Money
Millions of UK dog owners have slashed spending to cover soaring pet costs
THREE quarters of dog owners have curbed their household spending to cover the soaring cost of owning a pet.
Research among 2,000 owners found more than half have been hit by unexpected vet bills, which typically set them back £679 a year.
But this has left one in four resorting to buying cheaper food, while 24 per cent are grooming their dogs at home to lower overall costs.
It also emerged 69 per cent are already worried about the cost of dog ownership rising, with other measures taken to cut back on costs including buying a simpler and cheaper pet insurance (19 per cent) or not going on holiday to avoid dog sitting costs (15 per cent).
The research was commissioned by Guide Dogs, which is asking people to support its Puppy Appeal to raise money for its life-changing work and provide dogs to those who need them, amid rising costs for the dogs in their care.
A spokesperson for Guide Dogs said: “Dog owners are facing price rises across many different aspects of their pet’s care, as well as increases in cost of living more generally.
“We know all too well the pressures people are facing to provide the best care for their dogs.
“We shoulder all the major costs for our guide dogs throughout puppyhood and their working lives, as we don’t want someone’s financial status to be a barrier to having a life-changing guide dog.
“That’s why this October, we are asking those who can, to support our Puppy Appeal and help to support more people living with sight loss.”
The research found some dog owners have even had to take out a loan (six per cent) and crowdfund (five per cent) to help pay for a bill for their dog.
More broadly, the research found the food shop (52 per cent), utility bills (47 per cent), insurance companies (31 per cent) and vets (25 per cent) are where people are noticing the biggest price rises.
In a bid to limit expenditure, people are cutting back on eating out (30 per cent), nights out (27 per cent) and expensive gadgets (23 per cent) to help afford dog-related costs.
But despite the sacrifices they need to make, 68 per cent were understanding of the need vets and other businesses have to increase their costs to cover outgoings.
And 83 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, sympathised with charity organisations which are having to spend more money to keep up with the costs of caring for dogs.
A Guide Dogs spokesperson added: “It’s natural that we love our dogs – they’re an important part of the family and bring joy to us every day.
“But we know it’s not always easy cover the costs associated with looking after them.
“The cost rises add strain to charities like ours who provide vital life-changing services. That’s why we urgently need additional support to our appeal.”
Money
Wilko returns to another high street before Christmas – see the full list of locations and if there’s one near you
BELOVED homeware chain Wilko is back on the high street having closed 400 stores last year after going into administration.
Wilko has confirmed that its Uxbridge store will open its doors to customers at 9am on 22nd November – right in time for Christmas.
Brits were heartbroken when beloved Wilko announced it would be closing all of its shops back in October 2023.
But almost a year later, Wilko is making a comeback, launching new stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Uxbridge store launch marks the household and garden retailer’s return to West London.
It is also its seventh opening since the brand was acquired by CDS Superstores.
Spanning approximately 30,000sqft, the store will be situated in its former trading location at The Pavillions Shopping Centre.
It looks to offer local shoppers access to products they know and love – including Christmas essentials.
The store’s launch day will feature goody bags for the first 50 shoppers in the queue and an exclusive prize for the first person in line, along with great value deals across many key categories.
Shoppers will also get to try their luck at the spin the wheel, with a chance to win gift cards and pick-n-mix vouchers.
As with its fellow six concept stores launched to date, the new Uxbridge store will feature additional services, including a Click and Collect offering.
This store launch forms part of Wilko’s expansion plans, with a further national roll-out planned.
It’s the brand’s latest store, joining recent openings in Poole, Exeter, Luton, Plymouth, St Albans and Rotherham.
What other retailers have made a comeback?
It has been a tough time for retailers since Covid and the last few years have seen many vanish from our high streets.
The rising cost of living and expensive rents have all been playing a part in the demise of some of our much-loved high street names.
This week saw the return of the beloved record chain Our Price.
The record store was once a staple of the UK high street from the early 1970s until 2004.
