A “predatory” serial sex attacker was left free to murder two women because police and court blunders saw him released on bail allowing him to prey on other victims.

The Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police (BTP), and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are all face serious questions over how Simon Levy was allowed to grope, rape and murder women between February 2023 and August 2025, after he was found guilty of murdering two women and raping a third on Friday.

The timeline of his escalating crimes reveals a string of errors where officials failed to stop a dangerous predator who was already a registered sex offender.

Levy, of Tottenham, north London, was found guilty by a jury at the Old Bailey on Friday for murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, and Sheryl Wilkins, 39, five months apart last year.

The 40-year-old suffocated both women in sexually motivated attacks, with Ms Valencia-Trujillo found in a largely abandoned block of flats on the Aylesbury estate in south-east London, and Ms Wilkins behind a car park wall near Tottenham High Road, north London.

He was also convicted of two counts of rape and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, as well as non-fatal suffocation over a brutal sex attack in January 2025, which the victim survived.

The car park was also where Levy carried out the January rape, which left the victim unconscious with a broken collarbone.

The timeline of Levy’s offending reveals successive blunders from the Metropolitan Police, the British Transport Police (BTP) and prosecutors.

Members of the victims’ families burst into tears as the verdict was delivered after the jury deliberated for 13 hours.

Levy was brought into police custody for questioning on September 4 and charged soon after.

Prosecutor Will Martin said his desire to sexually assault women was “on the verge of compulsive or pathological”.

Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, from Scotland Yard, said: “Simon Levy is a dangerous and predatory offender. His crimes were calculated, cruel and deeply disturbing.

“Throughout the trial, he has shown complete disregard for the victims and victim-survivor, despite being fully aware of the lasting and devastating impact of his actions.”

Flanked by Ms Wilkins’s two sisters and the daughter of Ms Valencia-Trujillo, he appealed for any more victim-survivors of Levy who have yet to come forward to contact the police.

Ms Valencia-Trujillo’s children described her as a “big character” and “full of life”. She became a grandmother in 2024 and was said to be a “much-loved” member of the community with a love of salsa-dancing.

Mother-of-four, Ms Wilkins’ family said she was a much-loved woman and was missed every day by those who knew her.

Jurors heard that Levy was already a registered sex offender. He sexually assaulted two women in 2018 and was jailed in 2021.

He assaulted a prison officer while in jail in 2022, then once released groped a woman on the Tube in October 2023, three more in October the following year, and beat and raped another in January 2025, before he murdered Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo in March 2025.

He then sexually assaulted six more women on the Tube – one in March, three in April and two in May 2025, before he murdered Sheryl Wilkins in August last year.

Jurors saw through his claims that all the contact had somehow been accidental on wobbly or crowded trains, or after he became partially sighted in May 2024.

He would grope the young women he had chosen as victims, with some reacting angrily when they realised what had happened.

One called him a pervert and emptied a can of coke over him, while another shouted at him not to touch her.

He was convicted of 10 counts of sexual assault on the Tube, and an 11th at Brixton prison, by a jury at Inner London Crown Court on February 4.

An Old Bailey jury reached verdicts after deliberating for 13 hours.

Levy, who wore sunglasses in court, made no reaction as the verdicts were delivered.

At the time charges were laid, Commander Clair Kelland, who leads the Met’s Public Protection Team, said: “As the lead for public protection at the Met, one of our main priorities is to better protect women and girls.

“The investigation into Simon Levy is one of great complexity. We are working closely with partners across relevant boroughs, including Haringey and Southwark, to encourage reporting and raise awareness of the support we can provide to victim-survivors.

“Whether you are a victim-survivor, or someone with information, we urge you to come forward and speak to us.”

His victims spoke of their shock at learning of his other crimes, with one, who cannot be named for legal reasons, telling the court: “After reporting the sexual assaults, it wasn’t long before I learned that my attacker was already known to the police for sexual violence and is a convicted sex offender.

“You could not begin to understand the horror I felt at hearing this.”

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesperson said: “Our independent investigation began in January following a voluntary conduct referral from the force, relating to alleged failures by two officers in his management following his prison release on licence in February 2023.

“We are investigating the management of Simon Levy from his first conviction in September 2021 up to his arrest in September 2025.

“We are examining whether action could or should have been taken to prevent his reoffending, and if all officers involved in his management followed policies, procedures, and training.

