MILLIONS are eligible for free cash from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) this winter.

Hard-up households are in line for help through a number of Government schemes and funds.

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In some cases you have to apply while in others those who qualify receive payments automatically.

Whether you are eligible for all of them depends on your exact circumstances too.

From the cold weather payment, to Household Support Fund and Warm Home Discount scheme, here’s all the help on offer.

Cold weather payment

Cold weather payments are made to households in areas that experience continual cold temperatures over the winter months.

The payments are usually made between November 1 and March 31 to those on certain benefits.

You get £25 for each seven day period where the temperature is zero degrees celsius or below in your area, with payments usually processed in 14 working days.

That means if you live somewhere where temperatures were sub-zero for two weeks, you would get £50.

You usually qualify for a cold weather payment if you are on one of the following benefits:

Most eligible people don’t need to apply to get cold weather payments.

However, if you are on Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and have had a baby or have a child under five living with you, you need to tell your local Jobcentre Plus centre.

If you don’t, you won’t receive any of the payments despite being eligible.

You can check if you’re eligible for a cold weather payment via gov.uk.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount Scheme sees households on certain benefits receive a one-off discount on their energy bills worth £150.

The discount is automatic for the vast majority of qualifying households and is applied between October and the following March.

You are automatically eligible if you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit.

You also qualify if you are on a number of other benefits and live in a home with a high energy cost score.

This is calculated by the Government based on the type, age and size of your property.

You may not qualify for the Warm Home Discount if you live in a more energy-efficient home for example.

The £150 discount is applied to your bill by your energy supplier.

The full list of suppliers who are part of the scheme can be found via https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/energy-suppliers.

Households in Scotland don’t need to apply for the Warm Home Discount if they get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.

However, you do need to apply via your energy firm if you receive any of the other qualifying benefits.

Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund has been extended multiple times, first launching in October 2021.

The latest round is worth £421million and has been shared by the DWP between councils in England.

These councils then have to decide who to give money to, and how to distribute it.

That means what you are entitled to depends on where you live and it can be a bit of a postcode lottery.

However, you might be eligible for direct bank transfers, supermarket or energy vouchers.

You may even qualify for discounted white goods.

Households in Birmingham can get £200 cash grants paid into their bank accounts by the city council.

Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire Council is paying tens of thousands of households £200 one-off payments.

You can check if you’re eligible for help by contacting your local council which you can find via www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

GULF Air is launching flights from two airports in the UK to Singapore, aiming to offer passengers competitive prices.

The Bahrain flag carrier will operate two new routes from London Heathrow and Manchester Airport to Singapore, with services stopping in Bahrain en route.

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Flights from London Heathrow will start operating next week on October 27, 2024.

The services will depart from the London airport at 9.30am, arriving in Singapore at 12.30pm the following day.

Flights will stopover in Bahrain, with stops lasting just under five hours according to the airline’s website.

Return services will then leave Singapore at 8.25pm before touching back down in the UK at 6.35am the following morning, with flights again stopping in Bahrain for several hours.

Economy class tickets start from £541 per person, with prices jumping up to £2,028 for seats in the Falcon Gold Class cabin.

Meanwhile, flights from Manchester Airport will depart at 10.25am, arriving in Singapore at 12.30pm the following day.

Stopovers in Bahrain will take just under four hours.

Return flights will then leave Singapore at 8.25pm, arriving back in the UK at 6.35am the next day, including a two-hour stopover.

Economy class tickets start from £556, with prices jumping up to £2,033 in the Falcon Gold Class Cabin.

The route will be operated by a Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Joanna Patterson, Director of Sales for Gulf Air, said, “UK travellers now have a great-value, easy option for accessing Singapore, via our Bahrain hub.

“This new daily route expands our commitment to the Southeast Asian market and is a key step in our global network expansion strategy.

“Singapore is a vibrant hub for business and tourism, and we’re thrilled to offer UK travellers greater access to this renowned destination.”

Singapore is a bucket list destination in its own right thanks to its £2 Michelin meals and famous Formula One circuit.

While the next Formula One race won’t be taking place until next year, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the country, including the Gardens by the Bay, which is famed for its display of flora and fauna.

It is home to ever-changing displays at the Flower Dome — a towering indoor waterfall at The Cloud Forest — as well as the 160ft vertical gardens at Supertree Grove.

Other attractions include taking a tour of famous graffiti artworks by Singapore’s answer to Banksy, Yip Yew Chong, who creates enormous, hand-painted murals inspired by the daily lives of Singaporeans.

The good news is, the city centre has some of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals on the planet.

At the Chinatown Complex Market is Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world’s first Hawker stall to win the coveted star, serves Michelin Star dishes for £2.

