Water poverty in the region could “worsen significantly” under current forecasts, with an estimated 17,800 pensioner households already spending more than 3 per cent of their income on water, according to Independent Age. 

That figure is expected to rise to 8 per cent by 2029/30 if no action is taken.

Joanna Elson CBE, chief executive of Independent Age, said: “Water bills are continuing to soar, and behind the statistics, there are real people making drastic cutbacks to reduce their costs.

“We have heard from older people washing in sinks, letting dishes pile up over days, and avoiding flushing the toilet.

“This should not be happening.”

In response, Independent Age has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to introduce a national social tariff for water to support low-income households.

Ms Elson said: “Please add your voice to our campaign calling on the UK Government to implement a national social tariff for water in England and Wales.

“This will protect low-income households from rising water bills and put an end to the unfair postcode lottery that blights the lives of those living in areas with less generous schemes.

“It’s clear that the current system of each water company providing their own social tariff is no longer fit for purpose.

“Where you live shouldn’t determine how much financial support you receive.”

She emphasised the urgency of the situation as part of the wider cost-of-living crisis.

Ms Elson said: “The UK Government says that tackling the cost of living is its top priority.

“If that’s true, it must take meaningful action to address the growing crisis of water affordability.

“Water is not a luxury – it is a necessity.

“No one should be forced to ration it.”

A national social tariff, the charity argues, would offer standardised financial relief for people of all ages on low incomes across England and Wales.

The scheme could lift between 292,000 and 578,000 older people out of water poverty.

The call comes after the UK Government’s January 2026 white paper did not adopt the Independent Water Commission’s recommendation for a national social tariff.

Instead, individual water companies continue to manage their own support schemes, which Independent Age argues creates an inconsistent and unfair ‘postcode lottery.’

Recent YouGov polling commissioned by the charity found that around one in five people in England and Wales are reducing water usage because of costs.

Of those, a third said it was harming their health, and nearly the same proportion reported it negatively affecting their personal hygiene.

One Northumberland pensioner, 80-year-old Margaret, described the daily impact.

She said: “To keep our water bills down, we only take quick showers – never baths – and we try not to let the water run for more than three minutes.

“Things never used to be so difficult, but our savings and private pensions have run out.

“Now we rely solely on our State Pension, and we’re living on the breadline.”

The full petition and further information are available on the Independent Age website.

Gary Ralston credits Sir Chris Hoy’s prostate cancer awareness campaign with prompting him to get tested after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer

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Cycling journalist Gary Ralston says sporting legend Sir Chris Hoy saved his life through his campaign encouraging people to get checked for prostate cancer. Sports journalist Gary opted for a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer after his son Lewis observed that he was urinating frequently.

Gary revealed that Chris was a significant influence when he decided to take the test – and has remained an inspiration following his own diagnosis, which he is now courageously fighting.

The writer, who currently works in public relations, expresses astonishment at the resilience the Scottish Olympian continues to demonstrate in advocating for cancer screening for others, while grappling with his own prostate cancer diagnosis.

Gary voiced his thoughts after attending an event where Sir Chris championed an initiative aimed at encouraging 25,000 Scottish men to get tested for the deadly disease, reports the Daily Record.

He teamed up with fundraising titan Sir Tom Hunter, cancer research trailblazer Sir Chris Evans and rugby icon Kenny Logan, who also received a diagnosis of the condition.

Sir Chris Hoy is leading a substantial campaign to combat the prostate cancer crisis that results in outcomes for Scottish men being three times worse than those in the south of England.

The inspirational Olympian, who himself is dealing with an incurable cancer diagnosis, has called on Scots aged between 40 and 80 to participate in a major campaign to get 25,000 Scots screened for the lethal disease.

Gary, 55, remarked: “What Sir Chris is doing beggars belief. He was a national treasure for his sporting achievements and the sheer class in the way he presents himself.

“But what he has done since his cancer diagnosis has helped create a growing generation of people who got an earlier diagnosis and better treatment than they would have got otherwise.