The first store was on London‘s Finchley Road, and the brand had as many as 300 branches at its peak, making it one of the biggest music store chains in the UK.
Last week Our Price revealed it would be making a return as music lovers will once again be able to buy thousands of vinyls and other merch.
Shoppers can browse the catalogue online for now only, owners have not ruled out the return to physical stores at some point in the future.
Toys R Us is also among those which has managed to make a comeback.
The popular toy brand opened up nine new shops in 2023 after vanishing from the high street in 2018.
However, the new stores are slightly different as they are “shop-in-shops” and are located inside WHSmith stores.
Toys R Us will be opening 30 new shops across the UK this summer following the successful opening of almost a dozen stores last year.
In October last year, Paperchase also made a return after closing all of its 134 shops and concessions earlier in the year.
Fans of the brand were devastated when the retailer disappeared from the high street in April after falling into administration.
However, supermarket giant Tesco stepped in and bought the rights to the brand and then went on to launch it in some of its stores. A total of 261 Tesco stores now stock Paperchase products – we have the full list here.
M&Co, previously called Mackay’s, fell into administration for the second time in two years in December 2022.
Fellow retailer Yours Clothing bought the M&Co brand and intellectual property.
The retailer launched a new M&Co website in June 2023 and The Sun exclusively revealed its plans to open up physical stores starting in May 2024. Meanwhile, we also visited the new Toys R Us shops when they first reopened.
Plus, have a look inside an iconic fast food chain’s training centre with a fake restaurant simulator.
IT’S not all bad news on the high street as several retailers are bucking the trend and opening shops.Retailers opening stores
Money
Coca Cola confirms ‘favourite ever’ drink is RETURNING to shelves just in time for Christmas 4 years after being axed
COCA-COLA has confirmed the return of one its limited edition drinks just in time for Christmas after it was axed four year ago.
One fan described the drink as their “favourite ever” after a post on Facebook revealed the product had returned to UK shelves.
The drinks manufacturer has confirmed its Zero Sugar Cinnamon flavour will be available across the UK from mid-October until the “end of the year.”
A post in group Newfoodsuk about the drink rapidly gained traction and amassed over 500 comments and 700 reactions.
Some fans rejoiced at the news following the product’s axing in 2020.
One user commented: “Lovely stuff, wish it was available all throughout the year.”
Read More on Product Revivals
Another added: “Best coke, should be permanent.”
Some described it as their “favourite” while others were excited to “try” the unusual flavour.
However, not all reception was positive.
Some were sceptical of the item’s taste, while others had less than fond memories of it from the past.
One commenter said: “Don’t like the sound of cinnamon coke.”
Another said: “Not something I’d want to try doesn’t sound appealing.”
One unhappy user commented: “Why do Coca-Cola insist on making it zero sugar when it’s flavoured?
“Coke zero is awful.”
The product is currently available exclusively at Tesco in 2L bottles and retails for £1.85.
This places it in line with the price of the brand’s entire Zero range, which also includes regular Zero, Zero Caffeine-Free, Zero Lemon, and Zero Cherry.
Coca-Cola Cinnamon was first introduced in the UK back in 2018 as a “limited-time offer for the holiday season.”
It then returned for the festive season again in 2019 and 2020 but hadn’t been seen in UK supermarkets since.
A ranking of the best Coke flavours in 2024 by lovefood.com placed the cinnamon version 10th on its list.
While fans were split over the revival, some people also took the opportunity to express their sadness at other axed Coca-Cola products.
One user said: ” I wish Coca Cola should bring back the Diet Vanilla Coke that was delicious.”
Just last month, the drink’s giant had to apologise for discontinuing its Cherry Vanilla flavour, citing “consumers’ taste preferences and lifestyles constantly changing.”
Brands being revived this Christmas
A RANGE of classic products are being revived this Christmas after previously being axed.
Aldi’s Chocolate Mountain Bar
ALDI shoppers have been left overjoyed after the supermarket’s iconic Toblerone dupe returned to shelves.
