bills

I PUSHED the order button on my phone and then 10 minutes later my groceries were at my door. 

I often find I’m missing an ingredient for a recipe and with two kids at home it’s easier to get the items delivered. 

5

But how much extra am I paying?

Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements puts 60-minute delivery services to the test.

To my home in Maidenhead I can get Tesco Whoosh, Sainsbury’s Chop Chop, Morrisons via Amazon, Waitrose via Uber Eats and Co-op via Deliveroo.

I ordered the same basket from each shop.

Selecting the cheapest, pint of semi-skimmed milk, six-pack of eggs, punnet of strawberries, three-pack of Solero ice creams, loaf of white bread and two-pack of burgers. 

TESCO WHOOSH

• MIN SPEND: No minimum spend but baskets under £15 incur an extra £2 charge.
• BASKET COST: £16.55
• FEES: £2.99
• TOTAL COST: £19.54

5

Tesco claims deliveries come in 20 minutes to 70 per cent of the UK from 1,500 stores. 

It was easy to order through the Clubcard app.

I did find the choice of items were fairly limited and more premium products on offer than basic ones. 

For example, only Tesco’s finest burgers and strawberries were available, plus the smallest carton of milk available was two pints as opposed to one.  

This pushed up the overall cost of the basket.

Although, it does have a low delivery fee compared to other supermarkets. 

My order arrived in 12 minutes, which was pretty speedy.

The strawberries did have a short best before date, which is annoying. 

RATING: 3/5

SAINSBURY’S CHOP CHOP 

• MIN SPEND: £15
• BASKET COST: £15.20 
• FEES: £4.99, plus carrier bag fee 30p
• TOTAL COST: £20.49

5

It claims to deliver within an hour less from 800 stores.

You need to download the Chop Chop app. 

The choice of products was good and I was able to order everything I needed and keep costs relatively low.

For example, I was offered three different packs of strawberries to choose from. 

This means the basket cost was lower than rival Tesco, however, the fees were more than £2 higher and included a carrier bag fee making it more expensive overall.  

The order came exactly 10 minutes after placing it making it the fastest in the test.

And I can’t complain about the food which was all in great condition. 

You can also order Sainsbury’s through Uber Eats and Deliveroo but you can earn Nectar points when ordering through Chop Chop.

This was the quickest delivery and there was a great choice of food but the fee was at the higher end of the scale. 

RATING: 4/5

MORRISONS VIA AMAZON

• MIN SPEND: £15 for Amazon Prime members, £40 for non-members
• BASKET COST: £15.48 ( plus the extra sausages)
• FEES: Orders over £60 are free for Prime members, £2 for between £40 and £60, and £4 under £40. For non-members, fees are £3 for orders over £60 and £5 between £40 and £60.
• TOTAL COST: £19.48

Same-day deliveries within two-hour timeslots. 

When I logged on at 9.30am in the morning, I had the choice of three slots available with the earliest being 2-4pm, the next 4-6pm and then 6-8pm. 

I picked the later slot to make sure I didn’t miss the delivery while on the school run.

The choice of products was fantastic and the cheapest prices. 

I needed to meet a minimum spend of £15, as I’m an Amazon Prime member. I added on a pack of sausages to bring the total order up to £15.48.

By 8pm nothing had arrived. 

Then at 8.09pm I received a text message to say the order had been cancelled and that I would be refunded.

There was no reason given for the cancellation. 

Luckily we didn’t go hungry as the other orders were arriving – but I was not impressed.

The fees and minimum spends are offputting too. 

RATING: 0/5

WAITROSE VIA UBER EATS

• MIN SPEND: No min spend over £15, but under £15 it’s £3.
• BASKET COST: £13.11 (after discounts)
• FEES: £3.93 Made of three parts:
  *Service fee (10% of your subtotal capped at £2.99) £1.64 for my order  
  *Delivery fee (depends on variables including location and availability of drivers) £1.79 for my order.
  *Bag fee (depends on retailer) 50p for my order
• TOTAL COST:  £17.64

5

On Uber Eats I can get Sainsbury’s and Co-op delivered as well as Waitrose.

The selection from Waitrose was great and my order arrived within 26 minutes. 

I also got 50 per cent off selected fruit and veg as there was an offer running, which knocked off £2.69 off my total bill.

