The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is now audio recording all face-to-face and telephone health assessments for PIP, Universal Credit Work Capability Assessments, ESA and IIDB as standard

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that all disability and sickness benefit claimants will have their assessments recorded as standard, unless they choose to opt out. The move is designed to address widespread concerns over a lack of trust in the system.

The DWP confirmed that all face-to-face and telephone health assessments for such benefits will be audio recorded by default from Monday (June 29), in an effort to improve transparency. The change will affect those being assessed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Work Capability Assessments (WCA) within Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

Previously, claimants were required to opt in to having their assessments recorded, a process taken up by fewer than 3 per cent of people, according to the department. While the DWP confirmed that written reports will continue to form part of the decision-making process, it noted that audio recordings would provide a more accurate account of proceedings when required. Those who do not wish to have their assessment recorded will retain the option to opt out, reports the Daily Record.

Disability and social security minister Sir Stephen Timms said: “Improving transparency and trust in the benefits system is one of this Government’s key aims, which is why we’re making this important change. Audio recording health assessments as standard will mean we are available to make improvements and increase assessment quality, resulting in a better experience for claimants.”

Sir Stephen is heading the Timms Review, which is collecting opinions on PIP and its operation. The DWP has pledged that any modifications to the benefit, which assists more than four million people throughout England and Wales, will not take effect until the review concludes this autumn. The DWP stated the review will ensure PIP is “fit and fair for the future”.

It should be noted that any proposed legislative changes would require parliamentary debate, making it improbable that claimants will witness any reforms this year. An interim report is expected to be published before Parliament rises for summer recess on July 16.

Charles Gillies, from the MS Society, said: “Too often, a flawed PIP process leaves disabled people feeling unseen, unheard and demoralised. Many – including those with MS – find assessments stressful and lacking in transparency. So, automatically recording assessments is a positive step that should help rebuild trust.

“We need to see even more changes to improve transparency, like including clearer information in forms and award letters. The Timms review is our chance to make this happen and create a system based on fairness, dignity and respect.”

The Red Hands lost out to the Kingdom by four points, although Kerry plundered a late goal to withstand a fierce challenge from the Ulster side at Croke Park

Kieran McGeary’s demeanour in the aftermath of Saturday’s narrow loss to Kerry said everything about the mood of the Tyrone camp.

Regret was written all over the face of the 2021 Footballer of the Year. At 31 years of age, McGeary is one of the most experienced members of what is an increasingly well-balanced Tyrone squad with a host of U20 All-Ireland winners coming through to challenge for places in Malachy O’Rourke’s team.

McGeary knows all too well that Championship wins over Kerry are hard to come by.

Saturday was, undoubtedly, a missed opportunity. Nobody outside the camp gave Tyrone a prayer, especially after the Kingdom had whalloped Armagh by 13 points a week earlier in Killarney.

Tyrone tend not to listen to outside noise and they gave the champions one hell of a scare with Armin Heinrich’s last minute goal eventually settling the game in Kerry’s favour.

When it was put to McGeary that the wider public didn’t give Tyrone a hope against Kerry, he replied: “We didn’t care what the general public thought – genuinely didn’t care. If you’re going to come down with no confidence you may as well stay at home.

“That wasn’t a factor. A couple of experts, all the experts had ruled us out. Their own records maybe wouldn’t be deadly in Kerry either so take a look at that.

“It was nip and tuck there. The game plan was going well. I don’t even know the minute exactly but it was going well, point behind.

“I think that they got a couple of simple ones. I haven’t seen any replays yet, but overturned that ’45, Pete Teague’s arm pulled off the clean catch.. . small decisions, you can’t plan for that.

“Paddy (Neilan) did a good job and it’s not easy the tempo of the game, but it’s those factors you can’t plan for.

“We’d done what we wanted to do to that point and then luck didn’t fall in our favour. It is what it is.”

