cost of living

A UK SEASIDE resort’s only Christmas market has been axed after just one year.

No one has come forward to run the event after the organisers decided to “take a break” this year.

Business owners Anne-Marie Chebib, Becky Stevens and Lisa Norman brought the first Winter Fayre to Brighton’s Valley Gardens last year.

However, they have now decided to take a break from running the event after only one year.

The website Brightonwinter states: “The team have decided to take a break from the Brighton Winter Fayre this year.

“We’re so grateful for all the support the event has had, and we hope to bring it back in the future.”

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Brighton and Hove City Council has confirmed no one suitable has come forward to take on a similar event in time for Christmas reports The Argus.

The popular Winter Fayre included food and drink stalls as well as a Santa’s grotto, plus children’s workshops and carol singers.

There were also winter night events for adults and live music which were deemed popular.

But, last year’s event was hit with a series of unfortunate events when it was forced to close due to the arrival of Storm Darragh.

Sadly, on opening day, the fair had to be evacuated due to high winds and a tent poll collapsing in a marquee.

Luckily it was reported that no-one was badly injured due to the incident and the team were quick to respond and make sure the marquee was cleared.

However, the fair’s final weekend also had to be cancelled due to more bad weather.

The Winter Fayre came after Brighton was left without a Christmas market back in 2023 when it was run under different organisers.

E3 Events who organised the 2022 event was forced to end their deal earlier due to Covid, rising costs and supply chain problems.

Brighton and Hove City Council then faced a race against time to find a commercial partner able to chip in around £70,000.

Sadly, they were unable to find anyone in 2023 and the fair didn’t go ahead then either.

Speaking of this year’s event, Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “As always there will be plenty of festive events taking place across the city but, unfortunately, following the decision by the private operators of the Brighton Winter Fayre to take a break this year, there is unlikely to be a market-style event.

“This was a privately venture, not a council event, and the reality is nobody suitable has come forward offering to run a similar event in its place.”

AN ABANDONED UK airport that was set to re-open in 2027 has been hit by a £193million blow.

The site is also expected to make a loss for the first nine years, which is an increase from its previous estimate of five.

South Yorkshire council leaders and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, approved spending £160m of public money to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).

Previous owners, Peel Group closed the airport in 2022 after it continued to make yearly losses.

But, Mayor Coppard said reopening the airport would support 5,000 jobs, boost the economy by £5bn and provide wider benefits of £2bn by 2050.

However, the projected cost of re-opening has now risen by nearly £50m to £193m, according to City of Doncaster Council’s cabinet.

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Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said the rising costs in the report set out the challenges and opportunities in a project “of this size and scale”.

She added that re-opening the airport was a massive undertaking but one that was “vital for the future prosperity, well-being and economic growth of the city, region and the country.”

She also stated: “The ambition is that the airport does become a success story for Doncaster and South Yorkshire.”

The report, however, says the £160m will only be released in annual instalments and will not cover all the start-up costs of the first few years.

Councillors will therefore need to approve a £57m bridging loan to get the airport up and running.

However, the papers also suggest there is a chance that costs may continue to spiral even further by 20 per cent.

This would put the overall reopening costs at £222m, and the papers say that if this takes place – closing DSA would need to be considered.

The report explains: “The profile of the additional costs and extent of the increases would impact on the borrowing costs; therefore, the consideration of the potential closure decision point would need to be regularly evaluated, and scenarios updated.”

According to the council papers, the airport is projected to make losses for the first nine years of operation (2026-2034) of £81.1m.

However, the council is predicting that from 2034 onwards the airport will start to make a profit, totalling £230m before tax and interest by 2049.

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The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority had already allocated £16.1m to the project, with City of Doncaster Council expected to provide further funding of £17.4m.

A South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority spokesperson told The Sun: “These numbers are not new, nor do they identify any new risks.

“We’ve always been very clear and upfront about the commercial and financial challenges we have taken on when committing to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and the need for public financial support for those plans in the medium term.

“That’s why we took extra time and undertook significant added due diligence before agreeing the MCA’s funding commitment in September.

“The figures released in the City of Doncaster Council’s papers remain in line with the funding envelope we set for the project at that point.

“The information in CDC’s papers has been made available because of that additional work, which helped us understand the risks and opportunities of reopening DSA.

“The extensive work we have undertaken makes clear that reopening DSA and creating a world leading sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub at Gateway East offers a unique opportunity for jobs and growth.

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“We will remain diligent in the protection of taxpayers’ money as we pursue that opportunity, while recognising the risks and challenges we face developing a project of this size and scale. As we have been throughout, we will continue to be transparent and accountable throughout this process.”

The airport is expected to be fully operational with passenger flights, planned for summer 2028.

EASYJET is turning thousands of old crew outfits into school uniforms to support families struggling with rising costs.

The airline partnered with Luton-based charity Level Trust, which works across 75 local schools, providing uniforms to support the estimated 45 per cent of children living in poverty in the town.

Their initiative is aiming for pilots and cabin crew to donate 100 per cent of their retired outfits – which will be recycled into shirts, skirts, blazers, jackets and trousers.

The garments will then be available for older year students through the charity’s Uniform Exchange.

It comes as 58 per cent of 2,000 parents polled said they feel the pressure of the rising costs of school uniforms.

An average of £256 a year is forked out on school uniform items for just one child, totalling over £3,072 across 12 years in education.

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With over a third of parents (34 per cent) sacrificing household essentials to keep up with the costs of school uniforms.

Nearly one in five (19 per cent) have used overdrafts and credit cards to afford school uniforms, as 53 per cent reported having to purchase new items before even the end of the first term alone.

Michael Brown, director of cabin services for easyJet, which is launching a crew uniform refresh on 10th November, said: “We’re proud to launch the uniform recycling programme – our aim for this first phase is both to support parents who are facing financial hardships as well as reduce our textile waste.

“Our crew uniforms have always represented care, professionalism and unity, and we’re honoured they’ll carry those same values into classrooms to empower the next generation.”

It emerged 76 per cent would like to see more government-backed community initiatives, like the uniform exchange, to help families.

Two-thirds of parents (66 per cent) say they would consider second-hand or upcycled uniforms in order to save money.

And a further 93 per cent of parents would also favour increased flexibility when it comes to school uniforms.

With 80 per cent of parents agreeing they would like to see more businesses repurposing retired materials such as uniforms into items to support local communities.

And 85 per cent would be likely to use cheaper or free school uniforms made from upcycled materials.

The research also found that 76 per cent of British parents would like to see more government backed community initiatives like the Level Trust’s uniform exchange rolled out on a national scale.

Jennie White from the charity the Level Trust, added: “We have seen a significant rise in requests for school uniforms, highlighting the challenges many families are facing.

“easyJet’s donation of surplus uniforms is a crucial step in addressing these needs as this initiative not only helps alleviate the financial strain on parents but also ensures that children have the necessary attire to feel confident and focused at school.”

TWO-THIRDS of young people jetted off without travel insurance – because more than half didn’t think anything would go wrong.

A poll of 2,000 adults found another 58 per cent of these Gen Z and Millennial travellers have skipped getting covered because it costs too much.

But that risk doesn’t always pay off, as 29 per cent of all holidaymakers have had to make a claim after things went awry either before or during their trip.

The average claim came to around £4,500, with top reasons including cancelled holidays due to unforeseen circumstances like illness.

