From April 6 2026, the price of making voluntary National Insurance contributions from overseas will soar — dramatically increasing the cost of securing a full UK State Pension.

And experts say many expats still don’t realise what’s coming.

What’s changing for Class 2 voluntary National Insurance contributions?

Until now, eligible expats could pay Class 2 voluntary National Insurance contributions at just £3.50 per week – around £182 per year.

From April, that option effectively disappears for many, leaving only Class 3 contributions at £17.75 per week – or £923 per year.

That’s a 407% increase.

At the same time, new rules introduce a 10-year minimum UK residence or contribution requirement, up from three years, potentially locking some expats out of eligibility altogether.

Voluntary contributions can significantly increase your entitlement under the UK State Pension system.

If you fall short of the required 35 qualifying years, topping up missing years can boost your weekly income for life — and protect access to annual increases under the Triple Lock.

Fail to act before 5 April, and the same top-ups could cost thousands more over time.

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Search data suggests growing anxiety:

UK searches for “Class 3 National Insurance contributions” have surged 200% in the past year

Searches related to pension top-ups are up 40% in the past month

Searches for the CF83 form have jumped 70% in the past week

Many expats appear unsure whether they qualify — or what steps they need to take before the deadline.

“Act urgently before April 5”

William Cooper, Marketing Director at health insurance specialists William Russell, warns: “Expats need to act urgently before April 5.

“Paying voluntary Class 2 contributions is far cheaper than the upcoming Class 3 rate, and many people don’t realise payments can be backdated, sometimes covering several missing years at the lower cost and significantly boosting future pension income.”

He adds: “Taking action now could save hundreds or even thousands of pounds and protect entitlement to future State Pension increases.

“After April, the same top-ups will cost significantly more, and some people may no longer be eligible at all.”

Recommended reading:

What expats should do now

• Check your National Insurance record and State Pension forecast
• Confirm whether you qualify for Class 2 contributions
• Consider submitting form CF83 to assess eligibility
• Act before 5 April 2026

You can contact the HM Revenue and Customs International Pension Centre for guidance.

Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke) is fast becoming Emmerdale’s number one ratbag and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) can no longer protect him.

He began to turn to the dark side when he stole Ray Walters’ (Joe Absolom) bag which transpired to contain drugs and money. Instead of giving it back, he kept it and while Laurel ditched the drugs on his behalf, Arthur kept the money and started imagining himself living the high-baller life.

He flashed his new cash, buying himself a new phone and showing it off to April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), which wasn’t the smartest move as she ended up tugging at his heartstrings over how poor Ray has left her family, making Arthur thinking perhaps he should hand over the cash.

But moral-less Arthur managed to stave off that thought and held on to the money with plans to nick off to Australia.

Laurel was horrified at how cold her son had become, they rowed, and she scratched him with the ring. This was the moment that cemented Arthur becoming the little devil he now is.

But there is worse to come. With another row between mother and son brewing, Arthur will rapidly lost his cool and do the unthinkable – push Laurel in a fit of rage and give her a head injury.

She is rushed to hospital with concussion with Arthur feeling somewhat sheepish. Initially, it appears she doesn’t know what had happened and Arthur feels guilty at the prospect of having damaged her memory.

But she’s hiding something.

When Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) questions her, Laurel sticks to her account that she blacked out and fell on the stairs, but Nicola is worried there is a medical explanation for her friend’s fall.

Arthur is sweating; no one yet knows he did this atrocious thing to his mum, but he knows it will come out soon.

After Laurel is treated, Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) is horrified to see Laurel experience a dizzy moment. It piques Arthur’s guilt as he starts to wonder if his actions have caused Laurel lasting damage.

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He need not have worried. Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) conducts a home visit and sends Gabby and Arthur away for a moment alone with her patient. Will Laurel tell her what really happened?

MORE: Bear back to square one in Emmerdale as he unravels amid Ray’s burial

MORE: From the scandalous to unbelievable – 17 soap romances that had us cringing

MORE: Paddy utterly explodes in Emmerdale as his and Bear’s nightmare badly deepens

Connor was last seen on Glaister Lane in Bolton at around 1pm on Tuesday, February 24.

