The Department for Work and Pensions has been urged to introduce means-testing for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as part of the Timms Review, amid warnings that rising costs will add an extra £5 billion to the welfare budget this year.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has faced calls to explore means-testing for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as part of the Timms Review.

During DWP oral questions in the House of Commons on Monday, Conservative MP Joy Morrissey questioned whether eligibility for the disability benefit should factor in a claimant’s income, suggesting escalating expenditure warrants examination of the matter.

PIP is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning entitlement depends on how a person’s long-term health condition or disability impacts their daily living and mobility rather than their income, savings or employment status. A successful claim for PIP is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 a week and as payments are made in arrears every four weeks, this amounts to awards of between £121.20 and £778.40.

The Beaconsfield MP said: “The increased PIP costs are expected to add an extra £5 billion to the welfare budget this year. As the TaxPayers’ Alliance has highlighted, the number of households earning over £100,000 and getting PIP has doubled to 200,000 claimants.

“Will the Minister (Sir Stephen Timms) make an assessment of the potential merits of means-testing PIP to ensure targeted support?”

In response, Disability and Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms suggested the UK Government had no intention of altering the long-established principle that PIP should not be determined by a person’s financial circumstances

, reports the Daily Record. He told MPs: “Together with disabled people, we are co-producing a review of PIP to ensure that it is fair and fit for the future.

“The review’s terms of reference reflect the view of successive Governments that PIP should be a non-means-tested cash benefit for people both in and out of work, because anybody can incur additional costs as a result of long-term ill health or disability.”

The UK Government announced the independent review of PIP earlier this year after deciding to scrap planned reforms that would have tightened eligibility criteria for the benefit.

The review is being conducted alongside disabled people, charities and other stakeholders, and is anticipated to examine how the benefit can better serve claimants’ needs while ensuring its long-term sustainability.

The review is due to conclude by autumn, with an interim report expected before Parliament breaks for summer recess on July 16.

PIP currently provides additional financial support to more than 4 million people across England and Wales. In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment has replaced PIP.

It assists working-age adults who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability with the extra costs they may encounter due to their condition.

Unlike income-related benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, PIP is unaffected by a claimant’s earnings, savings or other financial circumstances. Instead, entitlements are determined by how an individual’s condition impacts their capacity to perform daily tasks and move about.

Subway will open its newest store at the Gowthorpe entrance to the Market Cross Shopping Centre in Selby this July.

While a date is yet to be officially confirmed, sources have suggested a date of Monday (July 6), which may be subject to change.

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Subway had operated at 33 Gowthorpe in the town but closed in 2022.

The US chain is renowned for its choose-your-own sandwiches, salads and wraps, flavoured with a selection of fillings and sauce options.

The site had previously been the location of Alexander Cards, now known as Elaine’s Cards, which moved to a new unit opposite Costa Coffee, off New Lane in the town centre in May.

Speaking to The Press at the time, owner Elaine Yarrow said: “We are really pleased that the opportunity has arisen for us to relocate to a space that really suits the current and future needs of the business.

“The new space offers improved visibility and a more flexible layout, allowing us to enhance the overall shopping experience.

“We’re really excited about this next chapter and look forward to welcoming both new and returning customers into our new space.”

The sick couple moved into the home just days after the toddler’s death

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The former home of two depraved adoptive dads jailed following the death of tot Preston Davey has been put back on the market with prospective buyers warned of the Lancashire property’s previous owners.

Jamie Varley and his then partner John McGowan-Fazakerley had long spoken of dreams of moving from their semi-detached home in Staining Road in Blackpool.

LancsLive reports the couple had already been arrested in connection with Preston’s death but got the keys to their new home in Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, just 22 days later.

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The couple completed the purchase of their new home and moved in shortly afterwards, with neighbours later saying they had no idea of their criminal background.

The truth finally emerged when police executed a warrant at the property in June 2024 and charged both men. Following a trial lasting more than seven weeks at Preston Crown Court, jurors heard how Preston had suffered extensive physical, emotional and sexual abuse after being placed with the couple as prospective adopters in March 2023.

A post-mortem examination found the toddler had sustained around 40 injuries.

Prosecutors described the case as one of the most shocking they had encountered, with him enduring a sustained campaign of abuse during the final months of his life.

Varley was convicted of murder, sexual offences, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty and indecent image offences and sentenced to a whole life order. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty and sexual assault and jailed for 25 years.

Now, their former home in Chandlers Way has been put back on the market for £370,000; £80,000 less than the £450,000 the couple paid for the detached five-bedroom home. The house is due to be sold at an online auction closing on July 31.

