Smart meter figures: Nearly four million not working properly: Customers report being hit by hefty bills caused by smart meters not working properly.
bbc.com/news/articles/cz9zqn77ezno
Quick Glance: Checking Faulty Smart Meters: 4 Million Affected
- Energy ministers call for accountable regulation after discovering nearly four million smart meters in the UK are not functioning properly.
- The number of meters not operating in smart mode increased from 2.7 million in June 2023 to 3.98 million in December. Ofgem intervention is urged to ensure consumers and small businesses receive the full benefits of smart metering.
- Customers can verify the functionality of their smart meters by checking their meter readings online, via apps, or paper statements. If issues arise, they should contact their provider and temporarily submit manual readings.
- Some customers face massive bills due to faulty meters. Many providers are slow to refund overpayments. Complaints can be made to the providers and escalated to the ombudsman if issues remain unresolved.
Whatever Jeremy Hunt thinks, £100k is by any measure a high income: Median salary is estimated to be just above £35,000 and anything higher than £81 ...
theguardian.com/money/2024/mar/24/despite-what-jeremy-hunt-thinks-high-income-salary
Quick Glance: Jeremy Hunt's View on £100k Income & Financial Realities
- Jeremy Hunt's perception of £100,000 as a high income contrasts with the national median of £35,000, placing it significantly above average.
- Even in affluent areas like Godalming and Ash, where Hunt is campaigning, the median income of £56,606 shifts the perspective on six-figure salaries.
- Hunt's remarks were deemed inappropriate by experts as data shows many households are struggling due to living costs, including those in higher income brackets.
- New tax and benefit regulations for higher incomes could lead to unexpected financial burdens, as the offer of free childcare for parents earning over £100,000 is limited.
Mick Mulvaney defends Ronna McDaniel amid NBC turmoil: Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney is dismissing criticism NBC News is facing from some of ...
trib.al/tv44f7u
Quick Glance: NBC ends association with former RNC head Ronna McDaniel
- NBC News severed ties with former Republican National Committee chief Ronna McDaniel on Tuesday, shortly after bringing her on board as a political contributor on air.
- The decision came in response to a strong backlash from some of the network's journalists and commentators.
- McDaniel learned about her job termination through media reports rather than directly from NBC.
- The hiring and subsequent swift termination of McDaniel sparked public protests within the NBC network and beyond.
Katie Price says 'nobody can take her house' after being declared bankrupt again: Former glamour model Katie Price, 45, was declared bankrupt for a second time ...
mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/katie-price-says-nobody-can-32440866
Waspi: Women affected by state pension age rise should get compensation - ombudsman - BBC News
bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-68624420
Quick Glance: Compensation Demanded for Women Affected by Pension Age Changes - Ombudsman
- In 1995, a law was passed setting out a timetable to gradually raise the retirement age for women to 65, aligning it with men.
- The coalition government decided in 2010 to accelerate this timetable, resulting in the new higher retirement age for women being brought forward to 2018.
- The ombudsman suggests that women in the sample cases should receive compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, but the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) disagrees.
- Based on the report, the DWP strongly doubts providing a remedy and has asked Parliament to intervene in light of the significant impact of maladministration.
Kanye West demands music industry refer to him as 'Ye,' claims his former moniker is a 'slave name'
pagesix.com/2024/03/23/entertainment/kanye-west-demands-music-industry-refer-to-him-as-ye-claims-his-former-moniker-is-a-slave-name/
Quick Glance: Kanye West Insists on Music Industry Referring to Him as 'Ye,' Claims Former Moniker is a 'Slave Name'
- Kanye West demands to be called by his official name, Ye.
- In a letter, his chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, insisted that the rapper be referred to as Ye and not by his 'slave name.'
- Yiannopoulos called for 'streaming platforms, publishers, stores, unions, lyrics websites, and data resellers' to make the change as they are some of the 'most visible places.'
- A judge in Los Angeles approved the rapper's legal name change in 2021 citing 'personal reasons.'
Nottingham attacks: Prosecutors 'correct' to accept triple killer's pleas: The decision left the victims' families angry, with prosecutors accused of not ...
bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-68643143
Quick Glance: Nottingham Killer: Report Validates Prosecutors' Decisions
- The Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) found that prosecutors were correct in accepting Nottingham killer Valdo Calocane's manslaughter pleas due to diminished responsibility, instead of pursuing a murder case.
