SHOPPERS are left devastated after a family-run clothing shop has been forced to close after 144 years.

Dancers is run by the fourth and fifth generation of the Dancer family, but the rise in online shopping meant they had to let it go.

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Assistant manager Dave Dancer, 37, hoped he could keep up the family tradition and take over the business in Halesowen, Dudley, from his father.

Unfortunately, due to the shift to online shopping and rising running costs, he is unable to do so.

He told Halesowen News: “I’ve been trying to control my emotions and come to terms with it.

“If I won the lottery I would invest in the shop and keep all the staff – it’s my family legacy.”

The beloved store shop which has been a part of the Halesowen high street for nearly 15 decades, started out as a boot shop in 1880 under Queen Victoria I.

After surviving two world wars, the great depression and a global pandemic, it finally has had to close its doors.

Members of the community and the 10 members of staff, some of which are the Dancers family, are all devastated to see it go.

Dave said that the staff who are about to lose their jobs are like one big family and that the whole ordeal is quite emotional.

The team have until December 11 to say their final goodbyes to the historic clothing store.

In the Halesowen shopping area there are parking charges, but Dave said they had made the decision to close together before the charges were implemented.

He added: “It hasn’t helped – it’s been free for seven years – a lot of traders aren’t happy seeing less cars on the car parks and a lack of footfall.

“Over the years footfall has slowly declined as habits have changed.

“Especially during Covid people switched to shop online out of town centres.

“That together with the rising costs of everything including fees of running the building and business rates meant we just can’t keep it going.”

Originating as a boot shop, founded by John Lye in 1880, the company now sells a variety of clothing including school uniforms and scout outfits.

Dancers was created by John and his wife Sarah in 1884, after they moved to Halesowen, building a store for the community on “Good Understandings.”

It now has one of the biggest set of suits and accessories to hire in the area and prides itself on its high quality items and client relations.

The company will continue to offer school uniforms online after the store closes until they are bought out.

The shop has been recognised for its value and was offered a The Legacy Award at The Small Awards 2020, a ceremony which supports small businesses.

Despite this, and giving back to the community by assisting Halesowen Business Improvement District projects, the team must say goodbye to their store.

Dave and his Aunt Janet Duerden, who is in her 70s said at least they are now able to retire and “go out on a high.”

Several high-street retailers have been finding it difficult to get by over the past few years.

Lockdown restrictions were a tough blow as many stores had to close during the pandemic.

Since then energy costs have increased and more shoppers than ever are deciding to order online rather than head into shops.

This has left some remaining retailers struggling with their budget and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

Generally supermarkets have been able to survive the closures as they provide essential household items like food and drink.

Unfortunately, other retailers have been less fortunate like The Body Shop which is currently going through administration and announced plans to close half of its 198 stores.

MARTIN Lewis has clashed with government minister Lisa Nandy over the decision to scrap the £300 Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners.

The fiery exchange on Good Morning Britain today saw the Money Saving Expert founder slam the move as “indefensible” and call out the government for failing to reach the poorest pensioners.

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Speaking directly to the Culture Secretary, Lewis didn’t hold back.

The money-saving guru said: “Why are you defending this?

“You’ve been a campaigner for the poorest in society for so long, yet you’re sitting there defending a policy that charities like Age UK are pulling their hair out about.”

The row comes after AgeUK urged the government to scrap the policy, warning that the poorest pensioners, some earning under £11,000 a year, will be left without support.

Lewis was especially concerned that many of the elderly eligible for pension credit wouldn’t apply for it – and therefore miss out on the vital £300 Winter Fuel Payment.

The argument heated up as Lewis continued to press Nandy on the government’s failure to reach those most in need, describing the policy as a “huge flaw.”

He said: “You believe they should get pension credit and the Winter Fuel Payment, but you’re not doing enough to make sure they do.

” You’re not writing individual letters to the hardest-to-reach pensioners.

“‘There’s lots you could do. So to try and talk about it, ‘we’re targeting the poorest’… The truth is you’re not targeting them. Why aren’t you writing them bloody letters?’

