Money
Thousands of dead pensioners sent winter fuel payment letters leaving grieving families horrified
THOUSANDS of dead pensioners have been sent winter fuel payment letters, leaving grieving families “horrified”.
The winter fuel payment was previously available to everyone aged 66 and above, the current State Pension age.
But in July the Government announced the payment would become means-tested meaning only those on certain benefits are eligible.
This includes those on income support, tax credits, Universal Credit, and largely Pension Credit.
This means that around 10million pensioners will no longer get the cash, which can be worth up to £300.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is now writing to 13.5million pensioners to alert them to the changes and also to let them know if they might be eligible for pension credit.
However, it’s understood that some letters are being sent to pensioners who have died – despite grieving families having told the DWP about their deaths already.
This is what happened to one woman, who then took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice her frustration.
Frances Coppola, a writer and economist, reported that she had received a letter about changes to the winter fuel payment from the DWP intended for her partner.
But she had already informed the government that he had died on September 19.
Ms Coppola said the letter was advising her partner that he could apply for pension credit to be backdated by up to three months – making him eligible for the cash payment.
Writing on X she said: “My partner’s state pension has already been stopped. I did not understand why they were writing to him about WFP, since clearly they knew he was dead.”
Ms Coppola then complained to the DWP about the letter and was told that letters were being sent out to all “who had ever made a claim” for the WFP – alive or not.
“So thousands of bereaved spouses, partners and relatives are receiving these letters,” she Tweeted.
This was to ensure as many people as possible find out about the changes to WFP, Ms Coppola was told.
She added: “DWP is ignoring official notifications of death and literally spamming the relatives of deceased WFP claimants. I am horrified.”
According to the DWP a representative of the deceased can call or email the department to report the death of a customer.
Once that’s happened, the department will then work with them, following what’s called a death arrears process.
This involves contacting the representative to gather information or confirm details to make sure the department holds the correct information to make a death arrears payment.
A DWP spokesperson said: “We are looking into what happened in this case and apologise for any distress caused.
“More broadly we are committed to ensuring pensioners are aware of the changes to the winter fuel payment and the wider support that is available to them.
“We are issuing letters to around 13.5 million pensioners and our drive to boost take up of Pension Credit has seen a 152% increase in claims, with other pensioners are also benefiting from the Warm Homes Discount and our extension of the Household Support Fund to help with their energy bills.”
The Sun’s Winter Fuel S.O.S Campaign
THE Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS Campaign is here to support households during these challenging times.
Due to government cutbacks, ten million pensioners are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
Since opening our phone lines to thousands of pensioners in October, we remain dedicated to providing tips and advice on how to stretch your finances further.
That’s why we have partnered with the poverty charity Turn2Us to launch a free benefits checker, helping you ensure that you are claiming all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Don’t miss our latest Sun Money coverage, which includes essential information on key deadlines, applying for support, and everything you need to know about Pension Credit.
If you have a story to share or wish to get in touch with our team, please email us at money-sm@news.co.uk.
Tom Selby, director of public policy at investment firm AJ Bell told The Sun that this “blanket approach” risks causing even more grief.
He said: “While the DWP’s desperation to boost take-up of the WFP among those who are eligible is understandable, taking a blanket approach risks creating extra admin stress for people at what will inevitably already be a really difficult time.
“If the government has the correct information about people, including whether or not they are still alive and likely to be entitled to the payment, then it should be using that information to make sure things like this don’t happen.”
“The response from the individual at DWP in this case, not to mention the convoluted process the individual had to go through, is particularly unforgivable and falls well below the standards most people would expect.”
Tom added that this isn’t the first time the DWP’s admin systems have been found wanting and “they need to get their house in order as a matter of urgency”.
What is the winter fuel payment and who is eligible?
The winter fuel payment is issued to state pensioners on certain benefits to help cover the cost of hiked-up energy bills over the colder months.
This is because households tend to use more energy for heating as temperatures drop.
The payment, which is made in November or December, is automatic meaning you don’t need to apply.
Those on Universal Credit with a joint claim where one member was over the state pension age previously had to apply to get the payment.
To automatically qualify this year, you need to be of state pension age and in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You must have an active claim for these benefits during the “qualifying week” which is from September 16 to 22 this year.
You only need to apply this year if:
- you moved to an eligible country before January 1, 2021
- you were born before September 23, 1958
- you have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK – this can include having lived or worked in the UK and having family in the UK
Households can claim by phone from October 28 via the number 0800 731 0160.
