A RYANAIR passenger said he was left stranded by the airline – after landing in the wrong country.

Xavier de Vally, 37, flew with his friend James from Manchester Airport to Gothenburg in Sweden on 8 August for a gig.

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But he said his flight never reached its destination, as it failed to land and diverted to Copenhagen instead.

The friends were told they’d have to make their own way to Sweden, with a promise from the budget airline they would receive a refund for all reasonable expenses.

But Xavier and James, who ended up taking a train to the Swedish city, said they’re still out of pocket months on after their nightmare trip.

Xavier told Manchester Evening News: “We actually were at the point of landing, literally coming down onto the runway, but we weren’t allowed to land.

“I don’t know why that was, there was no bad weather or anything like that.”

However, the change in landing was due to a curfew at Gothenburg Airport – so the flight was diverted to Copenhagen, almost 200 miles away.

Xavier, who was in a leg brace after recent ankle surgery, claims he was left without the assistance he had booked to exit the plane when landing in Gothenburg.

As well as being told they’d have to make their own way to their final destination, Xavier said they received a text telling them to go to the wrong city – Venice rather than Gothenburg.

When the pair arrived through passport control in Copenhagen it was “way after midnight”, and they struggled to find a hotel for the night.

They walked to three different hotels, despite Xavier’s injury, before they found somewhere to stay.

The next morning they were able to catch a train to Gothenburg.

Xavier said they did have a nice time on their trip in the end, but when they put through their claim to Ryanair for expenses, it came to just shy of £400.

Almost two months on, the pair are yet to receive a refund, despite Xavier attempting to go on nine webchats with the airline to find out its whereabouts.

A Ryanair spokesperson told Sun Travel: “This flight from Manchester to Gothenburg (8 August) was delayed ahead of take-off due to ATC ‘staff shortages’ which was outside Ryanair’s control.

“The flight was diverted to Copenhagen Airport, due to maintenance on the runway at Gothenburg Airport.

“Despite Ryanair’s efforts to arrange accommodation for passengers, availability was limited, and passengers were advised that they could also arrange individual accommodation and that they could claim back expenses on Ryanair.com.”

However, they said that his refunds would be processed.

They continued: “This passenger submitted an EU261 expenses claim on 13 Aug and is awaiting approval.

“While we endeavour to pay valid expense claims as soon as possible, some payments are currently taking longer than usual due minor processing delays.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as result of these ATC ‘staff shortages’ and maintenance at Gothenburg Airport which are entirely beyond Ryanair’s control.”

It’s not the first time a Ryanair passenger has ended up in the wrong country.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

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Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

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But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

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Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

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Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Earlier this year, a couple heading  to Denmark ended up nearly 800 miles away in France after boarding the wrong plane.

And another couple said they had no seats on the plane – after boarding the wrong plane, but to the same destination.

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Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel “must defeat Hizbollah in Lebanon”, as he vowed to continue fighting the militant group until Israeli citizens displaced by the conflict could return to their homes.

In a defiant address to the UN General Assembly, during which he also pledged to keep fighting in Gaza and accused the UN of anti-Israel bias, the Israeli prime minister insisted Israel would no longer tolerate Hizbollah’s presence on its border with Lebanon.

“We won’t rest until our citizens can return safely to their homes. We will not accept a terror army perched on our northern border, able to perpetrate another October 7-style massacre,” he said.

“As long as Hizbollah chooses the path of war, Israel has no choice, and Israel has every right to remove this threat and return our citizens to our homes safely — and that is exactly what we’re doing.”

The speech came after US President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron earlier this week put forward a proposal for a 21-day truce in a last-ditch bid to prevent the hostilities between Israel and Hizbollah from spiralling into all-out war.

US officials hope the truce would allow time to negotiate a more durable ceasefire between Israel and Hizbollah, and would also put pressure on Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to accept the terms of a ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza.

But during his half-hour speech, Netanyahu did not address the US-French proposal. Instead, he pledged to keep up the pressure on Hizbollah, and insisted Israel would also continue its offensive in Gaza until Hamas had been destroyed and the Israeli hostages held there had been freed.

“Israel must . . . defeat Hizbollah in Lebanon. Hizbollah is the quintessential terror organisation in the world today,” he said. “We’ll continue degrading Hizbollah until all our objectives are met.”

Israel and Hizbollah have been exchanging fire since the Lebanese militant group began launching rockets at Israel on October 8 in support of Hamas’s attack on the country the day before. 

But over the past two weeks, Israel has sharply escalated the fighting — killing a string of senior Hizbollah officials and launching intense air strikes on the south and east of Lebanon that have so far killed more than 600 people and displaced more than 90,000.

The hostilities continued on Friday morning, with Israeli strikes reported across Lebanon, killing and injuring scores of people.

A MAJOR energy supplier with 6.8million customers will start issuing a £160 payment to thousands of customers from next month.

Octopus Energy is giving eligible customers extra cash through the Warm Home Discount to help reduce their bills this winter.

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The supplier has now said that it will begin issuing the payment from October.

It added that all eligible customers will have the discount applied to their electricity bills by March 31, 2025 at the very latest.

Between now and December, the government will issue letters to households that are eligible for the scheme.

The eligibility requirements for the Warm Home Discount are the same as last year.

