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Excessive noise from new station ruining ‘peace and calm’ of allotments

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Cambridgeshire Live

Cambridge South opened as the city’s newest station in June, but residents have said the announcements are too loud

Cambridge residents living near to the city’s latest train station have said platform announcements are so loud it has ruined the “peace and calm” of their allotments. Cambridge South opened to passengers at the end of June, linking Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the biomedical campus and Trumpington to the rail network.

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But residents on nearby Clay Farm say the announcement system is so loud they can hear it from their homes and, especially from the allotments in Hobson’s Park. Philippa Slatter, a resident and former councillor, said there was a lot of concern from residents who go to their allotments for peace and quiet.

The 75-year-old said: “I should not be able to know where the next train is going to, but I can hear it from the allotments and I can hear it from my back garden.”

She said many use the area for a much-needed break from high-pressure jobs on the biomedical campus and the noise has interrupted the peace and tranquility.

She said: “I personally just try to ignore it, but if somebody is feeling stressed it may be even more distressing for them.”

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One of the plots was set up by the local GP practice, called Gardening for Health, where patients and staff meet to grow vegetables.

Ms Slatter said: “For some of the people coming to that, on some days it is very distressing, and I’m particularly concerned about them. We never know what other people’s lives are like, we never know what people have left in the ward when they came off duty and for them that bit of stress is quite strong.”

A volunteer from the Gardening for Health plot said: “Some of our volunteers specifically come for the peace and calm of being in nature, and then we hear the station announcements and it completely ruins the vibe!”

One resident, who did not give their name, said their allotment “is no longer a tranquil, peaceful escape”, but another said they will “get used to the noise” and are pleased to have a station “so close to home”.

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Cllr Olaf Hauk, of Trumpington, said Cambridge City Council’s officers investigated after concerns were raised but found the noise “did not constitute a statutory noise nuisance”. But, they found some announcements were “clearly audible several hundred metres from the station” and “could potentially cause problems, particularly during evenings and at night”.

The Lib Dem councillor said: “We and council officers have raised this directly with Greater Anglia, who acknowledged that there are still ‘teething problems’ with the station’s sound system and agreed that further work is needed. Their engineers are reviewing the system and individual announcement settings to identify and reduce excessively loud announcements.

“We are delighted to have Cambridge South station in Trumpington and recognise the enormous benefits it brings to the Biomedical Campus and sustainable transport for the wider community. However, a new station of this scale will inevitably have some teething problems.

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“As local Lib Dem councillors, we will continue to push hard to make sure these are resolved and that Cambridge South works well for everyone – in particular the residents who live around it.”

A spokesperson for Greater Anglia said they were aware of the concerns and have been in contact with the council’s environmental health team and residents.

They said: “We have met with Cambridge City Council’s environmental health team and local residents, and we are also in contact with Clay Farm residents. We will continue to monitor the announcements and make any appropriate adjustments accordingly.”

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Bali rocked by wild new police sex probe as two female scooter drivers keep their crash helmets on while pleasuring tourist – just days after an Aussie was busted having sex in the street on CCTV

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Two female Bali scooter drivers have been caught on camera performing a lewd act with a lone tourist outside a private home in the holiday hotspot

Two female Bali scooter drivers have been caught on camera performing a lewd act with a lone tourist outside a private home in the Indonesian holiday hotspot.

The X-rated encounter, captured on a home security system, happened at 2.33am on Thursday, August 20, outside a home in Canggu, North Kuta. 

CCTV footage shows the group hiding in a doorway, where it appears they began to negotiate a price.

The man, dressed casually in boardshorts and thongs, can be seen opening his wallet before waving notes in the air.

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After some brief haggling, it appears a deal was agreed to and the women, both still wearing their crash helmets, checked their surroundings before the man pulled down his pants.

Both women can be seen looking directly at the camera on several occasions, with one encouraging the other to be quiet as she pointed towards it.

One woman then performed a sex act on the man as he continued to stand in the doorway in full view of the camera, while the second woman watched on.

A short time later, both women walked away, leaving the man standing alone with his pants down and still clutching his cash.