- The report recommended that CPS provide written guidance to help police family liaison officers explain legal concepts to bereaved families in the future.
- The report suggested that the government consider categorizing homicide into three tiers - first-degree murder, second-degree murder in cases of diminished responsibility, and manslaughter.
- The Attorney General ordered an urgent review of CPS's handling of the case after families of the three victims expressed disappointment that a murder case was not pursued by prosecutors.
Shamima Begum loses first bid to challenge citizenship removal at Supreme Court: Ms Begum may now ask the court directly for permission to have her case heard by ...
itv.com/news/2024-03-25/shamima-begum-loses-first-bid-to-challenge-citizenship-removal-at-supreme-court
Mulvaney calls Trump a ‘trampoline president’ after bond reduced: The former president said on Truth Social that he and his fellow defendants will pay the new ...
trib.al/uIFBcT1
Strensall Barracks saved! York army base will NOT be sold off by MoD: Strensall Barracks saved! York army base will NOT be sold off by MoD
yorkpress.co.uk/news/24217321.strensall-barracks-saved-york-army-base-will-not-sold-off-mod/
'Very important': Jeremy Hunt says pensions triple lock will be in next Tory manifesto
itv.com/news/2024-03-24/jeremy-hunt-says-pensions-triple-lock-will-be-in-next-tory-manifesto
Supernova Oct 7 massacre survivors detained, berated by UK border police: The officers allegedly said that they had to detain and interrogate the survivors for ...
jpost.com/breaking-news/article-793699
NEW: A 3.4 billion 'electricity superhighway' project from Scotland to England has been approved by Ofgem.
It will help transport enough clean Scottish ... Show more
Jeremy Hunt is right – £100,000 is not always a huge salary: Look at the context and the data, then a conversation can follow
inews.co.uk/opinion/jeremy-hunt-is-right-100000-is-not-always-a-huge-salary-2974213
Ofgem launches consultation on changes to energy price cap: Ofgem has launched a discussion on the energy price cap, floating options such as a cap based on ...
news.sky.com/story/ofgem-launches-consultation-on-changes-to-energy-price-cap-13101495
After decades of secrecy, the 'Ghost Army' is honored for saving U.S. lives in WWII
npr.org/2024/03/21/1239871379/ghost-army-congressional-gold-medal-world-war-2
HMRC reverses decision to close telephone helpline: The move comes less than a day after it said the self-assessment helpline would shut for six months.
bbc.com/news/business-68616330
Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy reportedly suspended: Israeli media say Eylon Levy was suspended over an online row with the UK foreign secretary.
bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68614552
Send energy meter readings this weekend to avoid overpaying, households urged: Ofgem’s cheaper price cap comes into effect on April 1.
itv.com/news/2024-03-27/households-urged-to-send-energy-meter-readings-this-weekend-to-avoid-overpaying
Euro 2024: German beer strength warning for British fans: The Foreign Office warns football fans that "stronger" German beer could get them barred from stadiums.
bbc.com/news/uk-68687789
Home Office gave 275 care worker sponsorship visas to home that didn't exist
news.sky.com/story/home-office-gave-275-care-worker-sponsorship-visas-to-home-that-didnt-exist-13102185
Thames Water funding woes deepen after shareholders pull investment plan: The Reading-based firm which serves 16 million customers across the Thames Valley and ...
itv.com/news/meridian/2024-03-28/thames-water-funding-woes-deepen-after-shareholders-pull-investment-plan
Quick Glance: Thames Water Directors Discuss Utility's Future
- The board of Thames Water engaged in crucial discussions as shareholders consider diluting a funding pledge. Shareholders, including the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) and China's sovereign wealth fund, may retract hundreds of millions of pounds in promised funding.
- Thames Water, employing about 7,000 people and serving nearly a quarter of the British population, is grappling with over £15 billion in debt. Shareholders had committed to provide £3.25 billion in the coming years, with the initial £750 million slated for this year.
