Some Universal Credit claimants were wrongly moved from legacy benefits

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Certain Universal Credit claimants who were compelled to transfer from older benefits due to a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) mistake could be eligible for a one-off compensation payment.

The DWP has issued guidance setting out who may apply under its Successful Legacy Appeals Compensation Scheme, which is intended to compensate individuals who suffered financial losses after incorrectly switching to Universal Credit.

The scheme covers a limited number of claimants whose legacy benefits were wrongfully terminated before they successfully contested the decision.

Since making a claim for Universal Credit automatically terminates entitlement to legacy benefits, some individuals who subsequently proved the initial decision was incorrect were unable to revert to their former benefits and found themselves receiving reduced financial support.

The DWP stated the compensation scheme seeks to rectify that financial shortfall, reports the Daily Record.

To be eligible, claimants must have been in receipt of one or more means-tested legacy benefits, including Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Income Support.

They must also have submitted a Universal Credit claim within one month of their legacy benefit ceasing as a result of the decision to halt their payments.

The sum they obtained through Universal Credit must have been lower than what they were receiving under their former benefit. Furthermore, the decision to halt their legacy benefit must subsequently have been overturned or reversed, confirming that they should have continued receiving that benefit and ought never to have been required to claim Universal Credit. Only those who satisfy all of these criteria are entitled to apply.

Successful claimants could receive a one-off lump sum designed to reimburse them for the financial losses incurred following their move to Universal Credit. The payment is calculated by taking the claimant’s biggest monthly financial loss and multiplying it by 12.

For instance, someone who lost £50 a month after moving to Universal Credit could receive a lump sum of £600, while a claimant who was £100 a month worse off could receive £1,200.

The compensation is intended to reflect the losses people experienced as a result of being unable to return to their previous benefit following a successful challenge to the original decision.

The scheme follows a Court of Appeal judgment in 2020 involving claimants whose legacy benefits had been wrongly stopped. The court concluded that while individuals could not be reinstated on to their previous benefits after claiming Universal Credit, those who received a reduced level of support had suffered a financial loss.

The DWP confirmed that the compensation scheme has been established for those affected by such circumstances. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that they were in receipt of a qualifying legacy benefit prior to transitioning to Universal Credit, and that the decision to end their benefit was subsequently overturned or reversed.

Claims can be submitted via the GOV.UK website, where applicants can also access comprehensive eligibility criteria and guidance regarding the supporting evidence they may need to supply.

It was a match all but guaranteed to be won by Senegal, who held a 2-0 lead until the 86th minute thanks to goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr – only to be thrown away in the dying minutes.

Romelu Lukaku equalised with just four minutes left on the clock, before Leandro Trossard levelled matters in the final minute of normal time. A gruelling 30 minutes of extra time then ensued, as both sides looked to break the deadlock, only for it to finish in cruel fashion.

At the death of extra time, Lamine Camara fouled Youri Tielemans in his own area, with a lenghty VAR check leading to a penalty for Belgium. Tielemans ultimately stepped up to convert, giving his nation a 3-2 win.

Darren Grimes, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy, said extending the current Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) for another year would provide stability while allowing the authority to assess the impact of changes introduced in April.

The council is proposing to retain the existing scheme for working-age residents throughout 2027/28, keeping the maximum level of support at 90 per cent of a claimant’s council tax bill.

About 54,100 residents are currently supported through the scheme, including 33,500 working-age people and 20,600 pensioners.

The current arrangements were introduced in April following a review and public consultation.

But they were criticised by political opponents, who argued they would place a greater financial burden on some of the county’s poorest residents.

Cllr Grimes said: “Earlier this year, we made significant changes to the working-age scheme, moving to a simpler, income-banded approach and introducing a minimum contribution for all working-age households.

“The changes weren’t taken lightly, but were necessary to ensure that the scheme remains financially sustainable and fair while continuing to protect those on the lowest incomes.”