Nearly half (48 per cent) have had to use their policy because of long travel delays, while 45 per cent needed help following a medical emergency overseas.

Emily Barnett, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: “Taking out travel insurance should be as instinctive as booking your flights, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances, for example should you need to cancel before you depart.

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“With the busy winter travel season upon us, whether it’s skiing in the Alps or a visit to the Christmas markets, it’s never been more important to make sure you have suitable cover in place before you set off.”

It also emerged 41 per cent have claimed for delayed or damaged baggage, while 40 per cent needed their policy after being targeted by thieves abroad.

Others have had to rely on insurance after their hotel or travel company cancelled on them, while 38 per cent made a claim to access medication during their trip.

However, 16 per cent didn’t realise their policy needs to match the specific requirements of their holiday – as some trips, such as winter sports, need specialist cover.

And this rises to nearly a third (31 per cent) among those aged 18 to 24.

When it comes to travel worries, the biggest fear among those polled is facing a medical emergency away from home (37 per cent), followed by losing luggage (21 per cent) and missing their flight (19 per cent).

The findings have inspired a striking photo series from Compare the Market, titled ‘What Happened on Holiday’, designed to highlight the importance of booking insurance at the same time as your trip.

Emily Barnett added: “We’re urging Brits to protect their trips early to give themselves peace of mind, so they can focus on making memories instead of mishaps.”

THE chancellor could raise tens of billions from tax reforms that don’t hit “working people”, leading economists have said.

Rachel Reeves is under pressure to fill an estimated £50billion black hole in the public finances ahead of November’s autumn statement. 

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Westminster is awash with rumours that Labour could extend the freeze on income tax thresholds.

However, critics say this would mean breaking Labour’s manifesto pledge not to increase taxes on “working people”.

But in a new report, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) urged the Chancellor to resist “half-baked” solutions like “simply hiking rates”. 

The IFS Green Budget Chapter report instead urges the chancellor to reform the “unfair” and “inefficient” tax system.

End capital gains tax relief on death

Reeves could scrap capital gains tax relief on death, the report said.

When you sell certain assets – like houses, land or other valuable items – you have to pay a tax on the profit you made on it.

However, there are some important exceptions.

For example, if someone dies and you inherit their asset, you don’t have to pay capital gains tax they would have paid.

But the IFS said Reeves should consider scrapping the relief, raising £2.3billion in 2029-30.

However, families could oppose the measure given Labour is already skimming more revenue off inherited wealth.

The inheritance tax threshold has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009.

And last year, Reeves announced she would extend the freeze until 2030.

Hit taxpayers with a ‘one-off’ wealth tax

Economists and politicians are often divided over whether a wealth tax would work.

Supporters argue that the UK’s richest 1% are wealthier than the bottom 70% – and that a wealth tax would reduce this inequality.

But critics say it would be an administrative nightmare and lead millionaires to leave the country, taking their businesses and tax revenues with them.

But if Labour does reach for wealth in the budget – it should opt for a “one-off” wealth tax, the IFS said.

The think tank argues this is a better option than a recurring wealth tax.

It would work by the government calculating how much people’s total assets are worth and taxing them over a certain threshold.

“An unexpected and credibly one-off assessment of existing wealth could in principle be an economically efficient way to raise revenue,” the IFS wrote.

However, a wealth tax that happened on a regular basis would have “serious drawbacks,” the think tank warned.

Valuing everyone’s wealth every year would be “extremely difficult,” it said.

Moreover, a regular tax could deter the highest tax payers from residing in the UK long-term, potentially hitting overall tax revenues.

But the IFS said that even a “one-off” levy could spell trouble if people don’t trust the government not to come back for more.

The report said: “The potential efficiency of such a tax could be
undermined, however, if announcing a one-off tax created expectations of, or uncertainty about, other future taxes.”

Double the council tax rates paid by highest value homes

A new council tax surcharge could raise up to £4.4billion.

Council tax is a local tax on residential properties in the UK, with homes assigned to Bands A to H based on their value.

Bands G and H generally include the highest value homes.

The IFS said doubling the council tax paid by these households could mean a £4.4billion boost.

However, critics already say the council tax system is “unfair and arbitrary”.

As reported by The Sun, families living in modest homes sometimes pay more than those in multi-million-pound mansions.

The root of the problem is simple – council tax bills are not based on what your home is worth today.

Instead, it’s based on its value way back in 1991, when homes were categorised into bands ranging from A to H. 

Decades of uneven house price growth mean this once-simple system is now riddled with inequalities.

Moreover, councils set their own tax rates – leading to a “postcode lottery”.

The average Band D council tax in England is £2,280, but councils set their own rates.

For example, in Wandsworth, people pay just £990, while in Nottingham, they pay £2,656.

This means that millions of homeowners pay much less compared to their property’s value than those in poorer areas, according to PropertyData.

Another potential problem is that the extra cash would go to local authorities rather than central government.

Local authorities use council tax to pay for local services like schools, bin collections and libraries.

So to make sure it reaps the benefits of the change, Downing Street could reduce the grants being paid to councils, the IFS said.

The UK government gives councils more than £69billion in funding – a 6.8% increase in cash terms compared to 2024-25.

But councils would likely still fight back against any funding downgrade – with sticky 3.8% inflation already eating into their grants.

Rejig inheritance tax

The IFS admits that changes to inheritance tax could ‘provoke’ strong reactions.

But its report said that the £9billion said annually is ‘modest’ – although high by historical standards.

Reforming death duties to abolish the additional £175,000 tax-free allowance could raise around £6billion, the economists wrote.

“One obvious option would be to increase the rate of inheritance tax from its current 40%,” the economists wrote.

They said an increase of just 1% would raise £0.3billion in 2029–30.

The government could also reduce the threshold at which the tax begins to be paid.

Currently, people can pass on up to £325,000 of wealth tax-free.

Then there’s an additional £175,000 tax-free allowance that can be used only when passing on a primary residence to a direct descendant.

Abolishing the second of these allowances, for example, could raise around £6billion in 2029–30, the IFS said.

Crack down on businesses underpaying their taxes

The think tank has urged Labour to tackle tax non-compliance.

Corporation tax, a tax on company profits, has become increasingly important to the Treasury’s coffers in recent years.

Over the course of the 2010s, revenue averaged 2.4% of national income, rising to 3.3% in 2025–26.

But corporation tax dodging meant 15.8% of liabilities went unpaid in 2023-24, up from just 8.8% in 2017-18.

Small businesses are mainly to blame, the IFS said, admitting that claiming the prize of missing corporation tax “would not be straightforward in practice”.

The think tank added: “More work is needed to understand why so many small companies are submitting incorrect tax returns.

“It is likely that tackling the gap would require targeted
compliance activities from HMRC, such as auditing small businesses.”

The IFS also said “more revenue could be raised from corporation tax”.

However, it did warn that, while a 1% increase would raise £4.1billion, there could be adverse consequences.

The authors wrote that investment in the UK could become “less attractive” and reduce future tax yields.

However, critics may argue that any tax hike hitting members of the public – even if targeting inheritance or council tax – will still feel like a broken promise.

What must the chancellor avoid doing?

The personal tax allowance has been frozen at £12,570 since April 2021.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the freeze would remain until April 2026 and Labour extended it until April 2028.

Extending the freeze on personal tax thresholds including national insurance contributions would raise around £10.4billion a year from 2029-30.

But IFS economists say Reeves must not do this – and instead lift the threshold amid rising inflation.

