The DWP is stepping up accuracy checks for Universal Credit claims and can now directly recover debts from former claimants who refuse to repay

The DWP is ramping up scrutiny of Universal Credit claims to root out mistakes. This development follows the introduction of sweeping new powers designed to tackle fraud and incorrect payments within the welfare system.

Among the fresh measures are bank account inspections, which will compel financial institutions to provide information on accounts associated with benefits that may not qualify for support. Initially, these eligibility verifications will focus on Universal Credit recipients, alongside those receiving Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit.

The law allows for potential extension to additional benefits. Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson raised a written parliamentary question regarding what action the DWP is pursuing “to prevent fraud relating to Universal Credit recipients claiming for properties they no longer occupy”.

DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms provided a reply, stating: “Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government has committed to gross savings of £14.6billion up to the end of 2030/31 from fraud, error and debt activity in Great Britain.”

Mr Timms explained the savings will come through “the new powers contained within the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act, an extension to continue targeted case reviews to check accuracy of Universal Credit (UC) claims at risk of being incorrect until 2031, and the introduction of periodic redeclaration for Universal Credit claims to ensure claim accuracy, reduce fraud and error, and prevent avoidable debt”, reports the Mirror.

The targeted case review system verifies that all information is accurate and current for individual claimants, ensuring they receive the correct payment amount. Officials may request claimants submit documentation to verify their circumstances.

Evidence requirements for claimants

Launched in 2022, the initiative was detailed in a 2023 video by DWP senior official Neil Couling, who noted: “Customers are asked and supported to provide evidence, including bank statements, to identify any discrepancies.”

The recently enacted Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act grants officials authority to withdraw money directly from bank accounts when individuals owe the DWP and refuse repayment. Advance notification will be provided, allowing people to challenge the action.

This provision specifically targets former benefit recipients who still have outstanding debts to the DWP. Until now, the department could only recover owed money via PAYE deductions from wages or by reducing ongoing benefit payments.

The final had been delayed by more than an hour after a heavy blizzard set in at Livigno Snow Park, while Mathilde Gremaud, a heavy favourite for a medal, was one of two Swiss skiers to withdraw last-minute through injury.

That looked to have opened up the field for Muir, who had qualified in fourth for the final.

But in an astonishing first round, four skiers posted scores of 90.00 points or more, with Muir languishing in seventh and knowing she needed to go big.

She did just that, posting 93.00 with a 1620 trick, featuring four and a half rotations, the highest score of the second run and one that catapulted her up the standings into silver medal position.

At that point Gu, already a silver medallist in the slopestyle at these Games, was way off the pace having struggled with her second attempt, but she made amends on her final jump to bump Muir down into third.

The Chinese skier celebrated like her medal was confirmed at that point, despite plenty of skiers waiting in the wings to nudge her off the podium.

As it proved, they couldn’t do that, though Tabanelli’s final jump of 94.25 points – the biggest score of the night – came just 0.75 points shy of silver medal position.

That piled the pressure on Muir’s third and final jump.

She took her time at the top of the big air structure, talking through her options with her coach and decided to go for another 1620 trick with a different grab, but ultimately could not land her effort, leaving her lost in her thoughts of what might have been as she sat on the snow.

“When the scores came in for the other girls, I knew I had to give it something really, really good to try and get on that podium, so I’m stoked that I did try that,” she said.

An Ohio high school graduate who navigated homelessness, mental health struggles and taking care of his little brother on top of going to class has been gifted a car by his local community.

Video shared by WTVG showed Daron Webb covering his mouth with his hands and exclaiming, “What!” as he was surprised with a red Honda Civic last Thursday.

While finishing senior year at Waite High School in Toledo, Webb was experiencing homelessness and depression — and was also responsible for the care of his younger brother — when he fell behind in credits and was unable to graduate on time.

“The main thing was getting Daron to graduate. He fell credit-deficient. He fell behind, and then, finally, he kind of divulged that he was living in a not-so-common situation,” Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romulus Durant told WTVG.