As part of the new scheme, the council replaces the previous system with an income-banded model for working-age applicants, reducing the maximum level of support from 100 per cent to 90 per cent, and requiring all working-age claimants to contribute at least 10% towards their council tax bill.

Speaking at today’s (Wednesday, July 1) cabinet meeting, Cllr Grimes said it would not be “prudent” to make further changes before the authority fully understood their effect.

“The changes that were made to the LCTRS have only been in place since April,” he said.

“It’s therefore right that we take a measured, evidence-led approach to considering whether to make further changes. Making further changes now before we fully understand the impact on residents, collection and demand wouldn’t be prudent.”

Under the proposals, income thresholds used to assess eligibility would also be increased in line with the National Living Wage.

The Reform member for Annfield Plain and Tanfield added: “This is a balanced approach, maintaining and protecting support for those who need it while ensuring the scheme remains sustainable and deliverable for the council and the wider council taxpayer.”

Cabinet members were told that further monitoring is needed to understand how the revised scheme affects collection rates, administrative efficiency, residents’ ability to pay and any wider impact on deprivation.

The proposals will be referred to a meeting of the full council in October.

Tropical Storm Douglas formed Wednesday in the Pacific Ocean, the National Hurricane Center said.

The center of the cyclone was at sea and posed no threat to land. Douglas was located about 1,220 miles (1,960 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico‘s Baja California.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. The storm was moving north at 7 mph (11 kph), the center said, adding that a gradual turn to the northwest was expected late this week.

Tropical-storm-force winds extended outward up to 90 miles (150 kilometers). Some strengthening was expected Wednesday night with a weakening trend on Thursday, the hurricane center said.

Harry Kane was the hero for England as they came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup round of 32

Football supporters have demanded a knighthood for Harry Kane after the England captain rescued his country at the 2026 World Cup.

The Three Lions fell behind early in their round of 32 clash with the DR Congo on Wednesday evening, with Brian Cipenga finding the net after just seven minutes.

Thomas Tuchel’s side endured a laboured first half by all accounts, as they toiled to get back into the contest in Atlanta, Georgia.

Supporters felt aggrieved when Kane was refused a penalty midway through the opening 45 minutes, with referee Adham Makhadmeh awarding a free-kick to their African adversaries for simulation despite the England captain appearing to be felled by Lionel Mpasi inside the box.

Nevertheless, that controversy was swiftly overshadowed when Kane delivered when it mattered most in the latter stages of the fixture.

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The Bayern Munich striker powered home a commanding header with just 15 minutes remaining to drag England level, before completing the turnaround 86 minutes in with a thunderous strike from the centre of the penalty area.

Consequently, the Three Lions clinched a 2-1 victory on the evening, progressing to the round of 16 – where they will meet Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday, July 6.

Following the DR Congo encounter, supporters were swift to heap praise upon Kane for his match-winning display, with some even suggesting he deserves a knighthood should England triumph this summer.

One supporter posted on social media: “We win this World Cup, give Harry Kane a knighthood IMMEDIATELY,” while another said: “From disappointment, to delight. The Harry Kane show. Estadio Azteca next! !”

A third quipped: “They should make Harry Kane prime minister he seems more committed to the UK (England),” while a fourth declared: “Hot Take: Harry Kane should win the Ballon d’or.”

This follows Kane reflecting on England’s performance against DR Congo, as well as what must improve ahead of their forthcoming clash against tournament co-hosts Mexico. He told the BBC: “Still things to work on.

“These rounds are about going through. This one and the next one, the next one, away in Mexico – against Mexico – we have to grind wins out.

“I told the boys to enjoy [full time]; sometimes as an England player, games you’re expected to win, you don’t celebrate as you should.

“We’re the same as every other nation, we’re through, but enjoy it – we’re at the World Cup. We’re fighting for every moment and little margin.

“I want the boys to enjoy it, enjoy the moment with the fans, and we go again in four days. We spoke after the Croatia game, the subs making an impact, keeping the level higher.