The fees seem excessive as you’re charged for service, delivery and bags separately.

My order was also split into two bags, pushing up the cost. 

Good choice of food and it arrived in reasonable time and condition. 

RATING 3/5

CO-OP VIA DELIVEROO 

• MIN SPEND: No min spend
• BASKET COST: £13.55 (no eggs) changed to £8.10 after substitutions (no eggs, no strawberries) 
• FEES: £1.95
  *Service fee: £1.36
  *Delivery fee: 49p
  *Bag fee: 10p 
• TOTAL COST: £10.05 

5

Through Deliveroo I can get Waitrose and Sainsbury’s delivered but I tested Co-Op.

Unfortunately, it was not long after the supermarket suffered from cyber attacks impacting its stock levels and product availability. 

However, I was still able to order burgers, milk, bread and ice lollies – and raspberries instead of strawberries. But there were no eggs at all. 

The original order total came to £15.50.

However, the raspberries were out of stock when it came to packing and my one pint of milk was changed to a two-pint carton, while the lollies were changed to Co-Op own brand. 

The order arrived in a reasonable 17 minutes. 

Unlike all the other deliveries, my Co-Op shopping arrived in a green compostable bag. 

This didn’t seem to offer the food as much protection as the brown paper bags from the other supermarkets. 

As a result, I wasn’t too happy with my loaf of bread which arrived seriously squished. 

Fees are split in a similar way to Uber Eats and made up of three parts.

The order arrived in good time but I wasn’t happy with my squashed bread and the choice also let down the experience but this seemed like bad timing.  

RATING: 2/5

OTHER SUPERMARKETS 

Asda and Ocado both offer speedy grocery deliveries.

Asda offers between an hour and four hours from 330 stores.

My closest branch is five miles away but I couldn’t get it delivered.

There’s no minimum spend and fees are £8.50 to £8.99. 

Ocado’s Zoom delivery is between 6am and 10pm.

It currently only covers parts of West and East London.

Minimum spend is £15 and fees start from £1.49. 

ENERGY bills are set to drop this July, bringing much-needed relief to millions of households.

The energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed the new price cap, which comes into effect on July 1, 2025.

The average gas and electricity bill is set to drop from £1,849 to £1,720, saving the typical household £129 a year.

But bear in mind the exact amount you pay can be higher or lower depending on your usage, and the cap is reviewed every three months.

This is significantly higher than the drop this time last year, when it decreased from £1,690 a year to £1,568.

The savings will still provide relief to millions, as over 22million households on standard variable tariffs are directly affected by the price cap, which is updated every three months.

Experts at Cornwall Insight had rightly predicted the energy price cap would drop to £1,720 in July.

Currently, the price cap sets annual energy costs at around £1,849.

However, many households may still pay more than Ofgem‘s headline figure.

This is because the price cap doesn’t cap total bills but limits the maximum cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas and electricity, along with daily standing charges.

Ofgem’s headline figure is based on the assumption that a typical household consumes 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas annually.

So if you use more than a typical households expect to pay more.

However, energy experts say that households could make significant savings by switching to a fixed-rate energy deal now.

By choosing a fixed deal, customers can lock in consistent rates for a set period, potentially avoiding fluctuations in energy prices.

Of course, opting for a fixed energy deal carries the risk that, if energy prices drop further, you might end up paying more than you would on a variable tariff.

However, analysts have long said that households should not anticipate any significant drops in prices this year.

In response, National Energy Action Chief Executive Adam Scorer said: “Any fall in the price of energy is always welcome news, but this is a short fall from a great height. Bills remain punishingly high for low-income households.

“Four years of extraordinarily high energy bills has taken its toll. We hear heart-breaking cases every day.

“The likely expansion in eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment will be a relief for some, but National Energy Action is calling for deeper energy bill support and a real focus to support households out of debt.”

How can I find the cheapest fixed deals?

To find the best fixed energy deals, start by visiting price comparison websites, which aggregate various offers from different energy suppliers.

The best sites include Uswitch.com and MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Energy Club.

Enter your postcode and current energy usage details to receive a list of available deals tailored to your needs – it’ll take you less than five minutes.

You’ll then be able to compare the rates, contract lengths, and any additional features or benefits offered by each deal.

Next, visit the websites of individual energy suppliers to check if they have exclusive deals that are not listed on comparison sites.