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Two female Bali scooter drivers have been caught on camera performing a lewd act with a lone tourist outside a private home in the holiday hotspot

The footage shows the group hiding in a doorway, where it appears they began to negotiate a price

The footage shows the group hiding in a doorway, where it appears they began to negotiate a price

Badung Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident after the footage circulated on social media.

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According to police, the homeowner was playing an online game in a room near the entrance when she heard whispering sounds outside and checked security cameras.

Badung Police spokesperson Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti said preliminary checks had confirmed the incident took place outside the entrance to a local resident’s home.

‘There are three people, one man allegedly a foreigner and two other women allegedly Indonesian,’ police said.

‘After she saw the CCTV monitor, she immediately ran out of her room trying to check what happened. However, all three immediately ran away from the house.’

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Police said the homeowner later posted the footage to Instagram in an effort to deter the behaviour after several similar incidents in the area.

The identity of all three people is now the subject of a police investigation, with speculation the women may be Gojek or Grab scooter drivers, similar to Uber.

While both rideshares are popular in Bali, neither woman is dressed in company uniform, but locals suggest they may have removed them to operate in the suburb.

The homeowner later posted the footage to Instagram in an effort to deter similar behaviour after several similar incidents in the area.

The homeowner later posted the footage to Instagram in an effort to deter similar behaviour after several similar incidents in the area.

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Badung Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident after the footage was circulated on social media

Badung Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident after the footage was circulated on social media

‘Gojek and Grab are banned from picking up outside Finns Beach Club and other busy tourist areas close by,’ said one. 

‘So lots of the scooters that operate in the area are not in uniform.’ 

If the tourist is identified and charged, he could face up to 18 months in prison for committing an obscene act in public.

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If police establish that sex was offered or arranged in exchange for money, separate laws concerning the facilitation of prostitution may also apply.

Under Indonesia’s new Criminal Code, a person who connects or facilitates another person to commit an obscene act can face up to two years in prison.

The explicit footage emerged after Bali police last week began a manhunt for an Australian tourist caught on camera having sex in the street with a mystery woman.

The couple engaged in the lurid act at a property in Tibubeneng village, in North Kuta, around 6.30pm on Saturday.

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A homeowner stumbled across the pair when she walked into her yard on her way to prayer.

She shouted at them to stop but the man and woman continued before the homeowner ran back into her house. 

The couple engaged in the lurid act at a property in Tibubeneng village, in North Kuta, around 6.30pm on Saturday

The couple engaged in the lurid act at a property in Tibubeneng village, in North Kuta, around 6.30pm on Saturday 

North Kuta Police chief Ketut Sukadana said police had identified the Australian man in the footage but the search for him was still ongoing

North Kuta Police chief Ketut Sukadana said police had identified the Australian man in the footage but the search for him was still ongoing 

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CCTV captured the full 15 minutes of the public act of intimacy. The couple were later seen casually walking away afterwards.

North Kuta Police chief Ketut Sukadana said police had identified the Australian man in the footage but the search for him was still ongoing.

‘He is still being sought with ongoing coordination with immigration authorities,’ he said.

In Bali, sexual intercourse in public is believed to bring bad energy to a house.

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The homeowner was forced to perform a Hindu ceremony to expel the bad energy.

‘The indecent acts have the potential to cause public concern,’ Sukadana said.

‘It may negatively affect the image of security and tourism in the North Kuta area if the matter is not addressed and handled seriously by taking firm action against the perpetrators, whether under local customary law or national law.’

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Manchester United sent huge new double transfer update with fourth signing today

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Manchester United sent huge new double transfer update with fourth signing today

“I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you’re not here 100 per cent, so it’s best that you stay at home and clear your mind,” Flick said after the 5-0 thrashing of Elche, for which Marc Casado and Hector Font were also not involved. “We will talk again tomorrow.”