“Over 90 minutes we’re tough to handle. Pleased for everyone involved, let’s keep it going.”

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Tuchel, meanwhile, reflected: “We kept believing. We had the worst start possible. First shot, first goal. Then, it became even more difficult. After the first water break, we were on top of the game.

“I think we should have had a penalty. The substitutes came on, and put the effort in, and we won it. Well deserved, but we had to work a lot.

“We have to have that mindset if it is getting hard, it is getting hard, but don’t lose patience and don’t lose belief. The guy [Mpasi] was incredible the kind of saves he was making.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

She said she and 31-year-old Ana Luz were extremely close and would talk every day on video calls. Her sister always had Kleiber by her side.

“Wherever she went, her son went too. Whatever Kleiber wanted, she would please him. If she didn’t have money, she would call me: ‘Kleiber wants this’ or ‘he’s missing this,’” Andreína said.

“She is my older sister and I always trusted her and could tell her my problems and whenever I spoke to her on a video call, the child was by her side.”

Andreína said she was certain that her sister would have been next to Kleiber in the rubble.

As she sat with her nephew in hospital, desperate search and rescue efforts were continuing after the earthquakes.

Some 2,295 deaths have been officially recorded, but the final toll is expected to be many times higher. Tens of thousands have been reported missing, and the United Nations has said it is procuring 10,000 body bags for the country.

Andreína said she had not lost hope that Kleiber’s parents would be rescued.

“Just as they found my nephew, I have faith that they are going to find my sister and my brother-in-law,” she said.

Looking affectionately at Kleiber, she said she believed “he has a purpose in the world”.

“When this child grows up, God willing, this will be his story,” she said.

Additional reporting by Euridice Ledezma

I first picked up The Iliad because the cloth-bound red cover, stamped with gold flames, was simply gorgeous. So much for not judging a book by its cover. The Penguin Classics edition sat on my shelf for months before I finally opened it. For years, the text had felt inaccessible, surrounded by a kind of academic gate-keeping that suggested it belonged more to specialists than to ordinary readers.

What I discovered, reading Peter Jones’s 2003 revision of E.V. Rieu’s translation, was something entirely different. The Iliad felt less like a distant monument and more like an experience uncannily close to the way we consume content today.

This is not an argument about how The Iliad was originally composed or performed. It is about what it feels like to read it now, as a modern reader shaped by the rhythms of TikTok videos, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels. Read this way, the poem resembles an infinite scroll, a relentless sequence of high-intensity scenes, each vivid, self-contained and quickly replaced by the next.

Much of The Iliad does not unfold as a smooth, continuous narrative. Instead, it advances through a succession of micro-episodes. Around 5,500 of its roughly 15,000 lines are devoted to battle scenes, amounting to some 300 warrior encounters. In a typical sequence, a warrior, Greek or Trojan, enters the battlefield, delivers a blow, either kills his opponent or is killed, only for another to take his place.

The pattern repeats consistently throughout the poem. The sustained psychological development, or even the outcome of the battle isn’t what’s important, but the immediate impact of each moment. In phrasing that is highly repetitive, the spears either hit or miss: “his spear did not leave his hand for nothing” or “leaves the hand for nothing”.

This article is part of Rethinking the Classics. The stories in this series offer insightful new ways to think about and interpret classic books and artworks. This is the canon – with a twist.

What ultimately sustains this rhythm is the similes. There are more than 300 in The Iliad and they transform even the most mundane actions into moments of heightened intensity. Consider an action as simple as Achilles arming for battle and picking up his shield:

Then he took up the great, heavy shield, whose brightness flashed into the distance like the moon’s. Like the gleam that sailors catch at sea from a fire burning on a lonely upland farm, when the winds drive them unwillingly from home over the teeming seas, such was the gleam that went up into the sky from Achilles’ ornamental shield.

Achilles’ action itself is simple. The simile expands it, slows it and transforms it into something immersive. It does not rush us into the following scene but tells us how to intensely experience what is happening.

