A new ISA is set to be introduced for first-time buyers which will replace the Lifetime ISA

The government has issued an update to anyone with a Lifetime ISA (LISA) amid concerns that penalties could be introduced for existing holders. A LISA is a UK government-backed savings account that was introduced in 2017, designed for people aged 18–39 to save for their first property or retirement.

You can save up to £4,000 a year in a LISA towards a first home costing up to £450,000. The government offers a 25 per cent bonus of up to £1,000 a year, but if you withdraw money for any other reason other than a house or retirement, you can incur a 25 per cent penalty.

In the 2025 autumn budget, the government announced it is consulting on replacing the LISA with a new, simpler ISA product to help those buying their first home. Dame Meg Hillier, Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, issued a statement following the Budget in November.

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“In our report, we concluded that the Lifetime ISA is too complex. One concern we raised related to its dual-purpose of saving for both a home and retirement, which results in poor outcomes for savers. We argued that it would make more sense to create two separate, tailored policies which genuinely help people achieve those goals,” said Meg.

“The Chancellor acknowledging the need to replace the Lifetime ISA with a simpler product specifically to help people saving for a home is a step in the right direction. We look forward to seeing what the Treasury proposes next year.”

An update from HMRC in January confirmed that the new ISA product only be available for first-time buyers. It also confirmed that the government’s bonus will be provided when used to buy a house. HMRC also said this would remove the need for a withdrawal charge.

With the consultation scheduled to take place in early 2026, the government has now issued an update regarding the potential penalty that LISA holders could face when switching to the new ISA product, as well as rules for existing holders.

In the House of Commons daily report from Tuesday (March 24), the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, was asked: “On Individual Savings Accounts, whether existing Lifetime ISA holders will be permitted to transfer their savings without penalty into the new product that will be offered in place of the Lifetime ISA.”

Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, responded: “At Autumn Budget 2025, the Government announced that it will consult in early 2026on introducing a new, simpler ISA product for first time buyers. The new ISA product will be offered in place of the Lifetime ISA.

“The consultation will consider how existing Lifetime ISA holders should be treated, including any potential transitional arrangements or transfer options. It will remain possible to open a Lifetime ISA until the new product becomes available and for account holders to continue to save into their Lifetime ISA in line with the existing rules indefinitely.”

Mr Brittin, who will become the 18th director-general of the BBC, said: “Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast-changing world. At its best, it shows us, and the world, who we are. It’s an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity. I’m honoured and excited to be asked to serve as director-general.

An Australian black comedy crime series has returned for another instalment on Prime Video

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The “best murder mystery on TV” has made its comeback for another series, leaving fans clamouring for more. Australian black comedy crime drama Deadloch first arrived on Prime Video back in 2023. Conceived by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, the narrative unfolds in Deadloch, a fictional Tasmanian town.

As the series begins, the tranquil coastal community is rattled when a local man’s corpse washes up on the shore. Two female detectives reluctantly join forces to lead the investigation: the meticulous Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins (Kate Box), and the impulsive and reckless Detective Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami). The duo are assisted by enthusiastic Constable Abby Matsuda (Nina Oyama) and Officer Sven Alderman (Tom Ballard).

The killing occurred during the town’s annual Winter Festival, with the investigation compelling Dulcie and Eddie to navigate each other’s vastly different working methods.

Following a predominantly favourable response to its debut series, the programme was swiftly commissioned for another run, which launched on the platform earlier this month. Hollywood star Luke Hemsworth has notably joined the ensemble, reports the Express.

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The second series sees the programme entering a “gothic” phase, with events unfolding in Australia’s Northern Territory. Detectives Dulcie and Eddie travel to Darwin to examine the death of Eddie’s former policing colleague. However, their intentions are quickly redirected when human remains are uncovered in a remote settlement called Barra Creek.

“Sticky, sweaty and juggling comprehensive thrush infections, the detectives find themselves embroiled in a world of crocodile-fuelled tourism, overstretched Indigenous rangers, cagey locals, and seven-metre prehistoric predators – all of whom call Barra Creek’s stretch of land, and water, their home,” the synopsis continues.

“As the humidity builds, and Eddie and Dulcie dig deeper, more questions arise for our duo – not only about the case, but the many secrets that lie beneath the surface of this small town.”

The second series has already garnered glowing reviews from critics, with The Telegraph dubbing the programme “the best murder mystery on TV”. Meanwhile, Decider commended its “wickedly funny” cast.

Fans have also been expressing their excitement, with one viewer posting on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m obsessed with watching #Deadloch season 2.”

Another contributed: “#Deadloch season 2 is as chaotic as I’d hoped,” whilst a third commented: “Damn.. I kinda.. a little bit.. a lot.. want more #Deadloch. Amazon give us season 3.”

An IMDb user likewise remarked: “I need more seasons! When I started episode 1, I wasn’t sure what tone they were going with. But by the end of the first episode, I got it – the intent was to be much funnier than I expected. Then I was hooked, I binged it and have watched it several times over. This has to be everyone’s favourite show.”

Another contributed: “Deadloch delivers on all fronts. This comedy-drama successfully sets up a mystery that is hard to guess than some of the mystery dramas that take themselves more seriously. You have to watch this!”

A third fan shared similar views, stating: “I haven’t laughed out loud so many times in such a long time. It’s weird, quirky and dark. If you love Australian humour and some crime, this is it! It will keep you guessing and crying with laughter all at the same time.”

Deadloch is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video

The mass exit came moments after the Prime Minister labelled Nigel Farage an ‘absolute disgrace’

Reform UK MPs walked out of the House of Commons chamber during Prime Minister’s Questions after Sir Keir Starmer labelled Nigel Farage an ‘absolute disgrace’, the Mirror reports.