- The shareholders' decision to reduce financial support could leave the heavily indebted company with few viable options to secure its future. Sky News previously reported that Whitehall officials had prepared contingency plans for Thames Water's potential collapse.
- Thames Water, serving 15 million customers in London and the south-east of England, has faced significant pressure due to leaks, sewage contamination, executive pay, and dividends. The prospect of temporary nationalisation in the event of a collapse could cost taxpayers billions.
North Korea TV censors Alan Titchmarsh's trousers: The gardening presenter fell foul of the secretive state's strict rules because of his choice of attire.
bbc.com/news/world-asia-68664644
Quick Glance: Censorship in North Korea Due to Alan Titchmarsh's Blue Jeans
- Renowned presenter Alan Titchmarsh faced unexpected censorship in North Korea for wearing blue jeans during a TV appearance.
- In an episode of his Garden Secrets series, the 74-year-old Titchmarsh visited Hatfield House in Hertfordshire to explore historical gardens.
- The broadcast of the episode in North Korea was altered to conceal Titchmarsh's blue jeans, which have been banned in the country since the 1990s.
- Despite the censorship, the episode was aired multiple times on North Korean TV with Titchmarsh's commentary replaced by North Korean narrators.
More than 500 migrants arrive in Kent small boats: More than 4,000 people have crossed from France so far this year, Home Office figures show,
bbc.com/news/articles/c51wqg3x8wno
UK’s Hunt Says State Pension and Benefits Are ‘Under Review’: Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt indicated that reforms to the UK state pension and welfare ...
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-19/uk-s-hunt-says-state-pension-and-benefits-are-under-review
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How much UK content is found in Boeing military aircraft?: Have you ever wondered how much British content can be found in aircraft like the P-8 ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/how-much-uk-content-is-found-in-boeing-military-aircraft/
Flagship sites to house asylum seekers cost tens of millions more than hotels, report finds
itv.com/news/2024-03-19/flagship-sites-to-house-asylum-seekers-cost-millions-more-than-hotels
UK Defence Ministry posts photos of Ukrainian pilots training to fly Western jets – photo
pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/03/23/7447828/
UK announces new military support package for Ukraine featuring drones and air defence systems
pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/03/22/7447759/
The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday wondered why the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was probing former prime minister Imran Khan and foreign minister ... Show more
Out of service date confirmed for aircraft carriers: The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are planned to remain in service until 2069.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/out-of-service-date-confirmed-for-aircraft-carriers/
Britain takes delivery of more new F-35 stealth jets: The arrival of more F-35B jets this weekend means the UK now has 34 of the stealth jets.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-takes-delivery-of-more-new-f-35-stealth-jets/
Lato mother company gets approval to acquire Kenyan milk firm: The Comesa Competition Commission says it approved Maziwa's purchase of a 100 percent interest in ...
monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/lato-mother-company-gets-approval-to-acquire-kenyan-milk-firm-4570062
Harry Potter Jacobite steam train suspension could cost £50m in ‘lost value’: The Jacobite steam train service which runs over the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a ...
news.stv.tv/highlands-islands/harry-potter-jacobite-steam-train-suspension-could-cost-50m-in-lost-value
Katie Price makes bold decision on OnlyFans after second bankruptcy: Katie Price, whose net worth is unknown, has discounted her OnlyFans after owing over £760 ...
metro.co.uk/2024/03/20/katie-price-makes-bold-decision-onlyfans-second-bankruptcy-20501143/
KRA in tough race to collect Sh1.1 trillion in four months: Between July 2023 and February 2024, tax collections by the KRA were just 55 percent of the revised ...
businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/kra-in-tough-race-to-collect-sh1-1-trillion-in-four-months--4562510
Former CPS chief says clampdown on protests risks creating ‘thought crimes’ : Exclusive: Max Hill KC says it is imperative to protect free speech when setting ...
theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/24/former-cps-chief-clampdown-protests-risks-creating-thought-crimes
Passport costs are going to rise within weeks after the Home Office confirmed new fees www.walesonline.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/passport-costs-set-rise-within-28854401
Katie Price declared bankrupt for second time: The model has been declared bankrupt by a High Court judge over a "substantial" unpaid tax bill.
