The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is in the final stages of moving claimants from older so-called ‘legacy’ benefits onto Universal Credit

Two long-standing benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will cease on March 31 as the UK Government finalises the last phase of transitioning claimants from older ‘legacy’ benefits to Universal Credit.

Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) are being phased out as part of the ongoing ‘Managed Migration’ programme, which aims to transition individuals from older benefits to the newer Universal Credit system.

The DWP has already dispatched over 1.8 million Migration Notices to claimants who need to switch benefits as the programme nears its conclusion. It is anticipated that most people affected by these changes will have completed their move to Universal Credit by the end of March 2026.

Under the managed migration process, claimants who receive a Migration Notice are required to apply for Universal Credit within a specified deadline. Those who fail to submit a claim in time could see their existing benefits halted.

The transition of individuals receiving Income Support and income-based JSA is nearly complete, according to the DWP. These two benefits will officially terminate at the end of March as the government continues its broader reform of the welfare system, reports the Daily Record.

However, ministers have agreed to a brief extension for some cases involving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). The Department states that many ESA claims are more complex and necessitate additional support to ensure people transition safely to Universal Credit.

Universal Credit is progressively replacing six legacy benefits, including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

The UK Government states the new system is designed to simplify the benefits system by combining several payments into a single monthly payment.

The managed migration process has been operating for several years and involves contacting claimants directly when it is their turn to move onto Universal Credit. The DWP sends letters explaining what action people need to take and provides support for those who need help with the application process.

Officials state that ensuring claimants move safely to the new system remains a priority as the programme nears completion.

Claimants who are uncertain whether they will need to move to Universal Credit can check their circumstances through official guidance on GOV.UK or wait to receive a Migration Notice from the DWP.

The UK Government has stated it remains committed to completing the migration programme in the coming months as the final legacy benefits are phased out.

Claimants who receive a Migration Notice from the DWP must apply for Universal Credit by the deadline stated in the letter. If they do not make a claim in time, their existing benefit payments could stop.

A yellow warning for wind for North Wales, northern England, southern and eastern areas of Scotland comes in to force at 05:00 GMT and will stay valid until 20:00. A warning issued for Northern Ireland is valid from 06:00 to 12:00 GMT.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland the strongest winds will move through during the morning. Gales will be widespread with gusts reaching 50-60mph with a few stronger gusts possible in the Hebrides for a short time. Some delays or cancellations on the Scottish ferries look possible, with passengers being advised to check on travel updates before setting out.

In northern England, the north Midlands and North Wales, winds will tend to strengthen through the morning, but will not peak until the afternoon. Gusts will widely reach 50-60mph with a few gusts potentially in excess of 70mph for a short time.

The strongest winds will not just be around coasts and over the tops of hills, extending well to the east of the Pennines and the Cheviot Hills.

Some transport disruption is possible and the winds could cause problems for high-sided vehicles. Northern stretches of the M6, A68 and A1 could have some of the most challenging driving conditions.

According to Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), diabetics or people with high blood pressure should be particularly careful, due to a risk of kidney disease.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac can increase blood pressure and damage blood vessels inside the kidneys.

Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: “Medicines have the power to harm as well as to heal.

“Although NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are effective and safe medicines, patients should be aware of their impact – particularly if a patient is at increased risk of developing kidney disease – and consider alternative medication where appropriate.

No I will never shut up about the fact that you’re supposed to ingest a source of Vitamin C whenever you take an NSAID like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, and if you don’t do that, you increase your risk of heart disease

— Vivian (@suchnerve) March 10, 2026

“If a patient has concerns about their usage of NSAIDs, they should speak to their pharmacist who can advise them.

“Pharmacists are experts in medicines and are best placed to offer advice to people who may be concerned about any potential long-term effect of some medicines and can help patients effectively manage pain.”

About 7.2 million people in the UK are living with some form of chronic kidney disease, which usually has no symptoms in the early stages.

Kidney Care UK also estimates that about one million people are undiagnosed.

Those at an increased risk of developing the condition include: diabetics; people with high blood pressure; people with a family history of kidney disease; and those from black and south Asian communities.

Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, said: “Kidney disease can happen to anyone at any time, and can have a devastating impact on your life, relationships, finances as well as your physical and mental health.”

Of the 294,999 people who completed the charity’s kidney health checker between October 2024 and March 2026, almost a quarter (24%) said they regularly used over-the-counter medication for pain relief.

Ms Loud added: “You can lose up to 90% of your kidney function without realising, so it’s important to be aware of the signs to look out for, to know if you might be at increased risk, and what to do if you are concerned.

“It only takes a few minutes to complete our online kidney health checker to see if you might be at increased risk.

“If you have any concerns, you can raise these with your GP or have a chat with your local pharmacist.”

Yes, according to NHS guidance .

It’s generally safe for most adults to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together.

Because they work in different ways and are processed by different parts of the body, they don’t interact directly, which means combining them can provide stronger or longer-lasting pain relief than using them individually.