The listing for the home describes it as an “immaculate detached property with stunning countryside views” and is said to represent “an ideal opportunity for families”.

The listing makes reference to the couple’s convictions and states: “The vendor is currently serving a custodial sentence following conviction for offences involving [a minor]. It is understood that the offences were not committed at the property.

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“This information is being provided in the interests of transparency and to assist prospective purchasers in making an informed decision. Buyers should undertake their own enquiries and satisfy themselves as to any matters that may influence their decision to bid for or purchase the property.”

Millions of England fans are expected to leave work early on Wednesday and drink 28million pints of beer to cheer on the Three Lions at the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel‘s men will play their first knockout match of this year’s tournament at 5pm BST, heading to Atlanta to take on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Workers are expected to abandon desks and ditch last-minute meetings to rush to bars or dash home to watch the Round of 32 match which will be broadcast on BBC One.

The 5pm kick-off time is notable given it will be England’s only game of the tournament that will start straight after most people finish work for the day.

Supporters are expected to drink 28million pints – equivalent to three and a half million gallons – of beer at the pub and at home from the moment of kick-off.

The match also marks the first time UK fans will benefit from a 1am nationwide late licensing extension, which will see pub doors kept open from 11pm to 1am.

The extra two-hour drinking window will see 14million pints pulled in pubs and another 14million drunk at home during the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Some experts predict some staff will go further and pull a sickie on ‘Bunk Off Wednesday’ and dedicate their whole day to alcohol-fuelled pre-match partying.

Supporters celebrate Jude Bellingham’s goal as they watch at Depot Mayfield in Manchester

Tonight’s game follows England’s 2-0 victory against Panama on Saturday night, thanks to goals scored by captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The UK Government’s blanket licensing extension allows all 35,000 pubs in Britain to stay open until 1am for England’s knockout matches which kick-off between 5pm and 9pm.

A win for England over DR Congo will push Thomas Tuchel’s men into the last 16, where they will face either Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City on Sunday night.

With that game starting in the UK in the early hours of Monday morning at 1am BST, it could run as late as 4am if penalties come into play.

However, dreams of a bank holiday hinged on England’s victory were crushed this week.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told reporters on Monday that there were ‘no plans’ for a bank holiday next Monday if England were to win in the last 16.

To set up the 1am last 16 encounter, England first have to get past DR Congo, who have a global ranking of 41, and finished third in Group K.

Mike Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, which represents pubs and other venues, said: ‘A 5pm kick-off on Wednesday means pubs will be packed from the afternoon, with the later licensing hours meaning pubs can make the most of what could be one of the biggest trading nights of the year.

‘Thousands of extra pints will be pulled in bars. It’s a vital boost to takings at a time when many venues desperately need the additional revenue.’

Fans jump onto the tables in Newcastle as they celebrate an England victory on Saturday

England secured a 2-0 victory against Panama on Saturday night, thanks to Harry Kane (pictured) and Jude Bellingham 

Alan Price, chief executive at BrightHR, which monitors absence among over a million employees at over 50,000 UK companies, said: ‘With a 5pm kick-off for the England game, it looks like ‘Bunk Off Wednesday’.

‘Businesses should expect a slowdown from mid-afternoon as millions of employees stop work early to get to the pub or back home in time for the match.

‘And employers are likely to see an influx of sickness absences as some staff are tempted by a whole afternoon in the pub before the game.’

Elsewhere, Tuesday night saw France breeze past Sweden 3-0 in their last 16 game, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup knockout matches.

Meanwhile, Erling Haaland was on the scoresheet as Norway knocked out the Ivory Coast with a 2-1 win.

Monday night saw Germany’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat – losing to Paraguay, who had odds of 450-1 to win the tournament.

Morocco, fresh from a second-place finish in Group C, secured a 3-2 win on penalties over the Netherlands, prompting the latter’s elimination from the tournament.

And Brazil scored a dramatic last-gasp winner against Japan, who more than held their own against the five-time world champions.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Summer camps and other outdoor activities were canceled Monday as tens of millions of people across the Midwest endured a heat wave that is expected to spread eastward this week. Communities opened cooling centers and urged people to take it easy and stay hydrated.

Forty-seven million people across big chunks of the Midwest and parts of the Ohio Valley are under an extreme heat warning through at least Tuesday. Temperatures are forecast to reach the 90s, with heat index values, or “feels-like” temperatures, expected to top 100 degrees (37.8 degrees Celsius) in the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Visiting Des Moines with family, Rachel Washburn searched for things to do with kids during a heat wave. They landed at a water sprayground before lunch Monday, where her children played tag in the cool water.

