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Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Sign up to the Money Saving Club for tips to stretch your summer holidays budget
The Money Saving Club team are on hand to bring you all the latest news, tips and deals that can help parents stretch their budget for the summer holidays The school summer holidays are nearly upon us, and while that means plenty of quality time with the kids, it also means having to come up with plenty of ways to enjoy that quality time with the kids. Any parent will know the pressure of trying to navigate hiked up prices during the holidays, trying to find days out, alternatives for rainy days and generally trying to keep the kids entertained for six to seven weeks. As well as having to get creative, that all comes with plenty of costs and it can feel like your summer budget quickly disappears even if you're minding the pennies and trying to limit how often you end up eating out or dashing to the cinema when the British weather doesn't play nicely. That's where the Money Saving Club can step in to help. The dedicated team seek out all of the best deals, money-saving tricks and latest news that they hand pick and send in a weekly newsletter, to help you stretch that holiday budget. It's free and easy to sign up - simply click here, enter your email address and then select the topics that are most relevant for you. Each week you'll receive an email direct in your inbox with a round-up of the latest news and tips that have caught the team's eye, whether it's a warning from an expert over changes to government schemes, or an easy trick a fellow mum or dad has discovered that has been a game-changer for their household bills. Although you can choose from a wide array of topics, this summer you may want to closely follow their round-up of all the latest travel and shopping news, especially if you're trying to stick to a tighter budget due to the cost of living. The Money Saving Club team round-up the latest news and tips they think you'll love, with something for everyone whether you're opting for a staycation or taking the kids abroad. We're talking discounted days out, free activities for the families, and simple money-saving hacks shared by fellow parents. If you're heading abroad, they offer plenty of tips including how to cut costs on holidays and swerve fines or hidden costs, how to save before you head abroad and even how to get the best value for your money while you're away. Of course alongside that there are plenty of day-to-day tips and tricks including cheap and cheerful ways to stay cool in those pesky heatwaves, or the latest money news and deadlines you'll want to be aware of whether it's to cut your bills or sign up to a government scheme that can help you with your finances. You can sign up to the Money Saving Club here to receive your weekly dose of money tips direct in your inbox, with topics including travel, shopping and discounts, utilities and plenty more.
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
NatWest app down with customers locked out of accounts and unable to send money
NatWest's banking app has gone down, with thousands of customers locked out of their accounts and unable to send payments this morning. Reports of the issue started at around 9am. By 10am, the Downdetector website - a system that monitors power outages - had over 3,000 reports of issues related to NatWest's banking app. Around 66% of reports were for mobile banking, 25% were for mobile login, and 9% were for online banking. Although the number of reports has started to drop, they continue to remain in the thousands. Customers online report that when opening the app, they are met with a message stating "an error has occurred." The message continues: "Our mobile app is currently unavailable. We're sorry for any issues caused and we're working hard getting everything back up and running for you. In the meantime, please use Online Banking." NatWest customers took to social media to share their frustrations this morning. One user wrote: "My NatWest app isn't working. Your service status page says 'service working normally' where it clearly isn't. My internet works perfectly fine hence this tweet from the same device." For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. Another fumed: "NatWest Mobile Banking App is down … BUT WHY do they make you check whether it's a fault at your end and their status page makes out everything's ok when it isn't? @NatWest_Help @NatWestGroup #natwest they've shut all the branches forcing travel to the big cities WHATS THE POINT." While a third added: "Anyone else having trouble accessing the NatWest online banking app? @Natwest_Help it's not ideal to lock people out of their accounts during a cost of living crisis." Another angry banking customer added: "Another day another service outage.... Starting to get used to bad service to be honest. Now might be the best time for me to switch banks." From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now. Sign up to our Mirror Money newsletter here. The high street bank has confirmed that problems started at around 9:13am, and that it affected customers using the NatWest banking app. A bank spokesperson said: "We are aware that customers are experiencing difficulties accessing the NatWest mobile banking app this morning. We're really sorry about this and working to fix it as quickly as possible. Customers can still use online and telephone banking or visit a branch.' Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Or sign up to the Mirror's Money newsletter here for all the best advice and shopping deals straight to your inbox.