Fans of the bargain retailer have been pleading for the Specially Selected Swiss chocolate bar to make a comeback, with Aldi finally giving in.
The blonde bar is seen as a family favourite with happy customers describing it as “lush” as they race into stores to grab one.
Each 100g pack cost is now priced at £1.69.
Each bar is packed with delicious ingredients from white chocolate, honey, almond, nougat and salted caramel pieces.
Mars’ Marathon Bars
Mars announced it was bringing back the iconic Marathon chocolate bar after it was rebranded 34 years ago.
The bar was re-titled as Snickers in 1990 and lost its iconic name but will return to supermarket shelves for a limited time this year.
The limited-edition wrappers will be available exclusively at Morrisons until December, which means you’ll only have a few months to enjoy the blast from the past.
Starbucks’ Toffee Nut Latte
Starbucks fans are going wild as a £1.50 buy has landed back in stores – and if you’re a lover of the coffee chain’s Christmas drinks, then prepare to be overjoyed.
One savvy shopper was left beaming when browsing in her local Sainsbury’s, when she noticed that toffee nut latte sachets were now available to buy.
So if you’re obsessed with the Starbucks Christmas beverage, which normally hits stores at the start of November and is available until the end of the year, and want to be able to have it all year round, you’ll need to head to Sainsbury’s and stock up.
Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Winter Mint Crisp
The confectionery giant has brought back its Dairy Milk Mint Crisp bar for shoppers to enjoy as the nights draw in.
It forms part of the sweet makers’ new Christmas range which also includes a retro selection box.
Cadbury‘s confirmed earlier this year that the minty treat had been axed from shelves and it had “no plans to reintroduce it”.
It came after nostalgic shoppers made calls for Cadbury‘s to bring back the retro snack.
Its Winter Mint Crisp bar has already landed on shelves, with Tesco charging £4.50 for a 360g bar.
You can get it for just £4 if you have a Tesco Clubcard.
It is also on offer at supermarket Asda for £4.
Money
Need help getting pension credit so you can keep your Winter Fuel Payment? Call our experts TODAY
TEN million pensioners face losing the Winter Fuel Payment – if you are one of them call our team of experts TODAY.
We want to help the thousands of pensioners who are worrying about paying their energy bills with tips and advice. And we want to help determine if they may be in line for Pension Credit.
Our Winter Fuel SOS Crew, including energy experts and consumer champions, are available today to answer your questions from 7am to 7pm, or you can email.
You can even contact on behalf of pension-age friends with their permission.
PENSIONS Minister Emma Reynolds has backed our Winter Fuel SOS campaign to help thousands of older people with their bills and heating costs this winter.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that only households in England and Wales that receive Pension Credit or certain means-tested benefits will be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
READ MORE ON WINTER FUEL SOS
Previously it was available to everyone aged over 66.
Charity Age UK yesterday published an impact assessment that showed 800,000 hard-up pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit and will now also lose the Winter Fuel Payment. Many wrongly believe they aren’t entitled to it.
Backing our campaign to help older people register for Pension Credit, Emma Reynolds said: “It is vital we make sure that pensioners know about all the support they are entitled to.
Not only does Pension Credit top up income, it also opens up further support
Emma Reynolds
“Our drive to boost Pension Credit take-up has already seen a 152 per cent increase in claims and Sun readers can help spread the word.
“If you have a friend, neighbour or relative who is a pensioner and on a low income, telling them about Pension Credit could boost their income by an average of £3,900.
Get in contact
Our panel of consumer champions and energy advisers will
be on hand to answer all your queries from 7am to 7pm.
CALL 0800 028 1978 or email winterfuelSOS@the-sun.co.uk
“Not only does Pension Credit top up income, it also opens up further support, such as the Winter Fuel Payment.”
Pension Credit can be back-dated by three months, which means the last date to claim and still get the Winter Fuel Payment is December 21.
As our Winter Fuel SOS experts take your calls, here we bust some Pension Credit myths.
What is Pension Credit?
