Basic bank accounts offer access to essential services, such as the ability to receive wages and benefits and pay bills

People who have poor credit or no fixed address will find it easier to open a basic bank account after some of the biggest financial institutions agreed to improve their services.

It comes after widespread poor practice was identified by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Basic bank accounts offer access to essential services, such as the ability to receive wages and benefits and pay bills.

They just don’t offer things like overdrafts, to stop people spending above their means. Nine of the biggest UK banks and building societies legally have to offer basic bank accounts. But a mystery shopping exercise by the FCA found a third of experiences with basic bank accounts rated as poor or very poor.

The mystery shop revealed that the bank account providers were not consistently offering these accounts to customers who could benefit from them.

This included people facing financial hardship or without ID, and especially those with no fixed address. The firms often failed to mention basic bank accounts at all and pushed customers in vulnerable circumstances towards online applications which were unsuitable for their needs.

The banks and building societies have now agreed to individual improvement, including a commitment to provide the right account for customers, first time, with clear communication.

They have also pledged to make it straightforward for customers without standard ID or a fixed address to open an account and to spot vulnerable customers early. In the UK, around 7 million fee-free basic bank accounts are currently open.

Emad Aladhal, director of retail banking at the FCA, said: “Progress has been made with over 97% of UK adults having a current account, but our latest work shows that all too often banking firms’ engagement with customers still needs improvement.

“Bank accounts are important for financial inclusion, and this is about making sure the very people who could benefit from basic bank accounts are not missing out.

“That’s why the biggest banks have now committed to improving how they are offered – and we’ll be holding them to account to make sure change happens.”

Peter Tyler, Director of Personal Banking at UK Finance, said: “A basic bank account can be an important first step towards financial independence, and while most customers who hold one have positive experiences, we recognise that more can be done to ensure consistently good outcomes for everyone.

“That is why UK Finance and our members are committed to raising industry standards and expanding access.

“The recently expanded Breaking the Cycle initiative is a key part of this work, providing practical support to those facing barriers to accessing essential banking services, such as individuals without a fixed address.”

Disruption is expected for the rest of the day

Some trains in Cambridgeshire are being delayed or cancelled due to an electrical supply “problem”. Trains are disrupted across the county on Monday, July 6.

Thus is due to a problem with the electrical supply to the trains in the Ely area. There has been damage to the overhead electric wires between Cambridge and Kings Lynn.

As a result, some of services can’t move as normal until power is restored and disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Routes affected include Greater Anglia services between Ipswich and Peterborough, between Stansted Airport, Cambridge and Norwich, and also between London Liverpool Street and Ely. Great Northern services between London Kings Cross and Ely or Kings Lynn are also affected.

The National Rail website said: “Damage has been reported to the overhead electric wires in the Ely area. As a result of this, trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised. Great Northern services are currently unable to run between Cambridge and Kings Lynn. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.”

It added: “We been advised of a problem with the electrical supply to the trains in the Ely area. This means that some of services can’t move as normal until power is restored.

“If you’re on a train which is being held in the area, it may take longer to get you to the next station, and onwards to your destination.”

Rail users are advised to travel using an alternative route during the disruption. Passengers should allow at least an extra 30-minutes to complete their journey, Great Northern has advised.

Replacement buses have been requested from suppliers to run between Ely and Kings Lynn, but there has not been confirmation of these yet.

If your family is looking for thrills this summer without a jump scare at the bill, there is an amusement park vacation under $100 per person — and it’s not in Florida.

Vacation home rental site HomeToGo has released its list of the most affordable theme parks to visit this summer, with about 40 locations across more than 20 states to choose from.

Analysts looked at three factors to determine which parks were the best bang for your buck — the price of admission, parking and nearby accommodations.

While Florida is known to be a hit with kids looking to meet their favorite Disney characters and ride attractions inspired by their favorite Universal Studios films, families looking for the most affordable option will have to travel further north along the East Coast.

Quassy Amusement Park

Quassy Amusement Park in Connecticut was ranked No. 1 on HomeToGo’s list. You pay just $33 for an adult ticket, $9.40 for a day of parking and $34.03 for accommodations for a grand total of $76.43.

The accommodation price for each park on the list was calculated by using the median nightly cost per person for a vacation rental on HomeToGo.

Located on Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury, Quassy Amusement Park offers dozens of amusement park rides and a waterpark with waterslides and splash zones.

Fun Spot America Themepark

If you love the Florida sunshine, but don’t want to pay the steep admission fee for Orlando’s more popular parks, Fun Spot America Themepark may be the place for you.