Ryanair recently launched a route from Newcastle to Marrakech.  

Earlier this year, Jet2 confirmed that a new route will operate between Manchester Airport and Porto.

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“A once-in-a-century pandemic, eruption of geopolitical conflicts and extreme weather events have disrupted supply chains, caused energy and food crises, and prompted governments to take unprecedented actions to protect lives and livelihoods.” Thus does the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook describe economic events since early 2020.

Yet, overall, the world economy has shown resilience. Unfortunately, however, but unsurprisingly, high-income countries — blessed with more policy space — have shown more of it, while developing countries have shown less. In sum, “[w]hereas the former have caught up with activity and inflation projected before the pandemic, the latter are showing more permanent scars.”

A notable fact, however, is that the largely unexpected upsurge in inflation has subsided at a low cost in terms of output and employment. Yet core inflation has also been showing signs of stickiness, notes the IMF. Crucially, “[a]t 4.2 per cent, core services price inflation is about 50 per cent higher than before the pandemic in major advanced and emerging market economies (excluding the US)”. Pressure to bring wages back in line with prices is the main driver of the robust core inflation in services. But, as output gaps close, the fund hopes, this wage pressure, too, should subside.

Both the spike in inflation and its remarkably painless fall need explanations. These, argues the WEO, include a faster-than-expected decline in energy prices and a strong rebound in labour supply, bolstered by unexpected (and unpopular) surges in immigration.

A more subtle explanation of the behaviour of inflation is that the interaction of surging post-pandemic demand with constraints on supply made the relationship between economic slack and inflation (known as “the Phillips curve”) steeper (or, in economists’ jargon, “less elastic”). Thus, inflation rose more than expected when demand surged, but fell faster than expected as supply and demand came together. Monetary policy played a role in both directions, by stimulating and then restraining demand, but also, when tightened, by reinforcing the credibility of inflation targets.

A noteworthy feature since 2020 has been the changing relationship between monetary and fiscal policy. In the pandemic, both were ultra-loose. But, after 2021 monetary policy tightened, while fiscal policy stayed loose, notably in the US. Higher interest rates then increase fiscal deficits. Yet there is a big divergence between the US and the eurozone on fiscal prospects: on IMF projections, US public debt will rise to almost 134 per cent of GDP by 2029; in the eurozone, on the other hand, the ratio of public debt to GDP is expected to stabilise at about 88 per cent in 2024, albeit with large cross-country differences.

Yet another significant recent feature of the world economy is that since Russia’s assault on Ukraine in February 2022, the rate of growth in trade between “blocs” has fallen more than that within “blocs”, with one centred on the US and Europe and another centred on China and Russia.

The fund has not changed its view much, projecting global growth of close to 3 per cent. This assumes there are no big negative shocks, trade grows in line with output, inflation stabilises, monetary policies loosen and fiscal policies tighten. Its projections show US growth from fourth quarter to fourth quarter falling from 2.5 per cent in 2024 to 1.9 per cent in 2025, while it rises slightly, to 1.3 per cent, in the eurozone. Over the later period, developing Asia’s growth is projected at 5 per cent, China’s at 4.7 per cent and India’s at 6.5 per cent.

Downside risks are, alas, plentiful. Past monetary policy might bite harder than now expected, perhaps generating recessions. If inflation is more robust than expected, monetary policy would be tighter than assumed, which could affect financial stability. The impact of higher interest rates on debt sustainability might turn out to be greater than expected, especially in emerging and developing countries. China’s macroeconomic woes might turn out be greater than now expected, as its property sector retrenches and countervailing policy measures remain too limited. Should Donald Trump become US president and launch his trade measures, the chances of an out-and-out trade war must also be considerable, with unpredictable consequences for the world economy and international relations.

Moreover, will the US election be decided peacefully? The worsening of existing wars or the outbreak of new ones are also possible. Such events could lead to new spikes in commodity prices, possibly (or even probably) aggravated by rapid changes in the global climate.

All this is scary stuff. Yet it is worth noting potential upsides, too. Reform and renewed confidence might lead to an upsurge in investment. Artificial intelligence and the energy revolution might boost investment and growth. It is even possible that humanity will decide that it has better things to do than raise hostility and stupidity to ever higher levels.

The IMF stresses the need to ensure a smooth landing on inflation and monetary policy. It also stresses the more immediate need to stabilise public finances, while promoting growth and reducing inequality. In the medium term, it hopes for stronger structural reform, including improving access to education, reducing labour market rigidities, raising labour force participation, reducing barriers to competition, supporting start-ups and advancing digitalisation. Not least, it desires acceleration of the green transition and enhanced multilateral co-operation.