“My kids were quite shocked at the heat and humidity,” said Washburn of her seven children ages 18 months to 17 who had been used to more temperate weather farther north in Bemidji, Minnesota. “We were hoping for some good weather, but we’ll make do.”

About 56 million Americans are under an extreme heat watch as hot and humid weather is expected to move farther east later in the week, with some of the worst conditions expected by Thursday and Friday in the Ohio Valley, the Mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast. Some areas could experience record-high temperatures, said Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

On Monday, cities and event planners were already announcing adjustments for or calling off events later in the week, including a farmer’s market scheduled for Tuesday in DeWitt, Michigan; a movie screening Wednesday in Fairfield, Ohio; and Thursday’s food truck festival in Warwick, New York.

The heat wave will also likely coincide with the Fourth of July holiday weekend, providing additional risk as more people have cookouts or watch fireworks outside for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Kleebauer said the center recommends people stay hydrated and ensure access to shady areas and air conditioning.

Extreme heat has also taken its toll in Europe, where temperature records were set and many heat-related deaths were reported in France.

People can be caught off guard by the first heat wave of the year, said Dr. Roy Elrod, chief of staff at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital.

“You’re happy winter’s gone, you’re ready to enjoy the summer, you’ve just been aching for it,” Elrod said. “And so, I think we slip into kind of a position where we think it’s got to be OK.”

Heat-related injuries can happen in a matter of minutes, he said, especially to those who don’t prepare for the weather by hydrating, wearing light clothing, avoiding the hottest times of the day and minimizing exposure to the sun.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison said it was closing 23 buildings to the public starting Tuesday, allowing only limited access to 11 others. It was relocating some summer classes after a broken water line at its cooling plant earlier this month severely reduced the ability to provide air conditioning across campus.

Temperatures approaching 90 degrees and high humidity didn’t stop Toni Kreutzer, 28, from taking a walk Monday along the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, with her 13-year-old dog Chester.

“I like it hot,” Kreutzer said. “I just don’t like the humidity.”

___

McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, Kristin M. Hall in Nashville and Haya Panjwani in Washington, D.C., contributed.

With its timeless tale of an orphan boy thrown out of the workhouse for pleading, ‘Please sir, I want some more’, and later running away to London to seek his fortune, Oliver! The Musical is captivating West End audiences once again.

However, I hear that what’s been going on backstage at Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s hit revival is even more dramatic.

An internal investigation was launched after leading lady Shanay Holmes, 37, who played Nancy, claimed co-star Aaron Sidwell, 37, aka the violent Bill Sikes, had been physically rough with her during the pair’s scenes.

The probe is understood to have taken between seven and nine weeks last summer. During that period, Shanay declined to perform opposite Aaron, forcing understudy Ava Brennan, 39, to step into the role.

Shanay’s acclaimed portrayal of Nancy previously led to her performing the ballad As Long as He Needs Me in front of King Charles at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance.

But last September, she announced she quit the show. However, her departure only fuelled further intrigue after fans noticed an apparent lack of public support from fellow cast members. Several company members, including Simon Lipkin, who plays Fagin, ‘unfollowed’ Shanay on Instagram.

But last year, the actress quit the show and has since been unfollowed by several fellow cast members, fuelling intrigue among fans

The controversy intensified when Aaron, best known for playing Steven Beale in EastEnders, shared a cryptic post on X shortly after Shanay’s departure was announced. The actor posted lyrics from the rock band Green Day’s song Too Much Too Soon, including the line: ‘Farewell, see you in hell, I hope you rest in pieces, f*** you.’

The post was later deleted.

I understand that cast members were asked to sign non-disclosure agreements amid fears that the allegations and growing backstage tensions could damage the reputation of one of the West End’s biggest family shows.

Officials never publicly disclosed the outcome of the investigation.

Next week, Shanay will return to performing, with a solo concert with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea.

A spokesman for Oliver! declines to comment, as do the actors.

Artist ex of Friends’ Ross to remarry 

His love life has sometimes appeared as intense as that of Ross in Friends, the role for which he is destined to be for ever remembered. 

So how will David Schwimmer, 59, cope with the declaration made yesterday by his ex-wife, the British artist Zoe Buckman, 40, to whom he’s remained close despite their ‘heart breaking’ divorce in 2017? 