“We are also assessing whether any learning, whether individual, force-wide, or nationally or other changes should be implemented in light of the events under investigation.

“At this stage, we have served a gross misconduct notice on a police constable and a misconduct notice on a detective sergeant, which means that the actions of those officers are under investigation.

“The serving of conduct notices does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow.”

People can contact the Metropolitan Police’s incident room directly on 07751 700 330 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By JON MICHAEL RAASCH, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT

Published: 16:27 BST, 7 August 2026 | Updated: 18:11 BST, 7 August 2026

A federal court has dealt a major blow to Donald Trump‘s White House ballroom project, ordering it to be halted after a legal challenge. 

On Friday, a three-judge panel ruled 2-1 that the President must stop construction on the site of the East Wing, which was destroyed as part of the $400 million plan. 

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The group sued last year to halt the administration’s major East Wing remodeling.

The ballroom is expected to span roughly 90,000sq ft. 

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The trust sued the National Park Service last year after the East Wing was torn down, claiming that the White House needed Congressional authorization to proceed with the ballroom project. 

The Trump administration never requested permission from Congress, an issue the ruling majority of judges noted in their decision.   

‘Whether or not a ⁠massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help,’ the majority wrote.

‘Congress has not ceded unfettered authority to the Executive Branch to dramatically redesign, reshape, and reconstruct the White House – the People’s ​House – to fit a particular President’s desires.’ 

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The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled 2-1 on Friday that the Trump administration must halt its construction on the President’s White House ballroom project

The East Wing of the White House was torn down last year as the President pushed ahead with building his ballroom. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the National Park Service last year to halt the construction, arguing the President first needed to get authorization for the project from Congress

The ruling is on hold for 14 days to give the Trump administration a chance to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

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‘We will be immediately appealing to the United States Supreme Court,’ Trump said in a statement after the ruling.  

Construction on the site has already been paused twice during the legal battle, but Trump’s latest appeal was not warmly received. 

US District Judge Richard Leon, an appointee of former GOP President George W Bush, ordered a halt to the above-ground construction while allowing the administration to proceed with subterranean work. 

Leon previously ruled that there is no law that ‘comes close to giving the President’ the power to build the ballroom without the go-ahead from Congress.  

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The ballroom constitutes the largest White House remodel in modern history, but it’s not the only change that Trump has made to the executive mansion. 

During the President’s second term, he remodeled the West Wing Colonnade, adding the Presidential Walk of Fame, with features portraits of past US presidents and new black granite flooring.

He has also ordered a redesign of the White House’s South Lawn that will include a new helicopter landing pad. 

Construction crews work on the White House South Lawn to install a new helicopter landing pad

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Additionally, the President has ordered the National Park Service to refurbish the White House’s front entrance.   

Neither the White House nor the Department of Justice immediately responded to the Daily Mail’s request for comment.

Doc Martin star Martin Clunes has not ruled out a return to the hit ITV show four years after it last aired, saying ‘maybe’ to the prospect of a future Christmas Special

Popular television series Doc Martin hasn’t been broadcast since the 2022 Christmas Special, concluding an impressive 18-year run.

Audiences might have assumed that was the final appearance of the affable GP who relocates to Cornwall, but the programme’s leading man, Martin Clunes, hasn’t completely ruled out a possible comeback.

The actor, alongside the show’s production team, explained the series concluded to prevent it from growing tired after 10 series on ITV and a television film.

However, Martin, speaking on Gyles Brandreth’s Rosebud podcast, didn’t entirely dismiss the prospect of a future Christmas Special.

Gyles enquired: “18 years of it, was it? And you’ve abandoned it now, it’s all over? Or there may be the odd Christmas Special, like Men Behaving Badly?” reports the Express.

Martin responded simply: “Maybe.”

The well-liked actor, 64, has previously discussed the potential for a feature-length Doc Martin film.

He explained: “There was talk from one of the movie distributors about making a film version of Doc Martin, and my answer at the moment, two years on from finishing the 10th and final series, is never say never – it could happen.”

Meanwhile, those keen to satisfy their Doc Martin cravings will need to look across the Atlantic, as an American adaptation launched Stateside earlier this year.

The programme, titled Best Medicine, centres on Dr Martin Best, a top surgeon from Boston who, as in the British original, develops a phobia of blood. He then relocates to a private practice in a small fishing village in Maine.

Martin suitably takes on the role of the main character’s father.