They have until March 31, 2025 to do this.
Or to claim by post, you’ll need to fill in the winter fuel payment claim form and post it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
This is available at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim.
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
More energy help for pensioners
In response to the government’s slash to the winter fuel payments, Octopus Energy has launched a scheme offering discretionary credit of between £50 and £200 to pensioners.
British Gas has also set aside over £140 million this winter for its Individual and Families Support Fund.
And Scottish Power‘s Hardship Fund has handed out more than £60 million to its struggling customers.
To find out what you can get, check the offers from your own supplier first by going to their website or asking someone on the phone.
Most schemes are exclusive to customers, but the British Gas Individual and Families fund is available to everyone if your own supplier can’t help.
Help can also be accessed from your local council via the Household Support Fund, which has renewed a fresh pot of £421million for vulnerable households.
To find out if you are eligible, go to your council’s website and read over the conditions of the scheme.
If you’re just looking for simple ways to reduce your bill this winter, each of these supplier schemes, as well as the Household Support Fund also offer free electric blankets as part of their deal.
For example, Octopus has said they will distribute 20,000 electric blankets from Dreamland to its most vulnerable customers, keeping them warm for “as little as 3p an hour”.
The “heat yourself not your home” approach is trending fast, with retailers such as B&M introducing ranges of affordable self-heating appliances.
However, it is important to note that the elderly should not avoid turning the heating on if they are cold – for energy help contact your provider or local council, or read our article here.
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
Money
Titan Wealth acquires Channel Islands-based wealth manager
Titan Wealth has entered into an agreement to acquire Channel Islands-based Ravenscroft Investments Limited.
The deal takes Titan Wealth’s total assets under management/advice to £27.2bn.
Ravenscroft Investments Limited is a wealth management services business operating in both Guernsey and Jersey.
It provides a wide range of services to clients, including discretionary investment management, fund management and advisory investment services.
The firm employs around 100 staff to manage private and institutional clients and is one of the largest wealth managers in the Channel Islands.
The acquisition is part of Titan Wealth’s attempt to grow its international advice proposition, both organically and through further acquisitions.
Ravenscroft Investments Limited will rebrand as Titan Wealth International next year to provide key operating capabilities offshore.
The business also complements Titan Wealth’s own institutional dealing and wealth platform services in the UK.
Last year, Titan also acquired Ravenscroft’s UK investment management business.
However, the corporate finance and property management businesses of the wider Ravenscroft group are not included in the transaction.
Founder Jon Ravenscroft will remain with the business, which will retain the Ravenscroft name. He will also be a significant shareholder in the Titan Wealth group.
Titan Wealth joint group CEO and head of M&A, Andrew Fearon, said: “The acquisition of Ravenscroft Investments Limited in the Channel Islands is a significant milestone in our strategy to deliver Titan Wealth’s unique client to custody offering to clients and advisers in multiple international jurisdictions.
“Closely following our acquisition of Dubai-based planning firm AHR, we have now made significant progress in expanding our differentiated and integrated proposition for international clients and advisers.
“With investment management and investment funds in both Ireland and the Channel Islands, offshore platform and custody solutions in the Channel Islands and the ability to provide financial advice in both the UAE and Europe and other jurisdictions, we can service our clients wherever they may choose to live.”
Ravenscroft MD of operations, Robin Newbould, added: “The time is now right for Ravenscroft’s wealth management business to become part of a bigger company and have a strategic role in its future expansion.
“Titan Wealth was impressed with the skills and expertise of our team and its commitment to clients and it is exciting for the Channel Islands that we will become the hub for Titan’s international growth.”
Money
M&S: High street favourite axes ‘fabulous’ wine delivery in run-up to Christmas
SHOPPERS have been left bewildered after M&S axed a key delivery service ahead of Christmas.
Eagle-eyed customers have spotted that you can no longer buy cases of wine from the upmarket grocer’s website.
Curious fans of the service took to X, formally known as Twitter, to find out why they could no longer purchase cases of wine from its online store.
One said: “@marksandspencer Are they not selling cases of wine online anymore, I can’t find any?”.
Previously, households could order cases of six or 12 bottles of wine and get them dropped off at their house.
The retailer stocked a range of different flavours and ranges including, packs of entirely white, red or a mixed selection.
Customers loved the service, with one describing it as “absolutely fabulous” and “such a good buy”.
