Latest news with #Which
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
Anyone who has flown since 2019 could be owed up to £520 in cash
Depending on how long you were held up for you could be owed hundreds of pounds. Holidaymakers who have flown abroad since 2019 could be owed up to £520 in cash. If you've been on a delayed flight in the last six years you could be entitled to compensation. This is because there are certain protections providing the flight departed from a UK or EU airport or was operated by a UK or European airline. As confirmed by Which, you have up to six years from the date of the flight to claim. However, as highlighted by Citizens Advice, this only applies if the flight is more than three hours late and if it is the airline's fault. This includes if they didn't get enough bookings or there was a technical fault. But you're unlikely to get compensation if the delay was because of something outside the airline's control, like bad weather or a security risk. The amount of money you can claim depends on how long the flight was delayed by and how far the journey was. Citizens Advice states that you could get the following payout: Delayed three hours or more - less than 1,500km - £220 Three hours or more - between 1,500km and 3,500km - £350 Four hours or more - more than 3,500km - £520 Less than four hours - more than 3,500km - £260 You have to claim from the airline to get compensation. To do so, search their website or call their customer services department. If your flight is delayed for five hours or more Citizens Advice says you don't have to take the flight if it's delayed for five hours or more. If you don't take the flight the airline legally has to give you all of the following: A full refund for the flight A full refund for other flights from the airline that you won't use in the same booking, eg an onward or return flight If you're part-way through a journey, a flight back to the airport you originally departed from You should get the refund within seven days of the date of the flight. Citizens Advice says: 'Talk to someone from the airline as soon as you decide you don't want to take the flight.' If your flight is cancelled You have the legal right to either: A full refund - including other flights from the airline that you won't use in the same booking such as onward or return flights A replacement flight to get you to your destination To make a claim To make a successful claim follow these steps: Contact the airline – this needs to be the airline operating the flight, even if you booked it through another airline. Have all your flight details and booking reference numbers to hand Write your claim – say what went wrong and what you want the airline to give you. Include copies (not originals) of your tickets and any receipts Keep records – keep copies of your claim and any response from the airline. Take notes if you speak to anyone from the airline. You can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need more help. Or for more information, visit their website here.
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
The five best value new cars on sale: Which? reveals how its formula makes these the standout choices
If you're looking to buy a new car and value for money is top of your priorities, then sit tight as we can tell you which showrooms you really need to visit. New model prices have been rocketing in recent years. So much so, in fact, that the cheapest Mini on sale in 2025 will set you back a scarcely believable £25,265. That's no mini price for what is a mini vehicle. Luckily, there are deals to be had - if you're looking in the right dealerships. And these five motors have been named the best value new options around based on a number of variables, most importantly the size of the discount you can typically haggle with a salesman or woman. The list has been created by Which? - the consumer group that tests over 100 cars a year using a repeated process but also collects data on the safety level of each model and how reliable existing owners have found them to be. All of this is data has been churned through its in-house algorithm to identify which motors present the best combination of performance, dependence and affordability. It does this every six months to track where the best value can be found across the market. These are the five cars it has highlighted as the standout options right now... The cars earning 'Great Value' status from the consumer watchdog have to meet a set of specific criteria. Firstly, they have to be cheaper on average than rivals. How does it work out this important factor? It claims to use a combination of 'list price analysis' and a team of secret shoppers, who doorstep showrooms to find out how much can be haggled off the price of new models. It then calculates an average lowest price over the past six months for each car tested - a price based on the lowest trim level available, taking into account dealer discounts and manufacturer contributions that buyers are likely to encounter while purchasing. If a car's lowest price is significantly lower than the average for its class, it can only then be considered for the Great Value moniker. However, to