
This gadget could slash your energy bills by almost a third
The UK government is considering introducing affordable plug-in solar panels for balconies, sheds, and terraces to help Britons reduce their energy bills.
These portable solar modules are a significantly cheaper alternative to traditional rooftop installations, making solar power accessible to renters and eliminating the need for expensive specialist fitting.
Already common in Germany, where 1.5 million homes use the technology known as 'Balkonkraftwerk,' these panels typically cut electricity bills by 30 percent.
While not designed to sell power back to the grid, the panels can substantially lower daytime electricity costs for household appliances, with potential annual savings of €120-€240 (£102 - £205) for a pair of panels.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband emphasised solar as one of the cheapest and quickest power sources, supporting a 'rooftop revolution' and addressing barriers to its wider adoption.
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Sky News
an hour ago
- Sky News
PM faces threat of major rebellion during key vote today
Why you can trust Sky News Sir Keir Starmer continues to face the threat of a major rebellion during a key vote on welfare reforms later - despite making last-minute concessions to disgruntled Labour MPs. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed that all existing claimants of the personal independence payment (PIP), the main disability benefit, will be protected from changes to eligibility. The combined value of the standard Universal Credit allowance and the health top-up will rise "at least in line with inflation" every year of this parliament. And an additional £300m for employment support for sick and disabled people in 2026 has been announced, which will rise every year after. 10:54 Ms Kendall has also promised that a consultation into PIP - "co-produced" with disabled people - will be published next autumn. She said the U-turn on welfare cuts will cost taxpayers about £2.5bn by 2030 - less than half the £4.8bn the government had expected to save with its initial proposals. Modelling by Ms Kendall's own department, released yesterday, suggested the proposals would push 150,000 more people into poverty by 2030, down from the 250,000 estimated under the original plan. But after announcing the U-turns, Labour MPs were still publicly saying they could not back the plans as they do not go far enough to allay their concerns. Disabilities minister Stephen Timms would not say he was "confident" the proposals would pass the Commons when asked on Sky News' Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge. "We've got a very strong package, I certainly hope it passes," he replied. 1:49 A total of 86 charities united yesterday to call on MPs to reject the reforms, saying they will harm disabled people and calling it "a political choice". The likes of Oxfam, Child Action Poverty Group, Mind and Shelter said the bill has been brought to a vote without consulting disabled people and without any assessment "of its impact on health and employment outcomes". When asked to name "a single" disability organisation in favour of the reforms, Ms Kendall declined to do so. Several Labour MPs indicated they would still vote against the changes, leaving the government in the dark over how big a rebellion it still may face. Ms Kendall tried to allay their fears, telling MPs: "I believe we have a fair package, a package that protects existing claimants because they've come to rely on that support." Richard Burgon presented a petition to parliament yesterday evening against the cuts, signed by more than 77,000 people. Several Labour MPs questioned why the vote was going ahead before the review into PIP is published - including Rachael Maskell, who said she could not "countenance sick and disabled people being denied support" and added: "It is a matter of conscience." Connor Naismith said the concessions "undoubtedly improve efforts to secure welfare reform which is fair", but added: "Unfortunately, I do not believe these concessions yet go far enough." Nadia Whittome accused the government of "ignoring" disabled people and urged ministers to go "back to the drawing board". Ian Byrne told the Commons he will vote against the "cruel cuts" to disability benefits because the "so-called concessions go nowhere near far enough".


Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Government chatbot set to help public deal with bureaucracy
The chatbot is expected to become part of the new app, which launches on Tuesday. The initial 'public beta' version, which is still being worked on, is intended to allow users to access information and support without having to search the internet each time. But ministers expect to add new features, including a chatbot due later this year that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said would 'help people get answers to niche questions more quickly'. Other functions, including applying for benefits, will be added later. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the new app 'shows for the first time how this Government is overhauling taxpayer-funded services'. He said: 'By putting public services in your pocket, we will do away with clunky paper forms and hours spent on hold, so you can immediately get the information you need and continue on with the rest of your day.' Since coming to power, ministers have pushed for government departments to make greater use of technology, with Sir Keir Starmer calling on his Cabinet to incorporate AI into their departments in a major speech at the start of the year. Describing Tuesday's launch as 'just the start', Mr Kyle added that the future AI chatbot would provide 'a reliable answer immediately' to questions about government services. He said the app would also provide 'personal notifications' to remind people when their MOT was due or when to register to vote. The Government is also expected to introduce a new online 'wallet' later in the year that will include digital versions of official documents, starting with the veterans' card and including a pilot for a digital drivers licence.

Finextra
2 hours ago
- Finextra
Yonder launches debit cards
British credit card rewards startup Yonder has launched its first premium debit cards. 0 The new Mastercard debit cards offer the same perks as Yonder's credit card: points earning, zero foreign exchange fees, curated local rewards and travel-friendly benefits. The Yonder Free Debit earns one point per £1 spent with no monthly fee. The Yonder Full Debit earns four points per £1 spent, gets full access to all Yonder Experiences travel insurance worth £275 for £15 a month or £160 a year. Founded by three Clearscore alumni and launched in 2022 with £20 million in startup funding, Yonder aims to tackle the problems expats with no credit history face when applying for a credit card in the UK. The firm uses open banking data to build a more nuanced, personalised picture of its customers' spending habits and suitability for credit and offers a suite of rewards-based offers to cardholders. The firm says its members have spent more than £170 million, saving over £1.2 million in FX fees & redeeming £1.1 million in rewards. Earlier this year, it secured a minority investment from NatWest, with the high street giant planning to collaborate with Yonder to bring their insights and approaches to customer experience, engagement, and reward to its 19 million-strong customer base.