Sometimes, suppliers offer special promotions or discounts directly to customers.

Compare these offers with those on the comparison websites to ensure you get the best possible rate.

Finally, consider customer service reviews and the overall reputation of the suppliers.

Once you have identified the best deal, follow the instructions to switch your energy provider.

What energy bill help is available?

There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.

If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.

This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.

If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.

But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.

Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).

The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.

Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.

Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.

SHOPPING experts have revealed when is the ideal time to stock up on major garden essentials to make huge savings.

Three of the key items should be bought this month in order to make the biggest savings.

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Boffins at comparison site Idealo have done the hard work for us and worked out that shoppers could save £183.84 if they purchase a gazebo this month, rather than in November, when they are at its worst price.

One shopper recently bragged about picking up a “huge” gazebo from her local Morrisons for just £20.

May is also your month for hedge trimmer shopping and you could save £12.80 as opposed to buying in August as their most expensive month.

As most parents will know, tearing kids away from screens can sometimes be a challenge, making garden toys a lifeline in the summer months.

If you’re after something that will keep your little ones entertained for hours, what about the trusty pogo stick?

May is the best month to pick one up, creating a saving of £1.24 rather than in December.

For your other green-fingered needs, June has been officially crowned as the cheapest month of the year to buy garden bits in the UK, with the greatest deals on offer.

While June is ideal, buying garden goodies any time between the end of May and August is also promised to save you cash.

Idealo found that savings of up to £649 can be made by buying each item at the right time.

Katy Phillips, senior brand and communications manager at idealo tells The Sun: “Our data shows that a little patience can go a long way when it comes to saving money on garden essentials this year.

“Holding off until the right month could save shoppers hundreds of pounds on big-ticket items like sun loungers, tables and fire pits.

“We’d always recommend comparing prices across multiple retailers before committing to a purchase. With a bit of planning, and by using apps with tools like price alerts, you can enjoy your garden for less and make your money stretch further this summer.”

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How to save money on garden furniture

Opting to buy your new garden furniture or items on sale could save you a lot of money.

Most retailers start discounting garden items after summer and will run promotions over the winter, but be aware stock can be far more limited during this time.

Retailers will start reintroducing more to their garden ranges during spring and may run limited promotions over bank holidays, for example.

You are unlikely to get a great deal just before or in the height of summer, but some retailers offer mid-summer clearance sales to get rid of old stock, so keep an eye out.

Remember to always shop around when making a big purchase, as even if one store has a sale on, you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere.

You can use websites like Price Spy to compare the prices of items across multiple retailers and see how the prices have changed over time.

Remember, you may not need to buy you furniture – you could save a fortune by up-cycling old items instead.

Giving dirty pieces a good wash and a lick of fresh paint can make them look brand new.

You can also pick up perfectly good items second-hand.

Try platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to see if anyone near you is getting rid of old items – you may even be able to pick them up for free.

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THOUSANDS of households on Universal Credit will continue getting a huge pay rise in the coming days.

Benefit payment rates rose by 1.7% on April 7, in line with the consumer price index (CPI) level of inflation for September 2024.

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It’s important to note that, although the new rates are now in effect, most people won’t see an increase in their payments until later this month or in June.

This is because those on Universal Credit have to wait a bit longer to receive the uprating because of how the benefit is assessed.

It means that the date you’ll receive the pay boost will depend on when your last assessment period was.

Universal Credit is paid monthly and is based on your circumstances each month.

This is called your “assessment period”, and it starts the day you make your claim.

The new Universal Credit rates will not come into effect until after the first full one-month assessment period, which starts on or after April 7.

Those whose assessment periods started after April 7 saw their benefits rise as early as May 13.

However, those whose assessment periods started before this date could be waiting until June 12 to receive the payment boost.