Extending the freeze would be a breach of Labour’s manifesto pledge not to increase taxes for “working people” which includes income tax, national insurance and VAT, the IFS said.

The report’s authors also said restricting income tax relief on pension contributions would raise large sums but should be avoided.

Currently, when you put money into a pension, the income tax you’ve already paid on that money is essentially returned via a government top-up.

The IFS said restricting relief would be “unfair” to penalise pensions again when pension income is already taxed.

The Chancellor should also resist the temptation to up stamp duties, the IFS said.

The think tank fears it would cause people to avoid selling their homes when they want to – hitting the jobs market and holding back growth.

“Changing rates and thresholds is all very well, but unless the Chancellor is willing to pursue genuine reform it will be taxpayers that shoulder the cost of her neglect,” the report, which forms a chapter in the IFS’s wider budget assessment for 2025, said.

Isaac Delestre, a senior research economist at the think tank and an author of the chapter, said Ms Reeves would have “fallen short” if she reaches for quick revenue without wider reform.

“Almost any package of tax rises is likely to weigh on growth, but by tackling some of the inefficiency and unfairness in our existing tax system, the Chancellor could limit the economic damage,” he said.

THE Co-op has warned that up to 60,000 small shops across the UK could face closure without upcoming business rates reform for small shops.

In the 2024 Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised to provide permanent business rates relief for small retail properties.

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At the time, the Government proposed raising business rates on the biggest retail properties with values over £500,000.

This would allow for a discount on rates for small retail and hospitality premises to be permanent.

The government has not yet set the rates, but changes are due to take effect in April 2026.

But the Co-op is now urging the Government to commit to the maximum levels of relief for smaller stores in the upcoming Autumn Budget on November 24.

Research conducted by the supermarket found one in eight small high street business owners will be at risk of shutting down if reforms are not delivered.

A further 10% of small said they would need to lay off staff.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op group chief executive, said: “The proposed system would improve the financial situation of 99% of retailers.

“How much they are protected from tax rises depends on decisions made in this Budget. To boost local economies, create jobs and provide community cohesion, we need inclusive growth.”

“That means supporting the businesses on the corners, in the precincts, on the parades and the high streets of every community.

” In order for them to not only survive, but to thrive, the government has to commit to the maximum levels of relief.” 

It comes as many larger retailers have voiced concerns over plans to increase business rates on larger stores, arguing the move could make them unprofitable or lead to price hikes.

In August, a letter signed by Morrisons, Aldi and JD Sports, warned that further tax rises on businesses could result in the Labour government breaking its manifesto pledge to provide “high living standards”.

It reads: “As retailers, we have done everything we can to shield our customers from the worst inflationary pressures but as they persist, it is becoming more and more challenging for us to absorb the cost pressures we face.”

Analysis carried out by the British Retail Consortium also suggested that 400 larger-format stores, such as department stores and supermarkets could close if the changes took place.

Many businesses have already seen their labour costs rise thanks to the rate of employer national insurance being increased in last year’s Budget.

The Treasury expects the new rates system will only impact the top 1% of properties.

A Treasury spokesperson said: “We are creating a fairer business rates system to protect the high street, support investment, and level the playing field by introducing permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from April that will be sustainably funded by a new, higher rate on less than 1% of the most valuable business properties.

“Unlike the current relief for these properties, there will be no cash cap on the new lower tax rates, and we have set out our long-term plans to address ‘cliff edges’ in the system to support small businesses to expand.”

A MAJOR supermarket chain is set to close one of its branches soon, with another 34 also on the way out.

The food store announced the “difficult decision” it has made to close the store next month.

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Co-op in Leicestershire’s Derby Road in Ashby-de-la-Zouch will permanently close its doors on Saturday, November 22.

A statement from a Co-op spokesperson read: ” ‘Our store in Ashby-de-la-Zouch will close next month.

“Our priority is to fully support colleagues, who have been informed.

“We would like to thank the community for its support of this store.”

The supermarket giant has come under some fire for some time now for having two of its stores in close proximity with the Ashby Town Centre.

This came after the Central Co-op moved from the top of Market Street to near the existing Co-op.

The spokesperson added: “We carry-out reviews of our existing store locations, and, sometimes, only after very careful consideration, we take the difficult decision to close a store.”

The Central Co-op will remain open, with the next nearest one approximately three miles away in Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

It comes as the supermarket could shutter another 34 of its stores due to financial struggles.

The Sun previously reported that stores in Braintree, Chelmsford, Basildon, Thurrock and Southend are among other locations that are at risk.

Chelmsford Star Co-op said it is “struggling financially” and needs to merge with the larger Central Co-op society.

Issues are also said to have been “exacerbated” by increases in National Insurance contributions and the living wage.

Late last year, Co-op announced plans for a “portfolio reshape” which included relocation of stores.

The Co-operative has over 7,000 registered branches owned by 17 million members, and is reported to contribute around £35 billion annually to the British economy.

Co-op as an organisation organisation has, like most companies, been hit by the cost of living.

In December last year it was announced 19 Co-operative stores would be shut down across the UK due to “financial sustainability issues”.

The locations, based in various areas around Central England, include Leicestershire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and the West Midlands.

B&M bought three of the 19 stores, while Samy Ltd, a convenience retailer, snapped up 16.

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This comes as Co-op is rolling out a major change to stores across the country.

The supermarket giant is replacing paper product tags with electronic labels throughout its whole estate over the coming months.

The retailer has already made the change in 340 branches but will roll out the tags more widely.

The chain said 1,500 stores will have the labels by the end of the year and will be rolled out across all its nearly 2,400 by the end of 2026.

The electronic labels are designed and created by VusionGroup, which also works with Asda.

Steven Logue, Co-op’s head of operations, said: “With convenience at the heart of everything we do Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate.”

Co-op said the new electronic labels will show allergen and nutritional information and products’ country of origin, as well as deals and savings.

WARNINGS of potential blackouts this winter have been issued, with “tight days” for energy supply expected in early December and mid-January.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has warned that there may still be tight periods this winter where electricity supply struggles to meet demand.

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In these cases, system notices could be issued to increase production, with imported electricity from Europe helping to prevent blackouts.

Despite the concerns, NESO says spare supply, known as electricity margins, is at its strongest level since 2020.

It added that new battery storage along with European imports will play a key role in avoiding disruptions.

The electricity grid operator and National Gas released their winter outlook reports as energy prices rose earlier this month following an increase in the price cap.

NESO’S report said: “We expect a sufficient operational surplus throughout winter, although there may still be tight days that require us to use our standard operating tools, including system notices.”

System notices are how the grid operator informs the wider energy industry that electricity supply has not matched demand, allowing for production to increase if needed.

Early data from electricity firms and forecasters has suggested that “tight days” are most likely to take place in early December or mid-January.

Neso added that imports will be available when needed to help cover demand, supported by “adequate electricity supply across Europe”.

Deborah Petterson, director of resilience and emergency management at NESO, said: “A resilient and reliable energy supply is fundamental to our way of life.

“At NESO we are looking at the upcoming winter and can report this year’s winter outlook sets out the strongest electricity margins in six years.

“It is critical that we continue our work with the wider energy industry to prepare for the coming months to build on this foundation and maintain our world-leading track record of reliability.”

What about gas supplies?

The latest analysis from National Gas indicated that Great Britain has enough gas supply capability to meet peak demand.

It indicated supply can meet demand, even “even accounting for unforeseen network outage scenarios”.

