Consumer group Which? has warned that drivers who cannot afford to pay their annual premium upfront are being hit with what campaigners describe as a “poverty premium” – effectively paying extra simply because they need to budget month by month.

The warning comes as separate research reveals that nearly two-thirds of insurance customers would be forced to cut cover, downgrade policies or even sell their car if monthly payment options disappeared.

The hidden cost of paying monthly

While many drivers assume paying monthly is simply a convenient way to spread costs, experts say it often works more like a loan.

Which? found some insurers are still charging annual percentage rates (APRs) of up to 29.9% for customers who choose to pay in instalments rather than upfront.

That means motorists can end up paying substantially more for exactly the same insurance policy.

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, said: “Millions of motorists rely on monthly payments to afford essential car insurance cover, yet many are still being charged interest rates comparable to an expensive credit card.”

Which? found some providers have reduced rates compared with two years ago, when APRs above 35% were still being charged, but argues progress remains too slow.

Why drivers feel they have no choice

The problem is particularly acute because many households simply cannot afford to pay hundreds of pounds upfront in a single payment.

New research from Premium Credit found that 64% of insurance customers would reduce their level of cover or switch to cheaper policies if monthly payment options were unavailable.

More than one in five motorists (22%) said they would consider selling their car altogether if they could not spread the cost of insurance.

The study also found that 24% of customers have switched from annual payments to monthly payments during the past year, highlighting the growing financial pressure facing households.

Mona Patel from Premium Credit, said: “Insurance customers very much value being able to pay for cover monthly and it is clear that not being able to do so would have a major impact.

“The research shows people are increasingly switching to monthly payments for car and home insurance.”

Should you get life insurance young, as its cheaper? Can I keep my bank account but get switchers’ bonus? When to STOP investing? These & more in this week’s Question Time podcast, do give it a listen… https://t.co/O7b14FLwb2https://t.co/R4eZdU6Xi2https://t.co/RCrSyznDx9

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) June 8, 2026

Why more drivers are switching

Rising living costs and higher insurance premiums have pushed many motorists towards instalment plans.

According to Premium Credit’s research, 13% of drivers are even planning to increase their level of motor insurance cover in the coming year, despite ongoing financial pressures.

Dave Taylor, Chief Customer Officer at Somerset Bridge, said: “Customer payment preferences have changed over the last five years with more customers using premium finance, linked both to rising motor insurance premiums and wider economic pressures affecting disposable income.”

What drivers should check before renewing

Consumer experts recommend motorists compare not only the headline insurance premium but also the APR charged for paying monthly.

A policy that appears cheaper at first glance can sometimes become more expensive once interest charges are added.

Drivers approaching renewal should:

• Compare the total annual cost, not just monthly payments
• Check the APR before agreeing to pay monthly
• Consider whether paying annually could save money overall
• Shop around rather than automatically renewing
• Review whether their level of cover still meets their needs

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The growing ‘poverty premium’

The findings reignite concerns that those least able to afford large upfront payments are often charged the most.

While monthly payments provide crucial flexibility for millions of households, consumer groups argue that drivers should not face credit-card-style interest rates simply to access a legal requirement.

With car insurance remaining mandatory for motorists, the debate over whether monthly payment charges are fair is likely to intensify as household budgets remain under pressure.

The 13-month-old died in July 2023 at the hands of teacher Jamie Varley, 37, his adoptive father from Blackpool. Varley, adopted Preston Davey at nine months old with his partner, ex-public schoolboy and financial sales manager, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32.

Preston had been taken from his mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, by an emergency care order by Oldham Council.

The vigil was organised by Niamh Cardwell-Clarke in Preston’s Flag Market and was about remembering ‘the beautiful little boy he was’.

Tributes including pictures of Preston Davey were left at the vigil as people from across the county gathered to remember the ‘smiley’ baby.

The biological father of murdered Preston Davey told the BBC:  “My son went through four months of terror at the hands of a monster.

“My son should be alive today on his birthday and not dead.”

Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved for adoption and at nine months old Preston began living at their home in Blackpool, Lancs in April 2023.

But in the just under four months he was in their care, he was routinely ill-treated, had indecent images and videos taken of him, sexually abused and physically assaulted, suffering 40 traumatic injuries, the defendant’s trial at Preston Crown Court has heard.

Mbappe and, significantly, his entire family, have always had it in their mind they wanted the striker to reach the top of the global game. And so ‘Project Mbappe’ was born.

“Kylian was just school and football,” says childhood friend Rayan Viyanga in a BBC Sport documentary called Mbappe. “School, football, home.”

He was born on the outskirts of Paris in the suburb of Bondy in 1998, just five months after France won the World Cup for the first time.

The family flat overlooked the AS Bondy football pitches, where his father Wilfried was a player turned coach.