Speaking on the podcast, the actor revealed: “I guest as his father. But he’s great, Josh Charles plays the doctor and he’s really good. And it’s sort of, it’s all in Upstate New York. It’s weird as hell.”

Martin’s professional schedule has been particularly hectic of late. In an unusual move into cinema, the actor took on a substantial supporting part in Emerald Fennell’s interpretation of Wuthering Heights earlier this year.

He also portrayed discredited BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in the Channel 5 programme Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards.

The actor has also spoken candidly about his personal life, confessing “I miss her” after a significant family development. He described the part as “weird”.

The Men Behaving Badly star shares one daughter with his producer wife Philippa Braithwaite. The pair welcomed Emily in 1999, their sole child.

Following her departure to pursue equine veterinary nursing at Hartpury University in Gloucester, he acknowledged the adjustment proved challenging.

He remarked: “I miss her. She left home.”

When questioned about his parenting abilities, Martin replied: “You’d have to ask her. I think I am, yes. I’m doting, adoring.”

By DAVID BARRETT, HOME AFFAIRS EDITOR

Published: 17:40 BST, 7 August 2026 | Updated: 17:51 BST, 7 August 2026

Buying into shoe trends might sound like fun, but some styles can cause more harm than they’re worth, an expert has claimed. 

This summer alone has seen multiple shoes styles under the spotlight, including split-toe, thanks to Maison Margiela’s Tabi shoes, as well as ballet flats, with shoppers looking everywhere from Chanel to M&S to snag a pair.

But according to shoe designer Lisa Kay, who founded Sole Bliss, some trends are worth skipping, especially for certain foot types.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lisa said: ‘After 25 years working alongside podiatrists to develop Sole Bliss’ Miracle Comfort Technology, I can tell you the single biggest mistake women make is buying a shoe because it looks right, not because it’s built right.

‘A toe-box that’s too tight, a heel that’s the wrong height, a sole with no give at all – these aren’t minor annoyances. Left unchecked, they’re what turns a bunion into a painful one, or leaves someone… unable to walk comfortably by the end of the day.’ 

To guide shoppers in making informed decisions, the expert has delivered her verdict on different trending shoes and revealed which silhouettes cause little to no harm for their wearers – and the others that are likely to cause issues.

Read on to discover Lisa’s verdict on everything from split-toe shoes to boots and mules.

Split-toe shoes 

Love them or hate them, split-toe shoes have seen a monumental rise – thanks to Maison Margiela.

Fashion’s leading women from Zendaya to Dua Lipa and Anya Taylor-Joy own a pair of the brand’s Tabi Shoes, but according to the expert, not everyone should join the trend.

Lisa’s verdict: ‘Forcing a gap between the first and second toes puts direct load on a bunion joint and can irritate a neuroma (thickening of nerve tissue in the foot). 

‘For anyone with diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar) in particular, I’d steer well clear – reduced feeling in the feet makes it much harder to notice rubbing before real damage is done.’

SUITABLE FOR: Slim feet and feet without significant width concerns can generally tolerate the divided toe shape

UNSUITABLE FOR: Bunions, hammer toes, wide feet, Morton’s neuroma, diabetic neuropathy

Stilettos

They might look good, but not everyone can survive the evening in high heels like pop star Dua Lipa

Not everyone dares to wear the stilettos for fear of breaking a bone, and Lisa says there’s good reasoning for it.

Lisa’s verdict: ‘A standard stiletto is one of the least forgiving shapes there is. A high, narrow heel tilts the body’s full weight forward into a pointed toe box, which can crush your toes together.

‘However, stilettos and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Look for heels with a wide toe-box, which give your feet room to breathe. 

‘A cushioned footbed and stretch panels around problem joints can make a real difference for bunions, hammer toes and wide feet, even at four inches. 

‘Heels with arch support will help flat feet, over-pronation and plantar fasciitis (inflammation at the foot base) too.’

(CAN BE) SUITABLE FOR: Individuals with foot conditions if the stiletto is specifically designed for comfort

UNSUITABLE FOR: All individuals with foot conditions

Mules 

Isla Fisher sported a pair of mules at the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

They come and go as the fashion cycle turns, but mules are very much in right now among the fashion-conscious.

And while the style might look comfortable, mules are, in reality, only suited to certain individuals.

Lisa’s verdict: ‘Without a strap to anchor the foot, narrower feet tend to slide forward, jamming the toes into the front of the shoe. 