The gas network operator said gas demand is expected to be 3% lower than last winter, easing pressure on supply.

It said high-demand days are still expected but it stressed that it is “confident” the market will operate as needed.

Glenn Bryn-Jacobsen, director of energy systems and resilience at National Gas, said: “As we head into winter, we remain confident in the resilience of our gas system and our ability to meet Britain’s energy needs during periods of peak demand.

“The energy landscape is evolving, with a growing reliance on imports and the continued decline of UK continental shelf supplies.

“Meeting these challenges requires a co-ordinated, forward-looking approach, and we’re working closely with Government, industry, and regulators to develop the right solutions that safeguard security of supply for the future.”

But the report from National Gas shows a fall in Britain’s gas storage capabilities, thanks to the Rough storage site off the coast of Yorkshire no longer storing gas, which means there is an increased reliability on importing liquified natural gas (LNG) to plug the gap in times of high demand.

The facility in the North Sea is the largest of its kind in the UK, but owner Centrica has stopped filling it with natural gas amid concerns over its financial viability.

The Rough site comprises about half of Britain’s storage capacity, and acts as a buffer when the weather is especially cold and demand for gas spikes.

Centrica has long warned it will be decommissioned without government support to allow investment in the site.

Last winter, Britain narrowly avoided blackout warnings as freezing weather caused wind power to plunge, leaving the grid struggling to meet demand.

NESO paid £21million – ten times the usual rate – to keep gas power plants running to balance the shortfall in January.

Experts criticised the system operator for failing to predict peak energy demand and relying too heavily on renewable energy during winter.

Wind power dropped to 17.6%, while gas provided half of the country’s electricity.

Critics argued this reliance on weather-dependent energy left Britain vulnerable and called for more investment in gas and nuclear power for reliable supply.

UP here at the Tory Party conference in Manchester, comparisons between Kemi Badenoch and United’s Ruben Amorim write themselves. 

Two gaffers tasked with getting a once-formidable colossus back to winning ways — and both finding that nothing they do seems to work. 

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Supporters who long for the glory days of old are solemn, and the dressing room is fast losing faith. 

Both watch enviously as their gloating rivals in light blue continue to shine. 

Both beg for more time. 

After her bullish conference speech ­yesterday, Badenoch has bought herself that time. 

It was well delivered and she hit the right notes on the economy, welfare, crime and immigration. 

Her pledge to abolish stamp duty should also prick the ears of voters who until now have not been paying her ­attention. 

As an exercise in corralling despondent Tory members and seeing off any immediate leadership threat, it’s job done, Kemi. 

Back down to Earth 

Much the same can be said of Sir Keir Starmer’s run out in Liverpool, where he successfully united his party against their common enemy, Nigel Farage. 

He too delivered an address lapped up by his grassroots to the extent the prospect of impending mutiny melted away. 

The North West has been kind to them both, and they appear stronger. 

But the crashing thud of reality awaits them back in Westminster, where the mirage of the past fortnight will soon be shattered. 

Party conferences are bubbles frozen in time, and it is easy to be suckered into believing a leader has played a blinder just because their own side cheers them to the rafters. 

Both Badenoch and Starmer now need to come back down to Earth and confront some home truths. 

The first is that Nigel Farage is still leading the polls by a mile, opening up a 12-point gap according to More In ­Common.

May’s local elections are almost certain to be bloody, with the party at risk of ­falling to a humiliating fourth in both Wales and Scotland. 

Labour’s conference failed to make a dent, with the party registering “no change” in its position at 20 per cent ­compared to Reform’s 33 per cent. 

If Badenoch also fails to make inroads, the same doubts over her leadership will come flooding back. 

May’s local elections are almost certain to be bloody, with the party at risk of ­falling to a humiliating fourth in both Wales and Scotland. 

Badenoch’s allies are setting expectations on the floor — but as one of her Shadow Cabinet tells me: “You can roll the pitch as much as you like, nothing prepares you for the pain until it actually hits.” 

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Mass losses would spark a fierce ­internal debate between those gunning for regicide and those who despair at the thought of the Tories killing off yet another leader. 

One prominent donor has been telling friends that he will close his chequebook forever if Badenoch is toppled. 

Whereas a Shadow Cabinet minister says: “If she’s not going to be Prime ­Minister, you might as well get rid of her now.” 

Her main rival, Robert Jenrick, is sitting back, but king cobras also sit back before they strike. 

While plotters are setting their watches for the May 1 polls, smart Tories are ­looking towards November 26 to mount a fightback. 

The upcoming Budget on that date was barely ­mentioned in both Manchester and ­Liverpool, but it could turn the fortunes of all parties on their head. 

Last year Chancellor Rachel Reeves claimed her £45billion tax raid was a one-off forced upon her by years of Tory ­economic recklessness. 

Now she is coming back for more in a Budget that risks being even more toxic. 

Bond markets have put the Chancellor in fiscal handcuffs, rightly stopping her borrowing even more money on the slate. 

Labour MPs have put her in a political straitjacket by vowing to vote down any serious spending cuts, including to the eye-watering benefits bill. 

Despite the chaos of Liz Truss, voters on YouGov’s tracker still view the Tories as the most trusted custodians of the public finances. 

And growth is so puny that it will barely move the dial, all pointing to ­taxpayers being rinsed even further to make the sums add up. 

Ms Reeves is privately furious with the Office for Budget Responsibility, whose decision to downgrade productivity leaves her with an even bigger black hole — in the region of £30billion. 

Perhaps she regrets fawning quite so much over the economic watchdog when it was a thorn in the Tory side. 

She is preparing to once again blame the Conservative record, but that is unlikely to wash for a second time, ­especially if she finds money to lift the two-child benefit cap to placate her own MPs. 

A fight on the economy is fertile ­territory for Badenoch, who spent much of yesterday attacking this “high-tax, low-growth doom loop”. 

Shock therapy 

Despite the chaos of Liz Truss, voters on YouGov’s tracker still view the Tories as the most trusted custodians of the public finances. 

Some at the top of the tree believe ­economic implosion is the shock therapy needed to get them back in the game. 

One Tory Shadow Cabinet minister tells me: “People don’t yet realise how bad things are, but be in no doubt, we are flying into the mountainside. And when we crash, that is our chance to make our case to the country once again.”

Farage will of course give this short shrift, arguing he is not only reaping ­justified anger from years of immigration failure, but also decades of working people feeling no better off. 

It is clear Badenoch still needs to go toe-to-toe on borders to have any hope of winning back voters. 

But if a miserable Budget sees voters crying out for economic competence, the Tories might at last have their pitch. 

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MILLIONS of pensioners will be hit with £300 tax bills from HMRC this winter.

From November, around nine million pensioners will begin to see up to £300 land in their bank accounts.

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The cash boost comes as part of the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a benefit issued by the DWP to help elderly people with fuel costs over the colder months.

It comes after a previous £300 payment was axed for millions of pensioners last winter and only those on certain benefits qualified.

The move triggered a massive backlash for Labour as some 10million pensioners lost their winter fuel allowance in the benefit cut.

It saved the Treasury just £1.4billion but caused a massive public outcry.

The government later cracked under pressure and was forced to perform a half baked U-turn.

Most pensioners are now eligible for the support, which is worth between £100 and £300.

However, if your income is more than £35,000, HMRC will take the money back.

Your income can come from a range of factors including your private pension and state benefits.