MPs jeered and said “bye” as they walked out at around lunchtime today (Wednesday, March 25). Tory turncoat and newbie Reform member Robert Jenrick was the last to leave as the party threw a collective tantrum this morning.

Before the exit, Mr Farage had said: “Smash the gangs. That is what the Prime Minister promised us. ‘Trust me, I will stop the boats from coming’.

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“But 70,000 later and 1,000 in the last week, and too many young men that pose a threat to national security,” Mr Farage continued. “Is it not time to admit ‘smash the gangs’ has been a total abject failure, along frankly, with most of his other policies, and isn’t it now time he told us, as summer approaches, what is Plan B?”

Sir Keir replied: “This is from the man and the party that voted against giving law enforcement counter-terrorism style powers to tackle it. So he wants a grievance, he doesn’t want it sorted.”

Moments before this exchange, the Prime Minister announced that donations in cryptocurrencies would be blocked after the Rycroft review set out the “stark threats posed by illicit finance”.

“I hope that will be welcomed across the House,” he said. “There is only one party leader who has shown he will say anything, no matter how divisive, if he is paid to do so.”

Mr Farage ignored the Sir Keir’s jibe before challenging the Labour leader over his record on small boat migrants.

A tearful Savannah Guthrie, in her first interview since her 84-year-old mother was apparently abducted from her Arizona home, said that “someone needs to do the right thing” and come forward with information to help the investigation.

“We are in agony,” she told NBC News colleague Hoda Kotb in a portion of the interview aired Wednesday on the “Today” show. She said she wakes up in the middle of each night thinking of what her mother went through.

NBC said Wednesday that a full interview with its “Today” show host will air on the program Thursday and Friday. It is Guthrie’s first interview since her mother was reported missing on Feb. 1. Based on security footage, authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped or otherwise taken against her will.

Both Guthrie and Kotb were crying during the brief portion of the interview aired on Wednesday. Kotb, Guthrie’s former co-host, has returned to “Today” while her former colleague has been away.

While Guthrie said that while it is unbearable to think of the terror her mother must have felt, “those thoughts demand to be thought. And I will not hide my face. But she needs to come home now.”

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Savannah Guthrie has been a co-host of NBC’s morning show since 2012, and is expected to return at some point, although no date has been set as she spends time with her family.

Despite offering a $1 million reward for information, there has been little movement in the investigation. Guthrie’s family last weekend appealed to neighbors in Arizona to search back through their memories for anything they might have seen that could help the investigation. “No detail is too small,” they said.

Kotb said Wednesday that “there is a desperation and a steeliness about Savannah. She hopes that somebody, whoever that person is, will say something.”

We’re offering one lucky reader four free tickets to Alton Towers Resort theme park – including an overnight stay with buffet breakfast, Gold Fastrack Passes, a family ticket to the Waterpark & nine holes of Extraordinary Golf.

To celebrate the launch of a brand new ride for 2026 – Bluey The Ride: Here come the Grannies!, we have teamed up with Alton Towers Resort to give one lucky winner an overnight stay at Alton Towers Hotel or Splash Landings Hotel for a family of four (two adults and two children under the age of 12) with buffet breakfast, 1-day Theme Park Entry, Gold Fastrack Passes, a family ticket to the Waterpark & nine holes of Extraordinary Golf.

For the first time ever a Bluey junior coaster made for kiddos and big imaginations opens on 28th March 2026! Bluey and Bingo dressed up as the Grannies, Janet and Rita, get up to some grannies-themed mischief through Bluey’s backyard, whisking you over gentle dips, around turns, and through colourful trees, flowers, and playful surprises.

Spot Bluey’s House in the interactive queue, take selfies, and enjoy fun play activities before your ride. And that’s not all, Bluey super-fans can meet Bluey and her family at the Bluey Live experience within Big Fun Show Time or stay for the ultimate Bluey sleepover at the award-winning CBeebies Land Hotel.

Watch your children’s faces light up, as you share giggle-packed first coaster memories together. A colourful, playful adventure for the whole family awaits!

Alton Towers Resort is filled with unforgettable moments waiting to be made. Offering fantastical realms of adventure and thrill, Britain’s Greatest Escape promises excitement for all ages. From world-class rides and attractions, like the iconic Nemesis Reborn, to the excitement of the UK’s only CBeebies Land, treat your family to the ultimate adventure this year.

HOW TO ENTER – Simply complete the entry form below for your chance to win this amazing prize, click here if you cannot view the entry form;

This competition closes at 11:45pm on 26th April, 2026.

Extend the fun with a fantastical short break in one of the Resort’s on-site hotels, packed to the rafters with exclusive entertainment, delicious dining and uniquely themed rooms, you’ll discover non stop adventure from morning to night at the UK’s number one them park!

Newcastle Racecourse will host the event on Good Friday, April 3, alongside the All-Weather Championships final, with tickets starting at £39 for two adults and up to six children.

Families can enjoy a day packed with entertainment, including circus workshops, magic shows, live dance performances, and a K-Pop Queens meet and greet.

There will also be a funfair, inflatable zone, Easter treasure hunt, and free Easter egg giveaways from a superhero and princess.

A circus-themed family fun day will be held at Newcastle Racecourse on Good Friday, alongside the All-Weather Championships final, offering entertainment for all ages (Image: Supplied)

The £39 ticket package includes admission to seven flat races, circus activities, magic shows, and the full line-up of themed attractions.

Additional activities such as face painting and K-Pop hair braiding are available at a small extra cost.

Food options are also available, including a Taylors of North Shields Fish & Chips – a family of four package is just £60 for two adults, two children, two racecards and fish and chippies all round.

Gates open at 11.45am, with the first race starting at 1.15pm and the last scheduled for 4.45pm.

Tickets can be purchased from the Newcastle Racecourse website.