It costs $59.95 for a ticket to the Orlando amusement park, and there’s no parking fee, according to HomeToGo’s list. Factoring in the $57.61 for accommodations, the total daily cost to go to Fun Spot America Themepark is $117.56 per person.

The park is also home to Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster, dubbed White Lightning, along with bumper cars and multi-level go-kart tracks.

Castles N’ Coasters

You’ll have to visit the West Coast for the third most affordable theme park on HomeToGo’s list — Castles N’ Coasters in Arizona.

It costs just $31 for a ticket to the Phoenix theme park and parking is free. But nightly accommodations are a tad pricier at $98.63 per person, bringing the total cost to $129.63.

Castles N’ Coasters offers several classic rides, along with other attractions such as a zip line, mini golf and a more than 10,000 square-foot arcade.

If you are looking for parks that may be more familiar to your family, nine Six Flags locations from across the country made it on HomeToGo’s list, including Six Flags Frontier City in Oklahoma, which took the No. 5 spot.

Country music icon Dolly Parton’s Dollywood in Tennessee placed 26th on the list.

Several Disney and Universal Studios parks made the list, including Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, tying at No. 32 and Disney’s Epcot and Hollywood Studios, tying at No. 34.

With taxation having consistently the number one issue facing businesses for the past few Quarterly Economic Surveys, it is now clear that rising prices are impacted the region’s businesses to a far greater extent than seen in the last few years.

The fieldwork was conducted during the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a geopolitical crisis which has massively impacted energy costs and shipping, leading to the inflation spike.

The chamber says there was also a significant decline in export performance among the region’s firms, something it is hard not to partially attribute to the war in the Middle East.

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There were more encouraging signs, with the region’s service sector firms showing an increase in hiring intent for the first time in more than a year, with domestic sales continuing to improve along with willingness to invest in upskilling current staff.

However, manufacturing firms a more challenged situation, with order books and recruitment declining.

The data shows cashflow to be an ongoing issue, with cost pressures continuing to increase, creating a challenging environment for all businesses.

Mark Casci, head of policy and representation at the Chamber, said: “This latest QES shows that Yorkshire’s economy is stabilising but not strengthening.

“Across the region, businesses are showing resilience in the face of continued uncertainty. Encouragingly, domestic trading conditions have improved, particularly within the service sector, where modest growth signals that underlying demand has held firm. This is an important foundation. However, the lack of momentum in order books tells its own story – one where confidence remains tentative and the outlook uncertain.

“The labour market reflects this mixed picture, with job creation is being driven primarily by the service sector.

“Taken together, this quarter’s results point to an economy that is holding its ground rather than accelerating. There are clear signs of resilience, but also clear signs of risk. Sustained growth will require stronger demand, improved export performance and a more stable operating environment for businesses to plan and invest with confidence.

“As ever, these findings underline the importance of creating the conditions in which businesses can thrive – supporting investment, unlocking trade opportunities and addressing the cost pressures that continue to shape the economic landscape.”

David Bharier, Deputy Director Economics and Insight, at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The continued fall in SME investment sentiment is further evidence of a longer-term pattern that no single shock explains.

“Our data shows a risk-aversion cycle taking hold. Firms have not lost ambition, but years of compounding cost pressures and geopolitical shocks have produced defensive behaviour for the average SME.

“Most firms are now experiencing policy as downside risk rather than opportunity – with the rise in employer NICs a prominent example, still being felt almost two years on. Reducing the cost and complexity of the administrative burden would give many firms the space to grow.

“But more broadly, government policy needs to pass a ‘growth delivery test’. Each proposal should start from the question of exactly how it will cause firms to increase investment, exports, hiring, or expansion. Until that test is being applied, our survey is likely to show the same pattern quarter after quarter.

“The challenge for the new Prime Minister and his team is clear.”

The three-day event, at Brancepeth Castle in Durham, runs from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, bringing around 70 stalls of handmade goods, workshops and family activities to the historic venue.

The fair is open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 12 noon to 5pm on Sunday.

What can visitors expect?

Visitors can browse and buy work from artists and makers from across the North East, as well as explore parts of the privately owned castle.

Organisers say the fair will showcase some of “the best arts and crafts the region has to offer”, with stalls set up throughout the castle and grounds.

Items on sale will include fine art, photography, jewellery, textiles, pottery, glassware, leather craft, woodwork, sculpture, clothing, household items, upcycling pieces, luxury local foods and ales and garden plants.