If you are over state pension age Pension Credit tops up your retirement income to a minimum of £218.15 per week if you are single and £332.95 for couples. It also opens up access to other benefits.
I have savings and own a home, can I still get it?
You can still be eligible. You may even get help towards interest payments on your mortgage. How much you get depends on your income and savings.
Is there any point if I will only get a small amount?
Yes. If you get any amount of Pension Credit you may also be able to get help with other costs including Housing Benefit if you rent, a free TV licence if you’re over 75, help with your heating costs and more.
My mum has a severe disability, is there any additional help for her?
Yes, those with a severe disability could get an extra £81.50 a week if they get any of the following:
- Attendance Allowance.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment.
- The middle or highest rate from the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- The daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- The daily living component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.
I am a carer for my grandchild, is there any additional help for me?
Yes, if you’re a carer you could get an extra £45.60 if you get Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment.
And, if you and your partner have both claimed or are getting Carer’s Allowance, you can both get this extra amount.
I was turned down for Pension Credit before, is it worth claiming again?
Definitely, especially if your circumstances have changed.
Is there a way of estimating how much I could get?
There is a Pension Credit calculator at gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator to help you work out how much you could be eligible for before applying.
Alternatively, you can contact the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 046 if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for extra amounts.
OK, so how can I apply and is it complicated?
Claiming is straightforward. You can do it:
- Online at gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.
- Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234.
- By printing out and filling in a paper application form.
And if you need some extra support, a friend or voluntary organisation such as Age UK can help you make a claim.
Money
Exact date Aldi’s wooden toy range hits stores just in time for Christmas and prices start from £2.99
ALDI has revealed the exact date its wooden toy range will hit stores just in time for Christmas.
Prices start from just £2.99 for the supermarket giant’s sell out range which includes more than 50 products.
The German retailer’s range varies widely and includes items such as Wooden 2D Wheeled Animals and a Wooden Climbing Triangle and Cube.
Other gift ideas include a brand new Wooden Horse Box and a Beauty Station to let your child’s imagination run wild, both retailing for £24.99 each.
Shoppers will have to act fast, however, as the range sold-out when it was released last year.
The chain also laid out its top 10 wooden toys as gifts to “help mum, dad, and Santa’s little helper with what to choose.”
The list included, in no particular order:
- Wooden Kettle, Coffee & Hot Chocolate Maker
- Wooden Kitchen Sets
- Double Sided Easel
- Wooden Climbing Arch and Slide
- Wooden Toy Kitchen
- Wooden Birthday Cake
- Wooden Cupcakes and Doughnuts Assortment
- Wooden Tabletop Assortment
- Toy Roleplay Bags
- Wooden Grocery Sets
The discount retailer chain is also bringing back the wooden Cuthbert which previously caused a stir with M&S fans.
In 2021 M&S lodged an infringement claim against Aldi arguing the chocolate cake was too similar to its classic Colin the Caterpillar which has been around for 30 years with an unchanged design.
But Cuthbert returned to shelves in February 2022 after the two supermarkets called a truce in an agreed settlement.
Aldi claims this years range of wooden toys is its “biggest ever” and that shoppers can expect the “same great value” as 2023’s set.
This comes as rival Lidl announced its own range of wooden toys.
Its set of products are expected to arrive in stores across the UK from October 17 with Aldi’s range available from October 10.
How to save money at Aldi
Unlike other major supermarkets, Aldi does not have a rewards or point card system but that does not mean you cannot save on your shop.
Every week the store releases a list of special buys, which are unique bargain products you find online at Aldi and in-store.
The store releases a fresh range of deals every Thursday and Sunday, so be sure to check regularly to see what’s new.
Meanwhile, the store also regularly sells fruit and vegetables at highly discounted prices, as part of its ‘super six’ deal.
It also does weekly saving offers on typically pricey items such as meat and fish.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Money
The 10 freebies and discounts worth up to £70k you can get on PIP benefits in October
MILLIONS of people claiming the Personal Independence Payout (PIP) benefit are eligible for extra freebies and discounts.