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Massive fire rips through parking site used by Gatwick Airport as cars destroyed

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Daily Record

A major fire tore through a Gatwick Airport holiday parking site in West Sussex, destroying several cars and cutting power to more than 2,000 homes

A massive blaze has torn through a well-known parking facility used by holidaymakers departing from Gatwick Airport, leaving multiple vehicles destroyed in its wake. Emergency crews rushed to tackle the substantial and challenging fire at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, shortly before 9pm on Saturday 22 August.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service confirmed the blaze engulfed a workshop, various vehicles (including electric and heavy goods vehicles), and cylinders. Several cars caught in the flames belonged to holiday parking services, and those impacted have been told to get in touch with their operator directly.

Sussex Police confirmed a 67-year-old man was detained on suspicion of arson. He has been released on bail while further investigations continue.

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UK Power Networks had to disconnect electricity to over 2,000 properties while firefighters dealt with the incident, impacting numerous businesses and households, and surrounding roads were shut as a safety measure.

Vulnerable residents received support from West Sussex County Council’s Resilience and Emergencies Team, and power has now been reinstated. No casualties were reported, reports the Express.

Firefighting teams are still on site today extinguishing remaining hotspots, with crews expecting to depart later today. A combined fire investigation involving West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Sussex Police has been initiated.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “On Saturday (22 August) at 8.56pm we were alerted to fire at Wallage Lane in Rowfant.

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“Crews have been at the scene since the initial 999 call, responding to a significant and complex fire involving a workshop, vehicles (including electric and heavy goods vehicles), and cylinders.

“A number of vehicles involved in this fire were parked at a site used for holiday parking. Any affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly.

“On Saturday night local residents and nearby businesses experienced a temporary loss of electricity as an overhead power line needed to be isolated. Vulnerable customers were supported by West Sussex County Council’s Resilience and Emergencies Team, and the electricity supply has since been restored.

“Fire crews have been at the scene this morning (24 August) damping down hotspots, and we are hoping to leave the scene later on today.

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“Fortunately there were no casualties as a result of this fire.

“A joint fire investigation is now ongoing with Sussex Police. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08.”

Meanwhile, officers are urging members of the public to stay away from the area.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Rowfant fire Police and fire service colleagues responded to a large fire in Caldyne Business Park, Rowfant, just after 9pm on Saturday 22 August. Power was shut off to the immediate area, affecting a number of businesses and homes, and nearby roads were closed as a precaution.

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“A number of cars were damaged at a site used for holiday parking. Any affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly.

“Emergency services remain on scene at this time and the public are advised to avoid the area. A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson.

“He has since been bailed, pending further enquiries. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08.”

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Chemises And Slip Dresses Are Perfect For Transitional Dressing

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Chemises And Slip Dresses Are Perfect For Transitional Dressing

You wouldn’t think wearing something akin to a nightgown would be popular for transitional dressing.

But as the weather (hopefully…) starts to cool down, there’s one style we’re seeing over and over again, from celebs on pap walks to high street stores.

You guessed it: slip dresses, skirts, and chemises.

Once exclusively reserved for a sexy bedroom moment, these dresses have really taken off during the heatwave (because, duh, minimal coverage).

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And it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere for autumn. Whether you pair yours with a Mary Jane or a jelly shoe and call it a day, or layer it over jeans with a loafer and a cardigan, is entirely up to you.

We’ve done the heavy lifting of finding the best slip dresses and skirts to shop now, from as little as £40.

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Melania Trump tells Donald ‘I can’t take anymore’ as tense exchange spotted by lip reader

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Daily Mirror

EXCLUSIVE: Following Donald and Melania Trump’s appearance at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a professional lip reader has exclusively shared his verdict on a conversation between the pair

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s apparently tense exchange has been uncovered by a lip reader. The world’s most powerful couple were in attendance at the Freedom 250 IndyCar Grand Prix in Washington DC yesterday (August 23). And cameras appeared to pick up on a passionate conversation between the pair.

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In a 26-second clip shared on the platform X, Melania is seen seemingly saying something into her spouse’s ear as he appears to listen intently. The 56-year-old could then be seen moving her hair away as she eagerly waited for a response. Once she received one, the wife of Trump went on to say more to her spouse before holding up two fingers.

Professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman exclusively told the Mirror that, although their exchange cannot be fully seen, he believed she said as part of their chat: “It happened two times.”