“You have to accept that there are hundreds of thousands of pensioners earning under £11,400 who will not get this payment this year.”

In response, Nandy defended the government’s efforts, pointing to the rise in pension credit claims, claiming that a “huge drive” had resulted in a 115 per cent increase in applications.

But Lewis wasn’t convinced, he added: “It will take four years for everyone to be signed up. And what’s the solution now? Why aren’t you writing them bloody letters?”.

Despite the tension, Nandy stuck to her guns, stressing that the government was writing letters to eligible pensioners, but acknowledged the frustration from campaigners like Lewis.

The Sun’s Winter Fuel S.O.S Campaign

WORRIED about energy bills? The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS crew are taking calls on Wednesday.

We want to help thousands of pensioners worried about energy bills this winter, with tips and advice on how to make cash go further.

Our Winter Fuel SOS crew will be able to help answer your questions on whether you can get Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.

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Ten million OAPs are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment due to government cutbacks.

It comes in the same month that millions of households are hit by a ten per cent rise in bills as the Energy Price Cap shoots up.

We can help with advice on how else to save money.
Our phone line is open 7am to 7pm Wednesday October 9 – you can call us on 0800 028 1978.

Or you can email now: WinterfuelSOS@the-sun.co.uk

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Nandy said: “We are working with a wide range of people to reach those who need help.

“I just want to make it clear, we are not leaving anyone high and dry.”

What’s at stake for pensioners?

With changes announced in July, the government confirmed that from this winter, only pensioners who claim pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.

Previously it went to around 11million of state pension age regardless of income.

But around 880,000 eligible pensioners on the lowest incomes may miss out on the energy help because they haven’t claimed pension credit.

Lewis pressed further, saying: “You’re taking money out of their hands.

“Are you willing to accept the collateral damage of pensioners, many with dementia, not getting the Winter Fuel Payment?”

Nandy responded, insisting the cut-off point for pension credit applications had been extended to April 2025.

This means pensioners who are eligible, but have yet to apply, can still receive backdated payments.

Typically claims for pension credit can be backdated up to three months.

As the qualifying week for the payment is September 16 to 22, It means the last date for claiming the benefit is December 21.

We’ve asked the government which date applies and will update when we hear back.

DON’T MISS OUT

The message is clear: if you’re eligible for pension credit, it’s crucial to act fast.

Applications are still being accepted, but pensioners must apply by December 21 to receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.

Lewis, however, remains sceptical that many of the most vulnerable will get the help they need.

With Christmas just around the corner, time is running out, and the pressure is on for the government to ensure no one is left out in the cold.

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BORROWERS could face a surge in mortgage costs as rates increase and lenders withdraw their cheapest deals.

Coventry Building Society, Co-operative Bank, Molo, and LiveMore have all announced plans to raise their rates in the coming days.

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It follows an increase in swap rates, which are used to price fixed rate mortgage deals.

As swap rates rise, mortgage lenders tend to increase their rates to avoid financial losses.

The two-year swap rate was 4.06% as of 7 October, while the five-year swap rate was 3.81%, according to Chatham Financial.

These figures are higher than the respective rates of 3.91% and 3.56% recorded in September.

At Coventry Building Society, all fixed rates offered at 65-75% loan-to-value (LTV) for new borrowers, as well as all two and five year fixed remortgage rates at 80% LTV, will rise at on Friday.

Prior to these latest changes, Coventry offered a 3.69% five-year fixed-rate mortgage, one of the lowest rates on the market.

Co-operative Bank will withdraw some of its lowest rates Thursday night.

Experts predict other lenders will soon follow suit.

David Hollingworth, associate director at L&C Mortgages, said: “The mortgage market has seen rates fall in recent months, but that may be coming to an abrupt halt.

“Fixed rate pricing depends on what the market anticipates may happen to interest rates and uncertainty over the forthcoming budget, mixed messages from the Bank of England and global unrest is pushing costs back up for lenders.”

HSBC, Metro Bank, Santander, and Yorkshire Building Society told The Sun they are keeping their fixed rates under review.

Why is this happening?