Those who claim PIP for help with long-term health conditions and disabilities could be missing out on extra advantages which come with the benefit.
PIP is an important benefit for adults aged 16 and over who have not reached state pension age (66) and is made up of two parts.
One is to help with day-to-day tasks and the other is to help with mobility for those who need help getting around.
And whether you are able to claim both depends on your disability and how it affects you.
The amount you can get within these brackets also differs depending on your individual circumstance.
Payments are issued every four weeks.
In April, payments for the daily living component increased from £101.75 to £108.55 for enhanced and £68.10 to £72.65 for standard.
The mobility component also rose from £71 to £75.75 for enhanced, and £26.09 to £28.70 for standard.
If you get both parts, you can receive a maximum of £184.30 every 4 weeks – which is nearly £10,000 a year.
Eligible applicants must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and currently living in one of these countries.
Whereas the process is different if you’re from Northern Ireland, you live abroad, or you’re not a British citizen.
Health professionals assess the claimant to work out the level of financial help needed to support the mental or physical disability.
Then payments are made every four weeks into the individual’s bank account, tax-free.
Here are 10 freebies you can also get if you claim the PIP benefit. It could be worth thousands of pounds extra a year, but of course the exact amount can vary depending on your circumstances.
Council tax discounts – £2,171 average
People who claim benefits can apply on the Government website for a council tax reduction.
This means if you’re either the daily living or mobility part of PIP you could get money off your council tax bill.
Some claimants are eligible for as much as a full discount.
Though the amount will vary depending on where you live and how much of the benefit you receive.
The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for the 2024/25 financial year is £2,171 – meaning this much could be saved if you got a full discount.
In order to find out if you are eligible, contact your local authority, and they will seek a PIP letter as evidence.
Reportedly around 2.8 million people don’t take advantage of the council tax discount, meaning £2.7 billion goes unclaimed each year.
Blue badge – £3,800 average
With a blue badge, those with disabilities can claim exemption from certain parking restrictions and take advantage of designated parking spaces.
The spaces usually offer more room to the individual and are located closer to store entrances.
Blue badge holders can park on single or double lines for up to three hours as long as there are no loading or unloading restrictions.
They can also get free or discounted on-street parking.
According to Just Park, Brits spend £3,800 on parking on average each year.
Which means PIP claimants could be saving this much with their blue badge.
The blue badge must be visible to others and displayed on the windscreen of your car.
Those who qualify for a blue badge receive one of the following benefits:
- Disability living allowance
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8)
Anyone with a limited ability to walk, a disability in their arms, or who are registered blind are eligible for the badge.
To apply, you must submit PIP evidence to your council – however they usually charge a fee up to £10.
Benefit boost – £7,334.40
Individuals on PIP as well as one of a number of other benefits can claim a premium – which is an extra benefit top up.
You can claim a boost if you’re receiving one of the following alongside PIP:
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance – but only if you get the PIP daily living component
- Pension Credit – but only if you get the PIP daily living component
If eligible, you could get either:
- £39.85 a week for a single person (disability premium)
- £56.80 a week for a couple (disability premium)
- £76.40 a week for a single person (severe disability premium)
- £152.80 a week if you’re in a couple and are both eligible (severe disability premium)
- £19.55 a week for a single person (enhanced disability premium)
- £27.90 a week if you’re in a couple and at least one of you is eligible (enhanced disability premium)
This means with the maximum amount, you could claim up to £7,945.60 annually.
The top up can happen automatically – or, if you haven’t received it when you should have, you should get in touch with the department in charge of handling your benefits.
This will either be HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions, and they will likely ask for proof of your PIP letter.
Go to Gov.uk and use the Benefits Calculator to check your eligibility.
Capped water bills – £1,053
If you are claiming PIP, you could also benefit from a water bill cap thanks to the WaterSure scheme.
This means your bill could be capped, so you’re paying less than others in your area.
Claimants must be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed, and they should also be able to prove that their disability causes them to use more water than an average household.