In reviews left on the M&S website shoppers also shared how the large selection of wine was great to order over Christmas and the festive season.
One user wrote: “Delicious, well worth the money. Ideal for Christmas dinner table.”
While another said: “Really nice wine, great value. I bought it to give out as Christmas gifts and tried a bottle.”
However, shoppers will no longer be able to purchase the cases from the retailer’s website anymore.
M&S has confirmed to The Sun that the option has been axed.
Representatives for the retailer said: “Cases of wine are no longer available on the M&S website; we do have a brand-new selection of drinks gifting online for customers sending to loved ones.
“For those looking to order wine online, please check out our offer on Ocado. When shopping in-store customers will also have a buy four save 10% offer”.
The Percy-Pig maker owns 50% of Ocado retail and uses the online grocery store to sell its food items online.
It then has a separate website, M&S.com. where customers can shop for clothing, makeup and homeware.
On the Ocado website, customers will have to add six bottles individually, they can not be purchased as a case.
The price will still be the same as what M&S charged for a case, so if you bought six bottles of a £7.50 wine it will cost £45.
If you would prefer to shop in person you can head to your nearest M&S and buy a case of wine at one of its stores.
You can find the closest one to you by visiting https://marksandspencer.com/s/communications/MSResStoreFinderGlobalBaseCmd.
It is not unusual for M&S to switch up its product ranges.
Last week, The Sun revealed its vegan range was undergoing a major revamp, which would see meat alternatives sold alongside traditional meat products.
As part of the change, products such as the Plant Kitchen Margherita Sourdough Pizza will not return to stores until January.
This has not impressed some customers with one describing it as a “terrible” idea in a Reddit post.
Earlier this year the store said it would axe some of the treats from its Colin and Connie sweet range as part of a product relaunch.
Over the summer, M&S scrapped its Colin and Connie “Together Forever” sweets.
M&S also confirmed that it is quietly axing the Colin The Caterpillar Fizzy Rainbow sweets.
The sweets were rainbow in colour with a sour sugary coating.
The retail also quietly axed its beloved pre-mixed cans of Pink Gin and Tonic, leaving customers devasted.
What else is new at M&S?
Thankfully, it is not all doom and gloom for M&S shoppers as the retailer confirmed it will bring back an iconic drink this Christmas.
The supermarket’s original snow globe gin liqueur will make a return for the holidays after a hiatus.
Previously, the gin came in two flavours – Clementine and Spiced Sugar Plum – but this year, only the Clementine one will be sold.
The store has started rolling out its entire Christmas range to shoppers, which includes hot honey over halloumi in blankets brie brulee, and Turkey Feast dip.
M&S’s food-to-order range for the holidays is also now open for online orders and collection between December 22 and December 24.
Why are products axed or recipes changed?
ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.
Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.
They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.
There are several reasons why this could be done.
For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.
Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.
They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.
For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.
It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.
Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.
Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.
While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
Money
Persimmon recruits former Countryside CEO as managing director
McPherson will work closely with Persimmon’s regional chairs to help drive its growth plans.
The post Persimmon recruits former Countryside CEO as managing director appeared first on Property Week.
Money
Four big predictions ahead of the Budget
The government appears to have four key objectives ahead of its first Budget next week:
- Cover the £22bn black hole it has uncovered
- Make the UK pension system less or non-dependent upon state support
- Encourage the UK population to become more financially self-reliant
- Encourage investment in UK business
With these in mind, here are my big four predictions for the day.
1. Pension scheme to provide a side-car cash account
According to the Financial Conduct Authority, one in three UK adults have either no savings or less than £1,000 accessible. This means they are ill-equipped to respond to cashflow shocks, such as an unexpected bill.
Workplace pension provider Nest has, for some time, been running its side-car initiative, combining a savings account with its pension scheme. This creates three benefits the broader population could also benefit from:
- Budgeting and cashflow management
- Building emergency savings
- Working towards a near-term savings goal
This appears to have been a great success, so it would be sensible to extend the benefit to the 12 million-plus pension holders in the accumulation phase.
2. Make better use of tax-free cash allowance
Most of us can take tax-free cash equivalent to 25% of the value of our accumulated pension savings, up to a maximum of £268,275.
Ultimately, this allowance encourages one in four pounds saved tax efficiently to fund retirement to instead be spent on whatever the owner likes. This gives the UK economy and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) a boost, as the likes of cars, kitchens and holidays are often purchased.