A variety of factors have unsettled market expectations, causing an increase in both gilt yields and swap rates, according to Nicholas Mendes, mortgage technical manager at John Charcol.

He said: “First, Andrew Bailey’s recent comments, in which he indicated expectations for larger or more frequent interest rate reductions, have introduced some uncertainty.”

Currently, interest rates stand at 5%.

The rate, which banks use to determine the interest on mortgages and loans, was last reduced from 5.25% in August.

Nicholas added: “Markets had been pricing in interest rate cuts for November and December, but expectations for December have softened slightly.”

This shift has occurred because various members of the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have expressed views contrary to those of Andrew Bailey.

Last week, MPC member Huw Pill indicated that rates should be reduced “gradually,” citing caution over the long-term trajectory of inflation.

A similar situation arose at the beginning of the year when mortgage rates initially fell below 4%, only to be increased again as it became apparent that the Bank of England would not reduce rates as swiftly as anticipated.

The Bank of England will decide whether or not to cut interest rates on November 7.

What are the different types of mortgages?

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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

What does this mean for mortgage holders?

Swap rates primarily influence fixed-rate mortgages.

As a result, these are the main products that lenders are currently increasing.

Those on standard variable and tracker deals remain unaffected, as these mortgages are tied to the Bank of England’s base rate, which has not changed.

If you are already locked into a fixed-rate deal, you will also be unaffected.

However, the rise in fixed rates will be a significant blow to prospective homebuyers and those looking to remortgage.

According to the banking trade body UK Finance, approximately 1.6 million mortgage deals are set to expire in 2024.

This means that over a million households also face the prospect of their monthly payments increasing by hundreds of pounds.

According to moneyfactscompare.co.uk, the average two year fixed rate homeowner mortgage stands at 5.37%.

This is down from an average rate of 5.56% last month.

Meanwhile, the average five-year fixed residential mortgage rate is 5.21%, a decrease from 5.37% the previous month.

The economic impact of natural disasters in the US 

For those living in vulnerable areas to extreme weather disasters, recent years have seen some of the worst disasters. In 2024, we have seen severe weather disasters such as, the floods in Afghanistan- Pakistan, typhoon in Japan, the recent hurricane in Florida and more. Now, hurricane Milton is causing severe warnings and evacuations in Florida as they still face the outcome of their last hurricane, Helene. 

These disasters cause destruction to lives, families, property and more and the cost of repairing this once they can is substantial. We have taken a dive into the cost to the US economy, businesses and individuals when they are hit by a natural disaster 

The cost of weather disasters in the US 

Between 2020-2022 there were 60 natural disasters which cost over $1 billion in losses. With the worsening climate change, 2023 saw a record number of weather and climate disasters. In 2023, flooding events alone caused a total of almost $7 billion in damages in the U.S. 

The cost of property damage and destruction of infrastructure are often the most clear and immediate impacts, as homes, buildings, roads and more are damaged or destroyed. The economic impact also extends to business interruption, loss of jobs, reduced tourism and more which lead to further financial strain. 

The costs of repairing and rebuilding 

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused an estimated $125 billion in damage, with widespread destruction to property and infrastructure across New Orleans. The storm crippled businesses and left thousands without jobs, contributing to long-term economic stagnation in the region. Housing markets are heavily impacted by property damage. After Hurricane Katrina, housing prices in New Orleans dropped significantly as many properties were either destroyed or made uninhabitable. 

Not only did the storm Katrina impact infrastructure but also the essential businesses were halted. Katrina impacted up to 19% of the total US oil production as 24% of the country’s natural gas supply is housed in or around areas impacted by the storm. 20 offshore rigs underwent significant damage causing refineries to halt production. This was the first time in the country’s history that the national average gas price went over $3. 

Who pays for repairs? 

Contributions from the government  

Federal as well as local government are often the first to respond after a disaster, they will allocate money for emergency relief and reconstruction. Agencies like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provide financial assistance to individuals, municipalities, and states to cover the cost of rebuilding infrastructure and homes. In 2027, the hurricane season brought 3 large disasters, the federal relief packages amounted to $130 billion. 