Furthermore, he suggested Melania said, “Are you?” to the President in what Jeremy perceived was said in a “snappy” manner. She also supposedly cryptically said: “That’s the problem, people react”. At the end, Trump added: “I know.”

As they concluded their apparent tense exchange, Jeremy believes she told Trump: “I can’t take anymore.” Users of the platform have also commented on the clip, with one writing: “To me it looks like they are having a serious discussion about something,” while another commented: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them interact this much in public.”

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At the event, the pair were reportedly joined by family members and White House staffers, including Trump’s executive assistant Natalie Harp.

In another short clip from the race, Trump’s aide is seen going over to speak to the President briefly after Melania leaves.

Personal correspondence from the aide to the president, obtained and published by the Daily Beast, has recently circulated widely online.

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The letters appear to reveal her emotional connection to Trump, including one in which she refers to him as her “guardian and protector.”

In the text, reportedly written in 2023, she expressed: “I never want to bring you anything but joy. I’m sorry I lost my focus. You are all that matters to me. I don’t want to ever let you down. Thank you for being my Guardian and Protector in this Life.”

The wife of Trump has spent considerable time away from Washington since her husband’s return to office, including time in New York City to be close to her son, Barron. However, reports about her exact living arrangements have varied.

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Speaking at an event last week, she made a joke about her extended absences from public life.

“I heard you missed me. Here I am,” she said with a laugh. “Here I am! Welcome to the White House.” Meanwhile, the first lady is reportedly preparing to launch a new series offering fans a deeper look into her life.

This comes following the release of her Amazon MGM documentary, Melania, which followed the weeks leading up to Trump’s second inauguration.

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Andy Burnham arrives in Kyiv for first foreign visit as he hands over top secret Storm Shadow missile plans

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Andy Burnham laid a wreath and flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the National Military Cemetery, as part of events marking the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991

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Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv for his first foreign visit today – as he hands over top secret missile plans.

The PM is in the Ukrainian capital for the country’s independence day after travelling overnight by train.

He is announcing that European defence firm MBDA has been given permission to share information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile.

This means the ‘deep precision’ Scalp, a French-produced version of the UK’s Storm Shadow using both countries’ technology, could now be produced locally in Ukraine.

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The weapons are critical for long-range strikes reaching targets in Russia. 

Andy Burnham laid a wreath and flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the National Military Cemetery, as part of events marking the country’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991

The PM is in the Ukraine capital for the country's independence day after travelling overnight by train

The PM is in the Ukraine capital for the country’s independence day after travelling overnight by train

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Mr Burnham laid a wreath and flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the National Military Cemetery, as part of events marking the country’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

During the ceremony, he spoke to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who told the Prime Minister ‘we are in a war period’ and warned of Ukraine’s difficulties repelling Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Later, Mr Burnham will chair his first meeting of the ‘coalition of the willing’, and accept an award on behalf of the British people recognising the UK’s support.

He is also set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was the first foreign leader to visit 10 Downing Street after Mr Burnham took over from Keir Starmer.

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It follows the Kremlin warning of ‘consequences’ over UK drones being used by Ukraine to strike far into Russia.

Moscow said the deeper Britain became involved, ‘the higher price it will pay’.

Mr Burnham said: ‘On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, its people should be in no doubt: The UK is behind you.

‘In the fight and the rebuilding to come, we stand with Ukraine. Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down till there is a lasting peace.’

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But Russia said relations with Britain are at ‘an unprecedentedly low level’ as it ordered its ambassador Andrey Kelin back to Moscow after seven years in post.

Mr Kelin has accused the UK of choosing ‘a path of confrontation’ with Russia.

Mr Burnham said: ‘Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve.

‘We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.’

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But his visit comes as Mr Zelensky faces domestic political strife caused by a rift with his former defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who was sacked last month after reportedly falling out with the head of Ukraine’s armed forces.

Mr Fedorov, whose sacking triggered weeks of mass protests, has called for Mr Zelensky to hold elections, arguing democracy ‘should not be the hostage of Putin’.

During the ceremony, he spoke to Finnish President Alexander Stubb (second from left)

During the ceremony, he spoke to Finnish President Alexander Stubb (second from left)

He has also called for Mr Zelensky to face questions over what he knew about alleged corruption in his inner circle.

