Millions of people across the UK are set to be affected by changes to the benefits system and other support before the end of the year.

The changes include Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300, a £150 energy bill discount for eligible households, a major expansion of free school meals and tougher new powers allowing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to recover money it is owed.

Here are the key changes to know about:

Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300

Older people could receive between £100 and £300 towards their heating costs this winter.

The payment is available to people who were born on or before June 27, 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Those living in Scotland are not eligible for Winter Fuel Payment but may qualify for the separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

Most eligible pensioners will receive the payment automatically.

Letters are due to be sent in October or November, with most payments expected to arrive in November or December 2026.

However, there is an important catch for higher-income pensioners.

If your total income is above £35,000, HMRC will recover the full Winter Fuel Payment through the tax system, unless you opt out this month.

Your partner’s income does not count towards the £35,000 threshold.

£150 Warm Home Discount

Millions of households could also get a £150 discount on their electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme.

The scheme is due to reopen in October 2026 and the money is credited directly to the energy bill rather than being paid into your bank account.

In England and Wales, eligible households generally need to be with a participating energy supplier, receive a qualifying means-tested benefit and have the benefit recipient, their partner or legal representative named on the electricity bill.

Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit.

The qualifying date for winter 2026 to 2027 was August 23, 2026, so households needed to meet the relevant conditions on that date for the automatic rebate.

Free school meals expanded

A major change has also arrived for families receiving Universal Credit in England.

From the start of the 2026/27 school year, all pupils in households receiving Universal Credit are eligible for free school meals.

Previously, Universal Credit households generally had to meet an annual household earnings threshold of £7,400.

The expansion means children in households receiving Universal Credit above that threshold can now qualify too.

The Government says more than three million children from Universal Credit families will benefit, with the expansion expected to cover more than half a million additional pupils.

The support could make a significant difference to family budgets, particularly as parents face the cost of school uniforms, childcare and other expenses at the start of the new term.

DWP can recover debts directly from bank accounts

The DWP now has sweeping new powers to recover certain benefit debts.

Under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025, the department can, as a last resort, recover money owed from a person’s bank account using a Direct Deduction Order.

The powers can apply to bank, building society and credit union accounts, and safeguards are in place to assess whether deductions are affordable. Joint accounts can also be considered, although the DWP says sole accounts must be considered first.

The new powers are aimed at people who owe money to the DWP and have failed to agree an appropriate repayment arrangement.

The department has said thousands of people with outstanding debts are being contacted and warned to get in touch.

Some benefit debtors could face a driving ban

The changes also mean persistent benefit debtors could ultimately face a driving ban.

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The DWP can apply to a court to temporarily disqualify someone from holding a driving licence in the most serious cases where the person has the means to repay but has persistently failed to do so without good reason.

A driving ban can only be considered where at least £1,000 remains outstanding.

There are also protections for people who have an essential need for their licence, such as those whose work depends on driving or people with caring responsibilities.

Any ban is initially suspended while the person keeps to the agreed repayment terms.

The DWP has warned debtors to “get in touch and pay up, or face the consequences.”

This summer, 38% of deals involving a transfer fee have been from one Premier League club to another, which is an increase from last year, when the figure was 30%.

That then increases to 48% in instances where Premier League clubs have bought players from lower down the English football pyramid.

On top of that, the Premier League net spend remains over £1bn for this window – by far the most in Europe – despite many of the biggest sales this summer coming from the English league too. Bundesliga and Ligue 1 clubs have received more in transfer fees than they have spent.

Aside from French-based duo Barcola and Bouaddi, the majority of major signings made by Premier League clubs this month have been from rival clubs in the same division.

They include England team-mates Rogers and Anderson, while Newcastle sold Tonali to Spurs and Guimaraes to Arsenal.

Manchester United snapped up Baleba from Brighton after a 12-month chase to aid their midfield revamp, while Tottenham‘s recruitment of Fernandes and Savio is in the same category.

But why are English clubs buying each other’s players more than ever this summer instead of shopping abroad for the biggest deals?

One reason could be the temptation for players who are proven in the Premier League.

Many of last season’s big-money signings – with a good chunk of them coming from the Bundesliga – failed to meet expectations or justify their transfer fee.

There have also been deals this summer involving the same clubs, possibly with accounting in mind, with Chelsea and Villa selling players to each other.

And there is also a feeling that teams abroad increase the transfer fees they are asking for when English teams – with all their TV riches – show interest in their players.

All traffic is being held on the M62 in Greater Manchester following a crash tonight (Tuesday, September 1).

The incident has taken place on the eastbound carriageway between J18 M66 J4 (Simister Island) and J19 A6046 Middleton Road (Heywood).

The crash was first reported at around 10.40pm.

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Inrix, the traffic data company, said: “All traffic being temporarily held due to accident on M62 Eastbound from J18 M66 J4 (Simister Island) to J19 A6046 Middleton Road (Heywood).”

