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Scotsman
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Driving license: renewal fine claims for over 70s debunked
Rumours of new driving rules for seniors are confusing - here's what the DVLA actually says 🚗 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Confusing online reports falsely claim all over-70s must undergo medical checks to renew licences No new laws or DVLA policies require universal GP sign-off or cognitive tests for older drivers Current renewal process remains unchanged: free, every three years, with self-declaration of fitness Only drivers with certain medical conditions may be asked to provide further medical evidence The widely cited £1,000 fine relates to driving without a valid licence - not failing a medical test If you believe some corners of the internet, UK drivers aged 70 and over are being urged to stay alert to the rules around renewing their driving licences. But despite what some recent headlines might suggest, there has not been a sweeping change to the renewal process. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Recent sensational headlines from a number of websites and blogs, many of them unverified or thinly sourced, have claimed that from July or August 2025, all drivers aged 70 and above will need to provide medical evidence when renewing their licence. The changes, they say, would include needing to obtain a GP-signed certificate; as opposed to the current system of self‑declaration of fitness. Some even suggest that vision and memory tests will be made mandatory as part of a wider shake-up. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels These articles often imply that these changes have already come into force, or are imminent, and warn that drivers could be banned or fined up to £1,000 if they fail to comply. But a closer look at the official guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and shows these claims are misleading at best – and in some cases, entirely false. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the current renewal rules? The current rules for renewing a driving licence after the age of 70 are long-standing and straightforward: drivers must renew their licence every three years from the age of 70 onwards. The renewal can be done online through the official website, or by post using a D46P form, which is usually sent by the DVLA around 90 days before the driver's current licence expires. There is no charge for this renewal process. As part of the application, drivers must complete a self-declaration confirming that they are fit to drive. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This includes confirming that their eyesight meets the minimum legal standard and that they do not suffer from any medical conditions that would impair their ability to drive safely. If a driver does declare a relevant condition – or if they already have one noted on their record – the DVLA may request further medical information, such as a GP's assessment or a vision report. This is not new, and certainly does not apply to all drivers aged 70 or over. Is anything changing? There is currently no blanket requirement for drivers in this age group to undergo medical tests as part of their renewal, and no legislation or policy announcement suggests that such a measure is being introduced in July or August 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The speculation appears to have stemmed from online articles that misrepresent either individual cases or discussions around possible future reforms, often without citing any official source. If any such changes were to be introduced, they would be subject to a public consultation process and widely publicised via trusted sources, including the website and major news outlets. While it is true that some people may be required to submit a medical report completed by a GP or specialist, this is case‑specific, not a universal measure, and only applies if you report a notifiable medical condition (e.g., dementia, vision impairment). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Do I need to worry about fines? The '£1,000 fine' that is frequently referenced in these alarmist articles refers not to failure to complete a medical review, but to the broader offence of driving without a valid licence. If a driver over 70 continues to drive without renewing their licence when required, they could be fined up to £1,000 and may be uninsured in the event of an accident. This has always been the case and is not connected to any supposed changes in the medical review process. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Driving license: renewal fine claims for over 70s debunked
Rumours of new driving rules for seniors are confusing - here's what the DVLA actually says 🚗 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Confusing online reports falsely claim all over-70s must undergo medical checks to renew licences No new laws or DVLA policies require universal GP sign-off or cognitive tests for older drivers Current renewal process remains unchanged: free, every three years, with self-declaration of fitness Only drivers with certain medical conditions may be asked to provide further medical evidence The widely cited £1,000 fine relates to driving without a valid licence - not failing a medical test If you believe some corners of the internet, UK drivers aged 70 and over are being urged to stay alert to the rules around renewing their driving licences. But despite what some recent headlines might suggest, there has not been a sweeping change to the renewal process. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Recent sensational headlines from a number of websites and blogs, many of them unverified or thinly sourced, have claimed that from July or August 2025, all drivers aged 70 and above will need to provide medical evidence when renewing their licence. The changes, they say, would include needing to obtain a GP-signed certificate; as opposed to the current system of self‑declaration of fitness. Some even suggest that vision and memory tests will be made mandatory as part of a wider shake-up. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels These articles often imply that these changes have already come into force, or are imminent, and warn that drivers could be banned or fined up to £1,000 if they fail to comply. But a closer look at the official guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and shows these claims are misleading at best – and in some cases, entirely false. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the current renewal rules? The current rules for renewing a driving licence after the age of 70 are long-standing and straightforward: drivers must renew their licence every three years from the age of 70 onwards. The renewal can be done online through the official website, or by post using a D46P form, which is usually sent by the DVLA around 90 days before the driver's current licence expires. There is no charge for this renewal process. As part of the application, drivers must complete a self-declaration confirming that they are fit to drive. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This includes confirming that their eyesight meets the minimum legal standard and that they do not suffer from any medical conditions that would impair their ability to drive safely. If a driver does declare a relevant condition – or if they already have one noted on their record – the DVLA may request further medical information, such as a GP's assessment or a vision report. This is not new, and certainly does not apply to all drivers aged 70 or over. Is anything changing? There is currently no blanket requirement for drivers in this age group to undergo medical tests as part of their renewal, and no legislation or policy announcement suggests that such a measure is being introduced in July or August 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The speculation appears to have stemmed from online articles that misrepresent either individual cases or discussions around possible future reforms, often without citing any official source. If any such changes were to be introduced, they would be subject to a public consultation process and widely publicised via trusted sources, including the website and major news outlets. While it is true that some people may be required to submit a medical report completed by a GP or specialist, this is case‑specific, not a universal measure, and only applies if you report a notifiable medical condition (e.g., dementia, vision impairment). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Do I need to worry about fines? The '£1,000 fine' that is frequently referenced in these alarmist articles refers not to failure to complete a medical review, but to the broader offence of driving without a valid licence. If a driver over 70 continues to drive without renewing their licence when required, they could be fined up to £1,000 and may be uninsured in the event of an accident. This has always been the case and is not connected to any supposed changes in the medical review process.