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Last week, Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities said they had uncovered a money-laundering plot, leading Mr Zelensky to sack one of his senior officials over their alleged involvement.

The president has denied any involvement, telling reporters over the weekend: ‘The heads of anti-corruption agencies have zero questions for me.

‘They understand perfectly well that I am not involved in anything like that.’

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Reform Wants To Prioritise British-Born Workers For Social Housing

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Reform Wants To Prioritise British-Born Workers For Social Housing

Reform UK’s new pledge to prioritise British-born workers for social housing has been torn apart and described as “desperate”.

The right-wing party will today unveil plans to restrict eligibility for social housing on top of its past commitment to fully evict foreign nationals from such accommodation.

The plans mean it will be more difficult for single parents, unemployed people or those born outside of the UK to access social housing.

The party said it “believes social housing should not be a reward for welfare”, and will put British-born workers under the age of 35 at the front of the queue – with priority for married couples with children.

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It also claims their existing pledge to evict foreign nationals entirely will free up around 540,000 social homes.

Reform UK’s business, energy and trade spokesperson Richard Tice said: “There are now 1.3 million people waiting for social housing in Britain.

“The vast majority of them do not have jobs. In terms of the social houses we have, less than half of households are in work and over half a million social homes are currently occupied by foreign nationals.

“Meanwhile, young British men and women, who are working hard, can’t afford to move out of their family home, and when they do often find themself sharing a house with strangers, with no realistic prospect of forming a family or getting on.

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“It is time for us to prioritise young British workers, and that is what our policy is about.”

He added that he would help “generation rent onto the housing ladder” and “get Britain building”.

However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said in January that nearly nine in 10 social homes go to UK nationals.

Sarah Elliott, chief executive of the housing justice charity Shelter, said Tice’s plans were “designed to stoke division” and would only “disrupt the lives of thousands of families, tear communities apart and put even more people at risk of homelessness”.

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“We need politicians to stop scoring cheap political points and get on with building the 90,000 social rent homes a year for the next ten years that we desperately need,” she added.

Francesca Albanese, the director of policy and social change at homelessness charity Crisis, also said the idea risks “scapegoating people who are already facing housing insecurity”.

A Labour spokesperson slammed the announcements as a distraction from the ongoing scrutiny around the party’s finances.

They said: “These unserious and unworkable plans are a desperate bid to shift headlines away from Reform’s sleaze, scandals and infighting.

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“Access to social housing is already tightly controlled.

“Illegal migrants, asylum seekers and migrants on student or work visas are not eligible for social housing.

“This policy would go after long-term UK residents that have contributed to our country but are not British citizens, including NHS staff.

“It would leave more families at risk of homelessness and drive up use of temporary accommodation at the taxpayers’ expense. It would also mean renegotiations with the EU, resulting in years of wrangling.

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“While Reform push gimmicks and division, Labour is doing the hard yards to build more homes and bring back hope across our country.”

The Conservatives’ shadow home secretary James Cleverly said: “This is yet another unfunded announcement from Reform and shows they have not done the hard work needed and is so often the case their maths simply doesn’t stack up.”

He added: “The Conservatives have already set out comprehensive plans to ensure British nationals are at the front of the queue for social housing. Now Reform are trying to catch up.”

Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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Child Benefit warning for millions of parents as payments could stop after August 31

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Daily Mirror

To claim Child Benefit, your child normally has to live with you, or you pay at least the same amount as Child Benefit toward looking after them

Millions of parents have just one week left to renew their Child Benefit payments before they stop.

Child Benefit is worth £27.05 a week for your first child, then £17.90 for any additional child. You can claim it if you are responsible for a child under the age of 16, or if they are under the age of 20 and they stay on in education or training.

But you must notify HMRC if your child is continuing with education or training – and the deadline for doing this is August 31. It comes after thousands of students picked up their GCSE results last week.

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Child Benefit continues for children in full-time, non-advanced education, including A levels, T levels, Scottish Highers, NVQs up to level 3, and certain approved training schemes.

It cannot be claimed for children doing a university degree, a standard apprenticeship in England, or a course that forms part of a job contract.