He is described as being around 6ft tall and was last seen wearing a black bubble jacket, grey joggers, and black Nike trainers with a blue tick.

Connor, 25, is missing (Image: GMP)

Bolton Police said:

“Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well.”

They are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to get in touch.

Members of the public are asked to call police on 0161 856 5511, quoting log 2014 of February 24, 2026.

Anyone who may have seen Connor or knows where he might be is urged to contact police using the details provided.

If you thought Debbie Webster’s (Sue Devaney) luck couldn’t get any worse, clearly you haven’t been watching Coronation Street long enough.

The tragic dementia diagnosis was bad enough. Having a cheating, lying, drunk-driving waste of space for a brother like Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) was also a low point… especially when he turned out to be her secret son.

I really don’t want this to become yet another article where I rant about what an awful irredeemable excuse for a human the Worst Webster is, but it’s kind of hard to talk about the sorry state Debbie’s in right now without mentioning the no-good wrong’un that put her there – so buckle up.

Not content with taking advantage of Debbie’s dementia to get his grubby mits on her business accounts, he tore the Webster family apart by embarking on a passionate affair with the wife of his brother Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell), Abi Webster (Sally Carman-Duttine), who he did the dirty on with James Bailey (Jason Callender) not long after.

But the cherry on top of Carl’s evil sundae was getting wasted enough to cause the Corriedale crash which killed Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) and sliding an unconscious Debbie behind the wheel to take the blame.

Feeling responsible for Carl, Debbie bravely took the rap and pled guilty to dangerous driving and manslaughter, earning her a lengthy prison sentence. This forced her to say goodbye her good(ish) brother Kevin, her friends, and her doting husband, Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan). How much punishment can one girl take?

Not enough apparently. There was one last surprise in store for Debbie when she was assigned a prison support buddy to offer her additional support for her dementia, and it turned out to be a familiar face for diehard Corrie Fans – Lou Michaelis (Farrel Heggarty).

First seen on the Cobbles in February 2025, Lou and her husband Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) were billed by Coronation Street bosses as ‘nightmare neighbours’ and boy, they weren’t kidding. Not only was Mick neck-deep in crime and responsible for the murder of beloved Cobbles copper Craig Tinker (Colson Smith), but Lou’s no angel herself.

Her most infamous moment on the Street was attempting to seduce and blackmail Gary Windass (Mikey North), and when he rejected her, she struck him over the head with a blunt object, leaving him in a coma.

This earned her a one-way ticket to prison, leaving her kids in the care of Tim (Joe Duttine) and Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor). 

Of all the people to be there for Debbie in her hour of need, Lou seems like a strange choice. But maybe someone convicted of violent assault is exactly the kind of person you need onside in jail – especially if you’ve got enemies like Paula.

While Debbie may not remember Paula, Paula unfortunately remembers Debbie. She barred her from the Chariot Street Hotel, and their reunion was not a happy one.

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When Paula barged into Debbie’s cell lamenting that her boyfriend has dumped her and he’s doing time for burglary, Deb made the fatal mistake of saying she’s better off without him. Taking offence, Paula turned nasty, prompting Lou to step in. The next time Ronnie and Kevin visited Debbie, they were shocked to see her sporting a black eye.

Now Paula’s set to strike again in upcoming scenes that push poor Debbie to the brink, causing a shocking decline in her condition.

In the prison, Debbie helps Lou make some bracelets for her kids. When Paula tries to steal one of the bracelets, Lou stands up to her. But Debbie’s left shaken.

When Debbie enters Lou’s cell, she’s shocked to see her new prison pal has taken a beating from Paula.

Later, while visiting Debbie, Carl pulls on her heart strings until she agrees to give him some cash to tide him over.