The castle’s private chapel and archives room will be open for people to look around, and there will be a medieval re-enactment group and children’s activities in the church.

As well as shopping, visitors can try a range of craft skills, with workshops planned in woodturning, bookbinding, pastel landscapes and more.

Food will also be a major part of the day, with homemade hot and cold dishes, cakes and scones served in the castle cafes.

Parking and access

There is free parking on site, with level access throughout the venue for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs. Disabled parking is available although limited.

The fair operates a system of timed entry slots manage the flow of visitors. People are asked to arrive within their booked slot but can then stay as long as they wish until closing time at 5pm.

Those with standard entry tickets who arrive in the first hour may be asked to pay the difference or wait for entry.

The first hour of each day costs £5.50 for adults and £5 for visitors aged 66 and over.

Standard entry at all other times is £4.50, or £4 for over 66s. Children under 14 can go in free if they are accompanied by an adult.

The fair will be signposted on approach and there is a regular bus service every 20 minutes between Durham and Crook on the X46 route.

Food and drink

There are two cafés open during the fair – Café Express opens onto the courtyard lawns and offers a quick service and shorter menu.

The Castle Café is at the opposite end of the fair, with more seating and a wider choice.

Before entering or after leaving the fair, Café Burgschneider in the Gatehouse is available with a range including a selection of coffees and German cakes.

Crowd advice

Organisers say the quietest time to visit is between 2pm and 5pm.

A spokesperson said: “This is a quieter time, so you can take your time to really engage with each stall and is especially recommended for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs.”

Tickets can be prebooked online via the Brancepeth Castle website or bought on the gate.

By ISABEL BALDWIN, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR and DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE

Updated: 23:37 BST, 6 July 2026

France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has branded Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla ‘despicable and unworthy’ of her position after she directed a torrent of racist abuse at him

France superstar Kylian Mbappe has labelled Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla ‘despicable and unworthy’ of her position following a vile racist outburst on social media. The Real Madrid forward scored the only goal as Les Bleus claimed a 1-0 win over the South American nation in the Round of 16.

The ill-tempered encounter saw Didier Deschamps’ side battle through a bruising contest in which the Paraguayans remarkably escaped without a single yellow card despite a succession of reckless challenges on the World Cup favourites. France will now take on Morocco in the quarter-finals, yet the controversy surrounding Thursday’s match continues to rumble on.

Amarilla serves as a senator for Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, and the political figure has made no effort to hide her anger following her country’s exit from the tournament.

The 61-year-old unleashed a torrent of abuse across social media, directing a series of vicious posts laden with foul language and racial undertones directly at Mbappe.

Several days after France’s progression, with their attention firmly focused on securing a semi-final place at yet another World Cup, Mbappe publicly confronted Amarilla. He wrote in a tweet: “Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position.

“You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition. Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.

“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.”

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The French Football Federation condemned Amarilla’s comments, describing them as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable” and confirmed they would be forwarding them to the public prosecutor’s office with a view to pursuing legal action.

In a statement, they said: “The racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Kylian Mbappé are utterly abhorrent and unacceptable. How can anyone make such comments?

“These remarks are criminal and deserve condemnation. They must be prosecuted, here and elsewhere. The FFF is referring the matter to the public prosecutor’s office with a view to legal proceedings.

“The Federation offers its full support to its captain, its players and, more broadly, to all victims of such hateful remarks. More than ever, the FFF remains committed to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination.

“These comments bring shame on those who make them and those who spread them. The players of the French national team represent France, it is our country that has been insulted.

“It appears that Amarilla’s social media activity against Mbappe isn’t an isolated incident, as she warned not to let her into the stadium, as she threatened to turn into a hardcore fan before expressing disdain towards the footballer.”

The aftermath from the unsavoury confrontation in New York has spilt over into the media, with Deschamps claiming he was subjected to abuse following the victory. Meanwhile, former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert sparked a racism row ahead of the fixture after suggesting that the tournament favourites are a ‘squad from Africa’.

Warning: Distressing description of animal cruelty.

An animal charity has described one of the ‘most distressing cases’ it has ever seen after it was called to a badly burned dog.

NSPCA inspectors are investigating the charred remains of a dog outside an estate in Ballymun, a suburb just outside Dublin.

The NSPCA has appealed to the public to help solve what it described as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty their officers have encountered

Inspectors ‘did everything possible’ to identify the animal, including scanning for a microchip on Thursday.

‘Tragically, the remains were so badly damaged that identification was not possible.