“I count myself among that group because when my son Lewis suggested that I get checked out I remember thinking that I had no excuse for swerving it, as I was acutely aware of the message Chris was spreading.”

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Gary had been part of the Daily Record team covering the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and subsequently the London games in 2012, where Chris became Britain’s greatest ever Olympian, securing his sixth gold medal in track cycling.

The sporting icon has now motivated him to undertake his own prostate cancer fundraising initiatives.

Gary has been conducting his own fundraising activities and courageously completed a demanding Hyrox event in Stirling, generating funds for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund.

Sir Chris also inspired him to transform his own diagnosis into positive outcomes for others.

Gary, who has recently commenced a seven-week course of radiotherapy, stated: “I’ve learned that there is nothing to be gained from self pity and I’m inspired by all the great people who have stepped forward to support me.

“I’d like to echo the message sent out by Sir Chris and this amazing team that gathered today – all guys should seek out a PSA test as soon as they can because it could save their life.”

Gary was diagnosed in January 2025 and was recently informed his condition was “advanced”.

However, he has been given a 50-60% chance of success with his current treatment.

Yesterday, Sir Chris joined forces with a team including Sir Tom Hunter and pioneering cancer expert Sir Chris Evans to launch an unprecedented testing drive in workplaces across more than 20 Scottish towns and cities.

It’s already been disclosed that a recent pilot involving 1,400 men has yielded promising data that could aid the battle to save Scottish lives.

Sir Chris stated: “This is a fantastic initiative for me, a no-brainer to be involved. It’s obviously an issue very close to my heart.

“Two and a half years ago, again, without any symptoms, I was diagnosed with stage four cancer.

“It came out of blue, and I was given the worst possible news at the time.”

Sir Chris expressed his excitement about the vast scale and ambition of the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative, which was launched in Glasgow and will soon be extended from Hawick to the Western Isles.

He expressed: “I’m so excited to see what it can lead to and to the impact it can have, and to get men who wouldn’t have considered a PSA test to go to them to see like just first of all, discuss it with your friends, your colleagues, your family members, anyone you know occupy has to be aware of their own individual risk, and then they can take it from there.

“And it’s a very treatable form of cancer if you get it early.”

Gary’s story here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gary-ralston-1

He said the investigation “continues to move at pace” and added: “To the Jewish community, we take their safety incredibly seriously which is why we have stepped up our plans this week and will continue over the coming weeks through the Passover period and beyond and make sure we are doing everything we can to be there.”

Another week, another reshuffle on Netflix’s worldwide most-viewed film chart — and this one’s another eclectic selection of genres, styles and set-ups.

Animated throwbacks are rubbing shoulders with slick thrillers, true-crime dramas and a couple of heavyweight action entries, with the likes of aqua-gangster flick Shark Tale popping up alongside much newer releases.

There’s even room for Louis Theroux to wander in and quietly unsettle everyone.

The question is whether the big hitters at the top last week can hold their ground, or if something new or further down the list has made a late charge.

Here are the 10 most-watched Netflix movies in the world this week…

10. Shark Tale – 3,300,000 views last week

DreamWorks’ fun underwater crime romp follows fast-talking fish Oscar (Will Smith), who accidentally becomes famous after taking credit for a shark’s death he had nothing to do with.

The shark in question, Lenny (Jack Black), however, is actually a gentle vegetarian trying to escape his nasty mob boss father Don Lino (Robert De Niro).

Renée Zellweger, Angelina Jolie and – weirdly – iconic director Martin Scorsese round out the voice cast in a film that won’t go down as a 21st century animation classic, but it’s a fun way to pass 90 minutes nonetheless.

9. Double Jeopardy – 3,300,000 views

A career-peak Ashley Judd anchors this late-90s thriller as Libby Parsons, a woman wrongly convicted of murdering her husband, who finds out that he staged the whole thing and is still very much alive and unmurdered.

After serving time, she sets out to find him, convinced she can’t be prosecuted twice for the same crime.

Tommy Lee Jones plays the parole officer tracking her, bringing his usual dry authority to proceedings.