‘This can exacerbate issues like Morton’s neuromas (a condition that thickens the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, causing sharp burning pain).’

SUITABLE FOR: Wide feet, flat feet, arthritic joints, bunions

UNSUITABLE FOR: Slim feet, Morton’s neuroma

UGG boots 

Pictured: Chrissy Teigen wearing a pair of UGG boots in Los Angeles, California, in April 2024

UGG boots have long been a staple in thousands of wardrobes, but what if the comfort boot was wreaking havoc? 

Lisa’s verdict: ‘The soft sheepskin lining is forgiving on sensitive skin and swollen joints, with generous room for wide feet throughout. 

‘That same softness is a problem for several other foot issues. Uggs essentially have no structure or arch support, so women with plantar fasciitis, over-pronation (when your feet move inwards as you walk) or bunions may find symptoms worsen if they wear Uggs for too long.’

SUITABLE FOR: Wide feet, arthritic joints, diabetic neuropathy

UNSUITABLE FOR: Bunions, flat feet, over-pronation, plantar fasciitis

Ballet flats 

Ballet flats have come back in trend, and the Duchess of Sussex is a fan of the silhouette

For many, ballet flats are the shoe of the summer – but some wearers have complained that the trending style, although it might look good, is painful to walk in.

Lisa’s verdict: ‘A well-made, supportive ballet flat can work for lots of foot conditions. For those with plantar fasciitis, avoid any ballet flats which are too flat – choose styles with supportive underfoot cushioning instead

‘Unpadded ballet flats can send the impact of every step straight up through the foot, which is not what you want with plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Most ballet flats tend to lack sufficient arch support for these foot conditions too.’

SUITABLE FOR: Bunions, wide feet, slim feet, hammer toes, diabetic neuropathy

UNSUITABLE FOR: Plantar fasciitis, flat feet, over-pronation, arthritic joints

Wedges

Wedges are ‘kinder to the foot,’ said Lisa (pictured: Bryce Dallas Howard in New York City in 2024)

Wedges are widely considered the perfect, comfortable heeled shoe for every wearer, and according to Lisa, that mostly rings true.

Lisa’s verdict: ‘When you wear wedges, your bodyweight is spread across a much larger surface area than a stiletto, which makes them kinder to the foot.’

But she added: ‘Wedge soles typically have no real flex, and this rigidity can be unsuitable for women who over-pronate.’ 

SUITABLE FOR: Bunions, wide feet, arthritic joints, hammer toes, most conditions

UNSUITABLE FOR: Over-pronation

Mary Janes

Sunday Rose Kidman is seen wearing T-strap Mary Jane shoes during New York Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2026

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They’re a classic silhouette, and many consider them ideal for everyday office wear, and according to Lisa, Mary Janes typically offer all the support one needs. 

Lisa’s verdict: ‘Mary Janes are one of the best shoe types for those who need to take extra care of their feet. 

‘The strap sits across the instep rather than the forefoot, so it holds the shoe securely without compressing a bunion, a neuroma or a sensitive area. 

‘For arthritic finger joints, the strap is generally far easier to manage than tying and untying laces.

‘In some cases, the Mary Jane strap can be too short for those with a high instep. It’s always worth checking.’

SUITABLE FOR: Most wearers 

UNSUITABLE FOR: High instep (having extra vertical height on the top of the foot)

Loafers

Aubrey Plaza is seen wearing loafers while exiting ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ in New York City last year

Another classic shoe, loafers continue to be popular – and come in various formats, from having a chunkier sole to being backless.

Lisa’s verdict: ‘No laces, no straps, just slip on and go – loafers are ideal for anyone whose joints make fiddly fastenings a chore. 

‘The rounded toe shape generally allows for width too. Loafers are often available in a variety of width fittings for those with bunions, wide feet or slim feet.

‘Like ballet flats, some loafers have very flat soles which don’t provide enough cushioning and support for those with plantar fasciitis. If you have flat feet or over-pronate, look for loafers with built-in arch support.’

SUITABLE FOR: Most people with foot conditions, including bunions, wide feet, slim feet, arthritic joints, hammer toes, diabetic neuropathy

UNSUITABLE FOR: Plantar fasciitis, flat feet, over-pronation

Kitten heels 

Pictured: Emma Stone is seen arriving in kitten heels at ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ in New York City last year

Despite falling out of fashion for a number of years, kitten heels have made a comeback because they’re easier to wear than higher alternatives but still look elegant. 