If only a divinity would compel humanity into being that sensible. In practice, it is, as always, up to us.

martin.wolf@ft.com

Follow Martin Wolf with myFT and on Twitter

The tragic death of Liam Payne at just 31 years old has sent shockwaves through the music industry and his legion of fans. The former One Direction star was found dead in a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024, leaving the world grappling with the loss of a beloved artist. However, the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise have raised even more alarming questions. Reports indicate that a partial autopsy revealed the presence of a dangerous substance known as “pink cocaine” in his system. But what exactly is this drug, and what does it mean for those who encounter it?

The Dark Reality of Pink Cocaine

Despite its misleading name, pink cocaine doesn’t actually contain any cocaine. Instead, it’s a potent powdered mix of various drugs, often including ecstasy, ketamine, caffeine, and a psychedelic called 2-CB, as reported by the National Capital Poison Center. Commonly referred to as “Tusi,” this substance is often dyed bright pink, sometimes with a fruity, strawberry flavor added for appeal.

Primarily found in party and club environments, pink cocaine can lead to a range of unsettling effects. Users have reported experiencing hallucinations, anxiety, nausea, increased body temperature, and elevated heart rates. Even more concerning, the National Capital Poison Center warns that pink cocaine can precipitate physical and sexual assaults, as well as severe injuries when individuals are under its influence.

A Dangerous Cocktail of Drugs

What’s particularly alarming about pink cocaine is that it can often be mixed with other substances, resulting in unpredictable and potentially life-threatening effects. Reports indicate that samples of pink cocaine have been found to contain opioids, bath salts, and hallucinogens, intensifying the dangers associated with its use. Although the National Capital Poison Center states that pink cocaine is less addictive than substances like opioids or fentanyl, the risk of developing an addiction still looms.

Moreover, the lack of regulation surrounding the production and distribution of pink cocaine means users have no way of knowing the exact composition of the drug they’re taking. This uncertainty can lead to overdose or severe health complications, as users may not be aware of the dangerous ingredients mixed in with the primary substances.

Related: Liam Payne 911 Call Transcript Released After Hotel Staff Plea

Liam Payne’s Tragic Final Hours

In the wake of Liam’s death, shocking details from his partial autopsy have emerged. On October 21, 2024, it was revealed that he had pink cocaine in his system alongside other substances, including cocaine, benzodiazepines, and crack. Eyewitness accounts have painted a grim picture of the hours leading up to his tragic fall from a third-floor balcony at the hotel.

A hotel staff member made a frantic 911 call just before the incident, expressing concern over an unnamed guest who had “overindulged on drugs and alcohol.” The audio, obtained by Telemundo, highlights the urgency of the situation. “When he is conscious, he breaks, he is breaking the whole room,” the staff member stated, pleading for police assistance due to fears for the guest’s safety. “The guest is in a room that has a balcony, and, well, we are a little afraid that he might do something life-threatening.”

Witnesses reported hearing loud noises and screams from his hotel room hours before the fall, suggesting that Liam was in distress. As investigations continue, friends and family have called for greater awareness of the risks associated with party drugs and the culture of excess that often accompanies fame.

The Aftermath of Liam’s Death

Liam Payne’s shocking passing has reignited discussions around the dangers of recreational drugs and their devastating impact. The rise of substances like pink cocaine poses a significant threat, especially to young people who might underestimate its dangers. As friends, fans, and fellow musicians mourn the loss of a talented star, the conversation about drug use, mental health, and the pressures of fame takes center stage.

The Celebrity Influence on Drug Culture

Liam Payne’s death highlights the broader issue of substance abuse in the entertainment industry, where excessive partying and drug use can become normalized. Many celebrities, including musicians and actors, have openly discussed their struggles with addiction and the pressures they face in the limelight. The allure of fame often comes with hidden dangers, leading to tragic outcomes that can affect not only the individual but also their fans and loved ones.

As the conversation surrounding mental health and substance abuse continues to evolve, it’s vital to recognize the importance of seeking help. Support systems, both professional and personal, play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate these challenges.

Related: Former One Direction star Liam Payne found dead in suspected suicide

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

As more information surfaces about Liam Payne’s tragic end and the role of pink cocaine in his death, it’s crucial for individuals to educate themselves about the dangers of recreational drug use. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Reach out to local support groups or healthcare professionals for assistance.

Raising awareness about drugs like pink cocaine can empower individuals to make informed decisions and prioritize their health and well-being. Engaging in open conversations about substance use and its effects is essential in breaking the stigma surrounding addiction.

For further details on this tragic story and updates on drug awareness, visit National Capital Poison Center for resources and information.