Overhearing their exchange, Sally warns Debbie that Carl’s taking her for a ride. Debbie leaps to Carl’s defence but deep down she knows Sally’s right. In her cell, Debbie frets over her dysfunctional relationship with Carl. Suddenly, it all becomes too much and the stress is overwhelming.

Prison life is clearly taking its toll on Debbie. Will she survive to see freedom?  

MORE: Coronation Street’s villains are running the cobbles – but here’s who could take them down

MORE: Ronnie and Kevin unite to wreck Carl but he turns the tables in Coronation Street

MORE: Coronation Street confirms five murder victims as a chilling scream rings out

Tristan O’Keefe, 19, was remembered as a ‘bright light’ at the football club he played for

A popular young footballer drowned after falling into a river while under the influence of drugs, an inquest heard. Tristan O’Keefe, 19, was found dead in a river in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, last summer days after being reported missing.

Gwent Coroner’s Service heard the teenager was captured on CCTV on June 9, 2025, in a “highly intoxicated state” and appeared to be confused and staggering as he walked towards a nearby river. Tristan was later reported missing by his family.

His body was found by his cousin in the river adjacent to Road Mill Road, Pontnewynydd, on June 11.

Area coroner Rose Farmer said a post-mortem examination established Tristan had ingested a “significant quantity of amitriptyline” prior to his death. According to the NHS the drug is most commonly used to treat pain and prevent migraines.

Following his death Pontnewynydd AFC said they were “devastated” to lose such a “kind and humble” footballer who was a “bright light” at the club. They said he was loved by teammates and coaches and retired his number three shirt as a mark of respect.

The inquest heard Tristan, who was working as a labourer and lived in Griffithstown, Pontypool, at the time of his death, visited his grandfather on June 9, 2025. His grandfather formed the the impression Tristan was under the influence of an intoxicating substance and considered Tristan not to be in a fit state to accompany him to visit his grandmother.

At Tristan’s own request his grandfather drove him to The Royal Oak pub in Pontnewynydd at around 1.15pm. CCTV captured him getting out of the vehicle and he appeared to be “visibly intoxicated, stumbling and falling to the ground.”

After being dropped off Tristan walked in the direction of the nearby river. He was subsequently captured on further CCTV and doorbell footage in a “highly intoxicated state staggering, unsteady, and appearing confused as he continued towards the river”.

Tristan was subsequently reported missing by his family. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

The inquest was told that following a missing person appeal a witness came forward to say she had seen Tristan being dropped at the pub, had observed him fall, and said he appeared clearly under the influence of an unknown substance. She said Tristan would not tell her what he had taken.

On June 11, 2025, Tristan’s body was discovered by his cousin in the river adjacent to Road Mill Road, Pontnewynydd. Emergency services attended and paramedics confirmed his death at 9.21am.

A post-mortem examination, including toxicological analysis, established Tristan had ingested a significant quantity of amitriptyline prior to death.

Examination of Tristan’s mobile phone by police also identified messages referencing consumption of a “whole bottle” and revealed a screenshot taken at 11.53am hours on the day he went missing of a Go:ogle search for “amitriptyline liquid UK”.

Ms Farmer said: “On the basis of all of the evidence I find that Tristan died from the effects of drowning in circumstances where he was profoundly intoxicated from an overdose of amitriptyline.

“His level of intoxication caused severe impairment of his coordination and awareness as evidenced by his repeated stumbling and fall. He was last seen walking towards the river in this impaired state and he was subsequently found submerged there.

“I find that, due to the significant intoxication caused by the ingestion of amitriptyline, Tristan likely fell into the river and, because of his compromised physical and cognitive state, was unable to extricate himself resulting in his drowning.

“There is no evidence that Tristan consumed the amitriptyline with any intention to end his life. The evidence instead supports that he was experimenting with the drug without appreciating the severe effects it would have upon him.”

The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion. The primary medical cause of death was drowning. Drug (amitriptyline) intake was recorded as a secondary cause.

Ms Farmer expressed her condolences to Tristan’s family.

A full tribute from Tristan’s football team Pontnewynydd AFC following his death read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our own – Tristan O’Keefe.

