YOU may be eligible to get a free £150 to help with your energy bills this winter.

A number of energy suppliers will be giving the discount on bills for struggling households this winter.

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The help is being provided via the Government’s Warm Home Discount scheme.

The package sees energy suppliers give a £150 discount on the electricity bills of people claiming certain benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The support is not awarded as cash into your bank account but instead applied directly to your account by your energy supplier.

The credit you have in your energy account will increase by £150 so it can only be used on your energy bills.

If you have a traditional prepay meter, you will instead be sent a voucher which you can use to top up the meter in your home.

The support is given automatically to people claiming certain benefits including:

• Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Universal Credit
• Housing benefit
• Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)

To get the money this year, you will need to be claiming these benefits during the qualifying week.

This is usually in August, however the official week has not yet been confirmed.

The Warm Home Discount scheme will reopen in October and it is likely we will get an update then.

It’s also important to know that not all energy suppliers are part of the scheme.

So even if you are claiming the eligible benefits, you may not receive the help.

If your energy supplier is part of the scheme, they should contact you to let you know whether you are eligible, these letters usually come before January the next year.

The scheme opens in October and runs until March each year so your discount can be applied anytime.

A LUCKY Tesco shopper managed to nab the “bargain” of their life when they found a pair of kids sports shoes priced at just 4p.

The shockingly low price sent social media into a frenzy with many wondering how shoes were so cheap.

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The pair of B Sports Shoes normally cost £13 but its price had been reduced by more than 99%.

A post of the staggering deal shared on Facebook amassed countless shocked reactions.

The post stated: “Bargain of [my] life, Tesco kids School trainers for 4p, original price £13.00.”

Users were also quick to comment on the extraordinary offer.

One said: “Well done on your bargain!”

But many also shared insight into why the price was so low.

One sharp commenter claimed: “Item at 4p are old stock and meant to be removed from shelves.”

However, another said: “Shouldn’t have been sold.

“It’s meant to be for charity.”

Tesco often reduces prices to 4p on goods that are considered ‘old stock.’

Just last month, a savvy shopper nabbed a two pack of boys long-sleeve shirts for just 4p.

The buyer said: “Found the bargain of the century in Tesco.

“It looks like all the boys long sleeve shirts now come in a pack of 3 (£5.50) however after rummaging through I found a pack of 2 (£3.50).

“When I got to the till I was charged a grand total of just 4p for the 2 pack.

“Looks like it’s old season stock so if you can find this colour packet you might get a bargain too!”

Two years ago, a post Christmas sale of old stock from Tesco saw countless items reduced to the 4p price tag.

SEVERAL high street banks have introduced a change to mortgage rules, leading experts to warn borrowers to “act promptly”.

The lenders have shortened the amount of time customers have to lock in a new interest rate ahead of their current deal ending.

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It means homeowners coming off fixed mortgage deals will now need to act with more urgency.

So, if you are a mortgage holder nearing the end of your fixed term, the clock is ticking to negotiate a new offer.

The length of time that a borrower has to secure a new fixed deal is decreasing from six months from the end of their current mortgage to four months.

One by one, major banks have been making the move – with Barclays being the most recent this week.

Here is the full list of banks which have changed their rules:

• Barclays – decreased to three months from September 25
• Halifax – decreasing to four months on a staggered basis from September
• Lloyds – decreasing to four months on a staggered basis from September
• Santander – decreased to four months in June
• Nationwide – decreased to four months in May

Other lenders, such as HSBC, NatWest and Virgin Money still offer customers six months to lock in their new deal.

Nicholas Mendes​​​​, mortgage technical manager at broker John Charcol, said: “This change means that the window of opportunity to secure a new fixed-rate deal at current rates is now shorter.

“Borrowers need to be more proactive and attentive to market conditions to ensure they secure the best possible rates within this reduced time frame.

“It’s advisable for those nearing the end of their current deals or considering a new mortgage to engage with their lenders or seek advice from a mortgage broker promptly.”

An estimated 700,000 loans are up for renewal in the second half of 2024, says industry body UK Finance.

A real concern for borrowers needing to remortgage is how much-fixed rates have risen in the last few years.

The average two-year fixed rate deal has increased from 2.34% in December 2021, to 5.56% as of September 2024.

Meanwhile, the average five-year deal has risen from 2.64% to 5.20%, according to the latest data from Moneyfacts.

The second half of the year has also been marked with repossessions, highlighting the financial struggles many are under right now. 

UK Finance says that 980 homeowner-mortgaged properties were repossessed in the second quarter of 2024.

This is an 8% increase compared to the previous quarter and a 31% uplift in the same quarter in 2023.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is in fact a positive outlook on the housing market. 