Lisa’s verdict: ‘A low, stable heel is a smart middle ground – dressier than a flat, but nowhere near the strain a stiletto puts through the joints.

‘Even a small heel shifts weight onto the ball of the foot, so plantar fasciitis and neuromas can still flare, especially in a pointed toe. Look for kitten heels with padded insoles and plenty of underfoot cushioning to avoid this.’ 

SUITABLE FOR: Bunions, wide feet, slim feet, arthritic joints, hammer toes, diabetic neuropathy (all foot conditions)

UNSUITABLE FOR: Plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma

Ankle boots

Kate Moss opted for heeled ankle boots at the the Los Angeles premiere of Sandiwara in February

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As the Autumn months draw closer, ankle boots will start making a reappearance, and according to Lisa, they’re often a suitable choice.

Lisa’s verdict: ‘Ankle boots tend to be suitable for most foot conditions. Look for boots with a wide toe-box to avoid foot cramping and plenty of underfoot cushioning for all-day wear. 

‘Boots with laces or a zip mean the fit can flex around width or swelling, and the ankle support can genuinely help with joint instability.’

SUITABLE FOR: Bunions, wide feet, slim feet, arthritic joints, hammer toes, diabetic neuropathy, Morton’s neuroma, flat feet (all foot conditions)

UNSUITABLE FOR: None 

Knee-high boots

Pictured: Taylor Swift arriving at ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ on December 10, 2025 in New York City

A fashion staple while providing additional warmth as the temperatures drop, knee-high boots have long been a popular choice – but Lisa said they’re not suited to everyone. 

Lisa’s verdict: ‘A close fit up the leg can actually add stability for anyone dealing with joint issues.

‘Knee high boots are often cut for an average calf and foot, which means they can dig in on wider calves and wider feet. This can be a real issue for women with diabetic neuropathy.’ 

SUITABLE FOR: Slim feet, arthritic joints, flat feet and over-pronation

UNSUITABLE FOR: Wide feet, diabetic neuropathy

Flip-Flops

Singer Carolina Cerezuela sporting flip flops in Mallorca, Spain

They’re a universal staple, but treating flip-flops as an everyday choice during summer is not recommended, says Lisa. 

Lisa’s verdict: ‘Honestly, this is the style I’d tell most people to limit. The toe post sits right where difficult feet want to avoid pressure, and with zero structure or arch support, the foot has to do all the work itself – hard going for plantar fasciitis and flat feet. 

‘It can exacerbate bunions too. The exposed design is also a genuine risk for diabetic neuropathy, where an unnoticed cut or rub can become a bigger issue.’

SUITABLE FOR: Slim feet, occasional wear

UNSUITABLE FOR: Bunions, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, over-pronation, Morton’s neuroma, diabetic neuropathy, arthritic joints

Platform Shoes

According to Lisa, platforms can be a solid choice (pictured: Florence Pugh in France in 2022)

Platform shoes are perhaps a more daring fashion choice, but according to Lisa, they can be a good alternative to thinner heels.

Lisa’s verdict: ‘I always recommend platforms to women who aren’t used to wearing heels. 

‘A platform reduces the overall incline through the foot compared with a regular heel, which helps you handle the height and takes real pressure off the ball of the foot, bunions or any difficult joints.

‘A flat platform on its own does nothing to control the ankle rolling inward. Without dedicated arch support engineered into the sole, over-pronation isn’t addressed just because the shoe feels more level.’ 

SUITABLE FOR: Bunions, wide feet, slim feet, plantar fasciitis, arthritic joints, hammer toes, Morton’s neuroma

UNSUITABLE FOR: Over-pronation (unless the sole has structured arch support built in)

Crocs 

Brooke Shields made a statement in yellow Crocs at the 77th Annual Tony Awards in New York in 2024

Originally a choice for those prioritising comfort, Crocs have now become a fashion choice for some, too. 

Lisa’s verdict: ‘Roomy, soft and easy to get on and off – Crocs can be a good casual choice for swollen feet.

‘There’s plenty of room but very little structure, so support is lacking where it’s needed most, and narrower feet can find them slipping about. Bunions often rub in Crocs too.’

SUITABLE FOR: Wide feet

UNSUITABLE FOR: Bunions, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, over-pronation, slim feet

Thicker sole trainers

Thicker sole trainers, including Natalie Portman’s Hoka shoes, have increased in popularity recently

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With brands like Hoka on the rise, thicker sole trainers have increased in popularity recently, with claims that they can aid sports activity and comfort – and according to Lisa, this is largely true.