You can update your Child Benefit claim through the HMRC app or GOV.UK, or by phone or post. Once your child has finished their education or training, Child Benefit payments will continue until whichever of these comes first: the end of February, May 31, August 31 or November 31.

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You must inform HMRC if your child leaves education or training before the course is complete, otherwise you risk being paid money that you are not entitled to.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC Chief Customer Officer, said: “Exam results season is a big moment for teenagers deciding their next steps, and it’s the perfect time for parents to confirm those plans with us.

“Child Benefit is a vital source of support for many families and we don’t want anyone to miss out. It only takes a few minutes using the HMRC app or GOV.UK, so make sure you’re receiving the payments you’re entitled to.”

You can claim the full amount of Child Benefit if you, or your partner, earn under £60,000 a year. If you earn more than this, then the High Income Child Benefit Charge will apply.

If either you earn over £60,000, you have to pay back 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 you earn over £60,000. Child Benefit is effectively wiped out once you earn over £80,000.

To claim Child Benefit, your child normally has to live with you, or you pay at least the same amount as Child Benefit toward looking after them.

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There is no limit for how many children you can claim Child Benefit for – but only one person can make a claim for Child Benefit for any individual child.

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UK’s rarest bird of prey rears new chicks in secret location

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A handout photograph of a small fluffy harrier chicks, with a curved yellow and black beak.

These slender, long-winged raptors make an epic annual migration to Africa in winter and return to Europe to nest over summer, often setting up home in agricultural fields.

But little is known about the behaviour of juvenile harriers once they leave the nest. This year, for the first time, the RSPB has fitted two of the chicks with satellite tags in the hope of providing the birds with better protection.

“It will allow us for the first time ever to work out where they’re going, what migration route, how long they’ll spend there, and will they come back to the UK in the first year or the second year,” said Mark Thomas, head of investigations at the RSPB.

“All of that information is the bit that’s missing from the jigsaw.”

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It is also hoped the tagging can better protect the rare birds from having their nests, on the ground, hidden among crops, inadvertently destroyed.

“This is a species right on the brink, and climate change is not helping that. The harvest here, for example, this year, was like a month earlier than in previous years. So it almost puts any Montagu’s harrier nest at the peril of inadvertently being destroyed by farm machinery,” said Thomas.

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Pensioners’ urgent warning over State Pension payment date

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DWP refunds claimants after admitting fraud penalty errors

Millions of people who receive payments from the DWP for Universal Credit, State Pensions, PIP and other benefits have been reminded ahead of payment date changes due to the August bank holiday next Monday.

While it may be a welcome boost for some people, it will mean the payment has to last longer, and some charities have said it can place extra pressure on already tight budgets.

Why are pension payments changing this week?

Monday, August 31, is a bank holiday when payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) won’t be made.

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If you are due to receive a DWP benefit payment that day, you will now receive it this week – on Friday, August 28.

If your payment is due on a different day, it will arrive in your account as normal, and the amount you are due to be paid will remain the same.

Why does this happen?

When a payment date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, the Department for Work and Pensions says the claimant is generally paid on the working day before, but this can vary.

In a new statement, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier.

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“This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period.”

He added: “This Government is determined to ensure people up and down the country have the support and breathing room they need, which is why we’ve acted to take money off energy bills, increase the National Minimum Wage and lift half a million children out of poverty, as well as supporting people into good, secure jobs.”

These are the benefits that will be affected by the bank holiday weekend:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Child Benefit 
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance 
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance 
  • Pension Credit 
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • State pension 
  • Tax Credits 
  • Universal Credit

While you may be paid earlier in some cases, the money will also have to last you longer, as payment dates will return to normal afterwards.


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Why do payments change in areas that don’t have a bank holiday?

Even when a bank holiday doesn’t fall in all areas of the UK, such as different holidays in Scotland, DWP payments will still be paid earlier. This is because payments are made centrally.

The two remaining bank holidays for 2026 fall on Christmas Day and December 28, as Boxing Day falls on a Saturday this year. 

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Will you be impacted by the payment date change? Let us know in the comments.

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