Mixing paracetamol and ibuprofen can be helpful when a headache, toothache, muscle ache, period pain or fever isn’t fully controlled by one medication alone.

A 45-year-old man has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon with intent as mourners prepare to gather to celebrate Ellie Flanagan’s life

A man has been charged with the murder of a 23-year-old in Co Fermanagh.

Ellie Flanagan was found dead at an address in the Corban Avenue area of Enniskillen on Saturday evening, March 7.

PSNI have charged a 45-year-old man with murder and possession of an offensive weapon with intent.

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Ellie’s body was found by officers who were carrying out enquiries relating to a crash which took place on the Carn Road near Tempo at around 9.15pm on Saturday.

It has been previously reported that the man is understood to be known to her. The force were granted an additional 24 hours to question the man on March 10.

The funeral of Ellie is to be held on Friday, March 13 with the family requesting mourners wear bright colours in her memory.

The 23-year-old is described in the funeral notice as the ‘beloved daughter of Karen. Cherished Granddaughter of Attracta and Roger (Da). Special Grandniece of Marian Haggins and Joe Clarke. Loving niece of Kevin (Martina), Jenny (Owen) and Paddy (Melissa), and adored cousin of Niamh, Aodhan, Shay, Pauric, Sarah, Aoife, James, Conan and Callum.

It added: “Ellie is deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by her heartbroken family, extended family circle, friends and neighbours.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson said: “Our thoughts are firmly with Ellie’s family and loved ones at this very distressing time.

“I would reiterate our appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist us, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1564 07/03/26. Any detail, no matter how small, could prove crucial to our investigation.“The local community will continue to see a police presence in the Corban Avenue area over the coming days, as our investigation develops.”

He is due to appear before Strabane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 12th March via video link.

“But I do think the idea of a basic level of charter – I don’t know, there might be an example out there – but an overall charter that has a time length like this, I think there should be a standard provision that just goes forever, basically, until Parliament, or whatever the mechanism is, decides through recent debate – actively, actively, not passively – to say, okay, we don’t want the BBC anymore.”

National Insurance credits can have a direct impact on how much state pension you can get

People not claiming the National Insurance credits they are entitled to may end up with lower state pension payments as a result. Despite popular belief, these credits are not exclusively given to people on certain benefits.

National Insurance credits can plug holes in your National Insurance record, which is used to calculate how much state pension your are entitled to. These credits are usually provided to people on certain benefits like Carer’s Allowance and Child Benefit to stop people from losing out on state pension entitlement due to caring for loved ones.

However, there are four circumstances where people do not need to be receiving any benefits in order to get National Insurance credits. However, some will not be provided automatically and people will need to claim their entitlement or risk missing out.

Training courses

People who are over the age of 18 and have been sent on a Government-approved training course by Jobcentre Plus should automatically get Class 1 National Insurance credits. However, this is only provided if the course lasts no longer than one year.

If you are over 18 and on a Government-approved training course that does not last more than one year but you were not sent by the Jobcentre, you may still be eligible for credits but you will need to apply. To do this, you will need to write to HMRC explaining when the credits are for and why you are eligible.

READ MORE: Iran war – Simon Calder explains rules to Brits with holidays booked to Turkey or CyprusREAD MORE: Martin Lewis explains ‘safe thing to do’ ahead of April 1 price change

Jury service

People who are not self-employed and have been called for jury service may be able to get National Insurance credits to cover the time they have attended court. You will need to write to HMRC to apply for these Class 1 credits.

Partners of people in armed forces

You need to be married to, or a civil partner of, a member of the armed forces and went with your partner on an overseas posting in order to potentially claim National Insurance credits.

If you left for the posting after April 6, 2010 and are returning to the UK you can apply for Class 1 credits. If you were on an overseas posting after 6 April 1975, reached state pension age on or after 6 April 2016, and are not getting Class 1 credits then you can apply for Class 3 credits instead.

Wrongly imprisoned

If your conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal, or the Court of Criminal Appeal in Scotland, you can apply for Class 1 credits. You’ll need to write to HMRC, include your National Insurance number and explain why you are eligible. Details on how and where to apply for these credits can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Class 1 National Insurance credits count towards other benefits like Jobseeker’s Allowance and your state pension. Class 3 National Insurance credits only count towards your state pension entitlement.

You can check your National Insurance record and state pension forecast online to see if there are any gaps that you could top up with credits and to check that any credits you have applied for are put in correctly.

The two-vehicle crash happened on the A1 in East Lothian this afternoon.

A lorry burst into flames after a two-vehicle crash on the A1 causing tyres to fly ’30 feet into air.’

Emergency services scrambled to the scene on the A1 between the Thistly Cross roundabout and Haddington turn off at around 3.50pm on Wednesday, March 11.

Cops locked down the road and urged drivers to avoid the area. Footage from the scene shows a lorry in flames, with thick plumes of black smoke billowing overhead, reports Edinburgh Live.