Here’s how your previous assessment period affects when you’ll get the payment boost:

• March 17 to April 16 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 21
• March 18 to April 17 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 22
• March 19 to April 18 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 23
• March 20 to April 19 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 24
• March 21 to April 20 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 25
• March 22 to April 21 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 26
• March 23 to April 22 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 27
• March 24 to April 23 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 28
• March 25 to April 24 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 29
• March 26 to April 25 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 30
• March 27 to April 26 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 31
• March 28 to April 27 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 1
• March 29 to April 28 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 2
• March 30 to April 29 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 5
• March 31 to April 30 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 6
• April 1 to April 31 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 7
• April 2 to May 1 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 8
• April 3 to May 2 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 9
• April 4 to May 3 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 10
• April 5 to May 4 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 11
• April 6 to May 5 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 12

Here’s a full list of the new benefit rates for 2025-26 so you can check how much extra you might get.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit standard allowance (monthly)

• Single, under 25: £316.98 (up from £311.68)
• Single, 25 or over: £400.14 (up from £393.45)
• Joint claimants both under 25: £497.55 (up from £489.23)
• Joint claimants, one or both 25+: £628.10 (up from £617.60)

Extra amounts for children

• First child (born before April 6, 2017): £339 (up from £333.33)
• Child born after April 6, 2017 or subsequent children: £292.81 (up from £287.92)
• Disabled child (lower rate): £158.76 (up from £156.11)
• Disabled child (higher rate): £495.87 (up from £487.58)

Extra for limited capability for work

• Limited capability: £158.76 (up from £156.11)
• Work-related activity: £423.27 (up from £416.19)

Carer’s element

• Caring for a severely disabled person at least 35 hours a week: £201.68 (up from £198.31)

Work allowance increases

• Higher work allowance (no housing): £684 (up from £673)
• Lower work allowance (with housing): £411 (up from £404)

Everything you need to know about Universal Credit

HUGE changes to Buy Now Pay Later rules that will help protect customers have been confirmed by the government.

The new Labour government has published its response to a consultation on proposals to tighten up rules in the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector.

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BNPL is a type of credit scheme that allows shoppers to purchase items and spread the payments over a set period and is used by 10million Brits.

While the schemes are popular, they have remained largely unregulated, which has raised concerns about people falling into debt.

The government has now said that from next year BNPL firms will need to follow “consistent standards,” so shoppers know exactly what they’re signing up for.

This means firms will have to be clear and transparent about any late fees or if they could affect customers’ credit ratings and how.

They should also signpost customers towards debt help in any correspondence.

For consumers, that could look like upfront credit checks to make sure people can repay what they borrow.

Also, customers will have quicker access to refunds and the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman.

The plans will bring the products under FCA regulation while ensuring they also adhere to a large proportion of the Consumer Credit Act and Section 75, which give shoppers various rights.

Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert, said that research shows that many users “do not realise they are taking on debt or consider the prospect of missing payments.”

She added: “It’s good to see the government taking action to regulate BNPL firms and introducing affordability checks.

“The government also needs to ensure this includes greater marketing transparency and information about the risks of missed payments and credit checks.”

Proposals to regulate BNPL products were first touted in 2021 but faced repeated delays.

Last year, The Sun revealed the previous Conservative government had paused the plans over fears that it would drive BNPL firms out of the market during a tough cost of living crisis.

Then in October, the Treasury Tulip Siddiq exclusively told The Sun that the government had finalised its “bespoke” plans and intended to pass the legislation “as soon as possible” in early 2025.

The legislation bringing BNPL into regulation is set to be laid in Parliament today, May 19.

A consultation on the findings is set to take place with the rules expected to come into force next year.

How can I use BNPL without losing out?

The hope is that this new regulation will prevent people from being able to take on more than they can realistically afford to pay back.

But when used correctly, BNPL plans can be a useful way of managing your finances.

The products work in a similar way to other types of credit. The main difference is that they don’t charge interest.

You usually have to make payments by set deadlines over a period of time.

If you meet these repayment deadlines, you shouldn’t be charged any extra fees.

TENS of thousands of fed-up energy customers have lodged official complaints – and have been handed compensation

Fresh figures from the Energy Ombudsman reveal that British Gas came out worst out of all energy companies in the UK.

The firm received 48 complaints per 100,000 domestic customers between October and December 2024 – the worst rate in the country.

With an estimated 7.5 million UK households on its books, that’s around 3,600 complaints officially accepted by the Ombudsman in just three months.

The stats reveal how many cases were accepted per 100,000 customers – giving a clearer picture of which firms are falling short.