This is an ongoing incident. We will bring you further updates as we get them on our dedicated live feed below.

By PHILLIP NIETO, US POLITICAL REPORTER

Published: 21:00 BST, 1 September 2026 | Updated: 22:24 BST, 1 September 2026

Voters have turned against Donald Trump‘s crusade against Canada, rejecting his rebranding of Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ by more than two to one.

A new Daily Mail/JL Partners poll finds only 20 percent of Americans support the name change, while 46 percent oppose it.

Even Americans who previously voted for Trump in 2024 only supported it by 33 percent, while 31 percent rejected the name change. 

Trump first floated the name last week after trade negotiations between the two countries collapsed. He declared that the US did not expect to be ‘doing much business with Ontario any longer.’

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He followed through two days later with an executive order directing the federal government to use ‘Lake America.’

Soon after Washington slapped 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian goods and Ottawa announced retaliatory levies of its own. 

A trade war to the north could also deepen Trump’s midterm headache as Republicans fight to protect their small congressional majorities. The Iran war has already pushed oil above $90 a barrel, and gas past $4 a gallon for most Americans. 

Just thirty-two percent of voters supported the new tariffs against Canada, with 36  percent opposing the levies. Thirty-seven percent blame US officials for the breakdown, compared with just 14 percent who fault Canada. However, 31 percent hold both sides equally responsible.

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Voters have turned against Donald Trump’s crusade against Canada, rejecting his rebranding of Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ by more than two to one. Trump is pictured speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit earlier this summer

Aerial view of the newly renamed Lake America which is shared by the US and Canada 

Yet one in four Americans, including 42 percent of Trump voters, would support closing the Canadian border entirely over the tariff feud.

Trump’s repeated talk of absorbing Canada as the 51st state also remains fringe, backed by 21 percent of Americans and 31 percent of his voters.

The poll was conducted between August 28-31 among 1,015 registered US voters online with a margin of error of 3.1 percent.

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After Trump’s public spat with Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned last week that his province could cut off electricity to the US if Trump continues pressing the trade war.

Ford said Ontario powers 1.5 million American homes and businesses and warned Trump he had better have ‘a pack of batteries’ ready.

Ford also told Trump to ‘kiss my a**’ and that Canada should be ready to ‘throw everything in the kitchen sink’ at the US President.

A new Daily Mail/JL Partners poll finds only 20 percent of Americans support the name change, while 46 percent oppose it

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Canada, the second-largest US trading partner, brings in about $880 billion in goods and services exchanged annually.

The northern US ally is deeply intertwined with auto, energy and manufacturing supply chains on both sides of the border.

A prolonged trade war could slow economic growth and raise prices for American consumers as manufacturers face higher costs for parts and materials.

By CHRISTOPHER STEVENS, TV CRITIC

Published: 22:29 BST, 1 September 2026 | Updated: 22:31 BST, 1 September 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI has seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, the Justice Department said Tuesday in announcing a disruption of financing for the militant group.

In addition to seizing cryptocurrency meant to support Hamas’ military wing, the department said that it had taken control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment, and had obtained information about thousands of people who had contacted Hamas with a goal of giving money to the group.

“My message to Hamas is clear: your networks are not secure, your crypto is vulnerable, and we will not stop until your ability to wage war is defeated,” Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said in a video statement announcing the operation.

According to FBI affidavits filed in connection with the seizures, Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising in or around early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades, or military wing, and solicited donations on its Telegram channel and also used direct online fundraising. Hamas officials bragged that the currency would be untraceable and their websites offered instructions for how to make anonymous donations, the affidavits say.

A major investigative break arrived last year when FBI officials identified a financing network soliciting donations to the Qassam Brigades via virtual currency and a confidential source located in the United States alerted law enforcement to a Telegram post asking for contributions to an email address associated with Hamas.

Brett Leatherman, an FBI assistant director in charge of its cyber division, said the bureau would “continue to use its authorities to intercept illicit funds and prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting digital networks to finance their operations.”

Hamas officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

This afternoon, Andy Burnham made his first appearance in the House of Commons and immediately the difference to his predecessor was obvious: he was easily humoured and fluently human compared to the laboured lines and wooden legalese of his predecessor, Keir Starmer.

Mr Burnham put all of the catchphrases he has been honing over the summer into one attractive speech.

He talked of “problem solving over point scoring” and of how devolution would bring power back to local communities which over recent decades have become overlooked and powerless.

He promised high street revival and that there would be “positivity and possibility in every postcode in Britain”.

Much of it showed he is in touch with the British people and that he is desperate to sort out intractable problems like welfare spending and especially social care.

And the water industry – “a leaking monument” to private not public interest, he said – should prepare itself for a shower of change, as so many British people want.