Scotsman
17 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
7 of the most overlooked ways over-60s can cut weekly bills
These tips could uncover hidden help and ease the squeeze if you're struggling with costs 🧾 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Many over-60s are unaware of support that could ease weekly financial pressure Forgotten schemes and habits can add up to big annual savings A few simple checks may reveal hidden entitlements Small changes can make a noticeable difference to everyday costs This guide highlights often-missed ways to reduce outgoings later in life With the cost of living still biting hard, older people across the UK are increasingly looking for ways to cut costs and ease the pressure on their weekly outgoings. The good news? There are plenty of schemes, discounts, and overlooked habits that can help reduce bills - especially if you're aged 60 or over. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From hidden benefits to everyday tips, here's a guide to some of the things often forgotten about that could make a real difference to your finances. A single change might save you just £5 a week, but stack a few together and you could end up with hundreds of pounds extra each year. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels Pension Credit One of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK is Pension Credit. Around 850,000 eligible households miss out on it each year. If you're over State Pension age and on a low income, this top-up can boost your weekly income and unlock additional help, such as: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A free TV licence (if you're 75 or over) Council Tax reductions Help with NHS costs Warm Home Discount Housing Benefit (if renting) It's worth checking even if you own your home or have savings—eligibility is more flexible than many people realise. You can check and apply via the website or by calling the Pension Credit claim line (0800 99 1234). Council Tax reduction Many over-60s pay too much Council Tax without realising they may be entitled to a discount. You could be eligible for a reduction if: You live alone (Single Person Discount) You're on a low income or receive benefits You or someone you live with has a disability You care for someone in the household You live with someone who is severely mentally impaired (and they may be 'disregarded' for Council Tax purposes) Each council has its own scheme, so check with your local authority - even small reductions can save you hundreds over the course of a year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Senior Railcard and bus pass Transport is a weekly cost that adds up quickly. If you're 60 or over, don't forget: Senior Railcard: Costs £30 a year and gets you 1/3 off most rail fares. Over time, it can pay for itself many times over. Costs £30 a year and gets you 1/3 off most rail fares. Over time, it can pay for itself many times over. Free bus pass: Available to those over 60 in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and to people of State Pension age in England. It's valid for local bus travel, and in some areas, it can also be used on trams or trains. It's not just about leisure trips - using your bus pass for errands or appointments can chip away at weekly fuel or fare costs. Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payments Older people often worry about the cost of keeping warm in winter. Two key supports can help: Winter Fuel Payment: Available to most people born before 25 September 1957 (for winter 2024/25). It's automatic if you claim certain benefits like Pension Credit (see above) Available to most people born before 25 September 1957 (for winter 2024/25). It's automatic if you claim certain benefits like Pension Credit (see above) Warm Home Discount: A one-off discount on your electricity bill (around £150) between October and March. You'll usually qualify automatically if you get Pension Credit, but some suppliers have broader criteria - so check with yours. Also check if your energy supplier offers a priority services register - this may give you extra support, including advance notice of power cuts or meter readings if you have mobility issues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Switch to social tariffs for broadband and mobile If you're receiving Pension Credit or certain other benefits, you could qualify for a social tariff for broadband and phone services. These offer fast internet and mobile plans at heavily discounted prices - some from as little as £10–£20 per month. Major providers like BT, Virgin Media, and Sky now offer these deals, but they rarely advertise them, so you'll need to ask. Even if you're not on benefits, it's worth calling your provider and asking for a cheaper deal or matching a competitor's rate. Water bill help and free home upgrades Water companies across the UK offer discounts for low-income households and those with medical conditions that require more water use. This includes: WaterSure: A cap on bills if you use a water meter and have high essential usage Social tariffs: Localised schemes offering reduced bills - check with your supplier Plus, some older homeowners can access free home energy upgrades like insulation, new boilers, or draft-proofing through local authority schemes or the Great British Insulation Scheme. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Use of discount cards and store loyalty schemes If you regularly shop in-store, don't overlook the discounts available to older people: Boots Over-60s Rewards: Extra Advantage Card points on health products Extra Advantage Card points on health products Specsavers Over-60s Discount: 20% off glasses (in most locations) 20% off glasses (in most locations) Supermarket loyalty apps (like Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, or My Morrisons): These often have exclusive lower prices for users You can also sign up to apps like Too Good To Go, which offers discounted food that would otherwise be thrown out. It's an easy way to save money while helping reduce waste. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