While Tyrone appeared to have some genuine grievances about some big calls that went against them, they also passed up two great goal-scoring opportunities in the second half.

Ronan Cassidy was denied by a great Shane Murphy save while Eoin McElholm’s attempt fizzed over the crossbar.

“You take them, it’s a different game,” reflected McGeary.

“I’m maybe not standing here with a frown on my face. It’s the way it goes, it is why the ’keeper is there. It’s unfortunate so it is – the two lads were brave and they went for it and that’s all you can ask of somebody that age.

“I don’t think we’ve shied away from it at any stage all year and that was the main thing.

“What’s the point in shying away from it? You may as well die on your sword if you’re going to die at all.”

He added: “If you look for the positives you’ll find them. If you want to look for negatives you’ll find them. It was an up and down season.They’re all going to be like that. Nobody has had a deadly season so far.

“Even that team, the All-Ireland champions, have taken two hammerings this year so everyone has had a rollercoaster year. It’s up and down and that’s just the way it is.”

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Oh no! Djokovic looks to have the opening point wrapped up as he moves into the net, but he misses the easy approach! 0-15, and very quickly, it’s 0-30, as he swipes at a forehand, as it lands well long. He’s off kilter at the moment, netting a backhand dropshot attempt, and Wu has a huge three break points!

Jannik Sinner dug deep with a blood-stained white trainer to snap his five-set losing streak and begin the defence of his Wimbledon title with victory over Miomir Kecmanovic.

The 2025 champion in SW19 had not played competitively since a shock second-round loss at the French Open last month and looked in trouble on day one against inspired Serbian rival Kecmanovic, especially after a painful slip in set three on Centre Court.

Sinner battled on despite blood being visible through his right Nike trainer and banished painful memories of five-set defeats to Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Novak Djokovic at majors earlier this year to triumph 4-6 6-3 6-7 (6) 6-2 6-3.

Victory in three hours and 30 minutes will answer some questions of Sinner’s durability after he had lost eight of his previous nine five-set matches, including five in a row before this nervy win.

After Sinner lost a close tight-break in set three, the four-time grand-slam winner rediscovered his best form to win five games in a row and a 31st ace of a gruelling contest helped the Italian get the better of Kecmanovic to progress into round two.

“I was a little tight at the beginning, I didn’t play my very best but I tried to get into it and it was my first official match on grass. I am very happy and a big honour to play in front of you,” Sinner said.

Quizzed on the red on his trainer, Sinner said: “No, I am good. It just seems much worse than it is!

“Actually very surprised they let me keep playing because (normally) all white and (now) a little red, but no I didn’t want to disturb. We both had a good rhythm, it was a great match from both of us and I didn’t want to take any time.

“There is a lot of nerves when you go down the stairs behind the courts and also mentally knowing it is such a prestigious court, a historic court and coming here as defending champion meant a lot. I am very happy to win the first one.”

Novak Djokovic marked his 21st appearance at Wimbledon with a late-night victory over Wu Yibing but only after a brief scare on Centre Court.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic was the final act of day one of the Championships, but looked set to return on Tuesday to complete his match when Wu moved 0-40 up on the Serbian’s serve at 3-2 up in the fourth set.

However, Djokovic displayed his trademark powers of recovery to hold and then break his Chinese rival to close out an entertaining 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 victory, which sets up a second-round meeting with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime raced through his tie with Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets and Daniil Medvedev produced an equally assured display to down Marin Cilic 6-1 6-2 6-4 on Court One.

Tommy Paul wasted little time on court and booked his second round spot after 73 minutes against Alexandre Muller and Joao Fonseca, the 24th seed, eased through with a straight-sets triumph over Roberto Bautista Agut.

Seeds toppled earlier in the day with Andrey Rublev dumped out after a titanic battle with compatriot Roman Safiullin, who triumphed 6-4 6-7 (6) 3-6 6-3 7-6 (12) over the 12th seed during a three-hour-58-minute battle on Court 16.