For a modern reader, these similes function almost like the audio and editing layer in short-form video. Think of the typical short vertical videos that appear one after the other as you scroll through your social media feed.

Take a fan edit from the TV show Peaky Blinders, for example. The protagonist Thomas Shelby places his cap on his head and lights a cigarette. The movement slows. The image freezes into a high-contrast still. It flickers into black and white for a beat, then snaps back into motion. The edit lingers a fraction longer than expected. All the while, The Arctic Monkeys song Do I Wanna Know? plays in the background. The gesture itself is simple, but the layering of sound and visual effects makes it feel charged, larger than it is.

Homer’s similes do something comparable. The action itself takes only a moment. The simile expands it, slows it, gives it weight. It does not tell us what happens next, but how to dwell in what has just happened. Then, just as quickly, the poem returns to the rush of battle.

Each scene, then, becomes an affective unit, a self contained segment organised around a dominant emotion. Rage, humiliation, triumph and grief follow one another in rapid succession. When Achilles returns to battle, the violence escalates sharply. When Hector dies, the tone shifts into grief. Yet even these larger moments are embedded within a broader rhythm of constant turnover.

The poem sustains engagement through a sequence of emotional intensities rather than through a single, steadily developing storyline.

Why translation matters

The translation reinforces this effect. Peter Jones’s revision of E.V Rieu’s translation is notable for its bluntness. Gods and mortals alike speak in direct, sometimes shockingly modern terms.

Zeus, disgruntled at Hera’s inclination to support the Greeks over the Trojans, tells her: “No one is more of a bitch than you are.”

Helen, feeling guilty because of the destruction of war that happened because of her, says: “What a cold, evil-minded slut I am!” These lines carry a force that feels unmistakably contemporary. They function almost like the shock beats of short-form video, moments designed to seize attention before the narrative moves on.

These insults are not buffered by politeness or distance. They feel immediate and sometimes uncomfortable. Because they appear within scenes that move quickly and relentlessly, they act as emotional spikes, intensifying the rhythm of impact and reset that structures the poem.

The comparison between The Iliad and modern short-form video content shows that the patterns we associate with contemporary media, like fragmentation, rapid turnover and the constant demand for attention, are not entirely new. They reflect something more fundamental about how humans process narrative and emotion.

While The Iliad remains one of the most foundational works of western literature, shaping mythology, culture and education for centuries, it need not be reduced to a museum piece, admired at a distance simply because of that status. It can and must also be read as a book of the present, one that moves with our habits of attention rather than standing outside them.

Beyond the canon

As part of the Rethinking the Classics series, we’re asking our experts to recommend a book or artwork that tackles similar themes to the canonical work in question, but isn’t (yet) considered a classic itself. Here is Harsh Trivedi’s suggestion:

I would recommend Quand Vient la Horde by Aurélie Luong. Set in an imagined medieval Korea that has become a Russian colony, the novel follows Ivan, an idealistic peasant abducted by the feared White Horde, a band of mercenaries led by the enigmatic Putain Blanche.

Like the Iliad, it is an absolute page-turner, full of twists, reversals and startling transformations. Homer’s characters are often reshaped by divine intervention, as gods guide, deceive or strengthen them. Luong’s characters are likewise altered by violence, revenge and societal forces larger than themselves. Both works unfold in imagined versions of the past, where war exposes the instability of identity and loyalty.

Dark fantasy at its very best, Quand Vient la Horde deserves a much wider readership beyond the Francophone world. If any translators from French into English are reading this, consider this a not-so-subtle hint. And if Aurélie Luong is reading this, I’d be happy to volunteer…

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It’s no surprise, then, that one of its most popular routes has been named the best walk in the North West.

The National Park remains a favourite destination for many people in Bolton, whether for a day trip or a week-long getaway.

Now, one standout trail has earned special recognition, cementing its place as a must-visit walk for outdoor enthusiasts.