According to WaterSure, the average water bill a household pays annually is currently £471.
This means your bill will be capped at this amount if you are claiming PIP.
However, according to Martin Lewis, one person was refunded £1,053 through the scheme.
This scheme applies to households in England only, and they should apply by contacting their water supplier via its phone line or website.
Vehicle tax reduction – £1,177.50
Vehicle tax is the same as road tax – it is the price you pay to drive on the roads.
People who claim the standard mobility component of PIP can get up to a 50% reduction in vehicle tax.
You can also get 100% off if you’re on the enhanced rate mobility component.
In some cases vehicle tax can hit prices of as high as £2,355 a year, so the reduction could be as much as £1,177.50 for PIP claimants.
This is not always the case, and the amount could likely be lower.
To be eligible, applicants must be registering the vehicle in their own name or the name of their nominated driver.
They must also provide:
- A letter or statement from DWP that shows your PIP rate and the dates you’re getting it
- The vehicle log book (V5C)
- A V10 form
- An original MOT or GVT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
- A cheque or payable order (made out to “DVLA, Swansea”) for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle
Paperwork should then be sent to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF.
Motability Scheme – £23,760
The Motability Scheme is designed to allow PIP claimants to lease a car for their specific needs.
There are over 2,000 cars to choose from and insurance, tax and servicing are all sorted within the lease.
This is for people on the higher rate of the mobility component on PIP, and who also have at least 12 months remaining on their allowance.
Car rental costs around £66 a day on average in London, which could typically amount to a whopping £23,760 over the year – a considerable save.
Go to motability.co.uk for information on how to apply.
Free prescriptions – £115.80
If you are claiming PIP and have a certain qualifying illness, you could get your NHS prescriptions for free.
The prescription charge is £9.65 which means you could save £115.80 a year.
The full list of disabilities are available on the NHS website, and include cancer diabetes and epilsepsy.
Claimants must provide a medical exemption ticket (MedEx) which you can get online if you ask your GP for a signed FP92A form.
Disabled person’s railcard – £113
According to National Rail, adults with a disability can get a third off of travel with a Disabled Persons Railcard.
This means you could claim an average annual savings of up to £113, says the group.
With your PIP award letter, you can apply on National Rail’s website.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
Discounted days out – £144
Many attractions offer discounted prices to those who can show they are on PIP or have a blue badge.
National Trust and English Heritage offer free entry to a person and their carer through the Essential Compassion Card.
An annual pass for these sites usually costs £72 a year, meaning you could save a combined £144 with your carer also entering free.
Discounts can also extend to cinema, theatre and art gallery visits, as well as the additional bonus of reduced bus and train travel.
To browse which discounts you can get, disability charity Scope offer a useful summary of what’s on offer.
Disabled facilities grant – £30,000
PIP provides useful evidence for those wishing to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
This is a grant which allows you to rework your home to suit the needs of your disability.
For example, bar handles for bathrooms or ramps for wheelchair access.
People in England can get a grant up to £30,000, while those in Wales can get £26,000, and Northern Ireland £25,000.
This grant scheme does not include Scotland.
This is the general maximum, and could be much less depending on your circumstance.
Gov.uk specifies that in specific cases the grant could be even higher, based on the cost of the work on the property.
The grant can be acquired through your local council, so you should go to their website to find out how to apply.
How do I apply for PIP?
You can make a new PIP claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 917 2222.
There are also other ways to claim if you find it difficult to use a telephone. See Gov.UK for more information.
When you claim, you’ll need:
- Your contact details
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Bank or building society account number and sort code
- Your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
- Dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
Someone else can call on your behalf, but you’ll need to be with them when they call.
You’ll then be sent a form to fill in, after which you’ll be invited for an assessment or your health or social care worker will be asked for information.
After this, you’ll be sent a letter telling you if your claim has been successful.
You can find out more on the government’s website.
What is PIP?
HOUSEHOLDS suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP).
The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £172.75 a week.
PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66.
Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around – or both- for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).