‘Inspectors also discovered what appeared to be a stick or pole lodged in the dog’s body,’ they said.

They added: ‘This is one of the most distressing cases our Inspectors have encountered. No animal should ever suffer or be treated in this way.’

The NSPCA is appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything that could assist in its enquiries, ‘no matter how insignificant it may seem’.

‘Your information could make all the difference,’ it said. Adding: ‘All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.’

Asked by Metro about rumours spread by Turning Point UK the dog had been eaten, a Garda spokesperson said the force ‘does not comment on material posted online, which cannot be verified’.

The force are investigating the death.

The NSPCA has been contacted for further comment.

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Trying is back on Apple TV after a two-year hiatus.

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Trying season five is arriving sooner than you might expect, continuing from that shocking cliffhanger.

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith return as couple Jason and Nikki, who have endured a rollercoaster fertility journey since the very beginning in the Apple TV and BBC comedy-drama.

At long last, they managed to adopt siblings Princess and Tyler, with the programme jumping forward to their teenage years where yet another twist emerged in season four’s closing moments.

As anticipation grows for its comeback, here’s everything you need to know before Trying season five.

Trying Season 5 release date

Trying season five debuts on Wednesday, July 8, on Apple TV with fresh episodes dropping every Wednesday.

The latest series will comprise eight episodes, with the finale scheduled to land on Wednesday, August 26.

An official BBC or BBC iPlayer release date is yet to be confirmed, though previous series have generally appeared roughly a year following its Apple TV launch.

What is Trying Season 5 about?

Trying Season 5 will pick up from the dramatic finale of series four when Princess and Tyler’s biological mother Kat turned up unexpectedly.

Her appearance throws a spanner in the works for their settled family life, with Jason and Nikki poised to confront even more fresh challenges as they navigate this enormous disruption.

Trying Season 5 cast

Under Salt Marsh star Rafe Spall and Cuckoo’s Esther Smith reprise their roles as couple Jason Ross and Nikki Newman.

They will be joined by Kat, Princess and Tyler’s biological mother, portrayed by actress Charlotte Riley, best known for her roles in Peaky Blinders, The Take and Wuthering Heights.

Newcomer to Trying for its fifth series is The Thursday Murder Club’s Celia Imrie, who takes on the role of Harriet, an “upper-class hoarder” whom Jason encounters while training for a new job.

The Paper’s Gbemisola Ikumelo steps in as Chrissy, a hard-pressed social worker, while Merlin and The Killing Kind’s Colin Morgan takes on the role of Kerry, Nikki’s easy-going colleague and confidante.

Trying Season 5 premieres on Wednesday, July 8, on Apple TV.

Streaming platform subscribers may qualify for part of a massive $50 million settlement that The Walt Disney Company has been ordered to pay to consumers.

Subscribers of YouTubeTV, DirecTV Stream, and FuboTV filed an antitrust class action lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company that argued it was engaged in “various forms of conduct to raise the prices of Streaming Live Pay Television.”

The plaintiffs argued that Disney tied live TV service programming it controls — like ABC, ESPN, and Hulu — to its basic streaming options as a way to “inflate prices marketwide by raising the prices of its own products,” according to NEXSTAR, citing the lawsuit.

The complaint points to Disney increasing its prices for its Hulu + Live TV package in late 2022 to $74.99 per month, up from $69.99 per month. In the months after Disney raised its prices, DirecTV and YouTubeTV followed suit.

The plaintiffs have asked for “damages as well as injunctive relief to halt and unwind Disney’s anticompetitive practices.”

The Independent has requested comment from Disney.

Disney has not admitted wrongdoing, but has agreed to pay out a partial settlement with YouTube TV and DirecTV, according to Yahoo Finance.

The settlement covers a period of seven years, meaning anyone who subscribed to YouTubeTV or DirectTV Stream between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026, are eligible for the settlement.

Those who are unsure if they are eligible can call 1-877-704-2517 for more information.

Eligible claimants have until September 8 to submit a claim. Qualifying subscribers were sent notices in the mail or by email. Those messages contain a unique ID that claimants will need to use to file their claims online.

The total amount claimants can expect to receive will vary based on a number of factors, including how many claims are filed, where the claimant lives, and how long the subscriber was paying for the eligible services.

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for January 14, 2027. Should the judge approve the settlement, payments typically will be made 90 days from that date.

FuboTV, while included in the original lawsuit, has yet to reach a settlement with Disney, which purchased Fubo in 2025. That portion of the lawsuit is still pending.