The 11th seed Casper Ruud exited after a straight-sets loss to 2021 semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz, but highly rated teenager and 23rd seed Rafael Jodar won his first tour-level match on grass in rapid fashion against British wild card Felix Gill inside two hours.

Denis Shapovalov had to retire after he collided with a fence during his match with Pablo Carreno Busta while Camilo Ugo Carabelli also withdrew as he suffered an ankle injury in a slip versus Daniel Merida Aguilar.

A ‘red plan’ has been activated

There are at least three casualties following an explosion in Monaco on Monday (June 29). A suspect is said to be at large after being seen on CCTV dumping a backpack on Rue du Révérend Père Louis Frolla. The street is located on the border with France.

The blast, which has been described as an ‘attack’, occurred at around 9pm. Three people have been injured, two seriously. Police say the victims are Ukrainian.

Monaco prosecutor Thibault Stéphane told Le Figaro that two of the victims are in critical condition. He added that bomb disposal experts and judicial police officers were called to the scene.

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The blast is said to have happened at a residential building. Pictures and videos shared online showed debris strewn across the ground with the doorway of a building severely damaged.

National Councillor and lawyer Régis Bergonzi shared a photo from the scene saying “we stand with the victims of this tragedy”. Armed police as well as the fire service could be seen in attendance.

He wrote on Instagram: “Big explosion in Monaco tonight near plaza des Moulins, after our legislative session.

“We all stand with the victims of this tragedy, their families, and our emergency services—firefighters and police officers—who responded in record time to provide assistance.”

According to a police source speaking to BFMTV on Monday night, a ‘red plan’ was activated following the incident. Police have also reportedly said a man was seen leaving two bags outside the building at around 9pm before the explosion went off.

It is in place and is “a pre-established action strategy for a sudden event resulting in, or likely to result in, numerous casualties. It allows for a gradual increase in resources depending on the number of victims”, according to the website of the Principality of Monaco.

Charles Ange Ginésy, President of the Alpes-Maritimes Council, wrote on X: “In the face of the attack that occurred in Monaco this evening, I express my deep solidarity with the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco.

“I also extend my support to the security forces and emergency services engaged on the ground.”

A major explosion has taken place in the luxury holiday hotspot of Monaco, with at least three people reportedly injured

A powerful explosion has rocked a luxury holiday hotspot in Monaco, with officials warning that casualties are “likely” after what is being treated as a deliberate attack.

Emergency services flooded the district with reports of a suspect fleeing the scene and still being at large as of Monday evening (June 29), reports the Daily Star.

French media said the blast occurred shortly after a man was seen leaving a backpack on Reverend‐Père‐Louis‐Folla Street at around 9pm local time. Eric Ciotti, the Mayor of Nice, confirmed the incident was being investigated as an attack, describing it as a “tragedy” in a statement on X.

Monaco’s Public Security confirmed that CCTV footage captured a man placing a backpack on the ground before walking away. Members of the public then entered the area moments before the explosion.

The full extent of the injuries sustained in the blast remains unclear. After fleeing the scene, the suspect is said to have made off on foot in the direction of Beausoleil, with Monaco’s security forces now actively pursuing him.

According to AFP, the government has confirmed that at least three people have been injured, two of whom are believed to be in a serious condition. The victims are Ukrainian and Russian, according to French police.

Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti confirmed via social media platform X that the incident is being treated as an attack. He wrote: “The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco.

“Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilised.”

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David Skaith welcomed former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham setting out his plans to transfer more power out of Whitehall should he become prime minister.

Mr Burnham, who could become prime minister on July 20 if he is the only contender to replace Sir Keir Starmer, said he will lead a decade-long plan to transform Britain by devolving power to give regions the ability to control essential utilities, transport and housing.

The prospective prime minister promised to set a “new direction” for the UK, with an outpost of 10 Downing Street based in Manchester to drive his plans to rewire the British state.