With Durant’s help, Webb attended summer school and graduated from Waite High School in the fall of 2025. Soon after, he was connected with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the labor union took him on, according to the report.

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“He had a vision of wanting to be in IBW, so working with some of the brotherhood and sisterhood of the IBW family, they immediately took him in,” Durant said.

When Durant learned that Webb had been walking over a mile to work every day, regardless of the weather, he knew he had to step in again.

The superintendent reached out to Yark Automotive Group, State Farm and other local organizations to rally behind Webb and get him a 2018 Honda Civic, according to the report.

Emily Yark, of Yark Automotive Group, said her family-owned business was more than happy to help.

“We believe in supporting the success of our community and our neighbors,” Yark said. “We cannot wait to see the look on Daron’s face when he gets the keys to his new car and hope it provides him with the continuing drive toward success.”

Webb, who hopes to become a licensed electrician, was completely surprised by the gift. “Man, I don’t even know what I’m feeling right now…It’s just I don’t even, haven’t had time to process everything ‘cause I did not expect it,” Webb said.

“Don’t get caught up in what other people think. It’s important that you stick to what you truly believe and what you truly think that’s going to benefit you, and it’s going to go from there,” Webb said.

Omg, does anyone else want to give Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) a hug right now? The Emmerdale character is walking around the village with the weight of the world on his shoulders, and things didn’t get any easier for him this evening.

Cain and Moira Dingle’s (Natalie J Robb) world changed at the start of this year, as a doctor told Cain that they had found a lump, which needed to be tested to see if he had cancer.

Things then got worse for the couple, as Moira found herself being framed for crimes Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) committed. While the two were business partners where farming is concerned, Moira played no part in Celia’s operation that saw her force young people to deal drugs, and make vulnerable adults work as a slaves.

Despite her reiterating this time and time again, Moira couldn’t explain to the police how an envelope of ID cards appeared in her house. They were placed there by Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) but without any proof, it just looked as though she’s a guilty woman.

This period was a living nightmare but then, you guessed it, something else happened.

The bodies of slave Anya and Celia were found on Moira’s land, which led to her being arrested for double murder. While Moira has been behind bars, Cain has been trying to get his head around the fact he does have prostate cancer.

On top of all of this (it’s a soap, there is always more), he’s also trying to run the garage, run the farm, and be a dad to Kyle and Isaac (Huey Quinn and Bobby Dunsmuir).

The pressure was seriously getting to Cain as this evening’s episode opened, as he ended up snapping at Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano).

Matty stood up to Cain and told him to be more considerate of others. He said he’s worrying about Moira, but he’s also dealing with the fact it’s almost been a year since Amy Wyatt died.

Amy, Suzy Merton and Leyla Harding were the three women who died in the limo crash in February 2025. Cain had forgotten about this as he’s been so caught up in everything else, and felt awful when Matty reminded him.

During his prison visit a while later, Cain got close to telling Moira about his cancer, but was distracted due to two other inmates fighting. She could sense that Cain was putting on a brave face, but wasn’t sure if that was because he was hiding something, or because he didn’t want her stressing while in prison.

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Just as Moira and Cain parted ways, Moira asked one more time if he’s alright, and there was a heartbreaking moment where Cain looked at his wife and struggled to hide his sadness.

But Cain felt as though he couldn’t offload all of his stresses onto Moira, who is facing years behind bars if her innocence isn’t proved.

He said that he’s fine, and quickly left.

He’s got so much going on right now, but Cain is finding it difficult to open up to someone and lessen the load.

How long will he continue to struggle on his own for?

MORE: Major Emmerdale exit confirmed in early ITVX release as she seals legend’s fate

MORE: Cain a shell of himself in Emmerdale as cancer terror overwhelms him

MORE: Moira’s last remaining hope collapses in Emmerdale and she is lost

A mass shooting at an indoor ice rink in Rhode Island has left one dead and multiple others injured.

Chaos erupted at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon, as gunfire rang out during a high school hockey game.

One person died, and four others were rushed to the hospital, according to local reports. The suspected shooter has also reportedly died.