The Bank of England reduced the base rate for the first time since March 2020 in August, dropping the rate from 5.25% to 5%.

As a result, lenders have already started to follow suit and drop their fixed rates.

In fact, Nationwide is leading the way, currently offering a 3.74% home purchase plan deal.

Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts Compare, previously told The Sun: “Each lender will have their own processes and timescales for getting applications through, so they can change the window of opportunity from time to time to cope with demand, but also as a reflection on changing interest rates. 

“Interest rates have been falling, so condensing the window can help lenders avoid re-applications. The same window can extend, depending on the situation of the market. 

“Borrowers would be wise to seek out independent advice from a broker to navigate the deals available, but ensure they allow a couple of months to refinance before their current deal ends.”

The move also comes as Barclays announced a reduction in rates by as much as 0.34% for new buyers and those remortgaging. 

Why have banks changed their rules?

The government introduced a new Mortgage Charter in July 2023 to help struggling households.

Lenders who agreed to rules in the Charter were encouraged to raise the amount of time households were given to lock into a new fixed deal to six months.

This was to ensure households had the flexibility to choose a new deal ahead of time and before rates were predicted to shoot up even further.

However, this rule wasn’t compulsory and some lenders already had the policy in place.

Lloyds and Halifax increased the period customers could secure a deal from three to six months in November 2022 – eight months before the mortgage charter.

The group said it has switched to four months because of consumer behaviour and changes in the mortgage markets.

Nationwide and Santander say it’s because mortgage rates are now more stable.

While, Barclays said the move was down to greater stability in the mortgage market, and that over 70% of Barclays customers applying for product transfers did so within the last three months of mortgage terms meaning the extended window was no longer necessary.

What does it mean for customers?

Locking into a new fix deal six months ahead gives homeowners plenty of time to do their research, find the right deal, and plan a budget.

However, if you’re a Lloyds, Halifax, Nationwide, or Santander customer who’s six months away from remortgaging, you’ll now have to wait another two months before you can lock in a deal with your existing provider. Barclays customers will have to wait three.

If you’re looking to lock in a new rate six months in advance, you’ll need to get a quote from another lender.

Although, anyone who has a deal ending soon should speak to a broker to assess their options.

If your mortgage is due to expire in less than four months, the recent changes won’t make your situation any worse or better and you’ll be able to lock in a new deal from this point on.

Either way, borrowers can still check if they can still ditch their deal penalty-free and switch to another provider in case interest rates drop.

In effect, sticking with the same lender becomes an insurance policy for the borrower, as long as they can get out of it.

Different types of mortgages

We break down all you need to know about mortgages and what categories they fall into.

A fixed rate mortgage provides an interest rate that remains the same for an agreed period such as two, five or even 10 years.

Your monthly repayments would remain the same for the whole deal period.

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There are a few different types of variable mortgages and, as the name suggests, the rates can change.

A tracker mortgage sets your rate a certain percentage above or below an external benchmark.

This is usually the Bank of England base rate or a bank may have its figure.

If the base rate rises, so will your mortgage but if it drops then your monthly repayments will be reduced.

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A standard variable rate (SVR) is a default rate offered by banks. You usually revert to this at the end of a fixed deal term, unless you get a new one.

SVRs are generally higher than other types of mortgage, so if you’re on one then you’re likely to be paying more than you need to.

Variable rate mortgages often don’t have exit fees while a fixed rate could do.

How to get the best mortgage deal

If your mortgage deal is nearing the end of its term, you should start to compare rates now and speak to a mortgage broker to assess your options. 

It is then worth speaking with your current lender to see what deal they might be able to offer you. 

Getting the best rates depends entirely on what’s available at any given time.

There are several ways to land the best deal.

Usually the larger the deposit you have the lower the rate you can get.

If you’re remortgaging and your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) has changed, you’ll get access to better rates than before.

Your LTV will go down if your outstanding mortgage is lower and/or your home’s value is higher.

A change to your credit score or a better salary could also help you access better rates.

And if you’re nearing the end of a fixed deal soon it’s worth looking for new deals now.

You can lock in current deals sometimes up to six months before your current deal ends.

Leaving a fixed deal early will usually come with an early exit fee, so you want to avoid this extra cost.

But depending on the cost and how much you could save by switching versus sticking, it could be worth paying to leave the deal – but compare the costs first.

To find the best deal use a mortgage comparison tool to see what’s available.

You can also go to a mortgage broker who can compare a much larger range of deals for you.

Some will charge an extra fee but there are plenty who give advice for free and get paid only on commission from the lender.