Here’s how the rest stack up:

• Scottish Power – 27.8 complaints per 100K (approx. 1,390 cases, based on 5 million customers)
• EDF Energy – 26.6 per 100K (1,463 cases, 5.5 million customers)
• OVO Energy – 26.4 per 100K (1,056 cases, 4 million customers)
• Octopus Energy – 22.5 per 100K (1,643 cases, 7.3 million customers)
• E.ON Next – 21.2 per 100K (1,060 cases, 5 million customers)
• Utility Warehouse – 18.7 per 100K (187 cases, 1 million customers)
• Utilita – 11.1 per 100K (approx. 89 cases, 800,000 customers)

Utilita and Utility Warehouse were the best of the bunch, with the lowest complaint rates – while Octopus Energy continued its strong customer service record with a below-average rate.

These figures show how many complaints were accepted by the ombudsman after customers failed to get a resolution directly from their supplier.

All energy firms have been contacted for comment.

OVERALL COMPLAINTS FALL – BUT THOUSANDS STILL STRUGGLING

Across the board, the number of energy disputes accepted by the Energy Ombudsman fell by 24% in 2024, down to 92,938 cases from 122,829 the year before.

That’s a positive step – but complaints are still a third higher than in 2021, showing many customers are still getting a raw deal.

The most common problem? Billing issues, which made up 58% of all cases.

Top gripes included:

• Disputed gas or electricity usage
• Incorrect account balances
• Back-billing – with over 3,200 cases involving bills for energy used months or even years ago

CAN YOU CLAIM COMPENSATION?

If your energy firm hasn’t resolved your issue after eight weeks, or you’ve hit deadlock, you can raise it with the Energy Ombudsman – for free.

They can order suppliers to:

• Refund money
• Issue a written apology
• Pay compensation

HOW MUCH COULD YOU SAVE IF YOU SWITCH TO A FIXED TARIFF?

Will Owen, energy expert at Uswitch.com, told The Sun: “Energy prices are predicted to fall in the coming months with the new price cap, but there are bigger savings to be made by switching to a fixed tariff now.

“The average household on a standard variable tariff could currently save around £332 versus the April price cap by switching to a fixed deal.

“Energy prices continue to be volatile, with cost-of-living pressures still squeezing households despite falling inflation rates. 

“It only takes a few minutes to run a comparison and you may be surprised at how much you can save, compared to lingering on standard variable rates with your current supplier.”

MISSING OUT?

Shockingly, just 43% of customers are being properly signposted to the Ombudsman when they’re eligible – meaning thousands could be missing out on compensation.

Ed Dodman, chief ombudsman at Energy Ombudsman, said: “Our role is not just to fix problems – it’s to make the whole energy sector fairer and more transparent.

“While the fall in complaints is welcome, there’s still work to do. Every customer deserves to know their rights – and how to get the help they need.”

HOW TO COMPLAIN & GET WHAT YOU’RE OWED

1. Raise your issue directly with your energy supplier
2. If it’s unresolved after eight weeks, or you’ve reached deadlock, go to www.energyombudsman.org
3. You could get a refund, apology, or compensation – at no cost

TOP REASONS FOR COMPLAINTS

• Disputed meter readings
• Wrong balances
• Backdated bills
• Faulty smart meters
• Rubbish customer service

If your provider is one of the worst offenders, it might be time to make a switch and save – especially if you’ve been overcharged or ignored.

OTHER ENERGY FIRM FAILINGS

Ofgem has collected more than £400million in payments since 2020 through its compliance and enforcement activities, with the money used to help struggling households with their bills.

Back in September, OVO Energy was forced to pay out £378,512 to 1,395 customers over the historic failings.

Impacted customers received around £271 on average.

Ofgem found OVO took too long to address the almost 1,400 customer complaints, in some cases taking up to 18 months.

It also delayed actioning Energy Ombudsman decisions when complaints were upheld, Ofgem said at the time.

E.ON Next was also ordered by Ofgem last June to pay £5million to customers who suffered poor customer service.

The regulator said a review of the firm’s customer service standards and complaints-handling across the sector uncovered “severe weaknesses”, with customers facing long call waiting times and a high level of unanswered calls.

More than 500,000 customers were potentially affected, according to Ofgem.

The month before, Ofgem ordered Good Energy and OVO to pay out £2.7million to thousands of customers who were overcharged.

HOW DO I COMPLAIN ABOUT MY ENERGY SUPPLIER?

Similar to financial services firms, energy companies have to have a complaints procedure for customers to follow.

When you make a complaint, make sure you follow this so they have the information they need to resolve the issue.