The Pawtucket mayor’s office said a young girl was killed in the shooting in a statement shared by local outlet WJAR. Local officials said authorities are not searching for any other suspects in the shooting.

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The Providence Police Department announced on X that it was “monitoring the situation” and had officers at the rink “providing assistance.”

State police officers were seen outside the ice rink behind crime scene tape.

The shooting happened during a hockey game between two local co-op teams: Coventry-Johnston and St. Raphael-Providence Country Day-North Providence-North Smithfield.

It’s unclear what led to the shooting at this time.

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A Walgreens employee told WPRI that panicked patrons came into the nearby pharmacy saying there was a shooting. The police were called.

Coventry and Johnston school districts said that all of their students are believed to be safe.

“We have been informed that students are secured in multiple locations. At this time, we are still working to confirm the status and location of all individuals,” Coventry’s superintendent, Don Cowart, said in a message shared by WJAR.

Johnston Public Schools said, per WJAR, “We have confirmed that our Johnston High School student-athlete who was participating in the game is safe. We are also aware of another Johnston student who was in attendance, and that student is safe as well.

“At this time, to the best of our knowledge, no Johnston High School students were harmed during this incident.”

This is a developing story…

Police were called to the Dennis M Lynch Arena where it is believed a high school ice hockey game was being played

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Multiple individuals have been shot after a gunman reportedly opened fire inside a busy ice skating rink in the US this afternoon (February 16).

Officers were called to the shooting at Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where a high school ice hockey match is believed to have been taking place.

Unconfirmed reports suggest some of those injured may be children. The exact number of casualties remains unclear at this stage.

Social media posts indicate the gunman discharged his weapon from behind the spectator seating area of one of the high school teams.

News outlet Target 12 reports that a Walgreens employee rushed into the store in a state of panic. They contacted 911 and permitted people to shelter inside the premises, reports the Daily Star.

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A significant police presence is currently in the area, although the status of suspected shooter is still unknown.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ (ATF) Boston Field Division has spoken about the incident and told people to “avoid the area.”

They wrote on X: “ATF agents are responding to a reported shooting in Pawtucket, RI, to assist state and local authorities. The public should avoid the area and follow the directions of Pawtucket police.”

Weight-loss injections have rapidly moved from specialist clinics to social media feeds and high-street pharmacies. Known as GLP-1 medications, they were originally developed to support those with type 2 diabetes but are now widely used to support weight loss.

These medicines mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. By slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness, they often lead people to eat less and lose weight.

Evidence suggests they can support weight loss, at least in the short term. But as use has grown, so have questions about possible unintended effects on nutrition and overall health.

A recent review of evidence suggests that some people taking GLP-1 medications may not be getting enough key nutrients. These include vitamins A, C, D, E and K, dietary fibre and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.

Nutritional deficiencies occur when the body does not receive enough of a nutrient to function properly. Estimates of how common these deficiencies are in those using GLP-1 medications vary widely. Some research suggests that more than 20% of people may be at risk within the first year of starting GLP-1 medications, while other studies indicate the impact may be much smaller, affecting less than 1% of users.

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Five things I wish people knew about supplements – by a nutritionist

As concern about potential deficiencies has grown, so has a new market. Supplement companies are launching “GLP-1 support” products that claim to offset side-effects such as muscle loss and vitamin deficiencies by providing the “right” nutrients for people using these medications.

But do people taking GLP-1 medications actually need these supplements?

The use of vitamin and mineral supplements has long been debated in nutrition science. Evidence supporting their benefits in generally healthy people who already eat a balanced diet is limited. Supplements can be helpful for people who are deficient in a specific nutrient.

For example, many people in the UK are at risk of vitamin D deficiency during the winter months because there is less sunlight, which the body needs to produce vitamin D. However, if someone already gets enough of a nutrient from their diet, taking extra supplements usually has little or no additional benefit.