That said, taking the cash results in a smaller income for the owner for the rest of their life, and potentially their dependents too. This makes both more likely to become reliant upon the state to financially support them later in life.
Could the allowance be restructured to encourage saving and for the average retiree to see more value in boosting their income in retirement than taking the tax-free cash?
This could be done by retaining the 25% allowance but setting a threshold at which it becomes available. A minimum level of secure income required before tax-free cash becomes an option.
We can use the Pension and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) annual Retirement Living Standards report to help us set the threshold. This states a minimum level of income required in retirement – £14,400 for a single person in 2024/25, excluding rent/mortgage costs.
With the state pension currently providing £11,502, this leaves those without an alternative income source some £2,900 below the PLSA minimum level. To put it another way, the state provides only 80% of the income needed.
To buy a secure inflation-linked lifetime income to make up the shortfall would currently require around £70,000 for a single person, non-smoker, in good health.
For someone on a UK average salary of £35,000, this would take about 15 years to accumulate. Bearing in mind the average working lifetime is 45-50 years and we have auto-enrolment with a compulsory 8% contribution rate, this seems realistic.
Looking at this from a consumer’s perspective, hardly anyone knows how much they need to save. The £70,000, therefore, becomes a minimum goal, while also making it clear they will be rewarded for exceeding it through the 25% tax-free cash allowance.
This incentive works just as well for the self-employed as it does the employed. This is important, because, currently, some four million self-employed individuals are not saving for their retirement.
Further consideration needs to be given to how the system would work for:
- Couples, who, according to PLSA, require a minimum income of £22,400.
- Those with protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010 – i.e. women and the disabled. This is because they are more likely to be earning lower amounts and therefore may find the £70,000 parameter the hardest to reach.
3. Replacing tax relief on pension contributions with a flat rate top-up
Currently, savers can benefit from tax relief on their pension contributions at their highest marginal income tax rate.
There are two ways this is administered: relief-at-source (RAS) and net pay. Neither works for every employee, so could create claims of indirect discrimination brought under the Equality Act.
For example, non-taxpayers currently saving in a scheme that uses the net-pay system do not receive the relief to which they are entitled.
HMRC will start inviting those affected to receive correction payments from April 2025 – however, only for contributions made in 2024/25 and using a system fraudsters will recognise. Crucially, these payments will have limited appeal as they are relatively small in value, will be subject to income tax and, for those in receipt of Universal Credit, a further 55% clawback.
Looking at the bigger picture, tax relief currently costs the government somewhere in the region of £60bn. According to the Office for National Statistics, most of this value goes to higher and additional rate taxpayers.
This means removing the additional benefit for higher and additional rate taxpayers could save more than £30bn. Which is clearly more than sufficient to cover the £22bn black hole.
Replacing RAS and net pay with a flat rate of at least 20% will also remove the connection to the tax system.
From a consumer’s perspective, most savers will experience no difference. All non-taxpayers will receive the benefit they are entitled to. Higher and additional rate taxpayers will receive less, but, importantly, the same as everyone else as a percentage of their salary.
Further consideration needs to be given to defined benefit pension schemes. This is because they are dependent upon higher earners attracting the additional tax relief to meet their future liabilities.
However, this change may also create the environment in which the new style of pension, called collective defined contribution, can become a potentially viable alternative.
The decision for our new government is whether to continue with a complicated and expensive system that fosters inequality or move to a cheaper one that treats everyone the same.
4. Simplify Isas and encourage investment in the UK
Today, we can each place £20,000 per annum into an Isa and benefit from tax-free income and growth.
However, a large percentage of the £750bn in Isas is held in cash-based assets and international funds. This means they are benefitting from the UK tax system, while contributing very little to the economy.
We report on 775 different Isas, distributed through five different types of Isa. With so many options, the decision to drop the idea of a British Isa is welcomed.
That said, our new government still has the desire for invested wealth that attracts UK tax benefits to be benefitting the UK.
Therefore, I suspect Isas may be replaced or at least given a makeover, such as introducing a compulsory 20% investment weighting towards UK registered equities and UK-based infrastructure projects. Changes that are simple to understand, incentivise regular savings and ultimately drive investment in the UK.
While I would like to see the end of different types of Isa, within their replacement I can see value in offering cash bonuses for those saving to:
- Buy their first home
- Buy insurance against care costs
- Make regular income payments to charity
Richard Hulbert is insight analyst at Defaqto
Money
I was hit with a £4,000 bill after discovering invasive plant – it’s NOT Japanese knotweed and our surveyor missed it
A HOMEOWNER was slapped with a huge £4,000 bill after discovering an invasive plant had spread across her garden.