earn the moniker, a car also needs to score at least 65 per cent in Which?'s robust laboratory-based test - which incorporates real-world measurements for emissions, boot capacity, all-round visibility and much more. If tested by Euro NCAP, it must have at least a three-star rating, and it can only gain the Great Value stamp if it has a minimum of a three-star score for reliability in the latest Which? car survey. It reserves the Great Value rosette for just five models on a six-month rotation - and these are the cars that have it currently. Seat Ibiza (2017-present) Average lowest price: £17,758 In an ever-increasingly shrinking supermini market, Seat's Ibiza continues to standout as one of the top performers in the class. While mechanically very similar to sister models underpinned by the same platform, it's quite a lot cheaper than a VW Polo but sportier than a Skoda Fabia. The interior isn't as plush as others, but it's a car that drives well and has plenty of cabin and boot space for this segment. Currently, you can negotiate the price of a new 1.0-litre TSI petrol in SE trim - which comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, an 8.25-inch touchscreen display and 8-inch digital instrument cluster, along with metallic paint - for £17,758. That's not just £2,250 off retail price but significantly less than rivals. It also comes with full marks in crash tests, rated five stars by Euro NCAP. Mazda3 (2019-present) Average lowest price: £23,405 Despite being on the market for more than five years, we think the Mazda3 is one of the most handsome family hatchbacks on sale today. And Which? reckons it offers very strong value, too. Instead of hiding essential tech inside high-end upgrade packages, the most useful ones are available as standard on the entry trim level. This includes features such as parking sensors, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic collision alerts. That's a lot of tech for £23,405 - which isn't a huge discount on the £24,730 RRP, it has to be said. The 3 is extremely safe, though. Not only did it get a full quota of five starts from Euro NCAP, it's 98 per cent occupant protection score is one of the highest on record. Kia Ceed Sportswagon (2018-present) Average lowest price: £22,497 When you consider a VW Golf Estate start from a smidge under £30,000, Kia's Ceed Sportswagon for £22,500 is a cracking deal. It might not be the most exciting car on the planet, but this versatile and roomy estate has a massive boot that's capable of coping with anything family life throws at it. While some of the engines aren't the first word in fuel economy, they are at least robust, with Kia's reliability track record providing strong in recent years. The entry '2' trim is well equipped, and dealers are - on average - knocking around £2,100 off the RRP, according to Which?. When Euro NCAP tested the Ceed in 2019, it awarded it a four-star rating without the safety pack - and a five-star score when the safety pack's included. The '2' does without the full suite of safety pack features, so you would need to upgrade to a '3' trim if you wanted a family car with the highest possible safety score. Skoda Kamiq (2019-present) Average lowest price: £22,892 With so many small crossovers to choose from, it's tough to pick one model out of the crowd. But Which? says - based on price, performance, reliability and safety - the Skoda Kamiq is best value With compact crossovers all the range right now, the market is extremely competitive. In fact, it's so saturated with different models from varying manufacturers that it's almost impossible to pick one out of the crowd. Well, Which? has done that for you, nominating the Skoda Kamiq as a Great Value choice. An entry-spec version in 'SE' trim starts from £24,975. While this gives you allow wheels and a fully digital cockpit, customers will need to upgrade to a higher grade if they want luxuries like a rear-view camera, metallic paint and voice control. Which? says its mystery shoppers were able to talk sales staff into knocking just over £2,000 off the asking price. That's a good deal on a small family car with a big boot for the segment, plenty of comfort, an easy driving experience and a safety record bolstered by a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Nissan Qashqai (2022-present) Average lowest price: £26,693 Which?'s secret shoppers negotiated £4,000 off the price of a new Nissan Qashqai. As such, it's the Great Value choice in the large family SUV segment The Qashqai is the latest model in this list, and the biggest too. This explains why its average lowest price is also steeper than the other 'Great Value' motors to make the order. That said, it's £4,000 less than the retail price (£30,615), so there's a good saving to be had on this Sunderland-built SUV. At this price, it significantly undercuts rivals, while at the same time offering all the latest tech you can want for. The latest model recently received a full facelift, making it more stylish and practical, with a great passenger space and appealing cabin. While some of the best extras are found in only the most expensive trim levels, the lower-end models are decently kitted out. A five-star Euro NCAP rating should also fill you with confidence for its credentials as a family car.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
The British seaside spots to avoid this summer break
Consumer champion Which? surveyed 3,872 members to compile a comprehensive rating of the best and worst coastal destinations in the UK. Bamburgh in Northumberland claimed the top spot for the fifth consecutive year, highly praised for its beach, scenery, and peacefulness. Other highly-rated seaside towns included Beer in Devon, Portmeirion in Wales, and Sidmouth in Devon, each noted for unique attractions and appeal. Bognor Regis was ranked towards the bottom of the table, criticised by reviewers as a 'run-down seaside town' with poor entertainment. Bangor in Gwynedd was also poorly rated due to social deprivation and lack of investment, while popular destinations like Brighton and Margate surprisingly failed to ignite enthusiasm.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Oxford ranked eighth place in best UK city break league table
Oxford has been ranked eight for the best city break in the UK in a new league table. Consumer "champion" Which? rated the best medium-sized cities for a short break, with Oxford coming in below Bath, Chester and Lincoln. The dreaming spires city received a customer score of 74 per cent, below the number one city of Bath at 82 per cent. READ MORE: M40 'monstrous development' met with mass objections Perhaps unsurprisingly, Oxford received a five-star rating for the category "cultural sights", but just three stars for food and drink, accommodation, shopping and value for money. It was let down in the categories of ease of getting around and lack of crowds, and given just one star for parking. Missed a copy of the Oxford Mail you wanted? Here's what to do — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 13, 2024 The average hotel price in Oxford was found to be £115, higher than any of the seven cities listed above it apart from top-spot Bath. Cities ranked better for a break than Oxford also included Worcester, Canterbury, Shrewsbury and Harrogate. READ MORE: Oxford homeowners fear Botley Road buses returning At the other end of the ranking, the worst medium-sized city break destinations in the UK were named as Bournemouth and Torquay. The seaside towns were both described as "dirty" and "rundown" and got just two stars for food and drink, shopping, ease of getting around and value for money. Which? decided on the rankings after carrying out a survey of more than 7,100 UK travel experiences in April 2024, with customers rating the towns and cities they'd visited for at least one night within the past two years.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Our seaside town has been labelled the worst in Britain - but here's why all the critics calling it 'tacky' and 'run-down' are wrong
Proud seasiders in a coastal town which has been branded the worst in Britain have been hitting back against taunts about it being 'tacky' and 'run-down'. A poll by consumer group Which? has put Bognor Regis in West Sussex at the bottom of 118 UK resorts when it comes to visitors' experiences. The coastal town, first developed in the late 18th century and famed for attractions such as a Butlin's holiday camp founded in 1960, has become to some a byword for either genteel or shabby English seaside fustiness. The late George V - great-grandfather of present King Charles - is famed to have allegedly said before dying in 1936: 'Bugger Bognor.' That was supposed to be in response to aides suggested where he might go to recuperate, according to explanations on the town's Love Bognor Regis website. An alternative suggestion is that he actually uttered the words in 1928 instead, when given a petition calling on him to add the word 'Regis' to the town's official title. Bognor tends to be among England's sunniest spots, yet landed itself last in Which?'s poll of the 118 UK seaside towns - based on responses from 3,800 people. The resort earned a paltry one-star rating in most categories, including 'Food and drink', 'Value for money' and 'Scenery'. The West Sussex resort was described by one visitor as 'a run-down seaside town' and received a destination score of just 36 per cent. Just ahead of Bognor was Bangor in Gwynedd – up one spot from its own bottom place result in last year's corresponding survey. Clacton-on-Sea in Essex was also poorly received by holidaymakers - provided with only one star for its tourist attractions as well as food, drink and scenery. Many of the UK's best-known seaside towns performed poorly in the new poll. Skegness and Blackpool earned 54 per cent and 48 per cent destination ratings respectively, while winning only one star apiece for their scenery. Even more 'fashionable' seaside hotspots failed to win the hearts of the British public, with artsy Margate scoring 56 per cent and upmarket Brighton 61 per cent It was better news further north of the country, however, where Bamburgh in Northumberland retained its place as the nation's favourite coastal destination - coming top for the fifth consecutive year. Bamburgh scored an overall destination score of 84 per cent and was awarded five stars for