capture images during the day or at night in almost any weather conditions – including sun glare.
In a Daily Mail article, it’s claimed AI cameras could capture drivers speeding, using their phone while driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, failing to stop at a red light, driving without a valid MOT and driving without insurance.
Acusensus have claimed that any images captured that don’t show an offence or are incorrect will be deleted immediately from their archives.
The innovative devices will also be used by Safer Roads Greater Manchester as part of their survey to find out how many drivers break the law.
This could then be used to determine futureroad safetycampaigns relating to mobile phone usage and seat belts.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Network Director for Highways, said: “In Greater Manchester we know that distractions and not wearing seat belts are key factors in a number of road traffic collisions on our roads which have resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.
“By utilising this state-of-the-art technology provided by Acusensus, we hope to gain a better understanding of how many drivers break the law in this way, whilst also helping to reduce these dangerous driving practices and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Greater Manchester isn’t the first UK region to try out the tech, as a similar trial in Cornwall last year saw 300 Brits caught out within just three days.
The RAC has backed the move, saying that a “lack of enforcement” was making UK roads more dangerous for law-abiding drivers.
Acusensus/YOUTUBEThe new tech works by taking two photos at differing angles capable of seeing into cars[/caption]
Acusensus/YOUTUBEAfter potentially picking up an offence, the images are then viewed by a human[/caption]
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) has berated President Bola Tinubu and the country’s military leadership for failing to combat the insecurity situation in the country. The group pointed to the recent developments in Zamfara and Niger states, where terrorists have not only continued to terrorize local communities but also managed to capture […]
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has established a committee to investigate the fire outbreak that occurred at the Muhammadu Buhari House, a part of the Governor’s office. A statement issued by Abdullahi Aliyu Yar’adua, the Director Press to the Secretary to the State Government, said the fire damaged the mini chamber attached […]
3 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Why Jaden Newman Is Trending All Over Twitter
Jaden Newman, who is a well-known basketball talent and a social media influencer, is currently trending on Twitter because of reasons not everyone favours. Jaden is known for her basketball skills, and from a young age, she has maintained a good reputation for the sport. Why Jaden Newman Is Trending However, Jaden recently posted on …
3 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Victor Osimhen Nears One-Year Loan Move to Galatasaray from Napoli
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is reportedly close to completing a one-year loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. The Nigerian forward, who failed to secure a move to a top European club during the summer transfer window, has been excluded from Napoli’s squad under new manager Antonio Conte. With limited options available, Osimhen is now considering […]