Simply explain what the problem is and what you want your supplier to do about it.

Check your energy supplier’s website for an explanation of how to launch a complaint.

Energy suppliers have eight weeks to respond and come to a decision.

If it doesn’t or you’re not happy with the response, you can take the firm to the Energy Ombudsman.

The Energy Ombudsman may be able to help if you have a complaint about an energy or communications provider.

Before you can submit your complaint to it, you must have logged a formal complaint with your provider and worked with the firm to resolve it.

You must also have received a so-called deadlock letter, where the provider refers your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman.

You can also complain if you haven’t had a satisfactory solution to your problem within eight weeks.

The Energy Ombudsman then bases its decision on the evidence you and the company submit.

If you choose to accept its decision, your supplier then has 28 days to comply.

The Ombudsman’s decisions are binding on the energy company.

If your supplier refuses to follow the instruction, the Ombudsman may get in touch with Ofgem to remedy the situation – but there’s no set period for escalating issues to the regulator and it’s not up to the customer.

If an individual chooses not to accept the Ombudsman’s final decision, they lose the right to the resolution offer.

Customers still have the right to take their complaint further through the courts.

But remember this can be a costly and lengthy exercise, so it’s worth thinking carefully before taking this step.

STRUGGLING households in parts of the UK could get up to £500 in cost of living help – but you’ll need to meet strict rules.

The cash boost is part of the Household Support Fund (HSF), a £421million pot, which helps low-income families with food, energy bills, and essentials.

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But it’s only available if you live in Worcestershire – that includes the districts of Malvern, Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Redditch or Wyre Forest.

To check if you qualify, go to gov.uk/find-local-council – Worcestershire County Council must be listed.

You’ll also need to meet income and vulnerability rules.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, your gross annual income must be:

• £24,570 or less (for a single adult with no children)
• £31,000 or less (for all other households)

You must also have no savings, unless you’re of state pension age – in which case you can have up to £5,000.

And at least one person in your household must meet ONE of the following:

• Be of state pension age
• Have a long-term diagnosed health condition or be registered disabled
• Have a child under four
• Be in receipt of DWP benefits like Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, PIP or Disability Living Allowance
• Be receiving support from services such as food banks, Citizens Advice, Age UK, mental health or housing support, or your GP’s social prescribing team

How much can I get?

The amount depends on your household:

• Up to £500 for homes with children under 18 or full-time students under 21
• Up to £300 for adult-only households aged 18–66
• Up to £300 for pensioner households

Payments can go straight to your energy provider, be credited via an online portal or come in the form of Post Office vouchers for prepayment meters.

You’ll need to supply:

• A recent energy or water bill (dated within 3 months) showing your name, address and account number
• Evidence of your vulnerability
• Extra documents if applying for help with energy debts or heating repairs

What else is covered?

Help is also available for:

• Repairing or replacing broken boilers
• Installing first-time heating systems
• Servicing and upgrading smart heating controls

You’ll need to complete a separate application if applying for these – but forms will be sent to you once your initial claim is made.

Where to send your evidence:

• Email digital copies to: [email protected]
• Post paper documents to:
  Act on Energy
  Unit 2, Lauriston Business Park
  Salford Priors
  Warwickshire WR11 8SN

Applications will be closed if evidence isn’t sent within 28 days – so act fast.

In other related benefit news, pension savers have been pocketing thousands in tax refunds after being overcharged — and now fresh HMRC changes could stop millions more being stung.

Over 15,000 people got an average refund of £2,881 between January and March this year after being overtaxed when they dipped into their pension pots.

In total, £44million was handed back in just three months, according to new figures — with hopes the amount overpaid will fall thanks to recent rule tweaks.

HMRC rolled out a new system this month, aimed at stopping retirees from being wrongly whacked with a sky-high emergency tax bill when making a withdrawal.

Other help you can claim

If you’re not eligible for the Household Support Fund, you might qualify for other forms of help to cover energy bills or food.

Support may vary depending on your local council – so even if you don’t live in Worcestershire, it’s worth checking what’s on offer in your area.

Several energy firms offer grants to households who are struggling to pay their energy bills worth up to £2,000.

This includes British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF.

New parents might also be eligible for free food worth up to £442 a year to cover the cost of healthy food and milk via the Healthy Start scheme.

Or, you can get an emergency food parcel from a Trussell Trust food bank.