its seafront and scenery. Paul Wells, who runs haberdashery firm Knit and Sew in the town centre, has described Bognor Regis as having 'a personality of its own' One visitor declared Bamburgh a 'gem', praising its 'sandy, clean beaches'. The town was also rewarded for its good value for money - according to an average night's stay in Bamburgh costs £130. Yet the Which? thumbs-down for Bognor has come as a disappointment to loyal locals there, who have now spoken up in the South Coast seaside town's defence. They pointed to the 'genuine' sense of community and the quality of life which was high in the traditional seaside town. The resort, which has a population of about 25,000, is said to be undergoing a renaissance with inward investment and building projects aimed at making it look more up-to-date. On the seafront, the Alexandra Theatre is getting a £15million rebuild, while a Victorian shopping precinct called The Arcade is about to see an £8m revamp and a new £13m Premier Inn is being built. The town's seafront promenade has also undergone a major facelift, including a walking area alongside Bognor's pebble and sand beach. Jane Steventon, 52, a Bafta-winning TV producer, moved to Bognor after a career which has seen her work in London, Glasgow, Liverpool and Wales. But when talking about Bognor, she told MailOnline: 'I love it here. It's an exciting time to be in Bognor. There's a lot of investment and opportunity here and there's a real buzz around town and a sense of excitement about what's to come. 'There's a real sense of belonging here also, a proper community vibe. 'I really don't understand where Which? has got its figures from, because it's also popular among visitors.' Ms Steventon, now a lecturer at Portsmouth University where she teaches screen writing and film production, added: 'Traditional seaside towns have seen new money coming into them in recent years. 'Margate and Hastings are just two examples and I think we're seeing the same interest in Bognor.' The Butlin's holiday camp in the town has been praised for updating its traditional image, attracting not only families but also younger crowds for Big Weekender live music events at the seaside site. One visitor said: 'It's got so much going for it. The Big Music Weekenders are brilliant and we come down with friends for those In the new Which? survey, Bognor Regis earned a paltry one-star rating in most categories, including 'Food and drink', 'Value for money' and 'Scenery' Supporters have insisted the coastal town can boast 'a real sense of belonging here' and 'a proper community vibe' 'I also love the shops which are quirky and not mainstream.' Paul Wells, who runs haberdashery firm Knit and Sew in the town centre, said: 'We have so much to offer and the Which? report doesn't reflect the reality here. 'Bognor has a personality of its own as it has loads and loads of independent shops and visitors flock here to take advantage of those. 'We also have the highest recorded levels of sunshine levels in the UK which bring day trippers in their droves.' Mr Wells, who has run his shop for 25 years, added: 'The seafront is being massively renovated at the moment, but once it's finished it will enhance the already wonderful beach and promenade area. 'It's also very friendly here and there's a good sense of community with people looking out for each other. 'It's also in a great location for jumping off into the South Downs or other coastal destinations and a lot of people stay here if they're visiting Goodwood or Pagham Harbour.' Mr Wells described how such seaside towns had all 'suffered since Covid', while plenty of retail sales are being diverted online - but insisted: 'I think Bognor offers a unique experience.' Bognor Regis mayor Gill Yeates (pictured), who has lived there all her life, said: 'There's a huge amount of regeneration going on in Bognor at the moment' Alison Terry, a retired maths teacher who moved to Bognor from Tunbridge Wells in Kent 30 years ago, has since raised two children in the town alongside her husband Mike - and says the sense of community there is 'second to none'. She said: 'The pace of life is much slower here - people are more reflective and able to contribute more to their communities. There's also so much going on here. 'My two children both learned to sail here and embraced that life and there are so many opportunities. 'It might be an old-fashioned seaside resort in many respects but it has evolved organically so new developments echo the old. 'The town centre has a unique charm that I haven't found anywhere else.' Ms Terry added: 'More than anything, the people are very genuine and loyal to the town and its fellow citizens. I love it here.' Bognor Regis mayor Gill Yeates, who has lived there all her life, said: 'There's a huge amount of regeneration going on in Bognor at the moment and that means there has been a lot of disruption. 