Buttermere circular path has been named as the winning entry from the North West England category in a competition to crown Britain’s Favourite Path.

Buttermere Circular Path (Image: The Ramblers)

Earlier this year, people from every corner of Britain shared the paths that hold a special place in their hearts, submitting stunning photographs and personal stories about the routes that have shaped memories, supported wellbeing, inspired adventures and connected them with nature.

Stephen Ward nominated the path saying “This is the path that circumscribes the lake of Buttermere.  I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world; and can understand why Alfred Wainwright did too. It’s a place to go when your mind is racing, to let the rugged beauty overwhelm your senses, and calm you down. And, at just over four miles, it is a relatively easy route.”

The Buttermere Circular says the National Trust is one of the best round-the-lake walks in the Lake District.

Buttermere (Image: Mark Hetherington)

It states: “The lakeshore path circles the lake for 4.5 miles (7km) with one very short stretch on the road and one ‘rock step’ (short scramble) where you may have to use your hands. We recommend that you allow three hours to stop and drink in the views along the way. The walk is relatively easy and level with a great ‘reward for effort’ ratio.”

Woodland near Buttermere lake, located in the Lake District, UK. Popular tourist attraction in Lakeland, offering footpath running round the lake and walks to the summits of surrounding mountains. (Image: Irina Belcikova)

Now in its third year, Britain’s Favourite Path celebrates the local paths that mean the most to the people who walk them. From coastal trails and countryside tracks to urban greenways and hidden gems, the competition shines a spotlight on the incredible network of paths that help us explore, unwind and reconnect with the world around us.

A panel of judges, including presenter and Postcode Lottery ambassador Matt Johnson, singer and presenter JB Gill, and the Ramblers President Amar Latif, faced the difficult task of narrowing hundreds of nominations down to just eight finalists. Each shortlisted path represents one of eight geographical areas across Britain and has been selected not only for its beauty, but for the powerful stories behind it.

 Postcode Lottery Ambassador, Matt Johnson, stepped up to help judge this year’s entries.

Matt said “It was really, really difficult to narrow it down, to be honest. These are all incredible examples of how beautiful the paths across our wonderful countries are. And now I’m a proud owner of a substantial list of paths to explore and tick off for the rest of my life!” 

JB Gill, who also formed part of the judging panel, added “I have loved seeing people’s favourite paths in postcodes across the UK, and after lots of deliberation, we’ve whittled it down to the final eight. So now it’s over to the public to cast their votes!”

The finalists showcase the very best of Britain’s paths and the many ways they enrich our lives. This year’s entries highlight how walking can support physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen community connections, create lasting family memories and open the door to everyday adventures.

Now the final decision rests with the public. To discover the shortlist and vote for the path you believe deserves to be crowned Britain’s Favourite Path 2026, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/competition and cast your vote before 23:00 on 31 July. One vote per person will be counted, and the path with the most votes when polling closes will be named Britain’s Favourite Path 2026.

Durham County Council’s cabinet members backed the new Residents’ Charter for its Horden Masterplan, which includes proposals for new high-quality homes and wider improvements in the village.

The charter outlines how the authority will engage with residents and property owners as the project progresses, including providing information on support, compensation and acquisition processes where applicable.

A Horden Masterplan Residents’ Steering Group will also be created, which would bring together residents, non-resident property owners and council representatives to provide ongoing dialogue throughout the scheme.

The council’s Horden Masterplan aims to replace older terraced housing with a mix of modern homes, including family houses, flats and bungalows, to improve housing choice.

Tony Hanson, corporate director of regeneration, economy, and growth, said: “Horden remains one of the most deprived areas in the UK characterised by poor housing conditions, high levels of private rent and low property values, and residents with complex housing and support needs.” 

Phase one of the masterplan, approved in 2024, also includes proposals for improved walking and cycling routes, enhanced public spaces and improvements to key gateways into the village.

During several rounds of public consultation, residents identified concerns including poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour, drug use and issues relating to some landlords.