But identifying the issues is only a small part of the battle.

As Kemi Badenoch said, he will be judged on his delivery.

And delivery will be difficult.

We’re high taxed and borrowing heavily, yet defence spending has to rise massively if we are, as he promised, to meet our international obligations.

This, and all the problems that weighed so heavily on Mr Starmer, are still there.

The vibes may be bouncing and the smile may be back on the government’s face, but that is only the start of the journey.

Ariana Grande broke down in tears as she completed her final show of her Eternal Sunshine tour at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday ahead of her career break.

The singer, 33, has spent the last three months performing in front of her beloved fans across the world.

And tonight the star bid farewell to showbusiness as she plans to take a step back from the spotlight for the foreseeable. 

Speaking on stage, Ariana tearfully said: ‘It’s been the most beautiful, extraordinary experiences of my life and I just want to express my gratitude without sobbing.

‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it has been so special and I’ll cherish this experience always and I have the best fans in the entire world and I always have.’

Signing off in tears, she continued: ‘Thank you for being by my side all the way from Honeymoon Avenue to Hampsted.’

The emotional star bid farewell to showbusiness as she plans to take a step back from the spotlight for the foreseeable

Ariana was overcome with emotion while singing One Last Time and asked fans to help her sing the song as she struggled to get her words out.

The hitmaker ditched her trademark high-heels for Uggs on the final night of her tour as she continues to recover from a minor injury. 

Ariana shared on Instagram on Monday that she is recovering from a ‘deep cut’ after fans noticed her limping on stage last week. 

She wrote: ‘My sweet petals, I wanted to let you know I will need to be in cozy footwear for this evenings show (and possibly tomorrow’s) as I am bandaged up underneath, recovering from a minor injury.

‘It is not a sprain or anything muscular but just a deep cut! So when you see me tonight without my signature heels, or even possibly having a little trouble putting weight on that foot, that is why!

‘But please do not fret. On with the show and I am on the mend. I cannot wait to perform for you tonight and tomorrow (even if I am a few inches shorter than usual).’ 

Last month, Ariana clarified that her career hiatus had been ‘quietly planned a long time ago’ before insisting that the decision was not made because ‘negativity was ruining things for me’.

Ariana explained on stage at one of her shows: ‘Multiple things can be true at the same time. Yes, boundaries, they need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes.’

The hitmaker ditched her trademark high-heels for Uggs on the final night of her tour as she continues to recover from a minor injury (pictured earlier in the tour) 

Ariana shared on Instagram on Monday that she is recovering from a ‘deep cut’ after fans noticed her limping on stage last week 

She added that her tour, which she kicked off in North America in June, ‘will continue to be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life’.

‘Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion,’ Ariana began, ‘So I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much. The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing.

‘It is something that I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago and it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place. And I want you to know many things can be true at the same time.

‘I want to share this because I heard that my fans were worried that negativity was ruining things for me, but I just have to say that could not be more the f**k opposite. Honestly, this is not what that is.

‘And I just want to be very, very clear: Multiple things can be true at the same time. Yes, boundaries, they need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes. And also, this can be and will continue to be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life.’

‘No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality or be more real to me or elaborate to me than this love that we share,’ she gushed to fans from the stage.

‘The rest of that s**t is not mine to carry, so I don’t carry it. I need to get out here and differentiate that from my truth for you all because I love you and this tour has been the most healing, beautiful, corrective, magnificent, special experience of my life.’

Last month, Ariana clarified that her career hiatus had been ‘quietly planned a long time ago’ before insisting that the decision was not made because ‘negativity was ruining things for me’

Ariana’s exit from the spotlight means she has decided to bow out of her starring role in the London production of Sunday In The Park With George at the Barbican Centre in summer 2027.

She was set to reunite with her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey for the anticipated show, but the actor has now also withdrawn from the production.

Jonathan shared a statement revealing his surprise exit in support of Ariana’s decision to also withdraw. 

He wrote on Instagram: ‘Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. 

‘Marianne [the production’s director] is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends. After much consideration, I have decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George. 

‘This brilliant, introspective musical has been a real passion project for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team. 

‘Among many things, the story explores the deep connection between George and Dot, a beautiful, devoted pairing, and I so look forward to seeing what the two actors who will now take on these roles will create with it.

‘I wish the very best to the entire company, I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production. Jonny x’ 

The forecast suggests the muggy air will be most apparent ahead of, and along, weather systems pushing in from the Atlantic — with spells of rain and showers at times

The Met Office has warned that humid air will return to parts of the UK this week, with the muggy conditions most likely to be felt in the south and the South East as temperatures rise.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said on the Met Office Youtube channel a “southwesterly breeze” would help pull in moisture-laden air again, making it feel uncomfortable for some as the week progresses.