At the state and local levels, additional funds are provided, though these governments often struggle to meet the demands of large-scale recovery due to budget limitations. This has led to calls for increased federal support and better pre-disaster planning. 

Insurance Companies 

If you are a homeowner and you have property insurance you can file claims to cover damage to homes, cars, and other possessions. Unfortunately, not all areas of the US are equally insured, such as those areas prone to specific types of disasters e.g. hurricanes and wildfires. Insurance premiums have increased the prices due to the heightened risk.  

For example, after Hurricane Katrina, insurance premiums in coastal areas of the Gulf and Atlantic soared by as much as 20-30% in some regions. 

Some homeowners may not be able to afford sufficient coverage, leaving them vulnerable to significant financial losses after a disaster. Additionally, many policies don’t cover flooding unless a separate policy is purchased, as seen in the extensive uninsured losses from Hurricane Harvey, where only about 20% of homeowners in the Houston area had flood insurance. 

The impact on small businesses 

A 2017 FEMA report highlighted that 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. In these cases, both individuals and businesses are forced to rely on personal savings, loans, or government assistance, which may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of the damage. 

Some of the hidden costs of weather disasters 

Employment: Natural disasters can have various effects on the economy of the local area which ripple through multiple sectors. With productivity down, businesses begin to struggle and even more so if their property has been damaged or destroyed. The money to restore the business may not be immediately available, causing the owners and all staff to be without employment for a prolonged amount of time.  

Housing market: When disasters hit, and if the area has been hit multiple times, it is likely to deter future residents. Currently, Florida is facing its second large hurricane within a month, this will likely persuade many to relocate and others to delay or cancel their move into the area. This will have a substantial impact on the housing market.  

Investments: For investors, an area prone to natural disasters will likely deter any development in the area. This can include property investment as well as developing the area with more businesses.  

Selecting the right platform is a bit like building a house: if the foundations aren’t stable then you’re in serious trouble further down the line.

I’m increasingly seeing advisers considering switching platforms looking to financial stability as that key foundation stone from which to build.

Today’s advice platform market is characterised by oversupply and frequent regulatory change, leaving a key problem for advisers to overcome – long-term stability.

A financially robust platform reassures advisers their chosen provider will endure market consolidation, invest in continuous innovation and maintain high service levels, while being able to adequately adapt to the pace of regulatory change.

Financial stability is about more than survival; it’s about thriving in a competitive market

Consumer Duty further underscores the need to take a more long-term approach. Advisers must ensure their platform partners can consistently meet these regulatory expectations, safeguarding consistency in service quality and good client outcomes.

Financial stability is about more than survival; it’s about thriving in a competitive market.

A stable platform is not a static platform. Instead, it’s a reliable partner that adapts, supports advisers’ evolving needs and provides the infrastructure to keep pace with technological advancements.

Without assessing a platform’s financial stability and ability to invest in development, advisers risk partnering with a platform that could struggle to sustain service quality or keep up with industry innovations, potentially putting their client relationships and business growth at risk.

Contrary to some opinions, advisers are open to exploring new platforms, but they generally need a trigger to make such a significant switch

Contrary to some opinions, advisers are open to exploring new platforms, but they generally need a trigger to make such a significant switch.

Realistically, a firm will only shift large volumes of business when there’s a compelling reason — which are often realised by concerns about their current platform’s financial health and levels of investment.

Consistency of service, back-office connectivity, and digital automation and experience give advisers an edge in an industry where marginal gains can make a real difference.

If doubts arise about a platform’s financial security, advisers should question whether they will continue to see these cornerstones of platform efficiency maintained.

Switching usually requires significant push factors that prompt advisers to consider their options. These can include long call wait times, processing delays, transaction errors and lack of accountability, all problems that damage client relationships and erode trust.

Platform charges have increasingly become a secondary consideration

Platform charges have increasingly become a secondary consideration. Charges across the industry are highly competitive, and advisers now view them as relatively uniform. Instead of focusing solely on costs, advisers weigh charges against a broader range of factors, like digital experience, investment choice, service model and overall value for money.