If you fall into this earnings category, you can opt out of payments.

But the deadline to do so ended on September 15.

What happens now?

If you did not opt out, HMRC will change your tax code and you will receive a tax code notice letter.

Changing your tax code means that your Winter Fuel Payment will be deducted from your income and paid to HMRC in monthly instalments.

So for example, if you received a £100 Winter Fuel Payment but had an income of £35,000, you will pay back around £9 every month.

You will be charged from April 2026, which is the start of the new tax year.

Households can check if they are over the income thresholds by visiting www.tax.service.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-hmrc-will-take-back-your-winter-payment/start/country.

How to opt out of future charges

The deadline for opting out of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 to 2026 has passed. 

But you can opt out of getting the benefit for 2026 to 2027 from April 2026.

When it reopens, you will need to complete either an online form or phone the helpline on 0800 731 0160.

If you opt to complete the form online, you will need details such as your National Insurance number.

Who is not eligible for the payment?

You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22 1959 and live in England or Wales.

But a small group of individuals will not be eligible, including:

• live outside England and Wales
• were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
• need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
• were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025

Most people are paid the benefit automatically but if you think you are risk of missing out you can apply.

THOUSANDS of pensioners will be able to apply for a winter cash boost worth up to £300 in just days.

More than nine million people are set to get the Winter Fuel Payment to help with their energy bills over the colder months.

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Most people who are eligible will get the payment automatically, and will receive letters in the post from the DWP in October and November telling them how much cash they will receive.

However, certain pensioners will need to apply to get the benefit.

You can apply either by post or over the phone, and the DWP phone lines to make a claim open on October 13.

Postal applications opened earlier on September 15.

Pensioners have until March 31 2026 to make a claim.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said that anyone claiming the following benefits does not need to make a claim:

• State Pension
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Income Support
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• awards from the War Pensions Scheme
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Incapacity Benefit
• Industrial Death Benefit

If you don’t receive any of these benefits, you’ll need to claim manually if you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.

While the highest amount of free support is £300, the total will depend on when you were born and your circumstances on the qualifying week, which is between September 15 and 21 of this year.

Pensioners born before September 22, 1959, with an income of £35,000 or below will be eligible for between £100 and £300 to help towards heating bills.

Those hoping to receive the cash must be 66 by the end of the qualifying week.

You won’t be eligible for the payment if you earn more than £35,000 a year, and HMRC will claw back the automatic payment made to you through your tax code or tax return.

Your income can come from a range of factors including, your private pension and state benefits.

Other people who won’t be eligible include those who:

• live outside England and Wales
• were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
• need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
• were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025

The Winter Fuel Payment was axed for 10million pensioners last year, with only those on certain benefits qualifying.

But the government was forced to perform a U-turn after a huge public outcry, with the funding now being reinstated for millions.

The gov.uk website provides further guidance on the scheme and how to make a claim.

Pensioners are also being warned to be wary of text messages from scammers posing as the DWP, who try to get you to click on a fake link to make a claim.

These are not official DWP messages and should be deleted, the government has said.

The Winter Fuel Payment is separate from the Warm Home Discount, which offers struggling households £150 off their electricity bill.

The money is not paid to you, and households that are eligible will have the discount applied to their bill by their 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.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

MAKE-UP lovers have spotted Home Bargains is selling a fancy brand that usually costs £33 for just £6.

The budget retailer has slashed the price of some make-up must-haves from the cult favourite BareMinerals.

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Bargain hunters can make savings of up to 78% in an online only deal that includes a range of moisturisers, lip gloss, and more.

Beauty fans can snap up the popular Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser for just £6.99 down from £33 in a variety of shades.

Other goodies include a Mineralist Lip Gloss-Balm for a steal at £4.99 down from £23 and the Barepro Pressed Powder Foundation for £6.99.

Premium make-up

The premium make-up brand’s tinted moisturiser provides a great option if you’re looking for natural, breathable coverage that looks after your skin with its added SPF 30 protection.

It’s described as an “oil free, mineral-based moisturiser offering sheer-to-light coverage, broad spectrum SPF 30, and a clean matte finish.”

You can take your pick too with a range of moisturisers to choose from depending on skin tone that will also help improve skin texture.

The pressed powder foundation “instantly blurs the appearance of pores, fine lines, and imperfections”.

It’s infused with Shea Butter, Cacao Butter and Vitamin E that will help protect and improve your skin.

What’s better is that it comes with a convenient puff applicator which makes it perfect for use on the go.

While the lip-gloss balm will “deeply hydrate and smooth lips, instantly and over time” while adding a glossy shine.

The product is great for both everyday wear and statement lips and claims to make them up to 50% smoother.

BareMinerals was launched in 1995 and touts itself as the “original clean beauty brand.”

The brand was founded by Leslie Blodgett who said she wanted to start a makeup line that helped you achieve beauty that was more than skin deep.

“I always felt that beauty was something you felt, and it came with confidence, and it came with feeling good physically and emotionally,” she says.

More Beauty Bargains

There’s plenty more beauty products to be had for great prices at retailers too.

Just this week, beauty fans were racing to TK Maxx to nab a £20 discount on Charlotte Tillbury’s cream with another viral product in their hair aisle.

A TikTok user revealed the store is stocking a huge haul of high-end makeup and haircare – including the cult classic Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream for nearly half the price.

A shopper also recently shared how they spotted dupes of P.Louise’s five-star rated lip kits for just £3 in B&M.

Considering the cult-favourite product is usually £22 – the similar-looking products could be ideal for those on a budget.

And beauty fans have been racing to pick up the Boots beauty advent calendar filled with £289 worth of products.

The 24-day calendar includes an impressive 20 full-size skincare items, including bestsellers from Round Lab, Cetaphil and Byoma.

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ED MILIBAND is a “walking, talking cost-of-living crisis”, according to shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho.

The senior MP — who will tomorrow unveil Tory plans for cheaper utilities — vowed to get her Labour arch-rival SACKED as gas and electricity costs rose again this week on his watch.

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Experts have warned that Red Ed, who promised to cut energy bills by up to £300 a year before the 2024 General Election, will only drive prices higher with his Net Zero obsession.

Already, £1billion has been spent this year switching off wind turbines when it got too blowy for the network to cope.

Other sources, such as gas-fired plants, then had to be paid to be used as a replacement. The shutdown has pushed household bills up by £15 a year.

In an interview with the Sun on Sunday, Ms Coutinho fumed: “Ed Miliband is a disaster.

“Every decision (he) has made in government is going to send people’s bills up.

“He promised people £300 off their bills, and so far they’re already £200 up. People are rightly furious.

“I don’t know what he’s on. He is a walking, talking cost-of-living crisis.

“I’m going to make it my mission in this parliament to get him sacked.”

She continues: “I think he can’t add up because if you look at what he’s doing, gas at the moment is about £55 a megawatt-hour.

“He said he’s willing to pay up to £117 for offshore wind this year, and then he talks about cutting people’s bills. You don’t need a calculator to see that is just total madness.”

The top Tory also slated Energy Secretary Mr Miliband for “signing up to 20-year contracts” for offshore wind, adding: “We’re going to be saddled with these incredibly high prices for decades.”

Ms Coutinho is the face of the Conservative Party’s scepticism over a move to Net Zero.

At their annual conference in Manchester tomorrow, she will outline proposals to cut bills by scrapping green levies.

She said: “The most important thing the country needs — and we’re unashamed about this — is lower energy bills.