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Vitamin D: everything you need to know about this supplement – from when to take it, to how much you really need

Much of the research linking GLP-1 medications to nutrient deficiencies is observational. These studies studies look for patterns and associations in data but cannot prove cause and effect. In other words, they can show that two things occur together but cannot confirm that one causes the other. This means we cannot yet say for certain that GLP-1 medications directly cause nutrient deficiencies.

Even so, the concern is reasonable. GLP-1 medications often lead to reduced food intake. Eating less food can also mean consuming fewer essential nutrients, which increases the risk of deficiencies over time.

So can these potential deficiencies be addressed without expensive specialist supplements? Often, yes. Small dietary changes may be enough. Eating a range of nutrient-dense whole foods, including fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, dairy or fortified alternatives, and lean or plant-based proteins, can help maintain adequate nutrient intake.

If supplements are needed, standard vitamin and mineral products available on the high street are often sufficient. There is rarely any need to pay premium prices for products marketed specifically for GLP-1 users. The evidence used in marketing for these products is often weak.

Selective science

While there is some evidence to support the use of certain supplements in specific situations or for certain groups, many GLP-1 support supplements contain ingredients that are not clearly linked to the needs of people taking these medications. These products are often described as “science-backed” or “evidence-based,” but the research behind these claims is frequently selective. Much of it has not been carried out in people using GLP-1 medications at all.

For instance, many GLP-1 support supplements include biotin, a vitamin often promoted for improving hair and skin health. However, the evidence supporting this claim is weak. There is also no strong research showing that biotin offers specific benefits for people taking GLP-1 medications. Most people already get enough biotin from their everyday diet. This means there is no clear evidence that adding more through supplements will help.

Nutritional and lifestyle support for people using GLP-1 medications should be tailored to personal needs and goals. This approach is often described as personalised care. It recognises that people differ in their diets, health status and risk of deficiency. Guidance suggests that support should be personalised to meet individual needs to meet specific needs, ideally with advice from a qualified healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian or nutritionist. This is particularly important for anyone at higher risk of nutrient deficiency.

Where deficiencies are identified or likely, support may include small dietary changes or the use of standard supplements. However, this does not justify the routine use of expensive GLP-1 support supplements. These products are unlikely to offer benefits beyond those provided by basic, affordable supplements. A higher price does not guarantee higher quality or effectiveness.

The key message is simple. Supplements are most useful when someone has a confirmed deficiency or cannot meet their nutritional needs through diet alone. Taking supplements without a clear need is unlikely to provide any benefit and may simply be a waste of money.

The Hollywood actor – who won an Oscar for Tender Mercies – died “peacefully” at his home, according to a statement by his wife Luciana Duvall.

The statement, shared on his Facebook page, continued: “Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time.

“Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.

“His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.

“For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all.

“Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind.”

Duvall made his screen debut in 1963’s To Kill A Mockingbird, playing the mysterious Boo Radley before starring in a number of films including 1979’s The Great Santini, 1990’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and 2014’s The Judge alongside Robert Downey Jr.

The star earned his first Oscar nomination in the best supporting actor category for playing Mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in 1972’s The Godfather – a role which he reprised in The Godfather Part II.

He went on to score his second best supporting actor Oscar nomination in 1979 for his performance as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in 1979’s Apocalypse Now, which he made famous with the line: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”

Over the course of his career, Duvall was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning the best actor gong in 1984 for Tender Mercies, in which he played a country music star recovering from alcoholism.

He was also nominated for eight Golden Globes of which he took four home, including for his portrayal of the cattle-drive boss in the 1989 miniseries Lonesome Dove.

The role also secured his first Emmy nomination. However, it was not until 2007 that he won the accolade for the hit western Broken Trail.

Duvall starred in a number of other films including the 1990 adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale, where he acted alongside Faye Dunaway and the late Natasha Richardson.

He also appeared in Horton Foote’s 1991 film Convicts, the 1993 romance comedy Wrestling Ernest Hemingway and the 1997 drama The Apostle.

Duvall later starred opposite John Travolta in the 1998 legal drama A Civil Action where he played lawyer Jerome Facher.