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Garden fence mistakes which risk fines of up to £20,000
Brits thinking of sprucing up their garden fences this summer have been warned that they could end up in hot water if they don't follow the UK's strict rules on them. If you fall foul, you could find yourself handed a hefty fine or even end up in court Now the sun is shining, you may want to head out into the garden and spruce it up a bit before the summer, maybe put up a new garden fence? However, Brits thinking of doing this have been warned that they could end up in hot water if they don't follow the UK's strict rules on them. If you fall foul, you could find yourself handed a hefty fine or even end up in court. New rules came into force in May 2025 under "The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015". The updates simplify the rules around replacing a boundary, a hedge, or installing a new fence. They also clearly outline what homeowners can build without needing full planning permission from their local council. Gurpreet Chhokar, Which? Legal Expert, said: "If you're thinking of putting up a new garden fence this summer, there are a few important things to bear in mind to make sure you don't break any laws and find yourself landed with a fine." If you are thinking of taking a look at your existing fencing - or are considering putting one up - you will need to be aware of the new laws. Here's what you need to know. Back garden fence For a simple back garden fence, you're allowed a fence up to two metres high, which is around six feet and six inches high, without planning permission. This is intended to provide a balance between privacy and access to light. Any higher - this includes any decorative trellis - then you will need to get approval. This is now the standard maximum height for households. In simple terms, planning permission is asking your local council if you can do a certain piece of building work. It will either be granted - possibly subject to certain conditions - or refused. Gurpreet Chhokar from Which? said: "If you don't have planning permission then your fence can't be any higher than two metres from the ground." If you erect a fence above this level, then you could be forced to tear it down. You could also face enforcement action. Disputes with neighbours are one of the most common property complaints in the UK. Often the complaint stems from boundary issues - more specifically, on where the boundary of your property actually is. According to Wade Building Supplies, between six and eleven million disputes have been recorded in the UK to date. Before building anything in your garden, you should measure up carefully, discuss things with your neighbour, and come to an agreement. To make it more secure, you should get this agreement in writing. It is always better to take pictures too Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics Front garden fence The rules for fences in a front garden are stricter. If you live next to a footpath, road, bridleway, waterway, or public space, fences cannot be above one meter - just over three feet tall. The new law is intended to provide better visibility for pavement and road users. Again, breaking this rule can lead to enforcement action or a fine. Gurpreet added: "There will also be some cases where planning permission will be needed if the fence is more than a meter high - such as if it borders a highway or the footpath of a highway if you're not sure, then it's worth getting in touch with your local planning authority (which is usually your local council) to check." Fines implemented by councils do vary. However, if your fencing causes a " statutory nuisance" such as flooding or blocked drains, you could face penalties of up to £5,000. Businesses can face fines up to £20,000 under environmental regulations. These cases can go to court if you do not comply. Replacing a fence Under UK rules, the fence to the left hand side of your garden - as seen from the street - is your responsibility. This means wif it needs replacing, then it is down to you and not your neighbour. If you are unsure, Wade Building Supplies explained: "Another clue can be seen in the method of construction of the fences that bound your property. If the rougher side, or rail side-in the case of featheredge panels, is facing into your garden, that's your boundary to maintain." However, to be absolutely certain, you will need to refer to the title documents or deeds. If you see a boundary line with the letter "T" next to it, that's your fence line to fix. If you see "H" it is a little more complicated as this means the boundary is a "party wall". This means the responsibility of both neighbours. If you are still unsure, experts advise you to talk to your neighbour and draw up an official boundary agreement between both parties. You can then have this agreement formally recorded through HM Land Registry for £40. The boundary agreement must include all parties' names, addresses, and a clear description of the agreed boundary. A map can also be included. When doing any DIY work with fencing, it's always important to give your neighbours plenty of notice. There may be plants trained along the fence, or decorative features they may want to remove or keep. You can find more information on privacy fence boundaries on the webpage.