“Our priority for energy policy going forward will be simple: Make electricity cheaper.

“It will be good for growth, it’s good for cost-of-living — something we know lots of families are still struggling with — and, most importantly, it will be good for the whole of the UK to have much cheaper energy bills.”

Levies funding environmental and social projects add around £140 to annual electricity bills and £50 to gas bills, says innovation agency Nesta.

It comes as the UK energy price cap rose again this week by two per cent, meaning the average household paying for gas and electricity by direct debit will see costs increase from £1,720 to £1,755 per year.

Ms Coutinho’s stance marks a much harder line on eco-policies as the Tories try to stave off Nigel Farage’s party.

Reform UK promised to scrap the Net Zero target and told wind and solar developers they will end green energy subsidies if they win power.

It has prompted Mr Miliband to liken the Tories to a “Reform tribute act”.

But Ms Coutinho said: “That’s absolute rubbish, If you look at Reform, they’ve got the economics of Jeremy Corbyn.”

She claimed there was a huge black hole in Reform’s spending plans, adding: “That simply isn’t going to work for a country where you’ve got interest rates high, inflation is high. We need to be bringing those things down. So we need to live within our means.”

Tories have pledged to scrap the restrictive Climate Change Act 2008 brought in by the last Labour government, and the target of Net Zero emissions by 2050 enshrined by Tory PM Theresa May in 2019.

Ms Coutinho said: “We’ve got new leadership now and both Kemi and I strongly feel that the biggest problem that this country faces is that we’ve got the highest industrial electricity prices in the world and the second highest domestic prices. Now that’s just not going to work for Britain.”

Tories would also abolish quango the Climate Change Committee, which advises the Government on Net Zero.

Ms Coutinho said: “For too long, energy policy has been in the hands of people who are unelected and unaccountable — and that’s just not right.”

And she has left the door open to fracking.

A ban was lifted by Liz Truss during her short tenure in Downing Street – but this was abandoned by her successor Rishi Sunak.

Ms Coutinho added: “We’re a small dense island and it can be very disruptive. So it shouldn’t be done to communities without their say so.”

The shadow cabinet member admitted people are frustrated the Tories have taken their time to come up with policies after their disastrous loss at last year’s General Election.

But she insisted: “At conference, you’ll see a lot more from us. This is the moment where we’ll start telling people all the results of our work, and be able to explain what our plan is.

“The difference between us and Labour and Reform is our plans are real, they’re fully funded, they can be delivered tomorrow.”

She promised the Tories will bring forward plans the public can trust, adding: “People have really lost faith in government to be able to do the things that they want it to do. So we need to rebuild that trust.”

4

A 20-YEAR-OLD mother has revealed how she really spends her Universal Credit payments. 

Skye Byrne, a young mum from the UK, claimed that not only has she treated herself to a holiday, but she even splashed the cash in Sainsbury’s on a huge homeware haul.

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And as well as stocking up her daughter’s wardrobe, she also indulged with a McDonald’s takeaway.

Posting on social media, the content creator who lives in a council house, revealed a typical day in her life. 

She said: “What I spend in a day, UC Benefit Britain Edition.”

Skye kicked off her morning with a Universal Credit appointment and was quick to clap at trolls who have criticised her for booking a trip abroad.

She said: “For everyone that said, ‘you shouldn’t be going on holiday when you’re on UC,’ well, I told my work coach and she cried, she actually cried because she knows how much I’ve been wanting so badly to take my daughter on a holiday and she was so happy and thrilled for us, so, yeah, suck on that, everyone.”

Following this, Skye then headed to her local supermarket and stocked up on homeware buys and clothes for her daughter.

She added: “I went into Sainsbury’s and picked up these little bits and bobs for the house – I got three pillows and a blanket.”

As well as this, Skye also nabbed some tea towels and place mats, bringing her interior purchases to a total cost of £48.

However, Skye then picked up two pairs of £3.50 leggings and a pair of £7 jeggings for her child.

Following this, she also nabbed a pair of beige trousers and a PAW Patrol bottle, but was lost for words when she went to the till and saw the total cost of her haul.

The benefits recipient shared: “Honestly, I almost had a heart attack when I saw the price – this all came to £88, I was stunned.”

But the money spending clearly didn’t stop there, as Skye ended her day with a takeaway.

So glad my taxes are being spent wisely

TikTok user

Although Skye didn’t splurge masses on her fast food as it cost her just £2.99. 

“Then went into Maccas cause I was quite hungry, so I picked up a triple cheeseburger,” she concluded.

Social media users react

Skye’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @skyebyrnex, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 32,100 views. 

But social media users were fuming by how Skye spent her money and many raced to the comments to express this. 

One person said: “So glad my taxes are being spent wisely.” 

I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood

Skye Byrne

Another added: “How can you afford to shop in Sainsbury’s on UC? I’m lucky if I can afford Primark nowadays.” 

A third commented: “Workshy and diet shy.”

To this, Skye responded and alongside a kiss emoji, cheekily wrote: “Don’t be jelly.” 

At the same time, one user questioned: “Isn’t UC designed to help you survive when you aren’t working? Not for pillows? And apparently a holiday.” 

In response, Skye shared: “1. I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. 2. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood.” 

Meanwhile, someone else asked: “How on earth do you afford to go on holiday?”

Setting the record straight, Skye wrote back and confirmed: “I save. I make sure I can do these things for my daughter.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

MANCHESTER, Leeds and Oxford have been named as top powerhouses for business growth in the UK, according to a report.

The study, carried out by NatWest and data company Beauhurst, analysed growth across innovation, profit, headcount and turnover among mid-market firms nationwide.

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Manchester ranked highly thanks to its thriving creative and digital sectors, fuelled by MediaCityUK and a flourishing start-up scene.

Oxford stood out for its research-driven businesses, many of which began as university spinouts before scaling into significant mid-market enterprises.

Leeds, meanwhile, has built a reputation in health technology to complement its long-established financial services sector, strengthened by close ties to NHS Digital and leading hospitals.

While London remains the largest centre for profit, headcount and turnover in the mid-market, the report reveals other areas of the UK are increasingly standing out for their innovation.

Smaller authorities also made the list, with Slough and Telford & Wrekin both highlighted as growth hotspots.

Swindon has also emerged as one of the nation’s leading climate technology hubs, thanks to its cluster of renewable energy and clean-tech firms.

Andy Gray, managing director of commercial mid-market at NatWest, said: “The UK’s economic story is no longer written only in its biggest cities.

“Across the country, mid-sized businesses are scaling up, investing in people and creating high-quality jobs.

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“These boom regions demonstrate that entrepreneurial energy and economic resilience can flourish anywhere.”

Among the emerging centres of growth, researchers pinpointed South Cambridgeshire as home to a thriving cluster of university spinouts.

Aberdeenshire also performed strongly in the innovation category, reflecting its long-standing expertise in oil and gas, now being redirected into renewable energy, carbon capture and wider climate technologies.

Local firms there have benefitted from specialist engineering skills, proximity to North Sea projects and strong research links – helping the area reinvent itself as a hub for innovation in the UK’s energy transition.

The research focused on mid-market companies turning over between £25m and £500m annually – these businesses account for 26 per cent of employment and 30 per cent of UK economic Gross Value Added.

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The findings also project that, with the right support, mid-market companies could add an extra £115 billion in turnover and £35 billion of Gross Value Added by 2030 – despite representing just 0.5 per cent of businesses in the UK.