You’ll also need to factor in fees for the mortgage, though some have no fees at all.

You can add the fee – sometimes more than £1,000 – to the cost of the mortgage, but be aware that means you’ll pay interest on it and so will cost more in the long term.

You can use a mortgage calculator to see how much you could borrow.

Remember you’ll have to pass the lender’s strict eligibility criteria too, which will include affordability checks and looking at your credit file.

You may also need to provide documents such as utility bills, proof of benefits, your last three month’s payslips, passports and bank statements.

Once you have taken a look at all your different options, you will want to consider the most important aspects. 

These include your current rate, the terms and length and any exit fees, as well as your loan-to-value (LTV).

When your fixed rate ends you will automatically roll on to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), and these often are considerably higher than a standard fixed rate.

These can be as high as nearly 8% so switching before the end of your current term is a high priority.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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

THE exact amount the state pension will rise by is set to be confirmed in a matter of weeks.

Millions of people are expected to get a bumper rise of £460 to their state pension next year.

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However, this will not be official until September’s inflation rate is released by the Office for National Statistics.

That’s because the triple lock system sees the state pension rise in line with whatever is highest out of: wages for May to July, 2.5% or September’s inflation figures.

Growth in employees’ average total pay was 4% in the three months to July.

While the UK’s rate of inflation remained at 2.2% in August after rising to the same figure the month before.

With inflation highly unlikely to rise above 4% in September, it means the state pension is expected to rise from £11,502.40 to £11,962 per year – a £460 boost.

Although, this will not be confirmed officially until October 16, when the previous month’s rate is announced.

Weekly it would mean a rise from £221.20 to around £230, an increase of almost £9 a week.

Meanwhile, older pensioners who retired before April 2016 will see their weekly payment rise from £169.50 to £176.30 – an increase of £6.80.

Annually, their payments will rise from £8,814 to £9,167, adding £353 a year.

Although it’s worth noting, people on the old system who also have “additional” state pension (SERPS) will see that part of their pension rise only in line with inflation which hasn’t been published yet.

Any decision on a pension increase will be made by Secretary of State Liz Kendall ahead of October’s budget.

The state pension is increased each year in line with the triple lock mechanism, which all major political parties committed to before the general election in July.

Earlier this month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the Government’s backing of the triple lock until the end of this Parliament.

How much is the state pension?

State pension payments increase every April.

This year, the full rate of the new state pension rose from £203.85 a week to £221.20 – rising 8.5% in line with last September 2023’s wage growth.

This equates to £11,502.40 in total over a year.

This is what the state pays those who reach state pension age after April 6, 2016.

The amount of new state pension you receive depends on your National Insurance (NI) record throughout your adult life. 

If you have made at least 35 years of qualifying NI contributions or NI credits you may qualify for the maximum amount.

You can get NI credits if you’re caring for a relative or raising children instead of working, for example.

How do I claim the state pension?

You won’t automatically get the state pension – you need to claim it once you’re eligible.

You should receive a letter no later than two months before you reach state pension age, explaining what to do.

You can find out more here. 

You can choose to defer getting the state pension – you don’t have to take it as soon as you are eligible when you reach state pension age.

Leaving your state pension untouched can boost the amount you eventually get.

If you opt to defer your state pension, your entitlement increases by the equivalent of 1% for every five weeks you do so.

As the state system can be tricky to navigate, a key part of any pension planning involves requesting a state pension forecast.

This will help you get your head around how much you could be eligible to receive, and from what age. 

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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

LOCALS have been left furious and claim their council “let them down” by approving next door’s “skyscraper” extension.

Builder and homeowner Danny Dare is in the process of building what enraged neighbours have called a “monstrosity” on his home in Horwich, near Bolton.

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Despite being shockingly compared to a hotel, Danny’s dormer is only 9.4m wide and will give his two-storey property just one other level.

But the two extra bedrooms it adds for Danny and his family has left residents on the street fuming as they blast it spoils the road’s character.

Walter Gent, 64, who lives in a nearby bungalow, said he objected to the plans due to four criteria: the loss of privacy, it not keeping with the character of the road, over-development and the impact on parking.

He said: “I feel let down by Bolton Council.

“Initially, the plans were turned down by Horwich Council but they then passed into to Bolton, who took a complete different view.

“They approved it because other dormers had been built in the area – but how can they compare it to ones built three streets away.

“I’ve already had to put up a 14ft high hedge in my back garden, but the dormer will mean less privacy because it will overlook my house and bedroom.

“It’ll feel like were living next to a hotel or a skyscraper.”

Danny began building the dormer thinking it was a permitted development.