You can find your nearest via www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank.

To get a food parcel, you need a voucher from a community organisation like Citizens Advice or your GP. You can then exchange this voucher for a food parcel at the food bank.

It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for benefits if you haven’t already – billions of pounds’ worth is going unclaimed, according to Policy in Practice.

There are three free calculators you can use to see what you might be entitled to:

• Policy in Practice better off calculator
• entitledto benefits calculator
• Turn2us benefits calculator

PARENTS know all too well that keeping kids entertained over the summer holidays can be pricey.

The cost of childcare alone can cost around £1,039 for the six weeks of the break, and that is not to mention days out and other activities.

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And many activity camps for children can be costly too, but that does not mean your child has to miss out.

There are loads of free classes available for families across countless areas in the UK.

Below we round up the best classes for kids this summer that cost nothing at all.

FREE FOOTBALL COACHING

McDonald’s runs free football classes for children aged 5 to 11 years old.

The programme lasts for 10 weeks and usually runs for an hour.

The event is hosted at local stadiums across the UK.

The sessions, which are open to all abilities, are running from March to July.

They are delivered by FA-qualified coaches at more than 1,600 locations nationwide.

You can find out more by visiting www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/football/fun-football-centres.

FREE COURSES FOR TEENAGERS

Islington Council runs a number of free courses for teenagers and young adults through its Summerversity scheme.

In the past, classes have included archery, football camp and photography lessons.

You can book a maximum of eight courses to keep your teenager entertained over the holidays.

You can sign up by visiting www.summerversity.co.uk/

Of course you will need to live in the London borough to get access to the scheme.

But if you don’t it may be worth ringing up your local council to see if it runs a similar event.

FREE BOXING CAMP

Sporting Aid in Waltham is running a free boxing camp for those aged 10-16.

The event is run every Saturday at 12:00pm at the Waltham Cross Playing Fields Car Park.

No prior experience is required so it may be a great way for your little one to be introduced to the sport.

You can sign up for the event by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk.

FREE SUMMER CAMP

Music charity Vache Baroque runs a completely free summer camp for children in St Giles.

The event runs from  Monday 18 – Friday August 22 and includes a hot meal. It is for children aged 9–14.

Children will participate in a number of activities including singing, arts and crafts and circus skills

They can also take part in an optional performance with professional orchestra in its summer circus-opera on Sunday September 7.

You can find out more by visiting, vachebaroque.com.

A BELOVED department chain is preparing to shut its final store this month as it launches a “Rachel Reeves closing down sale.”

The famous shop will be shuttering forever after serving customers on the high street for 140 years.

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Beales in the Dolphin Centre in Poole will close on May 31 and is slashing the price of stock by 80 per cent in the meantime.

The historic chain was founded in Bournemouth in 1881 and offers a range of iconic products, including clothing, home goods, and more.

This particular Poole Beales branch was the last one standing when the company collapsed into administration in January 2020, leading to the closure of its 22 other stores.

Despite the stores resilience, the brutal budget introduced last year saw the hike of National Insurance which has forced countless shops to close.

To mark the occasions, the store’s Facebook page is advertising a “Rachel Reeves‘ Closing Down Sale,” featuring discounts of up to 80% and a caption cheekily thanking the Chancellor for “the help.”

It wrote in the caption: “Our closing sale is almost over (cheers for the help, Chancellor) – and we’ve just dropped hundreds of lines to 80% OFF or more!

“Grab a bargain before we vanish into the budget black hole. #FinalSale #80Off #LastChance #WhenItsGoneItsGone.”

Despite weathering the storm for the past five years, it seems the Chancellor’s latest Budget changes have delivered the final blow to the struggling chain.

Beales chief executive Tony Brown previously told The Telegraph the business had become “unviable” following the Chancellor’s announcement of increases to the minimum wage and national insurance contributions in the October Budget.

Announcing the closure, Mr Brown said: “This, combined with the risks and uncertainty of further tax increases in the coming years, has left us with no alternative.

“We have been working with the Dolphin Centre, who have been supportive, along with our investors to ensure an orderly exit.

“Our team has been informed, as have our suppliers.

“We will ensure the exit is managed and no one will be left with a financial loss.”

Shoppers were left heartbroken by the news of the store’s impending closure, with one commenting on the latest post: “I’ve loved shopping here over the years.”