bbc.com/news/uk-68600426
Junior doctors vote to continue strike action: Ballot results give British Medical Association another six-month mandate for walkouts in England.
bbc.com/news/health-68615821
25 new electric buses coming to Somerset under £14.7m investment: It will significantly cut carbon emissions across the county
somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/five-somerset-bus-routes-benefit-9182728
E-7 Wedgetail to enter service next year: It has been revealed that Britain's new E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft will fly this year and enter ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/e-7-wedgetail-to-enter-service-next-year/
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu bans foreign trips by government officials: The three-month prohibition is an attempt to cut government spending amid a ...
bbc.com/news/world-africa-68615355
HMS Bulwark unlikely to return to sea ‘unless needed’: The promise of assault ship HMS Bulwark taking over from HMS Albion and returning to operational service ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-bulwark-unlikely-to-return-to-sea-unless-needed/
Treasury spends Sh560bn on debt in just two months: The Treasury in February went to the Eurobond market and borrowed $1.5 billion.
nation.africa/kenya/business/treasury-spends-sh560bn-on-debt-in-just-two-months-4563310
Carrier has ‘no permanent damage’ after fire: It has been confirmed that no permanent damage was caused to HMS Queen Elizabeth after a recent fire.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/carrier-has-no-permanent-damage-after-fire/
UK housing is ‘worst value for money’ of any advanced economy, says thinktank: British properties are ‘expensive, cramped and ageing’ compared with other similar ...
theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/25/uk-housing-is-worst-value-for-money-of-any-advanced-economy-says-thinktank
'Our country is at a crossroads': Rachel Reeves sets out Labour's plans for 'stability and security'
itv.com/news/2024-03-19/uk-is-at-crossroads-reeves-sets-out-labour-plans-for-stability-and-security
Student loans: UK's highest debt revealed to be £231,000: BBC obtains "eye-watering" figures showing nearly £55,000 of interest was accumulated on one balance.
bbc.com/news/uk-68534953
NEW: Ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace has branded the SNP and Greens 'wee pretendy foreign secretaries' after Israeli flights were barred from using Prestwick ... Show more
Plymouth getting 50 new buses to make journeys better: Bus passengers across Plymouth will enjoy cleaner, more reliable and more comfortable journeys thanks to ...
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/plymouth-getting-50-new-zero-9183153
Blackpool set for £2bn cash boost to bring new offices, trams, restaurants, hotels, & housing to the town
blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/blackpool-set-for-ps2bn-cash-boost-to-bring-new-offices-trams-restaurants-hotels-housing-to-the-town-4566618
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The Spires School on Bedwin Street receives positive Ofsted report: The Spires School, a specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) education ...
salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/24210324.spires-school-bedwin-street-receives-positive-ofsted-report/
Quick Glance: Transformation of Hull Primary School to 'Outstanding'
- A primary school in west Hull is celebrating its latest 'outstanding' rating from regulator Ofsted, recognizing the teamwork that has gone into transforming its status.
- A little over two years ago, Collingwood Primary School found itself in the 'requires improvement' doldrums but has since reversed its fortunes, with all areas rated 'outstanding' except for early years provision, which was 'good'.
- Inspectors noted the 'exceptional' education the children receive, the 'caring and nurturing' relationships between staff and pupils, and the 'wide range of enrichment activities' that underpin the curriculum and help build confidence.
- Staff work closely with parents and carers to remove all barriers to learning and build relationships within the community, resulting in highly achieving students with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
DWP details State Pension £900 boost with full list of new amounts: The DWP has confirmed the State Pension will rise by 8.5 per cent for the 2024-2025 financial ...
birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-announces-state-pension-2024-28897872
Millions owed £689 from HMRC due to tax code on their payslip: A recent survey by the financial services company revealed 31 per cent adults have been on the ...
stokesentinel.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/millions-owed-689-hmrc-due-9193282
Do not eat potentially 'dangerous' cheese as Morrisons issues urgent recall: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said Morrisons was "taking the precautionary ...
essexlive.news/news/uk-world-news/morrisons-urgently-recalls-cheese-over-9194673
E.On announces £288 off energy bills for customers starting from next week: E.On Next’s Pledge tracker is set to offer customers a tariff which is £50 cheaper ...
birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/eon-announces-288-energy-bills-28905205
Warning to blue badge holders of 11 places they can never park: The Department for Transport is also clear that people cannot use the blue badge to do tasks like ...
examinerlive.co.uk/news/motoring/motoring-news/warning-blue-badge-holders-11-28907766
Gino D'Acampo fails to pay £5million to taxman after pasta chain winds up: Celebrity chef Gino, 47, put his My Pasta Bar business into liquidation in 2022 and ...
mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/gino-dacampo-fails-pay-5million-32394405
More than a third of Burnley children living in poverty: More than a third of children in Burnley were living in poverty last year, new figures show.
burnleyexpress.net/news/people/more-than-a-third-of-burnley-children-living-in-poverty-4573476
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Warning to any drivers buying petrol or diesel in coming weeks: Competition and Markets Authority 'concerned' at price increases - use our postcode ...
walesonline.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/warning-any-drivers-buying-petrol-28901501
Instagram prison smuggling gang locked out of their accounts: A smuggling gang who flooded prisons with drugs and hidden internet devices have had their ...
hamhigh.co.uk/news/24218208.instagram-prison-smuggling-gang-locked-accounts/
BBC TV Licence fee to increase in days but who can still get one for free?: The cost of a TV licence is rising – here’s everything you need to know about the ...
lincsonline.co.uk/lifestyle/bbc-tv-licence-fee-to-increase-in-days-but-who-can-still-get-9359443/
Former DWP minister urges older people to check for £93 weekly payment: Older people could be due up to £4,500 in backdated State Pension payments.
dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/extra-weekly-state-pension-payment-32460133
PM says UK approach to China 'more robust' than allies, as senior Chinese diplomat summoned
itv.com/news/2024-03-26/pm-says-uks-approach-to-china-is-more-robust-than-allies
Palestinians fleeing war in Gaza should be offered same visa as Ukrainian refugees, Labour MP says
standard.co.uk/news/politics/gaza-israel-hamas-palestine-visa-uk-ukraine-andy-slaughter-home-office-b1146279.html
Entire street told to leave their homes within weeks by landlord: Every resident living in Lake House Close in Weaverham, Cheshire, received a notice from their ...
mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/entire-street-told-leave-homes-32454369
HMRC's message to everyone with £20,000 in savings : Rules have been clarified
stokesentinel.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/hmrcs-message-everyone-20000-savings-9193906
Asylum seeker hotel to close as refuge centre this summer: The Novotel has been housing asylum seekers for 18 months
nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/long-eaton-asylum-seeker-hotel-9196378
One in eight Dudley homes do not meet Decent Homes Standard: ONE in eight homes in Dudley failed to meet decent standards, new figures show.
dudleynews.co.uk/news/24214664.one-eight-dudley-homes-not-meet-decent-homes-standard/
Inside Sue Gray’s Labour party: At 8.30 a.m. each morning, Keir Starmer holds a meeting with his inner circle to go over the business of the day. Once ...
spectator.co.uk/article/inside-sue-grays-labour-party/
St Patrick's CofE School given 'good' Ofsted report: A CHURCH of England primary school has been described as a 'caring and welcoming place to learn' by Ofsted ...
thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/24211550.st-patricks-cofe-school-given-good-ofsted-report/
Urgent warning issued to Brits who still have red passports: 32 million people could be affected by EU rules
derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/urgent-act-now-warning-issued-9191530
WASPI slam 'not good enough' as PM is grilled on pension age hike compensation: The PM failed to give any clarity to the millions of women who suffered when the ...
lancs.live/news/cost-of-living/waspi-slam-not-good-enough-28895822
Bribe size doubles as Interior named most corrupt ministry: New report paints grim picture of a nation where there are no free government services.
nation.africa/kenya/news/bribe-size-doubles-as-interior-named-most-corrupt-ministry-4570808
Revised A500 dual carriageway scheme could save council £34m: The existing plans were linked to the scrapped northern sections of HS2
cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/revised-a500-dual-carriageway-scheme-28899859
HMRC warns people with pension to check after major rule change : From April 6, there won't be a limit on how much you can save in your pension before you ...
walesonline.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/hmrc-warns-people-pension-check-28908861
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