Lisa’s verdict: A deep, cushioned sole absorbs impact with every step and often comes with arch support, making this one of the best everyday choices for conditions that require shock absorption.

‘Some models run generously through the forefoot, so slimmer feet may want to size down or look at a narrower fit.

SUITABLE FOR: Bunions, wide feet, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, over-pronation, arthritic joints

UNSUITABLE FOR: Slim feet (can feel bulky) 

Thinner sole trainers

Pictured: Hailey Bieber is seen on February 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

Trainers with a normal, relatively thin sole are an everyday choice for many – and there’s good reason for it. 

Lisa’s verdict: ‘A flatter, more flexible sole sits closer to the ground and suits anyone who doesn’t need extra correction underfoot. 

‘Not every thin-soled trainer skips on support, though. Sole Bliss trainers keep that lower, sleeker profile while still building genuine cushioning into the sole, so it’s always worth checking what’s happening underfoot rather than ruling the style out on looks alone.

But the expert added: ‘Thin-sole trainers with minimal cushioning means minimal support, so the foot absorbs far more impact.’ 

SUITABLE FOR: Bunions, wide feet, slim feet, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, over-pronation, arthritic joints

UNSUITABLE FOR: Plantar fasciitis, flat feet, over-pronation

Women usually take the lead in household finances, paying bills and drawing up a budget, but research shows we are still not making big life decisions and are at risk when major midlife changes strike.

If you’re in a longstanding and happy relationship and never run into financial trouble, it can be tempting to leave your finances as they are.

But divorce, widowhood or the responsibility of caring for children and elderly parents can derail your finances when you least expect it. Your 50s, when you’re still likely to be healthy, earning a wage and contributing to a pension, is the crucial decade to make sure you are in charge of your personal finances to ensure you are in a strong place for the decades ahead.

Our checklist, devised with financial planning experts, reveals the seven most important things you should have in place once you hit this milestone age. ‘Women who engage with long term finances feel more resilient, comfortable and in control of their financial future,’ says Claire Trott, of wealth management group St James’s Place.

If you can check off all seven financial accomplishments in the list below, you’ll be far better prepared for anything the future throws at you.

1. Keep own savings and current accounts

If you’re married, it’s likely you and your husband’s finances are intertwined – especially if you’ve been together for decades.

Women in their 50s are more likely to have joint current and savings accounts than younger women.

There are clear benefits to having a joint account – it makes paying the bills much easier for one. But it’s important that you keep your own current and savings account, too.

This will give you more autonomy should you ever need it.

Most joint accounts allow one party to empty the entire account without the other’s permission, which could leave you in a difficult position if something goes wrong.

As a woman, you’re more at risk of financial abuse, with one study from the University of Manchester showing that around 30 per cent of women had experienced some form of financial control from a partner.

This is a form of domestic abuse that involves someone controlling another person’s access to money and their spending as a form of power over them.

‘If you’re unhappy, then having savings gives you options,’ says Helen Morrissey, head of retirement at wealth platform Hargreaves Lansdown.

Setting up new savings and current accounts is simple and free, though talking about financial change as a couple might be harder.

Separate accounts also help you to cut your tax bill as both you and your partner will have your own tax-free allowances.

Everyone can save up to £20,000 into a tax-free Isa each year. Basic rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 in interest on cash savings, while higher rate payers get a £500 allowance. Additional rate earners receive no allowance at all.

2. Have a full set of NI contributions

The state pension is the bedrock of most retirements. It rises each year by the highest of inflation, wages and 2.5 per cent under the triple lock and is available for life, unlike most modern pension provision.

The only catch is that you must have a full record of contributions to national insurance to ensure you get the full amount every year.

To receive any state pension at all you need 10 years on your record, while you need 35 years to receive the full amount of £241.30 a week.

If you are in your 50s, you have time to fill any gaps or top up your NI contributions and fix shortfalls.

Start by checking your state pension forecast on the Government’s website, to see if you are on track to receive the full weekly payout

Start by checking your state pension forecast on the Government’s website, to see if you are on track to receive the full weekly payout, at gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record or by contacting the Government’s Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175.

This may tell you, for example, that you are already going to get the maximum state pension and therefore don’t need to make any voluntary contributions, even if you have some gaps in your record.