But he applied for retrospective planning permission soon after because the works would cover a side extension – and it was granted.

He told The Sun: “I’m a builder myself and build dormers all the time.

“I’ve never had any problems until I wanted to build one on my home.

“But at the end of day, the council have approved it. So I don’t see what the problem is.

“I can’t understand what people are complaining about.

“They say it’s a privacy issue and it’ll mean we can see through their windows. But that’s not the case.”

Councillor Ryan Bamforth however, slammed Bolton Council for their lack of “moral fibre”.

He said: “Another concerning aspect was the home-owner’s decision to start building and then seek retrospective planning permission.

“I was extremely upset it was granted.

“If councillors roll over to builders and developers every time there will be constant development because they will know retrospective applications will be approved.

“They should have the moral fibre to stand up for what is right and wrong.”

But other residents are less concerned about the dormer.

One woman said: “I know it’s upset some of my neighbours but I’ve got no objections to it at all.

“I can’t see there’s any loss of privacy because the top windows of the house already overlook our gardens anyway.

“And, as far I’m concerned, the house is some distance away from my home.”

A report by a council planning officer said the dormer extension is acceptable because the distance to other homes is in line with planning policy.

It claims it’s also not ‘out of place’ because there are others nearby.

As the dormer “is not readily visible from surrounding streets” it was considered it would “not harm the street scene”, the report said.

There would be “no undue overlooking, or loss of privacy”, it added.

Although parking wasn’t currently an issue, it noted that additional driveway space for vehicles could be considered.

Bolton Council has been contacted for comment.

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SHOPPERS are rushing to buy dupes of popular Sol de Janeiro scents that they say smell “gorgeous”.

They’re on sale for a whopping £22 less than the big brand sprays.

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One savvy shopper spotted the bargain buys and posted them on the B&M Bargains, Extreme Money Saving Deals and More Facebook group, writing: “Found these Body mists in a Morrisons local £2 they smell amazing smell lasted for hours I have one happy teenager.”

The user also replied to a comment saying: “It’s a body mist Sol de Janeiro dupe sorry I am not a professional social media Guru.

“I was asking the lady in the shop she said they have gone into all Morrisons locals.”

Another shopper tagged their pal and commented: “Please go Morrisons I need them all.”

A second wrote: “Do they smell the same as the real ones, as we pay £40 for one bottle of real ones.”

Posters replied stating “they smell basically the same” and “these smell so much stronger and like the real fragrances”.

A third posted: “They are gorgeous!!! I bought one just as a little handbag spray and the smell lasts days, my partner loves it!”

While a fourth tagged their friend and said: “If you see these let me know, please. Good stocking fillers.”

The Morrisons deal will likely not be around for long as the sign above the bargain bin states “when it’s gone it’s gone”.

It’s always best to phone ahead to your local shop to check what they have available to avoid disappointment.

You can find your nearest Morrisons store using the locator tool on the website.

It always pays to compare prices so you know you’re getting the best deal.

There are dozens of similar-looking scents listed online at the moment.

One savvy shopper spotted a dupe on sale at Boots and posted it on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, writing: “The boots spray smells even better and lasts longer than the original Sol de Janeiro and at a fraction of the cost.”

The pistachio, almond and salted caramel scent is an imitation of Sol de Janeiro’s flagship Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist. 

The original branded product costs £24 for 90ml but is currently on offer at Boots for £19.20.

Earlier in the year Primark released brand new dupes, with a selection of different scents costing just £3.50 for 100ml.

The pink version is Primark’s Hawaii Paradise Body Mist.

Best Sol De Janeiro Dupes

Here’s everywhere you can nab dupes of Sol De Janeiro products, from the iconic mists all the way to body butters…

Home Bargains

• Glow Body Butter £4.49
  Scents: Vanilla Almond & Salted Caramel, Pink Lychee & Crystal Waters and Cherry Bomb & Jasmine Blooms
• Glow Perfume Mist £3.99
  Scents: Vanilla Almond & Salted Caramel and Cherry Bomb & Jasmine Blooms

Primark

• PS… Body Mists £3.50
  Scents: Hawaii Paradise, Capri Breeze and Maldives Sunset
• PS… Post-Tan Body Butter £3
  Scents: Blood Orange

Poundland

• Body Stories Body Mist £2
  Scents: Brazilian Bliss
• Body Stories Body Butter £2.50
  Scents: Brazilian Bliss

It’s always a good idea to shop around to make sure you can find the best deals.

There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.

Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.

Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.

Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and supermarkets.

Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.

Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers.

All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one.

CamelCamelCamel is another option – but only for goods that are sold on Amazon.

To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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