It’s part legal loophole fantasy, part revenge chase, and very much of its era, in a way that’s rather enjoyable to anyone who misses these kinds of fun thrillers.

8. 27 Dresses – 3,900,000 views

Fresh from her success in Knocked Up, the likeable Katherine Heigl plays Jane here, a perennial bridesmaid who has built a life around helping others get married, while quietly shelving her own happiness.

Things unravel when her younger sister Tess (Malin Åkerman) gets engaged to Jane’s boss, who she just so happens to be in love with. James Marsden’s cynical journalist spots a story in Jane’s collection of dresses and it goes from there.

It’s a straightforward romcom that knows exactly what it is, with enough charm and self-awareness to carry the more predictable turns.

As with Ashley Judd, it’s a bit of a shame we don’t see much of the charming lead Heigl in many roles nowadays.

7. Nobody 2 – 4,900,000 views

Who would’ve seen Bob Odenkirk as a Hollywood action hero a few years ago? The Breaking Bad and Mr. Show star returns as Hutch Mansell, the suburban dad whose past life as a highly efficient killer keeps dragging him back in.

The sequel raises the stakes a little, throwing Hutch and the Mansells into another brutal spiral of violence as new enemies surface, this time on holiday. Connie Nielsen is also back as Hutch’s wife Becca.

It doesn’t quite have the stand-out scene that its predecessor had (the bus carnage), but there’s a well-shot smashathon in an amusement arcade that gets the pulse up.

6. Gaslit By My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story – 5,200,000 views

This disturbing true-crime drama tells the story of Morgan Metzer (Jana Kramer), who endured a terrifying campaign of anonymous stalking and harassment, only to discover that the person behind it was her own husband.

The film focuses on the concepts of coercive control and the slow, disorientating effects of gaslighting, as Morgan struggles to make sense of what is happening.

It’s a heavy watch, grounded in real events and one that leans on a convincing and strong central performance to show just how easily reality can be manipulated when trust in a relationship is weaponised.

5. KPop Demon Hunters – 5,400,000 views

C’mon. You know what this is, we don’t have to explain it to you. It’s lurked around Netflix’s most-watched list for an incredible 40 weeks now.

Sure, catchy pop songs, anime and South Korean pop culture are all globally popular, but who could’ve seen this coming? KPop Demon Hunters has gone more than stratospheric (mesospheric? exospheric…?).

Your great-great-great-great-great grandchildren will still be streaming this on Netflix when they’re living in care homes.

4. Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere – 6,300,000 views

The world’s most disarming investigative journalist steps into the murky world of online masculinity here. He speaks to a number of influencers and followers within ‘The Manosphere’, attempting to unpack their controversial and potentially damaging views on dating, status and gender roles.

As ever, Theroux’s approach is calm and quietly probing, letting conversations unfold rather than forcing them. It’s an uncomfortable watch in places, but presents a hidden world to a mass audience.

Arguably, there are more questions raised than answers provided, but that’s often the way with the kind of topics that Theroux likes to shine a light on.

3. Made in Korea – 6,700,000 views

Priyanka Arulmohan leads this Indo-Korean drama as Shenba, a small-town woman from Tamil Nadu who finally makes it over to Seoul, only to find out that reality doesn’t quite match the dream.

What starts as a long-held ambition quickly turns into a test of resilience as she has to navigate language barriers, culture shock and being left to fend for herself.

The cast includes the likes of Park Hye-jin, Rishikanth, Jang Jae-hyeon and Kim Sori. It’s a gentle, character-led film that’s the most-watched non-English language movie on Netflix right now.

2. War Machine – 18,000,000 views

The hulking Alan Ritchson leads this sci-fi action film set during a brutal military training programme, one that quickly turns into something far more dangerous and weird.

A group of recruits find themselves pushed beyond standard drills and into a fight for survival as the situation escalates into a fight to the death against seemingly unstoppable space robots.

Sounds daft and it kind of is. But War Machine is unrelenting and packed full of action. It’s basically Reacher vs. Predator. And what’s not to enjoy about that, eh?

1. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man – 25,300,000 views

Oppenheimer himself, Mr. Cillian Murphy, returns as Tommy Shelby in this continuation of the popular Peaky Blinders story, set against a shifting political landscape and new threats emerging from Europe.

The film builds on the series’ mix of crime, power and family tension, with familiar faces alongside new arrivals. Expect the same sharp dialogue, heavy atmosphere and carefully staged violence.

Tommy, as ever, is trying to stay one step ahead of everyone else, which has historically gone both well and badly for him.

Tim Roth stands out as the odious new Nazi bad guy. Barry Keoghan co-stars. The BBC’s loss is Netflix’s gain.

MORE: ‘Best British gang drama of all time’ soars up Netflix chart after 4 years

MORE: The Bridgerton backlash is ridiculous – Francesca is the perfect season 5 lead

MORE: The 10 films leading the UK box office this week as Project Hail Mary earns £7,400,000

Tiger Woods has discussed the possibility of returning at the Masters as Scottie Scheffler withdraws from an event

The first major of the year is fast approaching, with the Masters just over two weeks away. It has been almost a year since Rory McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam at Augusta and attention has already begun turning to the battle for the Green Jacket.

The upcoming Houston Open will offer golfers an opportunity to qualify for the major. However, some of the sport’s top names, including Scottie Scheffler, will not be part of the field as they prioritise their preparation for the Masters.

Tiger Woods has not given up hope of teeing off at the Masters, despite his last PGA Tour event being The Open in July 2024. The 50-year-old has since suffered several injury setbacks but has given an update on his condition as he targets a return at Augusta.

Meanwhile, Justin Rose has shared his thoughts on Jon Rahm potentially missing out on a place in Europe’s Ryder Cup team next year. Here is a round-up of some of the biggest golfing headlines.

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Tiger Woods makes Masters admission

Woods has shared his aim to be part of the Masters field as he continues his journey to full fitness. Since missing the cut at The Open in 2024, the 15-time major winner has ruptured his Achilles and undergone disc replacement surgery.

READ MORE: Tiger Woods’ true net worth after son Charlie’s ‘I’m broke’ claim as golf return confirmedREAD MORE: Jordan Spieth names two golfers he definitely won’t sit near at Masters champions dinner

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Woods was in action for Jupiter Links GC on Tuesday at the end of the TGL season. He provided a fitness update and explained his chances of featuring at Augusta.

“It (the body) doesn’t recover like it did when it was 24, 25,” Woods said. “It doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve been trying for a while. I’ve had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time.

“I keep trying. I want to play. I love the tournament. I’ve loved being there since I was 19 years old. It’s meant a lot to me and my family over the years. I’m going to be there either way with The Loop that’s going up there, as well as the Champions Dinner.”

Asked when he would make a decision about the Masters, he added: “I don’t know, we’ll see how it goes. I’ll be practicing, playing at home this week and keep trying to make progress.”

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Scottie Scheffler pulls out of event

Scheffler has withdrawn from the upcoming Houston Open. The event is scheduled to get underway at Memorial Park on Thursday.

The 29-year-old will not be taking part as his wife Meredith is due to give birth to their second child. The announcement was made on Tuesday, with Scheffler being replaced in the Houston Open field by Matt Kuchar.

However, the world No.1 is expected to be back in action at the Masters. McIlroy will also not be involved in the event this week as he focuses on retaining the Green Jacket.

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Justin Rose warns Jon Rahm

Rose has admitted that Rahm risks losing his place on the Ryder Cup team next year if he does not pay his DP World Tour fines. He was involved in Team Europe’s triumph on US soil last year but all players must be part of the DP World Tour in order to compete at Adare Manor in 2027.

While eight LIV golfers have reached agreements with the European circuit, Rahm has refused the terms. Former US Open champion Rose believes Rahm could possibly miss the Ryder Cup if he cannot strike a deal.

“I think it is absolutely feasible,” Rose told the Golf Channel. “The line in the sand has been drawn. I think quite a few players have committed to the strategy that the DP World Tour has set forward in terms of paying fines and/or playing some extra tournaments to help bolster their schedule.”

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