Henri Murison, chief executive at The Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “While London remains an important location for mid-market businesses, this new report from NatWest clearly points to the impressive growth and innovation that is taking place in the North.

“As the Autumn Budget approaches, we should be backing concrete steps towards adoption and diffusion of innovation in businesses that are seeking to scale up, providing more high skilled jobs in Northern towns and cities, and playing a fundamental part in delivering the UK Government growth mission.”

Louise Hellem, chief economist at the CBI, said: “This report underlines the vital role the mid-market sector plays in driving regional growth and strengthening our economy.

“These businesses are not just surviving, they’re expanding, innovating, and investing in their communities.

“To fully unlock the UK’s potential and develop high growth clusters, we should harness their strengths as part of regional growth plans, ensure they are engaged in shaping local skills plans and have greater access to finance to scale.”

LIFE is better together – and that goes for your bank balance, too.

Buddying up can mean all sorts of savings, from everyday bills to days out.

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Here’s how to get a cash boost by sharing the love . . . 

REFERRALS: If you’ve had great service from a company, why not let your pals know?

Many firms will reward you if you refer someone as a new customer.

This is true for most utility providers, as well as credit card firms.

Even just referring a mate to cashback site TopCashback will net you £20.

So next time you’re telling someone about a great offer, check if you can get something for the recommendation.

Just make sure you get sign-ups through your own unique links or codes to get the reward.

BULK BUYS: If you’re buying tickets for an event, always try to buy with friends and then split the total between you.

This means that if there are booking fees you’ll only pay one between you.

Plus, many venues offer multi-ticket savings that are worth looking for.

For example, you can pay £24.50 to visit the Minecraft Experience in London, but this reduces to £18.50 each if there are seven or more tickets bought through a group bundle.

FRIEND FOR THE ROAD: Travelling can be expensive but you can ease the pressure with others in tow.

Ride app Uber easily allows you to add extra pick-ups on the way to a destination and divide the bill with contacts who also have an account.

If you have a pal who you frequently travel with, the Two Together railcard is £35 a year but gives you a third off off-peak fares when you travel together.

Or with GroupSave, groups of three or more adults can get a third off off-peak train fares when travelling together.

For regular journeys, such as to the office, why not ask work friends if they fancy lift sharing and you can take it in turns to drive.

You’ll save on petrol and get a little added company too.

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• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 

Deal of day 

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UPGRADE your kettle to the Bosch silicone model with a covered heating element so you don’t have to descale as often.

It’s down from £79.99 to £49.99 at Currys.

SAVE: £30

Cheap treat 

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TERRY’S is about more than its famed chocolate orange.

This caramel ball, £1.98 from Asda, is just as tasty.

WHAT’S NEW? 

HEINZ has launched a range of bean and pulse-based pouches for an easy, nutritious lunch.

You can get them for £2 from Sainsbury’s with a Nectar card (£2.50 without).

Top swap 

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LATHER up with the seasonal sugar pumpkin scent of Body Shop’s shower cream, above, £8.50.

Or sniff out a bargain with Wilko’s pumpkin spice pie shower cream, below, £1.99.

SAVE: £6.51

Shop & save 

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GIVE yourself an easy hairdo with this pack of three claw clips, down from £4.50 to 50p at Matalan.

SAVE: £4

LITTLE HELPER 

STORE kids’ toys or clothes with the help of this ottoman.

It’s £7.99 with a Lidl Plus card or £9.99 without.

Hot right now 

SAVE £5 on selected box sets of books at The Works.

Titles include Diary Of A Wimpy Kid and A Court Of Thorns And Roses.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

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JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more t

FAMILIES can now receive a cut of £56million in energy bill support from a ‘Big Six’ supplier.

From today, OVO Energy is handing out free electric blankets as one of its ways to help customers with rising energy bills.

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The supplier runs the extra support service for users all year round, but is now increasing the amount of aid it’s giving out ahead of the winter months.

Since 2022, OVO has given £190million in aid, including heated blankets, smart sockets, and efficiency kits, helping 42,000 customers last year.

The latest £56million package includes free energy-saving products and direct financial support.

And it’s not just electric blankets that you could bag for free.

OVO is also giving away mattress toppers and home efficiency kits to struggling households as part of the scheme.

Customers could also receive a wide range of energy-saving measures installed through ECO4 – from loft insulation to a new boiler, or even high-end tech like heat pumps.

Eligible customers could get a whole package installed, all for free.

Financial support including Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans are also being offered.

To check your entitlement, visit ovoenergy.com/extra-support.

Ovo is separately campaigning for the introduction of a social tariff to protect vulnerable customers from high energy prices and combat fuel poverty across the UK.

David Buttress, chief executive of OVO, said: “We’re providing support to those who need it most by working together with our charity partners and committing our largest ever customer support package.”

“But this isn’t a long term solution.

“We need to make the energy system work better for everyone.

“That starts with targeted support in the form of a social tariff – no one can be, or no one needs to be left behind.”

What other grants are available?

There are several other ways households can boost their home’s energy efficiency and save money through a variety of grants.

From insulation and boiler upgrades to modifications for disabled residents, financial assistance can cover a substantial portion of your home improvement costs.

Some grants may even cover up to £50,000 worth of home improvements.

Great British insulation scheme – £1,000s

You can get help insulating your home through the Government’s Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) if you’re not eligible under the ECO scheme.

GBIS is open to an extra 400,000 households in council tax bands A to E across England, Wales and Scotland who might not be claiming benefits.

To qualify, you must have an energy performance certificate rating of D or lower.

You could be in line for essential upgrades to your home, including roof, loft or cavity wall insulation – which could cut your annual energy bill by £100s.

Check whether you meet the eligibility criteria by visiting gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme.

Boiler upgrade scheme – £7,500

Through the boiler upgrade scheme, you could get a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler.

You can get one grant per property, towards help with the following:

• £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
• £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)
• £5,000 towards a biomass boiler

To qualify for this scheme you must own the property you are looking to upgrade.

You must find an MCS-certified installer to claim the grant on your behalf.

MCS is the certification scheme for energy-efficiency product installers.

You can find the nearest ones to you by visiting www.mcscertified.com/find-an-installer, but it is worth shopping for a few quotes.

Home upgrade grant – £1,000s

The home upgrade grant provides funding for various energy efficiency measures for homes that are not connected to the gas grid, often in rural or semi-rural areas.

To be eligible, you must own and live in the property you’re applying for and not use a mains gas boiler as your home’s main heating system.

You’ll also need an performance certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G – if you do not know your home’s EPC you can find it out when you apply.

You’ll usually need to have a household income of £36,000 a year or less.

If you’re eligible, your local council will arrange a home survey to see how your home could be made more energy efficient.

They might suggest improvements like installing wall, loft and underfloor insulation, air source heat pumps, electric radiators

Find out more by visiting gov.uk/apply-home-upgrade-grant.

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.

TRADESPEOPLE are struggling to expand their businesses because of growing costs, bureaucracy and hiring pressures, a new study suggests.

A survey of 850 tradespeople working across the UK by Checkatrade showed they were eager to contribute to the Government’s plan for growth, but challenges were preventing them from doing so.

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Four out of five of those surveyed said rising costs of materials and tools, plus increased levels of tool theft, were preventing them from growing their business.

A similar number blamed rising taxes, such as the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions.

In April the Government increased the rate of National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%.