17 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Attendance Allowance: Martin Lewis highlights £5,600 benefit
Millions of older Brits could be missing out on vital extra cash to ease the cost of aging 💷 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to check if they qualify for Attendance Allowance The benefit offers up to £5,644 a year to help with care needs in later life It's not means-tested, so savings and income don't affect eligibility Over 1.1 million people may be missing out, often due to lack of awareness Common conditions like arthritis, dementia, and heart disease may qualify you Martin Lewis is urging older people to check if they qualify for a little-known benefit that could boost their income by over £5,600 a year — with no impact from savings or pensions. The consumer champion says Attendance Allowance, which supports people over State Pension age with health or care needs, is 'massively underclaimed', despite being worth thousands of pounds annually and offering crucial help as medical costs mount in later life. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'For many older people who are ill or start to face mental or physical disability, life doesn't just get tougher – it gets costlier too,' Lewis wrote in his latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter. Lewis highlights that an estimated 1.1 million eligible pensioners aren't claiming the benefit, often because they don't know they're entitled to it or assume they won't qualify. The money is yours to use however you like – whether that's on care, transport, heating, food delivery, or anything else that helps maintain quality of life. (Photos: Getty Images) | Getty Images What is Attendance Allowance? Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 66 or over who have a disability, long-term illness, or mental health condition that means they need help with personal care or supervision. It offers: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad £73.90 per week for those needing support during either day or night (lower rate) £110.40 per week for those needing help day and night, or who are terminally ill (higher rate) That's worth up to £5,644 a year — and crucially, it's not means-tested, meaning you can claim it regardless of your income or savings. Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance? Conditions that could make you eligible include: Arthritis Asthma Dementia Heart disease Mental health conditions Parkinson's Disease Sight or hearing loss You don't need a formal diagnosis, and you don't need to be receiving hands-on care — just struggling with personal tasks like washing, dressing, or staying safe. Who can claim? To be eligible to claim Attendance Allowance, you must: Be State Pension age (currently 66 or over) Have had care needs for at least six months Live in Great Britain, and have done so for two of the past three years Not be claiming PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) If you or someone you know is struggling with health issues and over 66, it could be well worth a 20-minute check. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How to apply for Attendance Allowance The application process for Attendance Allowance can be lengthy and detailed, but support is available. Charities such as Age UK and Citizens Advice can help with the form and ensure you explain your needs clearly. You'll need: Your National Insurance number NHS number Any prescription lists, hospital appointments, or diagnosis letters Most decisions are based purely on the form – no medical assessment is required in most cases. More info and the application forms are available at or contact Age UK or Citizens Advice for support. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
IKEA Canada temporarily cuts food prices to help with the rising cost of living
Canadians craving those famous Swedish meatballs from Inter IKEA Systems BV are in for a pleasant surprise as the retailer is temporarily slashing food prices to help with the rising cost of living. IKEA recently announced it's cutting its weekday restaurant prices in half for some dishes until the end of August, while children eat free on Wednesdays. Customers must have an IKEA Family Card to get the discounts. The move is meant 'to help people stretch their budgets, nourish their families, and find a little more joy,' the retailer said. 'Securing the lowest possible price for our products is always our utmost goal, and this is even more important in today's times of economic uncertainties and cost-of-living pressures,' Tolga Öncü, Ingka retail manager at IKEA Retail, said in a news release. The company says a family of four in France will now pay 6.96 euros ($11.12 CAD) for a meal and a 5 euro store voucher, compared to the previous price of 19.9 euros ($31.63 CAD). Food inflation has been a persistent issue in Canada, having climbed a whopping 31 per cent since 2019, according to NerdWallet Canada. Prices for food purchased in stores climbed 2.8 per cent year-over-year in June, according to Statistics Canada, outpacing overall inflation for the month. IKEA stores in Canada, Austria, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are included in the promotion. • Email: bcousins@ Sign in to access your portfolio