“Tristan wasn’t just a talented footballer – he was a bright light in our club, a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him. Loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC, Tristan was an integral part of our unforgettable undefeated league campaign – a journey that led us to promotion to the Gwent Premier League.

“His presence was felt in every game, every training session, and every moment off the pitch.

“As a mark of our deepest respect and in loving memory of Tristan we are retiring the number three shirt – the number he proudly wore for this club. His jersey will be framed and placed permanently in our changing rooms – a symbol of the incredible impact he made and a reminder that he will always be with us in spirit and in heart.

“Our entire club is grieving. No words can express the pain we feel or the loss suffered by those closest to Tristan. To his family and friends we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering support during this heartbreaking time.

“We will never forget you Tristan. You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC.

“Forever 19. Forever our number three.”

Councillors at today’s planning committee meeting (February 24) agreed to grant permission for the change of a house at 13 Whitemoss Road into part of an enlarged dental surgery.

Plans to expand an East Kilbride dental practice have been approved despite concerns from local residents.

Councillors at today’s planning committee meeting (February 24) agreed to grant permission for the change of a house at 13 Whitemoss Road into part of an enlarged dental surgery.

The proposal will see the semi-detached property being incorporated into the neighbouring Avondale Dental practice at number 15, creating two additional treatment rooms and expanding specialist services in the area.

Planning officers recommended approval, noting that the development complies with local and national policy and would not have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity.

The application attracted significant opposition, with 51 objections lodged. Concerns related to increased traffic, parking pressures, noise and the loss of a residential property within the neighbourhood.

Council officials stated that road safety and drainage matters would be addressed through planning conditions, including improvements to on-site visibility and requirements to manage surface water.

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READ MORE: Expansion plans for South Lanarkshire secondary schools

DWP minister Diana Johnson has announced employment support measures for workers over 50, including 50PLUS Champions and the Midlife MOT service.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a statement about significant changes impacting people within a particular age bracket. DWP minister Diana Johnson discussed upcoming changes that could influence people’s earnings.

The announcement followed a written parliamentary question from Reform UK MP Lee Anderson concerning what measures are being implemented “to help improve employment opportunities for older people”. Ms Johnson delivered the Government’s reply.

She said: “Work helps everyone play active and fulfilling roles in society whilst building financial security for retirement, and we recognise the wealth of skills and experience that older workers bring both to the workplace and the economy.

“We are committed to supporting workers over the age of 50 through a wide-ranging strategy that promotes age-inclusive employment practices, flexible working, and progression and career development.” She proceeded to outline the assistance available for anyone over this age, including anyone born prior to 1976, reports the Mirror.

Ms Johnson added: “We have a dedicated offer for older workers within jobcentres, including our 50PLUS Champions who provide a critical layer of support to ensure the needs of older jobseekers are met. We also offer a Midlife MOT, which helps people to review their health, finances and skills and signpost to suitable support.”

The Midlife MOT is a Government service available to people aged 45 to 65. It provides resources to help you think about your career, health and finances. On the money side, the service can help you budget for your retirement and look at what benefits you may be able to claim, such as Universal Credit or the state pension.

Increasing earnings

Ms Johnson also spoke about other support on offer. She said: “Our employer and partnership teams in jobcentres work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers.”

Looking ahead, the minister also spoke about what further help is being rolled out for older workers. She said: “As part of our plans to Get Britain working and create a new jobs and careers service, we are committed to reforming employment support to ensure it is inclusive and meets the needs of our customers.

“We are considering the support we offer to those aged 50 and over so that they can access support to find good, meaningful work, and help them progress in work or increase their earnings.”

You may wish to check what benefits you can claim using an online benefits calculator. You could try using the one on the Turn2us website.

When planning for your later life, you may wish to factor in how much you will receive with the state pension. The age at which you can access your private pensions is currently 55, though this is set to rise to 57 from April 2028.