It also lowered the threshold at which employers start paying National Insurance from £9,100 to £5,000.

This has piled further pressure onto tradespeople already struggling to make ends meet.

Jambu Palaniappan, chief executive of Checkatrade, said: “The UK is a nation dependent on the trade industry — from carpenters to electricians, decorators to roofers.

“The 900,000 people behind it couldn’t be more important for propelling our economy.”

He said that the research shows how eager tradespeople are to contribute to the Government’s growth agenda.

As part of the plan the Government wants to improve the UK’s rate of economic growth and boost national productivity.

But while there is lots of optimism and significant opportunities for growth, there are still significant challenges tradespeople face.

Palaniappan said: “The Government needs to work with industry to close skills gaps, ensure apprenticeships work for small businesses, and do everything they can to reduce the burdens, the costs, and the taxes that can stifle tradespeople’s growth.”

What support is available?

If you are self-employed and are struggling with the higher cost of living, then there is support available to you.

Universal Credit

One way is to top up your income with Universal Credit.

You can apply if you need to top up your income and have low income and savings.

But you won’t be eligible if you live with a spouse or partner and have combined savings of more than £16,000 or your partner earns too much.

You can check if you are eligible and your claim is likely to be successful by using a benefits calculator.

Turn2us and Entitledto both offer calculators that can help you check whether you qualify.

You will need to attend a gateway interview with a DWP work coach so they can check that being self-employed is your main job.

They will also confirm if you are making a profit or are expected to if you’ve just started out.

This means you’ll need to provide evidence such as receipts, a business plan, copies of invoices, trading accounts or proof you’ve registered as self-employed with HMRC.

If you don’t have enough evidence, then they may decide that you’re not “gainfully” self-employed.

You will need to look and be eligible for other work while you get Universal Credit.

For more information and to apply visit the GOV.UK website.

Employment and Support Allowance

If you’re self-employed, then you can’t claim Statutory Sick Pay.

But if you’ve paid enough National Insurance, then you may be able to claim the new-style Employment and Support Allowance if you’re ill.

If you qualify for the benefit, then you can claim it regardless of your household income or savings.

But if you haven’t paid enough National Insurance, then you may be able to claim the limited capability for work and work-related activity element of Universal Credit.

To be eligible your savings must be less than £16,000.

If you live with a partner, then their income will also be taken into account as part of the claim for Universal Credit.

For information on if you qualify for Employment and Support Allowance and what to do if you don’t visit GOV.UK.

Cut your tax bill

You could be missing out on key tax allowances that could save you hundreds of pounds a year.

If you work from home, then you may be able to claim for costs associated with work, such as business phone calls, gas and electricity.

If you work from home between 51 and 100 hours a month, then you could get £18.

Meanwhile, if you work for more than 101 hours a month from home, then you could get £26 a month – or £312 a year.

If the amount of time you work from home varies month-to-month, then you can claim the relevant amount for that month.

To apply visit the GOV.UK website.

You may also be able to claim tax relief on your mileage if you drive a car or van for work.

You can claim 45p tax relief on every mile you do for the first 10,000 miles a year of business journeys.

If you travelled this distance in a year, you would get £4,500 in tax relief a year.

If you drive more than 10,000 miles, then you can claim 25p tax relief per mile.

You can also get an additional 5p per mile in relief if you carry a passenger.

You can log the number of miles you do and add reminders to report your mileage using apps including driversnote and Fuelio.

To use these apps just download them from the app store and create an account.

Read our helpful guide for more advice on how to cut your tax bill if you’re self-employed.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

IF you’re looking for a stylish buy to add to your home that will also make it feel cosier, B&M has got you covered.

The bargain retailer’s extra large shaggy faux rug is perfect for warming up your feet as temperatures dip over autumn and winter.

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It’s also an affordable way to spruce up your space for the colder months after being marked down in the sale.

The cream shaggy faux fur rug was originally priced at £18.

But it’s currently scanning for just £4.50. This works out at a huge £13.50 saving.

And it’s not just an insulation solution for your floors.

A savvy bargain hunter revealed she has been using the rug as a throw for her bed and sofa after snapping up two in her local store.

Posting on the BARGAIN LOVERS – Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More Facebook group, which boasts 910,000 members, Jayne said: “Bargain down to £4.50 at B&M.

“iv put one on my sofa and bed “

Other shoppers are now racing to pick one up, as one gushed: “I need.”

A second asked a loved one: “Have u any in if so please save me 2 an let me know.”

Meanwhile, a third cried: “I need a new rug!!! When we going?”

Elsewhere in store, a mum has revealed the top B&M buys you can grab now to spread the cost of Christmas shopping.

Kirsty, who jokingly describes herself as ”Christmas crazy”, recently shared the epic haul of goodies she got her teenager ahead of the festive season.

While some people reckon Christmas shopping in September is ”too early” – and even her hubby reckons she’s ”lost the plot” – sorting out the presents months in advance is a great way to spread the cost.

”I start shopping [for Christmas] straight away, soon as the year starts – especially once we get to February, March, April, I’m in full-swing Christmas,” Kirsty told her 29k followers on TikTok.

The monster haul included just some of the items the mum will be treating her 16-year-old daughter to during the festive season.

The majority of the goodies she snapped up as long as six months ago were purchased at B&M and included a range of items.

Mums are also snapping up a £10 festive buy that guarantees an hour of peace from your kids.

A MASTERCHEF star has announced the closure of all of his UK pastry shops, after struggling to cope with climbing costs.

Graham Hornigold, who has also appeared on Junior Bake Off co-founded gourmet doughnut brand Longboys back in 2019, but just six years later, the business has gone bust.

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The brand’s three London sites, in Liverpool Street, Coal Drops Yard and Market Halls Canary Wharf have all closed their doors for their final time.

Writing on Instagram, the pastry chef explained: “You’ve probably noticed we’ve been a little quieter than usual.

“The truth is, with rising inflation, changes to NI, and product costs spiralling, the past few months have been incredibly tough.

“Like so many small independents across the UK hospitality industry, we’ve felt the impact hard.

“You may have seen that we made the difficult decision to close all Longboys sites in the hope of reopening. Sadly, we won’t be able to bring them back.

“But this isn’t the end -it’s a redirection.”

Graham added that himself and his team will “dust ourselves off and go again”.

Longboys was famous for its finger shaped doughnut and eclair hybrids, filled with creative flavours, such as Sticky Toffee Pudding and Raspberry Rose Lychee.

Commenting under the post, pastry fans shared their devastation at the closure.

One person said: “Gutted to hear this news!

“Look forward to your return soon.”

A second person said: “Your lychee raspberry donuts will be living rent-free in my mind forever.”

A third person added: “Sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed many visits to your Coal Drops Yard shop.”

More restaurant closures

And Longboys isn’t the only eatery that’s struggled to stay afloat.

Rick Stein’s Marlborough restaurant could be set to close its doors for good, just five years after being saved.

A spokesperson for Rick Stein Marlborough told Gazette and Herald: “We can confirm that we are proposing the closure of our Marlborough restaurant and are consulting with the team to explore whether this can be avoided.

“Our other restaurants and rooms continue to trade well, but this particular site has not delivered the same level of return.”

And last month, Channel 4 chef Dom Taylor announced he is closing his Marvee’s Food Shop in Ladbroke Grove, West London, due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The Caribbean restaurant only opened a few month’s prior, in May, as part of the music and events space UNDR, near the famous Portobello Road.