If anything on your forecast looks wrong, such as if there are any missing contributions in years when you were working or caring, you can query it.

You should check to see if you qualified for a benefit that comes with a National Insurance credit at that time. Examples include child benefit, jobseeker’s allowance and universal credit.

If you have missed out, see whether you can claim them back by visiting gov.uk/national-insurance-credits as the method may vary depending on the period you’re claiming for.

3. Get up-to-date wills and attorney powers

More than half of adults don’t have a valid will. That means that if they die suddenly, their families won’t always receive what has been earmarked for them.

This can lead to arguments and larger tax bills than necessary.

While you can use a DIY pack from a stationer to make a will, or an online service like Rocket Lawyer, using a solicitor or will writer can ensure that your will is legal and less likely to be contested.

It is crucial that you make sure it is witnessed properly.

Along with a will, setting up lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) can be vital. This is a legal agreement in which you appoint a loved one to make key decisions regarding your finances and healthcare on your behalf if you cannot do so.

Ms Morrissey, of Hargreaves Lansdown, says an LPA is ‘one of the most important documents you will ever fill out’.

There are two types of LPA, each with a separate application form, which you can find on the Government website at gov.uk/power-of-attorney/make-lasting-power. The process can be complex and take eight to ten weeks.

The average credit limit for all credit cardholders is just under £6,000 – enough to deal with most financial emergencies

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One for ‘property and financial affairs’ can be used as soon as it is registered, with your permission. It gives your attorney power to, for example, pay your bills or manage your bank account.

You can choose whether to enact your financial LPA immediately, so someone can deal with your financial affairs straight away, or only if you are unable to do so yourself, while a health LPA will never be used unless you are incapacitated.

4. Get an emergency high-limit credit card

Discipline with credit cards is essential – but having one available to get you out of a hole can be useful.

The average credit limit for all credit cardholders is just under £6,000 – enough to deal with most financial emergencies. Keep this credit card clean and unused if you can – some people even store their emergency card in water in the freezer if they’re tempted to use it for everyday spending.

If you do need to spend on it, make sure you have a plan to pay the money back before the bill comes due, or can shift the debt on to a 0 per cent balance transfer credit card so you’ve got more time to pay it off without paying exorbitant interest.

5. Have a spreadsheet with all pensions on

You’ve probably worked for several companies and it’s easy to lose track of all your pension money.

There are 3.3 million lost pensions in the UK and the average pot is worth almost £10,000, according to research by the Pension Policy Institute.

Making the spreadsheet is a one-off job. Sit down and write out every job you’ve ever had. If there’s even the possibility that you paid into a pension in that job, write it into the spreadsheet.

You know where that pension is and have been receiving annual documentation on it? Great – mark it in. If you don’t, visit the Pension Tracing Service at gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details to find contact details for your old employer and its pension trustees.

Contact them to ask if they have an old pension of yours. Remember to give old names and addresses you’ve had when inquiring. Once you’ve got details of all your pensions and their values, update the spreadsheet every year to know what you’ve got – and where.

6. Have an idea of ‘your number’

Everyone needs a different amount of money to live on in retirement – if you’ve always imagined a life of travel and haven’t paid off the mortgage, you’ll need a lot more than someone who is happy with a frugal life at home.

The Retirement Living Standards estimates a single pensioner now needs £32,700 a year to achieve a moderate lifestyle, while a couple would need a combined income of £45,400 a year

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Consider how much income you think you’ll need in retirement and try to come up with ‘your number’. The Retirement Living Standards, a guideline set by Pensions UK and used by the pensions industry, can be useful markers.

It estimates a single pensioner now needs £32,700 a year to achieve a moderate lifestyle, while a couple would need a combined income of £45,400 a year.

Check on your pensions to see how they are expected to grow. Once you know the value of all your pensions and projected state pension, a calculator like the one offered by pension provider PensionBee (pensionbee.com/uk/pension-calculator) will give you an indication of whether you’re on track for your dream retirement.

In your 50s you’ve got time to grow your pension by upping your savings. If you have been automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, you will be paying at least five per cent of salary into your pot monthly, while your employer will typically pay three per cent.

Check if your firm will match your monthly contribution. If you can afford it, increase the total you pay in. Not only is this a tax-free way of saving, you may be able to save on National Insurance if your firm offers salary sacrifice.

7. Hold investments in your own name

Over the long term, investing in the stock market usually leads to far larger returns than leaving your savings in cash.