Councillor Joe Quinn, the council’s cabinet member for planning, investments and assets, said: “We want the charter to help build trust, and the residents’ steering group will be a key part of this, allowing for continual conversation with people in the masterplan area.”

The council has committed £6.2 million to the scheme and has secured a further £4.5 million from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.

The draft charter will be subject to public consultation before a final version is adopted.

Jaylen Brown’s time in Boston has come to a surprising end, with the Celtics deciding to trade him to one of their most storied rivals.

Brown — the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, a five-time All-Star and the league’s fourth-leading scorer this past season — is getting traded by the Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers, a person with knowledge of the deal’s terms said Wednesday.

Boston is getting Paul George, along with a slew of draft capital that could become two first-round picks and two second-round picks, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade does not yet have the required league approvals.

ESPN first reported the trade agreement, and the terms were later confirmed by The Boston Globe.

Add this move to the list of blockbuster moves across the NBA so far this offseason. LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, and now this trade joins a long list of moves that involve All-Star-caliber players — like Giannis Antetokounmpo going from Milwaukee to Miami, Kawhi Leonard and Brandon Ingram headlining a swap between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers, and Ja Morant getting traded to Portland by Memphis.

Now, this.

It’s a move that breaks up what has been one of the league’s most successful 1-2 punches in Brown and Jayson Tatum, who helped carry the Celtics to the 2024 NBA title.

Tatum missed most of this past season while recovering from an Achilles tear that happened during the 2025 playoffs, meaning Brown had to carry even more of the load for Boston — and he wound up with career-best averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.

It seemed, though, that Brown has felt underappreciated, especially after it became known that Boston had included him in trade talks with Milwaukee when Antetokounmpo was on the market.

“Nobody has won more combined regular-season and playoff games since I entered the league 10 years ago,” Brown posted on social media over the weekend. He’s right: The Celtics have won 523 games with Brown in the lineup, including playoff contests, which is six more than Denver has won with Nikola Jokic over that span.

Brown now gets to be part of a squad in Philadelphia alongside guard Tyrese Maxey and center Joel Embiid — someone who Brown recently called a flopper on a livestream.

“Joel Embiid is a great player, one of the best bigs in (expletive) basketball history,” Brown said. “Flops. He know it. This ain’t breaking news.”

Brown, Maxey (the league’s No. 5 scorer this past season) and Embiid (a two-time NBA scoring champion) could become a positively frightening trio in Philadelphia, and the Celtics deciding to play a role in creating such a triumvirate only adds to the intrigue surrounding why they wanted to trade Brown in the first place.

The trade ends a tremendously disappointing two-year stint for George, who was traded with two years left on a four-year, $212 million free-agent contract. The 36-year-old George never approached his nine-time All-Star form in Philadelphia and his tenure was marred by a 25-game suspension last season for flunking a drug test.

He averaged just 16.7 points in his two seasons in Philadelphia after topping the 20-point mark in nine straight seasons with Indiana, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Brown is the latest big name brought in to team with All-Stars and franchise cornerstones Embiid and Maxey. Brown can try and lead the Sixers to their first title since 1983; a feat a steady string of stars from Ben Simmons to James Harden to George failed to do when paired with Embiid and Maxey to make a Big Three.

George cited mental health reasons as to why he failed a drug test and was suspended in late January for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program. His first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.

George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season. He then had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this past season.

This was the first blockbuster pulled off under new team president Mike Gansey, who replaced the fired Daryl Morey.

Morey was fired after the Sixers failed to advance out of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in his tenure and they were swept by the eventual NBA champion Knicks in the second round last season — but only after erasing a 3-1 deficit to oust Boston in Round 1.

“Philadelphia is a good basketball team,” Brown said after the Game 7 loss to the 76ers, surely not knowing at that time that he would be joining them a couple months later.

His job now will be to make that good basketball team even better.

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AP Sports Writer Dan Gelston in Philadelphia contributed.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba