Latest news with #Warm
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- 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
23-07-2025
- 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 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... 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.
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
£150 compensation payment for over 4,000 people with major energy supplier
Utilita to pay £277,000 for Warm Home Discount payment failures over the 2023/24 winter period. How To Prevent Condensation and Black Mould in Your Home Ofgem has said energy firm Utilita is to pay around £277,000 in compensation after failing to pay its Warm Home Discount payments on time. The energy regulator found Utilita - which supplies 800,000 customers - failed to pass on the mandatory discount to more than 4,000 customers over 2023 to 2024 because of an internal error in processing payments. The Warm Home Discount scheme - which is administered by Ofgem on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - helps eligible people on a low income by applying an automatic credit of £150 on their energy account each year to help with higher winter fuel bills. Ofgem said Utilita had agreed to pay £247,000 of compensation to those affected, who will receive further payments of up to £150 each. This is in addition to £30,000 of compensation Utilita paid to affected customers shortly after the error was identified. Cathryn Scott, regulatory director of market oversight and enforcement at Ofgem, said: 'The Warm Home Discount is a lifeline for vulnerable energy consumers on low incomes. Even a short delay in making these payments can cause harm to vulnerable customers, so it's vital that suppliers make these payments on time and without hassle. 'Unfortunately, on this occasion, Utilita fell short of our standards by failing to pay some of their customers in a timely manner. Utilita has conducted an audit of their Warm Home Discount processes to make sure this doesn't happen again. 'It's our duty to protect consumers. Today's outcome, as well as the findings set out in our Supplier Performance Report, serve as a reminder to all suppliers that failures to make scheme payments on time are unacceptable, and that we can and will take enforcement action to put things right for customers.' A Utilita spokesman said: 'Due to an administrative oversight, we missed the March 31 deadline to process the Warm Home Discount payment for a small cohort of customers. All customers received their payment within 12 days. 'We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. We promptly reported our mistake to Ofgem and paid the impacted customers a goodwill gesture.' Warm Home Discount Scheme Nearly three million more households across Great Britain would be eligible for discounts on their energy bills later this year under new proposals. The UK Government is now analysing feedback from an online consultation which closed at the end of March. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said one in five families across the country would get financial help under the new plans which would see an additional 2.7 million extra households - including nearly one million with children - eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme this winter. This would bring the total number of eligible households to an estimated 6.1m. Full details on the Warm Home Discount Scheme can be found on here.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Church hopes live music will put venue 'on the map'
A church which doubles as a music venue to help pay its bills is hosting a new series of concerts which it hopes will put it on the map. St Peter's Church in Parkstone often plays host to tribute acts and DJs but a new partnership will see it host some "very special" gigs by international artists. Church rector, the Reverend Mike Trotman, said the concert series - In the Nave - would be "carefully navigated". "We don't want anything too sweary," he said. "We need to tap in to what makes this a unique and special place." The rector, who describes himself as a music lover, said he began exploring the idea of hosting concerts after hearing about Mr Kyps, a popular music venue in Parr Street which closed in 2018. "There's a real appetite for live music," he said. "I genuinely think we are doing something very special." The concerts, for up to 400 people, are being organised by music management firm Warm. Founder Ali Tillet said he wanted to "put the venue on the map for amazing artists to come and play year in, year out". The first gig will feature Annie and the Caldwells, a soul band from Mississippi, signed to David Byrne's LukaBop record label. "It's great to have them coming," said Mr Tillet. "They will definitely bring the energy to the church because they are from a church background in America as well." Mr Tillet said he was "hugely excited" about the project. "If we can get the artists I'm potentially going to have in the next 18 months to come and play, they will be moments that, if you are able to get tickets to those shows, you will remember it for a long time." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Radiohead reimagined with classical twist in home city Moshpits and pulpits as minster hosts metal gig St Peter's Parkstone In the Knave Annie and the Caldwells
Reuters
20-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Barclays hires former UBS banker as global co-head of capital markets
LONDON, May 20 (Reuters) - Barclays (BARC.L), opens new tab has hired former UBS banker Marc Warm as its global co-head of capital markets, the British bank said on Tuesday, as it tries to expand its business to compete with Wall Street rivals. Warm will be based in New York, and expands the co-head structure to three people, unusual in investment banking management, alongside Tom Johnson and Travis Barnes. Warm's expertise is in credit, a traditional strength of Barclays, as it looks to grow in areas such as debt capital markets and leveraged finance. Barclays has steadily overhauled its investment bank leadership in the last year as CEO C.S. Venkatakrishnan has increasingly funnelled resources to other areas such as its core domestic mortgage and retail banking businesses. The bank has gained market share in capital markets activities such as equity fundraising in that time, but still lags U.S. peers such as JPMorgan (JPM.N), opens new tab and Goldman Sachs (GS.N), opens new tab.