The costly plant, which’s not to be mistaken with Japanese knotweed, was completely missed by her surveyors.
Leah Jones bought her terraced home unaware that the bamboo plant growing in her back garden was a ticking time bomb.
It had spread underground, crisscrossing beneath her patio and artificial lawn, with new shoots emerging metres away.
The bamboo plant has now left Leah with a massive bill just months after moving in.
Leah said: “When we bought the house, we had no idea of the problems bamboo can cause, and our surveyor didn’t mention it.
READ MORE IN INVASIVE PLANTS
“It’s going to cost us several thousand pounds to have it removed next month, and the disruption to the garden will be huge.
“Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t buy a property with bamboo – I’d insist the seller have it removed first.”
Leah’s situation appears to be a growing issue for UK homeowners – the hidden threat of bamboo infestations.
Unlike Japanese knotweed, which is subject to strict legal requirements during property sales, there is no obligation for sellers to declare the presence of bamboo.
This means home buyers like Leah are often left to deal with the problem themselves after moving in.
Bamboo can be extremely invasive and damaging.
The plant spreads through long underground rhizomes that can travel up to 10 metres, potentially causing harm to lawns, patios, and even neighbouring properties.
Plant specialist and Environet Director, Emily Grant, said: “Nobody wants to inherit a stressful and expensive issue when they buy a property.
“This is frequently happening with bamboo as there is no legal framework to protect buyers, as there is for Japanese knotweed.”
Experts claim to have seen cases where homeowners have “barely unpacked their bags” before discovering the bamboo infestation in their new home.
Emily added: “In addition to potential damage to their own property and garden, buyers need to consider the risk of a legal case from a neighbour if the bamboo encroaches into their property.”
Because Leah was unaware of the infestation, by the time the family noticed the shoots spreading, it had already taken over much of the garden.
The removal process will require digging up large sections of the patio and lawn, as well as excavating the root systems to prevent the bamboo from returning.
What’s the solution to bamboo that is running rampant?
There really are only two solutions: “removal” or “containment” with root barrier (bamboo barrier).
Herbicide treatment is possible for small shoots, but wouldn’t work on a large established stand of bamboo.
Removal
Can be highly labour intensive.
There is a need to remove the main plant, often using a stump grinder for the area under the main plant, followed by chasing out any remaining rhizome.
Containment
If you’ve got bamboo, at a minimum, you should contain it!
By blocking it you’ll do that; however, this will require a specialist root barrier that is extremely flexible with a high puncture resistance to prevent invasive rhizomes.
A barrier with a puncture resistance of at least 4000 Newtons CBR is recommended.
CBR (California Bearing Ratio) relates to the force that can be applied to the material, before it will puncture or fail.
Leah’s fear is that if left untreated, it could encroach into neighbouring gardens, potentially sparking legal disputes.
With 8% of UK homes now estimated to be affected by bamboo, and a 50% rise in bamboo removal enquiries related to property sales in the last six months, awareness is starting to grow.
But many home buyers are still caught off guard, like Leah, by the extent of the damage it can cause.
It typically costs around £3,500 +VAT to remove bamboo from a residential property.
As she prepares to have her garden excavated, Leah hopes that other home buyers will be more vigilant and avoid being left with a nasty – and expensive – surprise.
She said: “I hope by raising awareness we can prevent this from happening to other home buyers who may have no idea what they’re taking on.”
Home buyers should be aware of the plant and take necessary precautions, ensuring thorough checks are made before completing a purchase, as the consequences of ignoring it can be both financially and structurally devastating.
It comes as another Brit has revealed her bamboo “nightmare” after a neighbour has insisted she pour diesel over her plants.
The most invasive plants in the UK
Several non-native species have been introduced to the UK over the years. These are the most problematic plants to look out for in your garden.
Japanese Knotweed
It is an offence against the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act to grow Japanese Knotweed.
It might not be poisonous, it is extremely fast-growing and can seriously damage buildings, paving and structures.
Giant Hogweed
It might look rather attractive, but Giant Hogweed can be pretty dangerous.
The plant’s sap is toxic and can cause burns or blisters if it comes into contact with the skin.
Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan Balsam is another plant you need to keep your eyes on.