“A southwesterly breeze here is drawing in the humid air once more,” he said in the latest week-ahead forecast.

After the week began with a changeable picture, the Met Office forecaster said humidity could become more noticeable midweek, particularly in southern areas. He said there may be “a fairly humid start to the day in the south” and later added: “A rather humid feeling day where the sun does come out,” with temperatures “25, possibly 26 Celsius towards the southeast.”

The forecast suggests the muggy air will be most apparent ahead of, and along, weather systems pushing in from the Atlantic — with spells of rain and showers at times.

The meteorologist added: “This weather front becomes the dividing line between warm and humid air to the south and something a little fresher to the north.”

Although the rest of the week looks uncertain, temperatures are expected to rise overall, to the mid-20s with brighter spells, especially in the south, while the north stays closer to average.

The news comes as the Met Office announced that new provisional figures show summer 2026 was the warmest in the UK since records began nearly 150 years ago.

The forecaster found that the country warmed to an average of 16.5C in June, July and August, a significant 0.4C warmer than the previous record, set just last year.

Figures from the agency, which date back to 1884 show that the top six warmest summers on record have all occurred this century, including three this decade: 2026 in first place, followed by 2025, 2018, 2006, 2003 and 2022.

On several occasions this summer temperatures nearly reached 40C with five distinct heatwaves and drought conditions declared across much of the UK.

Figures from the agency revealed that England and Wales had their driest Julys on record, and southern England the driest month ever recorded since 1836.

Radley has closed its last remaining stores after falling into administration earlier this year.

It entered administration in May following what FTI Consulting described as a “sustained period of challenging economic conditions.”

Now, all its physical stores have closed their doors for the final time.

Radley London closes all stores after 28 years after entering administration

After entering administration, Gordon Brothers, which owns Poundland and LK Bennett, acquired the brand, intellectual property and some assets in a pre-pack administration deal.

However, the purchase did not include Radley’s 21 UK stores.

Customers were offered up to 70% off in clearance sales in the weeks that followed, with Radley’s website taken offline on August 19.

The closure resulted in the loss of 42 jobs.

The UK handbag and accessories retailer was founded in 1998 at London’s Camden Market by Lowell Harder.

Radley had developed a strong retail partnership with John Lewis and other stockists during its years of trading.

The British accessories brand designs and retails leather handbags, purses, footwear, and related accessories.

In addition to its core product lines, Radley also licenses its name for eyewear, jewellery, watches, and beauty products.

Retailer returns to UK high street after 7 years

In more positive news for the high street, a popular brand has returned after seven years.

Karen Millen is a luxury womenswear brand that specialises in tailoring, coats, and other occasionwear.

It collapsed into administration in 2019 before being acquired by Boohoo Group.

As a result, the company closed all its physical stores across the country and moved to an online-only model.

Now, Karen Millen is returning to the high street after a seven-year absence.

The luxury womenswear brand will relaunch through a series of new concessions across the UK, with a focus on occasionwear and its signature Forever Collection, Drapers reports.

The Leicester store at Fosse Park will be the first to open today (Friday, August 14), followed by additional locations in Liverpool One and Aberdeen’s Union Square on Monday, August 17.

More concessions are set to follow, although the date and areas have not yet been confirmed.

Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams Group, which owns Karen Millen, said: “Karen Millen is a brand with real heritage, recognition and a loyal customer base, so bringing it back to the high street is a significant moment.

“Our customers want great fashion, but they also want to experience brands in different ways, and physical retail gives us another opportunity to do that.”

The return is part of a partnership with TFG (The Foschini Group), which also owns Hobbs, Phase Eight, and Whistles.

The new concessions will showcase curated ranges of Karen Millen’s most popular pieces.

UK companies that have closed or entered administration or liquidation in 2026

Despite Karen Millen’s return, it has been a difficult year for the high street, with many businesses being forced to close stores and others entering administration or liquidation.

Major high street brands LK Bennett and Claire’s have both closed all their stores, having previously fallen into administration.

UK fashion retailers Leading Labels and Quiz have also shut down all remaining stores after falling into liquidation.

Other retailers that have been forced to close stores this year include the likes of River Island and Poundland.

It’s not been all bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Fellow fashion retailer Evans has also returned to the high street after six years.

The plus-size clothing brand, catering to sizes 14 to 32, closed all stores and concessions in December 2020 after its parent company, Arcadia Group, fell into administration.

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The retailer initially shifted to an online-only model before being acquired by AK Retail in 2023, which also owns Yours Clothing and M&Co.

The plus-size clothing retailer is now available in over 50 Yours Clothing stores across the UK and Ireland, including in Liverpool, Swansea, Watford, and Glasgow (Braehead Shopping Centre).

Dedicated Evans sections can now be found in 36 Yours Clothing stores around the UK.

What is your favourite high street fashion retailer? Let us know in the comments.