Britons face a longer wait to claim their state pension, which becomes available when you reach 66. This access age is rising soon, increasing gradually from April 2026 to reach 67 by April 2028.

The full new state pension currently provides £230.25 a week, and you typically require 35 years of National Insurance contributions to receive this amount.

Payments increase each April in line with the triple lock, which will raise payments by 4.8% this April. You can check how much state pension you are on track to receive using the state pension forecast tool on the Government website.

Katherine Short, the daughter of Hollywood comedian Martin Short, has died

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Hollywood actor Martin Short’s daughter Katherine has died after she was found dead at home, reports say tonight.

Martin adopted Katherine alongside her siblings Oliver and Henry with his late wife Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010 following an ovarian cancer diagnosis. The couple shared 30 years of marriage.

Katherine, 42, attended numerous events with Martin. In May 2023, Martin brought his daughter to The Producers afterparty, appearing in photographs with Goldie Hawn. She also joined her father on the red carpet in 2011, reports the Mirror.

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According to TMZ, the LAPD attended Katherine’s Hollywood Hills residence on Monday shortly after 6pm. A representative for Martin confirmed to the Daily Mail: “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time.”

Short’s spokesperson added: “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.” It has been reported she died by suicide.

According to People, Katherine practised as a licensed clinical social worker in private care. She was also actively engaged with mental health charity Bring Change 2 Mind.

Discussing the passing of Katherine’s mother Nancy, Martin revealed he continues to ‘talk’ to his departed wife regularly. Speaking to AARP magazine, he reflected: ‘With real tragedy, you become a little more daring.

“It’s the yin to the yang: the positive part of life’s dark side.” In his autobiography, he characterised Nancy’s death as ‘by far the most awful thing I’ve been through.

This marks Martin’s second bereavement in recent weeks. He and comedy collaborator Steve Martin honoured the late Catherine O’Hara during their performance mere hours following her passing last month.

The comedy duo were appearing at their Best Of tour date in Austin, Texas, when they displayed a photograph of the Home Alone actress on screen and celebrated her as “the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel” they’d ever collaborated with. The pair subsequently raised their drinks and toasted the star following her death, with spectators applauding the tribute

Two British cousins have been arrested and charged with attempted murder over a stabbing on Valentine’s Day in Venice.

Italian police said the men, aged 19 and 21, had been charged with stabbing a 22-year-old local man in the neck on the even of 14 February at a bar in the city’s historic centre.

The victim reportedly come close to bleeding to death, after the incident outside La Bussola Cocktail Lar near the Rialto Bridge.

Police say they think it was sparked by a “trivial disagreements”. They believe the knife may have been thrown into the water, with state police diving units searching the Grand Canal in Venice’s centre to find the alleged weapon.

The 19-year-old is alleged to be the perpetrator and the 21-year-old the suspected accomplice, Italy’s Polizia Di Stato said in a statement.

“Officers from the Venice Flying Squad, coordinated by the local prosecutor’s office, arrested two British nationals, aged 19 and 21,” the police said.

“They are believed to be responsible for the attempted murder of a 22-year-old man, which occurred on Valentine’s Day in the historic centre.”

They added: “According to investigations, the motive appears to be trivial disagreements between young people, which escalated into violence over trivial matters”.

Read more from Sky News:
Briton among 19 dead in Nepal bus crash
Call for probe into virus that killed 72 tigers in Thailand

The police said the two men had been in Italy on holiday since the end of January, with return tickets booked. The arrests came after a search lasting more than a week.

Police say the cousins were found in an apartment that belonged to an Italian relative of one of the men, in Venice city centre.

The operation to locate them was supported by wiretaps, electronic surveillance, the monitoring of social media profiles and the exchange of information with British authorities.

Halve the dough. If you want to roll out the dough and stamp out shapes with a cookie cutter, shape into two discs. Alternatively, if you want to make sliced cookies, roll the dough into two logs. Either way, wrap in cling film and chill for at least two hours and up to two weeks (or keep the logs in the freezer for up to two months and slice and bake from frozen).