Friends star David Schwimmer, 59, has remained close to his British ex-wife, Zoe Buckman, 40, despite their ‘heart breaking’ divorce in 2017. (Pictured together at the Emmy Awards in 2016)

Zoe shared that she is now engaged to Justin Saliman, a wealthy orthopaedic surgeon who previously dated Sofia Vergara

‘In a British countryside heat wave my boyfriend became my fiance,’ says Zoe, who has a daughter, Cleo, 15, with Schwimmer. ‘Meeting him was already prayers answered – now I don’t really know what to do with this level of gratitude. Thank you Justin for choosing me.’ 

She’s in assured hands. Justin Saliman, 52, who previously romanced Sofia Vergara, star of American sitcom Modern Family, is an orthopaedic surgeon who founded a medical technology firm which was acquired for $105mil lion (£79million) in 2019. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s plans for their return visit to Britain next month are chaotic – and Meghan’s business organisation seems just as bad. 

I learn that Prince Harry’s wife still hasn’t managed to trademark the name of her lifestyle company, As Ever, almost two years after first filing legal papers. And she’s just been granted her second six-month extension to complete her application with the US Patent and Trade mark Office (USPTO). 

A legal document tells her: ‘Applicant’s second request for Extension of Time to File a Statement of Use has been granted. Applicant must continue to file extension requests every six months…until a Statement of Use is filed, or the USPTO will abandon the application.’ 

With champagne corks still popping at Eton College after confirmation of Prince George’s attendance in September, news reaches me of a new honour for Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the school’s Provost, or chairman of governors. He has been appointed chairman of King Charles’s charity. ‘I’ve been a trustee of the King’s Foundation for a short time, and I’m delighted to be asked to chair,’ he tells me. ‘I am a great fan of the foundation and the work it does with traditional arts and crafts, urban architecture, heritage conservation and sustainability – all subjects close to my heart. 

Judge Rinder plays Cupid for Tonia’s girl 

Judge Rinder has delivered his verdict – and it’s clear that he’s not the stern figure seen on screen but a hopeless romantic. 

Former practising barrister Rob Rinder officiated at the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy at the weekend

Sophia, who is the daughter of TV’s Tonia Buxton, said that Judge Rinder did an excellent job and ‘had everyone sobbing’

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Former practising barrister Rob Rinder officiated at the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy at the weekend. 

Sophia is the daughter of TV’s ‘face of Greek food’ Tonia Buxton, who tells me: ‘Rob was amazing. He told the story of their relation ship and had everyone sobbing.’ She adds: ‘The wedding was like a magical three-day fairytale. Oli was Sophia’s true love since she was 15.’ 

She’s a familiar face to viewers, but The TV presenter Mel Giedroyc hates seeing herself so much that she can’t look in the mirror. ‘I do this thing which is really stupid,’ says Mel, 58. ‘If I’m putting on my makeup, I will often do it from quite a long way away.’ She explains: ‘I did it when I was a teenager because I had spots. I just couldn’t bear the sight of my face.’ 

By JAMES COHEN, SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 02:53 BST, 1 July 2026

The Magnet chain kitchen and joinery depot in Lysander Close off Kettlestring Lane is among the affected locations named by the company in a reorganisation as it said it aims to address “property costs that are no longer sustainable”.

The closures will take place under a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), and while Magnet has not disclosed the exact number of workers affected, the company said it pledged support and alternative roles where possible.

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Sophie Rose, Magnet Group’s chief executive, said: “This is a difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly, particularly where colleagues may be impacted.

“But taking this action now is the right thing to do for the long-term health of Magnet Group.

“It allows us to deal with property costs that are no longer sustainable and protect the stronger parts of our estate.

“I am confident these proposals will help Magnet Group build a stronger, more resilient business that is better placed to serve customers, support partners and return to sustainable profitability.”

The majority of Magnet’s 159 stores will remain unaffected and continue operations as usual.

The restructuring proposals, which require creditor approval, will be managed by Interpath.

For customers with pending orders at closing stores, Magnet has assured that their orders will be transferred to the nearest alternative store.

The other nationwide closures include Andover, Birmingham Minworth, Blackburn, Bridgwater, Brighton, Colwyn Bay, Dorking, Farnborough, Ramsgate, Romford Trade, Stirling, Stockton, Watford and Weymouth.

Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) has been awarded £2,500 from UKSE’s Community Grant Fund.

A Lanark-based social enterprise supporting people with complex additional needs has received a third round of funding from UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, to help strengthen its impact across the community.

Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) has been awarded £2,500 from UKSE’s Community Grant Fund to support the continued development of its monitoring and evaluation database, a vital tool that helps track participant progress and shape personalised development plans.

Based at Langloch Farm, CCI works with individuals across Lanarkshire who are facing barriers to employment and inclusion, including those living with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and young people disengaged from mainstream education.

Through a pioneering social enterprise model, CCI provides individuals with opportunities to contribute to their community through activities such as landscaping, horticulture, woodcraft, and microbusiness initiatives.

The organisation currently supports around 140 people each week, with each participant following a tailored plan based on their interests, goals and support needs.

The database, funded by UKSE, plays a key role in tracking these journeys and measuring outcomes across the organisation.

Niall McShannon, managing director at CCI, said: “Everything we do is about supporting people to make a meaningful contribution to their community. We don’t focus on labels or limitations; we focus on what people are interested in, what they want to achieve, and how they can be part of a team.

“This funding allows us to better understand and demonstrate the impact of that work. It helps us track progress for each individual and ensure we’re continuing to provide opportunities that build confidence, skills and a sense of purpose.”

In recent years, CCI has seen a significant rise in demand, with more referrals of individuals experiencing complex mental health challenges and social isolation.

The enhanced database will enable the team to respond more effectively to this growing need, ensuring everyone receives tailored support while also helping the organisation evaluate and improve its services.

Niall said: “What people benefit from most is the feeling that they’ve done something valuable for someone else. Being part of a team, contributing to real work, and seeing the results of that effort builds confidence and connection in a way that traditional approaches often don’t.”

CCI has received previous support from UKSE in 2019 and 2023, and the continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, community impact, and creating meaningful opportunities.

Scott Webb, regional manager at UKSE, said: “Clydesdale Community Initiatives is doing important work to support people who face significant barriers to employment and inclusion, and we’re pleased to provide this third round of funding.

“Their approach is innovative, practical and rooted in the community, helping individuals build confidence, develop skills and play an active role in their local area. This is exactly the kind of initiative our Community Grant Fund is designed to support.”

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A three-year-old boy has been pulled alive from earthquake rubble in Venezuela six days after the disaster struck

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A three year old boy has been pulled alive from the rubble six days after the devastating earthquake in Venezuela in what has been described as a ‘moment of hope’.

A Jordanian rescue team erupted in celebration as the youngster was freed from the wreckage. The country’s interim president has identified him as Klieber Morán.

Delcy Rodríguez hailed the child’s rescue as a moment of hope after the earthquake.

The remarkable discovery comes as the UN has warned that tens of thousands of people are in desperate need of food and shelter.

The Jordanian civil defence confirmed that Klieber received first aid treatment before being transferred to hospital, where his vital signs were reported as stable.

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He was receiving treatment in the capital Caracas, according to Venezuelan Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, the BBC reports.

The death toll from the catastrophic disaster has risen to 1,943, with more than 10,000 people injured.

The earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have also left tens of thousands more unaccounted for.

Rodríguez stated that Klieber’s rescue demonstrated there remains hope of finding further survivors. He added that both domestic and international teams were continuing to search through the debris to locate those still missing.

An initial assessment of satellite data from NASA indicated the tremors also damaged or destroyed approximately 58,870 buildings.

Experts cautioned following the destruction that the three-day window after the quake offered the greatest chance of finding survivors. Numerous residents in La Guaira, amongst the most severely affected areas, have been conducting their own rescue operations to locate family members.

The UN’s refugee agency reported on Tuesday that food scarcities were widespread, essential services had collapsed and communications had been mostly cut off in La Guaira.

“Community tensions are rising as access to assistance remains constrained,” the UNHCR said in a statement on its website.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that healthcare services are facing “extreme pressure.

“There’s an increased risk now of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases” such as measles and diphtheria due to low vaccination coverage, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said.

Four days following the earthquake, a father and his son were also recovered alive from the wreckage of a destroyed building.

The two were rescued on Sunday after a 12-hour operation by search teams in the coastal state of La Guaira.

According to Venezuelan officials, more than 2,600 rescue personnel from across the globe are now participating in the search operation, assisted by nearly 140 specially trained search dogs.

International assistance is reaching the country to provide support during this crisis.

A UN spokesperson confirmed a 47-tonne shipment of humanitarian aid arrived on Tuesday.

It contained emergency medical kits, provisions for safe deliveries, newborn care and disease prevention. The threat of additional damage persists as aftershocks continue to rattle Venezuela, with smaller tremors measuring 4.2 and 4.5 in magnitude recorded on Sunday morning.