You can also claim PIP if you’re in or out of work and if you’re already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit.
PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £26.90 or £71.
While on the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £68.10 or £101.75 – and you could get both elements, so up to £172.75 in total.
You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.
Make a claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222.
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
Money
More Wetherspoons to pubs their close doors for good including ‘stunning’ venue – with four still at risk
WETHERSPOONS has confirmed the closure of more of their pubs including an iconic “stunning” venue.
The popular pub chain has closed locations across the UK, including Stafford, London, Halifax and Penarth.
The Geroge, Wanstead Wetherspoons is set to pull down their shutters for good on October 13.
Punters took to social media to express their frustrations over the closure of another popular branch.
One user wrote: “That’s sad.”
“My local. A very popular pub,” another commented.
The George had been a favourite among locals, who often left glowing reviews about the pub.
“Good service, competitively priced drinks and tasty food,” a user said.
Another added: “Excellent staff and well-kept beer at low prices.”
It comes after the Wetherspoons revealed that five pubs had been put up for sale, four of which are already under offer.
The Ivor Davies in Cardiff is up for sale, while the four pubs under offer are the Sir Daniel Arms in Swindon, the Hain Line in St Ives, the Foot of the Walk in Leith and the Quay in Poole
Under offer may mean that a bid is being considered or has been accepted.
But as the sale has not been finalised the pub remains on the market
Wetherspoons regularly reviews the branches it has up for sale and has often taken venues off the market to continue operating as part of the pub chain.
In its annual report published today, the pub giant said the disposal of the 27 pubs it has closed gave rise to a cash inflow of £8.9 million.
Wetherspoons has sold the freehold of premises it owned outright and returned others to their landlords.
The pub sites sold may reopen to welcome drinkers under their new owners.
Landlords could also find new tenants, so Wetherspoons’ departure doesn’t necessarily mean the loss of a pub for locals.
The sites closed are:
- The Saltoun Inn, Fraserburgh – sold
- Widow Frost, Mansfield – sold
- General Sir Redvers Buller, Crediton – sold
- Butler’s Bell, Stafford – sold
- Coronet, Holloway Road, London – sold
- White Hart, Todmorden – sold
- Asparagus, Battersea – sold
- Mock Beggar Hall, Moreton – sold
- Sir Norman Rae, Shipley – sold
- Lord Arthur Lee, Fareham – sold
- Market Cross, Holywell – sold
- The Cross Keys, Peebles – sold
- The Regent, Kirkby in Ashfield – sold
- An Geata Arundel, Waterford – sold
- Jolly Sailor, Hanham – sold
- Millers Well, Purley, Halifax – sold
- The London & Rye in Rushey Green, Catford – sold
- Bankers Draft, Eltham – returned to landlord
- Sir John Arderne, Newark – returned to landlord
- Night Jar, Ferndown – returned to landlord
- Moon and Bell, Loughborough – returned to landlord
- Capitol, Forest Hill – returned to landlord
- Hart and Spool, Borehamwood – returned to landlord
- Alfred Herring, Palmers Green – returned to landlord
- Tichenham Inn, Ickenham – returned to landlord
- Bears Head, Penarth – returned to landlord
Wetherspoons has also opened two new sites in the last 12 months – The Captain Flinders near Euston Station and the Star Light at Heathrow Airport, and The Grand Assembly in Marlow.
Several sites have also been expanded including the Red Lion,
Skegness; the Talk of the Town, Paignton; the Albany Palace, Trowbridge and the Mile Castle, Newcastle.
It follows Wetherspoons being sued for more than £200,000 after a drinker fell to his death from a second-floor window.
And the popular pub chain’s 12-day beer festival will be back with a bang tomorrow with some ales selling for less than £2 a pint.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
PUB-GOERS love Wetherspoons for its competitive pricing and low-cost meals – but did you know there are more ways to save money?
Senior consumer reporter Olivia Marshall explains how.
Free refills – Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.
So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.
For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in
their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it.
Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.
It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.
As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.
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