It produces an array of pretty pink flowers, but one plant is said to be able to spread 2,500 seeds, that are “launched” over a distance of seven metres.
And like other invasive plants, Himalayan Balsam wipes out other plants, growing up to three metres high, drawing out sunlight for smaller plants.
New Zealand Pigmyweed
New Zealand Pigmyweed is an aquatic plant that can cause havoc in still water, such as lakes and ponds or even slow moving water, such as canals.
It also impacts animals, such as frogs, fish and newts, as it can form a dense mat on the water’s surface, therefore starving the water of oxygen.
Rhododendron
An incredibly beautiful plant, loved my many gardeners, but the Rhododendron is technically classed as an invasive specie due to its rapid growth in woodlands.
Unlike other invasive species mentioned on this list, it’s not recommended to completely remove or kill Rhododendrons but instead take extra care to manage their growth, trimming and pruning them regularly.
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Money
Trainline issues huge warning to passengers that must be followed or risk £100 fine
TRAINLINE has issued a huge warning to passengers that must be followed or could risk being hit with £100 fine.
The digital platform, which allows customers to book travel online, is reminding users they can not use their Railcard on every train journey.
A railcard is a discount card for young and retired people which helps them shave around a third off their travel costs.
However, Trainline said some Railcards can only be used on fares that are above a certain price, at a certain time.
While others have specific restrictions on the times you can travel.
For example, if you’re travelling between 4:30am and 10am, some Railcards can only be used on fares that cost £12 or more.
If you do not adhere to these rules you could face a £100 fine for not complying with the ticket rules.
A Trainline spokesperson told The Sun it is changing how it presents information to make the rules more easy for customers to understand.
They said: “While we have always applied railcards correctly and presented the right fees to our customers, recent events highlighted a sense of confusion for passengers around rail industry terms and conditions.
“And so, we have changed how we present this information in the booking flow, as well as adding information to our website, to give customers clarity when buying their tickets”
Travel cards have been in the spotlight recently after it was reported that Northern Rail passengers could be entitled to compensation.
The travel giant said it was dropping cases of people accused of wrongly using a 16-25 railcard to get discounted travel at the wrong time of the day, The Telegraph reported.
It was said that Northen was breaking a rule whereby passengers with a railcard travelling on the wrong train must be offered the chance to pay back the difference “on the spot”.
Instead, the travel giant was accused of whacking travellers with a find on the spot
A Northern Rail spokesperson told the outlet: “We are withdrawing any live cases and will also look to review anyone who has been prosecuted previously on this specific issue”.
The Sun has contacted Northern Rail for a comment,
How to avoid a fine when using your Railcard
Railcards are available to a number of different age groups, including students, young professionals and the elderly.
You have to pay for the card with the price usually working out at around £30 for a year or £70 for three years.
A number of different companies issue Railcards, such as Trainline which is the official retailer of Railcards by National Rail.
Trainpal is another option but the price remains the same.
Using the discount can help you save around a third on your travel costs.
However, it is important to note that you could be fined if you travel during peak time or pay a certain amount for your ticket.
This is especially important when you buy Anytime tickets or other flexible tickets.
For example, if you travel on a train before 10am and have used your Railcard to buy your ticket, make sure you didn’t pay less than £12.
This is because the ticket won’t be valid before 10am – even though it’s an Anytime ticket.
To avoid fines make sure that if you end up travelling on an earlier train, make sure to double-check any restrictions.
You can read about the restrictions surrounding Railcards by visiting, https://www.railcard.co.uk/help/railcard-terms-and-conditions//
Different types of Railcard
- 16-25 Railcard:
- Eligibility: Available to anyone aged 16-25, or mature students aged 26 and over who are in full-time education.
- 26-30 Railcard:
- Eligibility: Available to anyone aged 26-30.
- Senior Railcard:
- Eligibility: For those aged 60 and over.
- Two Together Railcard:
- Eligibility: For two named individuals aged 16 or over who travel together.
- Family & Friends Railcard:
- Eligibility: Up to four adults and four children (aged 5-15) can travel on one card.
- Disabled Persons Railcard:
- Eligibility: Available to those with a disability that makes travelling by train difficult.
- Network Railcard:
- Eligibility: For anyone, but only valid for travel in the Network Railcard area (South East of England)..
- HM Forces Railcard:
- Eligibility: For members of the armed forces and their families.
- 16-17 Saver:
- Eligibility: Available to anyone aged 16-17.
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