Another wrote: “Sadly this is happening to many shops.”

Like many businesses, Beales now faces higher employer national insurance contributions, which have risen from 13.8% to 15%.

Additionally, the threshold at which these contributions must be paid has been lowered from £9,100 to £5,000.

These changes to the tax system were confirmed by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget last October and came into effect on 1 April.

At the same time, the national minimum wage saw a notable increase, rising to £12.21 per hour. For workers aged 18-20, the minimum wage increased by £1.40 to £10 per hour.

Founded in 1881, Beales once boasted a proud portfolio of 41 department stores in market towns across the UK, offering everything from furniture and fashion to toys and cosmetics.

The retailer’s decline has been gradual but unrelenting.

Its Southport store was shuttered last September, just three years after the site had reopened.

With the closure of the Poole branch, the last remaining link to the Beales name, a once-iconic fixture of the British high street, will vanish forever.

DEATH OF THE HIGH STREET

Retailers have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.

High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.

However, additional costs have added further pain to an already struggling sector.

The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs from April will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.

At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40.

Experts have said small high street shops could face a particularly challenging 2025 because of Budget tax and wage changes.

Professor Bamfield has warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector.

“By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer’s household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020.”

OVER 150,000 on benefits will see their payments cut under Personal Independence Payments (PIP) changes, the DWP has confirmed.

The Government is shaking up the way PIP is assessed meaning hundreds of thousands will miss out from November 2026.

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It comes as ministers look to cut the increasing welfare bill by clawing back billions of pounds of benefits.

But the changes will also have a knock-on effect on carers who qualify for benefits because they look after someone on PIP.

From late next year, new and existing PIP claimants being reassessed will have to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to receive the Daily Living Component.

The higher rate of the Daily Living Component is currently worth £110.40 a week.

Claimants will also have to score at least eight points when being assessed.

The Government estimates this means by 2029/30 around 800,000 won’t receive the Daily Living Component of PIP.

But it has also confirmed 150,000 will be missing out on Carer’s Allowance or the Universal Credit Carer’s Element by 2029/30 too.

This is because to receive either of these carer’s benefits you have to be caring for someone who receives the Daily Living part of PIP.

It means new and existing PIP claimants finding they are no longer eligible will disqualify their carer’s from next November when the changes kick in.

What are Carer’s Allowance and the carer’s element of Universal Credit?

Carer’s Allowance is paid to those caring for someone else (who is on benefits) for at least 35 hours a week and is worth £83.30 a week.

You don’t have to be related to the person you care for, or live with them, to qualify.

If you are on Carer’s Allowance you also receive National Insurance credits which contribute to your NI record.

What classes as someone needing “care” is based on them qualifying for a number of benefits. These are:

• Personal Independence Payment – Daily Living Component
• Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
• Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
• Attendance Allowance
• Pension Age Disability Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Child Disability Payment – the middle or highest care rate
• Adult Disability Payment – daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate

The person you are caring for must also need help with certain tasks including: washing and cooking, being taken to the doctors and household tasks like managing bills or going food shopping.

Carer’s Allowance is issued to those living in England, Wales or Scotland aged 16 or over.

It’s worth noting, receiving Carer’s Allowance can impact the benefits the person you are caring for gets.

For example, they will usually stop receiving a severe disability premium or an extra amount for severe disability premium if they are on Pension Credit.

You can apply for Carer’s Allowance and find out more about the exact eligibility criteria via www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim.

The carer’s element of Universal Credit is added to your Universal Credit standard allowance if you care for someone and they receive a number of qualifying benefits. These are:

• Adult Disability Payment – standard or enhanced award
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Child Disability Payment – middle or highest care award
• Constant Attendance Allowance – full day rate, intermediate rate or exceptional rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Constant Attendance Allowance – full day rate with a War Disablement Pension
• Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest care rate
• Personal Independence Payment – either rate of the Daily Living Part

To get the carer’s element you’ll also need to be providing 35 hours a week of care to the person receiving the qualifying benefit.

You get an extra monthly amount worth £201.68.

If you are receiving an extra amount because you have a limited capability for work and work related activity (LCWRA), you won’t qualify for the extra carer’s element part.

Meanwhile, if the person you care for gets the severe disability premium, it will stop when you claim the carer’s element of Universal Credit.

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