David Skaith shakes hands with Andy Burnham as he arrives to deliver a speech at the People’s History Museum, Manchester, on Monday (June 29) (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Mr Skaith said Mr Burnham’s plan “sets out the ambition and scale of change people have been calling for”.

“It’s a vision built on hope. One that puts trust, backed by investment, in the people who know their communities best to tackle the huge challenges we face. That can only be a good thing.

“What Andy has achieved in Manchester, despite resistance from Whitehall, is incredible. We can do the same here in York and North Yorkshire if we’re given the trust, powers, investment and confidence that Andy set out today.”

In his first major speech since Sir Keir announced he would be leaving Downing Street, Mr Burnham promised to give people hope for the future.

Andy Burnham delivers a speech at the People’s History Museum, Manchester, on Monday (June 29) (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

The Makerfield MP, who gave up being mayor of Greater Manchester to return to Parliament in a by-election earlier this month, said the Westminster system was “broken” and “as a result, the country isn’t where it should be”.

He said the No 10 North operation would be the “nerve centre of a rewired Britain”, redistributing power and resources across the UK.

It would, Mr Burnham said, oversee the “biggest council house building programme since the post war period”.

He also announced plans for regions to take “greater public control of essential services” including water, energy and transport.

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The proposals would bring about the “biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen”, Mr Burnham said as he promised to overcome Whitehall’s resistance to change.

“Let me say this very directly: the days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over for good.”

In an attempt to reassure the markets that he would not hike borrowing and taxes to pay for his plans, Mr Burnham promised his measures would be based on “the stability that comes from sound public finances” and “the discipline of our current fiscal rules”.

But he acknowledged that taxpayer-funded support would be needed to deal with the cost-of-living pressures facing households.

Promising to support reindustrialisation across the UK’s regions, he said Whitehall would be ordered to back British firms bidding for public contracts – even if this costs taxpayers more.

Local resident says: “This is a huge area to be taken out of commission for recreation”

A controversial plan for fencing around a pitch in a South Belfast park has been approved, despite local opposition.

Elected representatives at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee have agreed to an application by the council itself for works at the existing soccer pitches at Wedderburn Park Playing Fields, Belfast, BT10.

The works will involve the erection of a 2.4 metre high perimeter fencing around one existing soccer pitch and an internal 1.2 metre high spectator rail, as well as additional tree planting. The works are an attempt to enhance one of the pitches to the standard required for IFA intermediate football.

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It is an amended scheme from the initial proposal for high fences around two soccer pitches in the park. The playing fields are a council operated site with two grassed soccer pitches, within a larger area of open space.

The wider Wedderburn Park a bowling pavilion and clubhouse, gravel tennis courts, playground and car parking. The park is surrounded by residential developments.

The council received 262 representations, including 89 objections and 173 letters of support. Council officers recommended the application for approval.

Objectors raised concerns about the visual impact and the impact on the character of the area as well as the loss or reduction of open space. They also objected on grounds of the potential impact on public access and community use.

The council officer report states: “The structures are of a scale and character that would be reasonably expected at a sports pitch. The proposed scale, form, massing, design and materials are considered acceptable and will not adversely impact on local character. On balance, the proposal would not result in adverse impact on the character of the area.

“The area of the pitch site to be fenced off represents approximately 10.5 percent of the overall park. An adequate provision of recreational and open space remains in the park that is accessible to the public, and can be used by the community.”

It adds: “The proposal does not result in a loss of open space. The proposal seeks to enhance the existing recreational use in terms of managing the pitch. The proposal retains the use as existing open space and supports the continued use as a pitch as per (policy).

“The principle of use is therefore acceptable. Fencing off the pitch will not negatively impact the availability of public open space to a great degree – approximately 89.5 percent of publicly accessible open space remains.”