It is unclear if anyone was injured as a result of the incident.

Bystander, Mark Innes, said: “It carried forward with the momentum, driving along the motorway and it probably almost instantly burst into flames.

“It was terrifying. It was honestly like something out of a film. It’s good that everyone is okay.

“I got my van into a safe position, and by that point that was a few bystanders and other drivers helping. By the time I ran over the driver was out, he was obviously very shaken and panicked.

“The lorry was exploding. There were tyres blowing thirty feet into the air and crashing down, going into the nearby bushes and setting them on fire.”

Police Scotland said: “The A1 is closed northbound between the Thistly Cross roundabout and the Haddington turn off following a two-vehicle crash reported to police around 3.50pm on Wednesday, 11 March. Road users are advised to avoid the area.”

Traffic Scotland posted to X at the time: “NEW 4.05pm. A1, Haddington.

“The A1 is CLOSED northbound at Haddington to a road traffic incident. Please use alternative routes and expect delays.”

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A van has been driven into a barricade near the White House, officials have said.

The driver has been arrested in Washington DC and no injuries have been reported, a police spokesman said.

Officers were called at about 6.37am local time “to the vicinity of the White House… after a van drove through the barricade at Connecticut Avenue and H Street, Northwest”, he added.

The Secret Service said the man crashed into the temporary security barrier just before 6.30am (10.30am in the UK).

He was immediately arrested by officers from the Secret Service’s uniformed division, the agency said, adding that he was being interviewed and that criminal charges were pending.

A police bomb squad was called to the scene, checked the vehicle and determined it to be safe.

PSG  Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaïre Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Doué, Dembélé, Barcola. 
Substitutes  Chevalier, Marin, Lucas Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Kvaratskhelia, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, Hernández, Mayulu, Fernández, Mbaye. 

Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernández, Pedro Neto; Joao Pedro. 
Substitutes Sánchez, Merrick, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Delap, Santos, Sarr, Hato, Acheampong, Guiu, Lavia, Garnacho. 

Referee Alejandro Hernandez (Spain)

The Cork-born actor fronted the award-winning series, which filmed key scenes in Bolton, for almost a decade as ruthless gangster Tommy Shelby, the leader of violent crime gang the Peaky Blinders.

The series ended in 2022 but will return later this year with its spin-off film The Immortal Man, which will see Shelby driven back from his self-imposed exile amid the chaos of the Second World War.

Speaking during a press conference, the 49-year-old actor said: “I feel really, really proud of the work. It’s nuts that it’s been so long. The end of 2012 is when we shot the original series.

“So many people have watched it, and it’s become so beloved, so I just feel immensely proud of it.”

Murphy added: “I think the luxury of having played (Tommy Shelby) for so long is that all the research is kind of done, you know?

“You’ve got like 13 years there. You’ve lived it alongside him, and also you’ve kind of aged alongside him. It’s kind of unique.

“I’ll never experience that again, and it’s really unusual and gratifying to have that opportunity to play a character like that.”

The upcoming film will also explore the relationship between Tommy Shelby and the illegitimate son he abandoned, Erasmus “Duke” Shelby, played by Irish actor Barry Keoghan.

Murphy said: “In order for us to conclude (the series) with a film, it needed to justify itself.

“Ultimately, that comes down to the script.

“The main sort of thematic drive of the show has always been family, if we continued with that and made it a father and son story and introduced Duke in that manner then we knew we were on the right track – and off we went.”

Speaking about his character in the upcoming film, Murphy said: “When we meet him, (he) is kind of withdrawn from the world, and he’s dealing with his own personal stuff.

“But I think what setting the film against the backdrop of the war means that his values are being tested all the time.

Peaky Blinders filming in Bolton March 2021. Picture Danny Crompton (Image: Danny Crompton)

“What do you actually believe in? What do you actually stand for, aside from illegal bookmaking and racketeering and making money and buying houses and abandoning children and abandoning wives, what do you actually stand for? And then he figures it out.

Scenes from the BBC series, which ran for six series from 2013 to 2022 were shot in the town, most notably the Le Mans Crescent arches.

Fans from across the country – along with the media – descended on Bolton to watch the filming taking place.

“And I think he begins – towards the end of the film – to really realise what he actually stands for.”

Cillian Murphy attending the 79th British Academy Film Awards, at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London. The Irish actor has said his role in Peaky Blinders is one he will “never experience again”, as he reflected on 13 years as the face of the popular crime drama. Issue date: Thursday March 12, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: James Manning/PA Wire (Image: James Manning/PA Wire)

The TV drama following Birmingham-based crime family the Shelbys was first launched on the BBC in 2013.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will be available on Netflix from March 20.

Scenes from the BBC series, which ran for six series from 2013 to 2022 were shot in the town, most notably the Le Mans Crescent arches.

Fans from across the country – along with the media – descended on Bolton to watch the filming taking place.