To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or a different qualifying benefit form the list below:

If you weren’t claiming any of the above benefits on August 11, 2024, you won’t be eligible for the payment.

Where someone claims a qualifying benefit, the government will assess their energy costs based on the type, age and size of property. 

Around 880,000 pensioners are eligible for pension credit but not claiming it.

As well as missing out on a £300 winter fuel payments, they won’t get the £150 Warm Home Discount payment.

Even if you weren’t getting pension credit on August 11, thousands of pensioners who apply for the benefit now can still qualify for the £150 payment.

This is because pension credit rules allow first-time claimants to backdate their benefit entitlement by three months.

So you’ll need to launch your claim by Friday, October 11 and then successfully get it backdated to cover the August 11 Warm Home Discount qualifying date.

But if you fail to apply before this date you’ll miss out.

We’ve explained everything you need to know about Octopus Energy’s scheme below.

Do I need to apply for the discount?

Households in England and Wales don’t have to apply to get the cash and receive it automatically.

You should look out for a letter between October 2024 and early January 2025 telling you:

• You’re eligible and you’ll get the discount automatically; or
• You might be eligible, and you need to give more information.
• The letter will tell you to call the helpline by 29 February 2024 to confirm your details.

If you don’t get the letter by early January 2024 and you think you’re eligible, you need to call the helpline on 0800 030 9322.

If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2025. 

Some Scottish households do have to apply for the discount.

In Scotland there’s a “core group” that’ll receive an automatic payment and a “broader group” which has to apply for the scheme with their energy provider.

You’ll need to check with your energy supplier directly to see the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply.

The scheme will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.

Octopus Energy customers can apply by visiting octopus.energy/login/?next=/dashboard/new/accounts/warm-home-discount/.

How will I receive the discount from Octopus Energy?

If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of your bill the £150 Warm Home Discount will be added to your electricity account as a credit.

If you have a traditional prepayment meter, Octopus Energy will send you a voucher you can use to top up your meter at your nearest Paypoint kiosk.

You can find your closest one by visiting consumer.paypoint.com/cashout.

If you’ve got a smart prepayment meter, Octopus Energy will send the discount directly to your meter as a credit.

It will then send you an email to let you know it’s on there.

 Introduction

As the 2024 fiscal year draws to a close, small businesses face the critical task of examining their financial strategies to maximize tax benefits. Effective end-of-year financial planning is essential not just for tax savings but also for setting the stage for future financial health and business growth. This guide provides detailed insights into how businesses can harness various tax planning strategies to enhance their financial outcomes as they transition into the new year.

 The Significance of End-of-Year Financial Planning

End-of-year financial planning is pivotal for businesses looking to optimize their financial performance and tax liabilities. This process involves a thorough review of the company’s financial activities, to maximize tax deductions, take advantage of available credits, and plan for upcoming tax obligations. Proper planning ensures that businesses do not miss out on opportunities to reduce their tax burden and improve their overall financial standing.

 Key Strategies for Maximizing Tax Benefits

1. Accelerate Deductions:

– Consider prepaying expenses that can be deducted in the current tax year. This might include office supplies, business insurance premiums, or professional fees. Additionally, using a pay stub generator can help businesses efficiently manage payroll expenses and ensure accurate records, further aiding in year-end deductions.

2. Defer Income:

– If possible, defer income to the next fiscal year, especially if you anticipate being in a lower tax bracket. This strategy can be particularly effective for businesses that have control over when they bill clients or receive payments.

3. Capitalize on Retirement Plans:

– Maximize contributions to retirement plans such as 401(k)s or SEP IRAs. These contributions not only secure future financial stability for employees and business owners but also reduce current taxable income.

4. Utilize Loss Harvesting:

– Review your investment portfolio for any unrealized losses and consider selling off underperforming assets to offset gains. This strategy, known as loss harvesting, can significantly reduce capital gains taxes.

5. Review Asset Depreciation:

– Take advantage of depreciation deductions by purchasing business equipment or vehicles that qualify for Section 179 or bonus depreciation. This can lead to substantial tax savings, especially if large purchases were planned for early the next year.

6. Manage Inventory Effectively:

– Conduct a year-end inventory review and write down any obsolete or unsellable inventory. Reducing inventory through proper valuation can decrease taxable income.

 Additional Considerations

1. Charitable Contributions:

– If your business plans to make charitable donations, consider making them before the year ends to claim deductions. Ensure that contributions are made to qualified organizations to be eligible for tax benefits.

2. Energy-Efficient Improvements:

– Invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your business facilities. Many governments offer tax credits for businesses that implement green technologies, which can lead to direct tax savings.

3. Tax Credit Eligibility:

– Stay informed about any new tax credits for which your business may be eligible. Tax credits can directly reduce the amount of tax owed, unlike deductions, which reduce the amount of income subject to tax.

 Conclusion

End-of-year financial planning is a crucial exercise that requires careful consideration and strategic action. By employing these strategies, businesses can not only minimize their tax liabilities but also position themselves for improved profitability and growth in the coming year. Always consult with a tax professional to tailor these strategies to your specific business needs and ensure compliance with the latest tax laws. As 2024 ends, proactive financial planning and execution will be key to leveraging tax benefits and setting a positive tone for 2025.

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‘Reduce the headcount’

Titanic builders

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