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major high street chain to shut 10 shops within weeks - full list of locations
The Original Factory Shop - which employs around 2,000 people - has been struggling in recent years, and as part of its plans to bounce back it is shutting its loss-making stores A major UK discount chain is closing 10 high street stores over the coming weeks as part of a restructuring plan. The Original Factory Shop - which employs around 2,000 people - has been struggling in recent years, and as part of its plans to bounce back it is shutting its loss-making stores. Overall, a total of 10 stores are closing between now and the end of July. Nine are closing towards the end of this month, with a final one to pull down the shutters in July. The retailer's Milford Haven branch in Pembrokeshire will be the first to close, closing for good on June 26. Just two days later, on June 28, eight more branches will close. The branches set for closure that day are in Perth, County Durham, Angus, Carmarthenshire, Worcestershire, West Yorkshire, Aberdeenshire, and Dorset. Finally, the Staveley branch in Cumbria is shutting for good on July 12. However, the chain's Nairn store is listed as "up for sale" and the company told the Sun newspaper that negotiations were currently ongoing with the landlord. The Original Factory Shop has not confirmed how many staff members will be impacted by the closures. Earlier this year, the retailer's owner Modella Capital launched plans to renegotiate rents at 88 stores through a company voluntary arrangement (CVA). This is an agreement between a business and its creditors that allows debts to be paid off over a fixed period of time. A spokesperson for The Original Factory shop recently told The Press and Journal: "The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) recently confirmed that as part of a restructuring a number of its loss-making stores will have to close. "Closing stores is always a tough decision and we are committed to keeping as many stores open as possible. This is, however, dependent on successful negotiations with landlords as we strive to build a sustainable and successful business for the future. "We have already announced that two stores will close. Additionally, a small number of other stores are currently under review, with their continued operation subject to ongoing negotiations with landlords." Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. Full list of The Original Factory Shops closing Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire - June 26 Perth - June 28 Chester Le Street, County Durham - June 28 Arbroath, Angus - June 28 Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire - June 28 Pershore, Worcestershire - June 28 Normanton, West Yorkshire - June 28 Peterhead, Aberdeenshire - June 28 Shaftesbury, Dorset - June 28 Staveley, Cumbria - July 12
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Energy bill hikes to hit hundreds of thousands of households if they don't act
In a letter to Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley, Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, warned that many households are still unaware of what will happen if their RTS meter is not replaced Hundreds of thousands of households potentially face major energy bill hikes unless they take action now. According to the latest figures, over 300,000 homes still have Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters. This service charges households with linked electricity meters cheaper rates depending on the time of day. The devices, such as Economy 7 and other multi-rate energy tariffs, pick up the different energy rates through the RTS signal. Some RTS electricity meters can also automatically turn heating and hot water systems on and off during certain hours. However, the signal is set to be shut off from June 30 this year as the technology which produces the signal can no longer be maintained. Homes with these meters need to upgrade to a smart meter before the switch-off, as their meter will no longer function as intended after the deadline Some meters could become disconnected, but depending on when the RTS signal dies, some could also be left jammed on peak-time electricity rates. This could lead to huge bill hikes for households affected by the switch-off. Energy suppliers across the board have warned customers of the upcoming switch off over the last few years with many households being put onto a smart meter. However, Ofgem was forced to step in last year as suppliers had been initially slow at switching people over. Scotland 's national advice service has recently warned of a 'looming crisis' as thousands of homes have still not had the meters replaced, with "vulnerable" households among those at risk of being 'left in the cold'. In a letter to Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley, Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, warned that many households are still unaware of what will happen if their RTS meter is not replaced. He also called on energy suppliers to identify and prioritise vulnerable customers for meter upgrades. He wrote: 'With less than a month to go until the RTS signal starts being switched off across the country, it is increasingly clear that progress on replacing them has not been fast enough. 'Ofgem needs to urgently clarify if it intends to stick to the June 30 deadline and if a phased approach is being taken, which parts of Scotland will be affected first." Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. Ofgem recently released an advert featuring Lorraine Kelly to warn households about the switch-off. In the ads, the Scottish TV presenter urges people to contact their supplier, with the tagline adding: 'Don't delay. The RTS switch-off is on the way.' However, Bartlett also noted that there was a lot of confusion regarding the switch off, as some customers have been told they cannot have their meter replaced until after June 30. He added: 'At a time when thousands of people are struggling with energy debts and the cost of living, nobody should be left out of pocket for replacing their meter either. Sign up to Mirror Money's newsletter for the latest advice and news From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now. 'Our message to consumers is that if you know someone with an RTS meter, especially if they are vulnerable, encourage them to get it replaced before the deadline if they can.' Although the advertised date is June 30, the process will happen by area from July 1 through to September 30. According to the latest figures from Energy UK, in April, 392,000 households in Great Britain still had RTS meters. Currently, energy suppliers are switching around 1,000 old RTS meters each day. However, to ensure that all the remaining homes with them are covered by the deadline, this number would need to rise to 5,000. A spokesperson for Energy UK recently said: 'It will undoubtedly be challenging to replace all these meters by 30 June,' "It means getting access to every single property to carry out the installation, many of which are in remote areas, and ultimately it requires all customers to respond to contact from their supplier.' "We urge any customers who may have previously struggled to get their RTS meter replaced to please contact their supplier again to arrange an appointment." "Ofgem has also demanded action plans from every supplier, which we are scrutinising on an ongoing basis to ensure that robust contingencies are in place to protect any customers who remain on RTS meters after the phased switch-off process begins."