'When that is complete, it will be a huge boost to the town. Bognor mayor Gill Yeates says town centre regeneration work will be a 'huge boost to the town' 'The seafront is the jewel in the crown for us and it really is a gem but Bognor offers all this at a very affordable price. It is much cheaper here than at many places down the coast.' Many of the projects are destined for completion by next year - and residents are hopeful the town could capitalise on existing popularity among those fans it does have, despite the Which? consumer poll backlash. Stuart Gray, who runs Sweet Flamingo ice creams on the seafront, said: 'Resorts are dependent on the weather and Bognor gets record-breaking sunshine. 'When it's busy here, it's very busy. I don't really understand what Which? is talking about.' THE LOWDOWN ON THE UK'S BEST AND WORST SEASIDE TOWNS By Jo Tweedy THE BEST Bamburgh, Northumberland Small but mighty, Bamburgh village, nudged up to a particularly beautiful stretch of the Northumberland coast only has around 400 residents - but, according to Which?'s latest poll the prettiest sands in the land. The downside? It attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year because of it, with locals swamped by tourists in the summer months - and parking spaces rare as hen's teeth. Its imposing castle is regarded as one of the world's most important Anglo-Saxon archaeological sites. Zoopla average property price: £464,500 Beer, Devon Another tiny village with a divine crescent of beach, this time shingle, Beer lies in Devon's East and is flanked by limestone cliffs. Once a smuggler's haven, this fishing village's closest town is Seaton, with the South West Coast Path accessible for walkers. Zoopla average property price: £454,000 So inspired was Noel Coward when he visited the folly village of Portmeirion that he wrote his play, Blithe Spirit, in just six days. This Italianate village sits against a rocky headland in North Wales and is so well preserved you have to pay to get in - £20.00 for adults, £13 for children. The beach? It's full of white sand, plus hidden caves and views out across the Dwyryd Estuary. Zoopla average property price: £171,969 St David's, Pembrokeshire St David's main beach, known as Whitesands Bay, is made up of fine, alabaster sand that merges into a rockier portion of coast, which reaches a crescendo at the craggy headland that is St David's Head. Walkers love it, as do surfers. St David's is famously the UK's smallest city with a population of around 1,750 people. Zoopla average property price: £326,108 Sidmouth, Devon At the mouth of the River Sid, 14 miles from Exeter, Sidmouth was a fishing village until the fashion for coastal resorts grew in the Regency period from 1811 to 1820. Edward VII checked into the Royal York Hotel in 1856, and when the Devon town was connected to a railway (no longer running) in 1874, well-heeled Victorians flocked there. The esplanade is lined with Grade II-listed hotels, with the 240-million-year-old Jurassic Coast just beyond it. Zoopla average property price: £489,333 AND THE WORST... Bognor Regis, West Sussex Bognor Regis is one of the UK's best-known bucket and spade seaside towns today - but it started life as a small fishing village. The town's popularity soared in the late 1800s after a railway station was built in 1864 that made the seaside hotspot much more accessible. In recent years, the resort has been known for cheap and cheerful UK breaks, with Butlins the beach's most famous place to stay. Zoopla average property price: £356,463 Bangor, North Wales The historic Welsh resort of Bangor took the unwanted number one spot in the Which? survey of worst seaside town in Britain back in May. Bangor has fallen since its heyday, with historic photos showing hundreds of people gathered to watch the opening of the pier during the Victorian period in 1896. Even as recently as 30 years ago, the area was still a beloved hub for tourists and holidaymakers, and even featured in a popular song by folk group Fiddler's Dream in 1979 named Day Trip to Bangor (Didn't We Have a Lovely Time). Away from the beach, Bangor has the longest high street in Wales, and is also the oldest Welsh city. Zoopla average property price: £204,661 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Another resort that's a shadow of its former self, Clacton-on-Sea was once one of Britain's thriving seaside towns - popular with Londoners who would flock to the Essex coastline for a day at the beach and fun on the pier. A decline has seen the town battling spiralling unemployment, drug use and crime - with shops on the beachfront and in the town centre closed. Zoopla average property price: £251,103 Southend-on-Sea, Essex One travel guide described this Essex coastal resort as 'Pugnacious and brash', saying 'Unless you're after tacky arcades, flash amusement rides or sleazy nightspots, there's not much to do'. There's no getting away from the fact it's still very popular though: Essex's largest town, with a population of some 175,500, hosts nearly three million visitors each year. Zoopla average property price: £339,634 Fleetwood, Lancashire Just 25 minutes from Blackpool, Fleetwood has long attracted holidaymakers with its low prices - including hotel stays that average around £73 a night - and old-school seaside charm. And while it's fared badly in Which?'s latest poll, it is in line for a £16million upgrade, including a major overhaul of the town's iconic Art Deco Marine Hall and the local leisure centre.