In the summer, I seriously considered replacing my iPhone 14 with an old Nokia 3310 – a phone you can use to text, make calls and play Snake.

But then I remembered how heavily I rely on Google Maps. And how I need email and Microsoft Teams on my phone for work. Also, it’s so much more convenient to keep train and plane tickets on my phone, and use Apple Pay to buy things. And to have a camera to hand at all times. The list goes on and, needless to say, I kept my iPhone.

The (slightly worrying) reality is that technology has become integral to everyday life for most people in the Western world.

And yes, it’s great… when it works.

But last night, I was trying to get an article finished for today and my computer would not play ball.

First, Microsoft Word froze up and wouldn’t let me write anything, then the CMS went down so I couldn’t load anything onto the website.

I regained access to both but my emails wouldn’t open and then the whole laptop shut down without warning (it’s a good thing I’m an obsessive saver).

In the end, it took me about an hour longer than it should have to complete my article.

Obviously, without technology, I wouldn’t have been able to complete the task at all. But that didn’t make it any less irksome when the technology slowed me down.

It’s a frustration shared by advisers.

Currently, only one-fifth are satisfied with their tech stack and not looking to make a change, NextWealth’s latest Financial Advice Business Benchmarks report, published today (22 October), suggests. This is the lowest level since 2020.

A major frustration for advisers is the inefficiency of existing technology in streamlining business processes.

NextWealth managing director Heather Hopkins says innovation in tech can be a “critical driver” of business efficiency. Yet only 21% of respondents are fully confident in technology innovations to make their lives easier.

In the report, respondents express the need for faster systems and better integration capabilities to enhance overall efficiency.

The report suggests that growth firms are those most likely to be looking to make a change. Around 39% of respondents from growth firms are looking to change their tech stack, almost 17% higher than the rest of the market.

NextWealth suggests that, as growth firms are focussed on hiring staff and seeking new clients, it is possible to deduce that these firms are “particularly discerning” of solutions that enable them to streamline activity in meeting growth objectives.

But there is still a long way to go when it comes to using technology to deliver efficient advice.

“In spite of new ways of working and huge advances in tech, there has been no improvement in the time it takes to deliver advice to a new client,” says NextWealth managing director Heather Hopkins.

“It still takes an average of 33 days to deliver the first piece of advice to a new client. This is something I really hope we see change in the near future.”

Many advisers believe that current tech solutions are not effectively addressing these operational challenges​. And almost a third say they will add or cease working with a tech partner in the next year.

This change, says NextWealth, is driven by a desire to improve business efficiency and to adopt artificial intelligence.

AI has been in development for some time now and is undoubtedly on the radar of financial advice firms, the report says. But attitudes remain split, and the benefits and limitations of AI can lack clarity.

For example, the Financial Conduct Authority has made it clear that it wants firms to embrace AI, but it hasn’t yet set out how it can use it.

Speaking at The Verve Group’s Evolution 2024 conference last month, Iress head of relationship management – wealth UK Gareth Williams said firms in the financial services sector now face a “Catch-22 situation” when it comes to adopting artificial intelligence due to the messages from the regulator.

At the end of August, research from the CFA Institute showed that the vast majority (85%) of investment professionals believe there needs to be industry-wide standards and ethical guidelines for AI use. 82% said the lack of such standards hinders faster adoption.

Overall, 47% said their business is not well prepared for potential regulatory changes regarding AI.

But they need to get prepared, because this is something the regulator is pushing for.

Last week, it launched the AI Lab – a new initiative, to help firms “overcome challenges” in building and implementing AI solutions and support the government’s work on safe and responsible AI development.

NextWealth’s FABB report suggests the appetite to engage with AI is strong among financial advice professionals, with over a quarter using or implementing an AI solution.

The increase in appetite among respondents is significant, with 28% saying they are currently using AI, up from 5% year-on-year.

In verbatim feedback, almost a fifth of financial advice professionals (18%) explicitly said they had changed their tech stack to incorporate AI-based solutions.

Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of financial advice professionals are not using AI but do consider it an area to watch (up from 44% in 2023).

The view that AI is not fit for purpose has decreased from 29% in 2023 to just 7% this year, reinforcing the overall picture of an increased perception of relevance.

As demonstrated by my nightmare with my laptop yesterday, there is only so far technology will take you. And there is only so  much advisers can do to make their own businesses efficient before having to rely on others.

One-third of respondents to NextWealth’s survey said that gathering data from providers is the lengthiest step in the process of delivering advice.

There has been no meaningful change in this metric since 2021. Additionally, 8% more respondents say that getting data from the client is the lengthiest step.

“While tech can make advice businesses more efficient, these firms rely on providers to share data,” says Hopkins. “Tech isn’t the only solution.”