Platform charges represent only a small portion of the total cost of advice, which includes adviser fees and investment management costs. So, with cost differences between platforms generally minimal and one eye on Consumer Duty, advisers are beginning to prioritise the long-term viability of a platform over short-term savings.

With a focus on value mandated by Consumer Duty, advisers are gravitating towards platforms that have greater resources at their disposal. These are more capable of investing in reliable service and support, which ultimately benefits clients and helps advisers to scale their businesses.

Why onboarding matters

A seamless onboarding experience is essential for affirming advisers’ confidence in their decision to switch platforms. This process is their first impression of the new platform and sets the tone for their platform experience.

A well-designed onboarding process should be efficient, transparent and supportive, according to the individual needs of advice firms. This process involves not just the technical aspects of transferring data and setting up accounts but also clear communication, training and ongoing support.

Delivering all this requires investment, not just at the start, but as part of a continuous review process.

Effective onboarding can transform what is seen as a daunting process into a smooth, positive experience

By minimising the friction involved in switching and providing comprehensive assistance during the transition, platforms can reduce perceived barriers to change.

This proactive approach instils a sense of trust and reliability, which fosters long-term loyalty, making advisers more likely to stay with the platform and recommend it to others. Effective onboarding can transform what is seen as a daunting process into a smooth, positive experience.

While multiple factors influence platform selection and switching, we are seeing the emergence of financial stability as a critical element.

In an era of market oversupply and rapid technological change, advisers are increasingly recognising and seeking out platforms that are operationally efficient and financially secure.

Understanding these dynamics allows platforms to better position themselves to meet the evolving needs of advice firms and their clients to deliver mutual future success.

Ranila Ravi-Burslem is intermediary distribution director at Scottish Widows

HOUSEHOLDS should be aware of rules surrounding this common item which could land you a £300 fine or even a criminal record.

Local authorities can issue fines for illegal log burner use in England.

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This rule was introduced by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to reduce air pollution and has been in place for over two decades.

But councils can issue fines under new rules brought in last year.

Last year, the government instructed local authorities to consider using powers in the 2021 Environment Act to issue on-the-spot civil penalties.

Local authorities can issue financial penalties of between £175-£300 for smoke emissions from chimneys in smoke control areas in England. 

You could also get a fine of up to £1,000 for using unauthorised fuel in an appliance that’s not on the exempt list.

In some cases, if the situation goes to court, then fines could be as high as £5,000 for repeat offenders, as well as an additional £2,500 for every day the breach continues.

If you are confused about what types of appliances you can use it is always worth ringing your local council and asking for help.

How to avoid being fined

It is not against the law to use one of these heating devices, but there are certain regulations in place for households.

For example, if you live in a smoke control area, wood burners can not emit more than three grams of smoke per hour.

A smoke control area is a place where people and businesses are not allowed to emit a large amount of smoke from a chimney.

This rule was introduced by DEFRA to reduce air pollution and has been in place for over two decades.

You can find out if you live in a smoke control area by using an online map created by the department, this can be found by searching https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/sca/.

For example, people who live in Slough with the SL16 postcode are in a smoke control area meaning how much fumes their appliances can emit is limited.

Residents who live in these types of areas can use log burners, but the appliance must first be approved by DEFRA.

You can find a full list of appliances and fuel which are safe to use by visiting, https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/fuels-php/.

For example, it is safe to use some kinds of smokeless logs such as Aimcor Excel briquettes.

Families who use logs for fire should look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo on fuel packaging.

This means the fuel has less than 20% moisture and complies with DEFRA’s regulations.

If you buy a new log burner then it must adhere to Ecodesign rules to reduce smoke and pollutant emissions.

It is always worth checking with your manufacturer if a wood burner adheres to new ecodesign rules.

The reminder comes as many Brits look for alternative ways to heat their home this winter.

Energy costs have risen by £149 for the average household this month after Ofgem’s new price cap came into force.

Cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment also mean that around 10million pensioners are set to miss out on up to £300 in fuel support.