At the June meeting of the council’s Planning Committee, Janice Dobbin of the Wedderburn Resident’s Association said: “This is a huge area to be taken out of commission for recreation, because the purpose of this new fenced pitch is to bring it up where a team can play up to a higher standard. It will only be used for roughly half a year as a result, pushing other games to a small area to the side of the pitch, which isn’t nearly enough to meet demand.”

She said: “As one commenter said (on the Planning Portal) “A public park should not be reconfigured to serve the operational needs of a select few organisations, at the expense of wider community benefit.”

Alliance Councillor Tara Brooks said: “I am discontent with the open space policy. To my mind, when you fence in a space, it is not open, it is by definition, closed.” She said she would not put the matter to a vote, but said she could not support the application.

DUP Alderman Dean McCullough said: “I appreciate there are legitimate concerns from residents. I understand there were two pitches (to be fenced) and that was reduced from two to one, so for me that shows a willingness to compromise and engage.

“It would be very disappointing not to progress local teams to intermediate. The standard is set, and it is not set by us. It is not like the fence will be erected for the sake of it, and it is not unusual compared to other parts of the city.”

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Family-run Cavaliere welcomed its first customers on Monday, June 1, at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope.

The bistro café is the latest venture from the team behind Buon Appetito in Wolsingham, which has been serving customers in Weardale for more than 15 years.

After a busy first month of welcoming customers through their doors, the owners have now announced they will be launching their full menu and extending to evening opening hours.

Cavaliere at Durham Dales Centre (Image: Cavaliere)

From today (June 29), the new opening hours will be from 10am til 9pm.

Taking to social media, the owners said: “What an amazing first month. Thank you so much for all your support so far.

“We are happy to announce that from Monday, June 29, we are moving from our temporary menu and opening hours to our full menu and permanent opening hours.

“We hope to see you there.”

Cavaliere (Image: Cavaliere)

Not only will they be extending the hours but also be launching their full menu.

Owners Admir Meshi, known as Alberto, and Arsen “Sen” Shehu previously said the move into Stanhope marks the next step for their family business as they bring their brand of authentic Italian food to a new area.

He said: “What we have in Wolsingham has become more like a restaurant, where people come mainly for an evening meal.

“This is more like a bistro coffee, somewhere people can drop in during the day for a drink and a bite to eat, but then again in the nighttime.

Cavaliere (Image: Cavaliere)

Cavaliere officially welcomed its first customers on Monday, June 1 (Image: Cavaliere)

“The idea is to give people another option, whether they just want a coffee after a walk or to sit down for a proper meal.

“We want it to be a place where people feel comfortable just popping in, but at the same time we still want to offer good, proper food like we do in Wolsingham.”

During the day, Cavaliere serves a café-style menu with coffee, pastries and light bites, including traditional Italian cannoli and other pastries.

Front-of-house manager Sophie Weir, 28, said the owners saw an opportunity in the village as it is a tourist hotspot.

Cavaliere serves a café-style menu with coffee, pastries and light bites, including traditional Italian cannoli and other pastries. (Image: Cavaliere)

She said: “We realised there is not really anywhere you can go out to eat in the evening in Stanhope. With all the tourists coming in and people staying in caravans, there was a gap.

“We wanted to create somewhere people can come during the day for a coffee or something light, but also have the option of a proper meal once we are fully up and running.

“We have been really busy, with lots of new faces as well as people who know us from the Wolsingham restaurant coming to support us.”

Cavaliere (Image: Cavaliere)

Cavaliere (Image: Cavaliere)

The opening comes after the previous tearoom at the venue closed in March.

Cavaliere officially welcomed its first customers on Monday, June 1 (Image: Cavaliere)

Since opening, the new bistro has been a hit with the locals who have tried out the café in its first month.

One customer said: “At long last, Stanhope has somewhere to have great food. Went Wednesday lunchtime, no longer have to go to Wolsingham. Congratulations Cavaliere.”

While another said: “Absolutely gorgeous food when we came yesterday and the house wine was beautiful. Looking forward to sampling the full menu.”

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