But older women are far less likely to invest than older men. Women are also 50 per cent more likely to feel apprehensive about making investment decisions.

But when women do invest, they typically do better than men. A study by Warwick Business School has shown that women outpace male investors by nearly two per cent every year on average.

Holly Mackay, at Boring Money, says: ‘Start with a stocks and shares Isa: you can open one online in 10 minutes with £50. Once set up, you choose what to invest in, with some banks and online advisers offering recommendations based on your goals.

‘Find a simple collection of investments that is spread widely. Beginners should look for one simple investment solution that is well diversified.

‘Investment platforms Monzo and JP Morgan Personal Investing have decent options, or Moneybox has a nice round-up feature that allows users to invest spare change. Once you’ve started, set up a direct debit so you’re growing your wealth over time.’

The woman, 69, fell on a woodland track running alongside the River Croal and sustained a ‘very painful’ lower leg injury. 

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) were called to assist the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) at 3.34pm on Friday, July 31.

She was stabilised, given pain relief, and her leg was splinted.

Mountain Rescue Team members and an NWAS crew then carried her on a stretcher to an ambulance parked 650m away on Prestolee Road, by the River Irwell.

The team wished her a full recovery after her rescue.

Period drama fans don’t want to miss out on this “outstanding” series labelled the “best Jane Austen adaptation”.

Period drama fans need to watch this “perfect” series that BBC viewers cannot get enough of. Jane Austen is one of the world’s most celebrated authors, with several of her most renowned novels adapted for both the big and small screens, including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion.

However, one of her most cherished classics is the 1815 novel Emma, which was adapted into a four-part drama in 2009 and is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Described as a “comedy of manners”, the story centres on “rich, clever and spoiled young woman” Emma Woodhouse, who considers herself a skilled matchmaker.

“She meddles in the romantic lives of her neighbors with disastrous results, ultimately learning about maturity, social class, and her own heart”, the official synopsis teases.

Ever since the BBC’s remake aired 17 years ago, fans have been unable to get enough of Emma. Describing it as a “heartwarming masterpiece”, a viewer wrote on IMDb: “Previous versions were not bad, especially Paltrow and Northam movie which I enjoyed a lot. But 2009 series is superior by far.”, reports the Express.

A second echoed: “Perfection. Outstanding. 10/10 I recommend watching this if you have never seen it, and if you have, watch it again, it is well worth your time.” Someone else said: “This is perhaps the best adaptation of a Jane Austen novel that I have seen put to screen.

“It is faithful to the book, interprets the characters beautifully and the casting is inspired.”

A fellow enthusiast described it simply as “faultless” before adding: “This adaptation is so delightful it’s hard to describe just how good it is.”

What makes this Jane Austen remake all the more appealing is its stellar cast.

Taking centre stage as Emma Woodhouse is actress Romola Garai, who has most recently appeared in Vigil, Scoop and Betrayal alongside Shaun Evans.

Further stars joining Garai in Emma include Elementary’s Jonny Lee Miller, Friday Night Dinner favourite Tamsin Greig, Harry Potter legend Michael Gambon and The Gilded Age actor Blake Ritson.

Emma is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

At least seven people have been killed and 23 injured after a 14-year-old boy opened fire at his home and school on the outskirts of Thailand’s capital Bangkok.

The gunman – a student at the Debsirin School in Nonthaburi – killed his grandparents and five teachers before taking his own life, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters. The attacker still had “more than 30 bullets left” when he turned the gun on himself, Anutin added.

Nine of the injured people remain in a critical condition, authorities say.

The shooting – the second at a school in Thailand this year – has renewed pressure on the government for greater action on gun control.

Police were deployed to the scene during the active shooting, which began just after 10:00 local time (03:00 GMT).

National police chief police general Kittiratt Phanphet told reporters that forensic officers had found the gunman’s shots were quite accurate, with several hitting vital spots on the body.

The prime minister said the attack was “well prepared” with “clear steps and clear goals”.

The attacker has not been publicly named, and police haven’t disclosed a motive – though the prime minister said the boy may have been stressed about his studies.

Investigations are continuing, with officers seen carrying away computer equipment and boxes from the home the shooter shared with his grandparents, who he shot dead before the school rampage.

The attacker had lived with his grandparents as his parents were divorced.

Both the father and the mother were called in for questioning at a local police station later on Friday.