“Kylian was already one step ahead of many other players at AS Bondy,” Viyanga said. “He was advanced for his age group and wanted to play with the best. That was a strict rule of his, to play with the best.”

Laurens added: “As a kid, he learned La Marseillaise at the age of three just to be ready to sing it when that first cap would come.”

Mbappe – whose mother Fayza Lamari is a former professional handball player – pinned up pictures of idol Cristiano Ronaldo and watched old footage of Zidane, another Real Madrid superstar.

A bigger influence closer to home though was Jires Kembo Ekoko, his adopted brother, who was selected for the French Federation’s national academy at Clairefontaine years before Mbappe himself went there. Ekoko went on to play for Rennes in Ligue 1.

Matt Spiro, an author and French football expert, told BBC Sport: “Kylian initially found it a bit difficult at Clairefontaine. He was there for two years and during the first year, he certainly wasn’t the best in his group.

“Mbappe would play out on the wing and would quite frequently be in a sulky mood.

“He had a growth spurt, I think towards the end of his first year in Clairefontaine, and by the second year, he was really starting to look the business.”

But his rapid rise was no surprise, after all even Nike had come calling with free boots, aged just 10.

The forward, tracked by Europe’s biggest clubs from an early age, left his hometown of Paris for the glamour of Monaco at the age of 14.

He had spent time with Chelsea and Real Madrid but the Mbappe family were adamant that their son should stay in France during his teenage years.

Aged 16 years and 347 days, he became the youngest player in Monaco’s history – beating the record set by Henry in 1994 – when he appeared as an 88th-minute substitute against Caen.

Three months later, he became the club’s youngest scorer with his first senior goal against Troyes, beating another record previously set by Henry.

“When he broke through at Monaco, you could tell the talent was so unique,” said Laurens. “We have had great youngsters and talent, but he has something a little bit different.”

The launch took place recently at the Golden Slipper in York, which is the Spring Pub of the Season for York CAMRA.

More symbolically, perhaps, The Golden Slipper was also the branch’s first headquarters back in 1974 and was listed in the first ever Good Beer Guide which was launched at a National AGM in York that year.

Festival organiser Karl Smith said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce that tickets are now on sale for our 52nd Beer Festival and the 4th festival at the wonderful St Lawrence Church which has proved a very popular new venue”

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“Our beer festival remains the highlight of the year in York for thousands of local residents and visitors from around the UK who attend to sample the largest collection of real ales; craft beers and ciders available in one place – over 200 in all”

“Be sure to get your tickets early to ensure you get to attend your preferred session and we’ve already seen a big uptake from CAMRA members who enjoy free entry to every session for the first time ever”

This is the fourth annual event at St. Lawrence’s Church at the top of Hull Road, since it  had to relocate from the Knavesmire.

York Camra says St Lawrence’s is a magnificent venue, a spectacular Church (2nd only in size only to the Minster in York) and Hall in attractive grounds.

The 200-plus beers and ciders will cover all types, styles, strengths and come from local, UK and overseas brewers. There will also be gin, wine and mead.

Karl Smith, beer festival organiser (Image: Pic supplied)

York CAMRA will again run a Locale blind-tasting competition, and the CAMRA Festival special brew is being brewed in collaboration with Trig Brewery this year;

There will be a range of ticketed, tutored tasting sessions and presentations from local brewers and beer experts.

The beer list will also go on-line shortly before the festival, and an online live beer list will be running during the festival. Free programmes will be given to attendees on entry.

New this year, inline with CAMRA policy nationally, CAMRA members will have free entry.

The event, which runs from September 16 to September 19 promises a friendly atmosphere and dogs are welcome, The venue wis wheelchair friendly.

York CAMRA has again partnered with York Rescue Boat to help raise funds for their valuable work.

York CAMRA details this year’s festival. (Image: Pic supplied)

There will be a good selection of streetfood vendors by the beer garden with a variety of world cuisines plus a snack bar with traditional pub favourites.

CaMRA adds it is seeking volunteers as well as sponsors for the event, with cask sponsorship costing £100 + VAT.

Advance tickets are now available. A link and lots more information, including volunteering and sponsorship are on our website https://yorkbeerfestival.uk

It is the first of the brand to open in Manchester and is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands.

The hotel, named Aloft by Marriott Manchester City Centre, is a 358-room hotel located on Deansgate.

The property officially opened on June 16 and is close to Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop and destinations such as Manchester Central Convention Centre, Spinningfields and Oxford Road.

Abi Hindle, general manager, said: “We’re thrilled to open the very first Aloft by Marriott in a city known for its warm hospitality.

“Aloft by Marriott is a fantastic addition to Manchester’s already flourishing hospitality landscape, and we look forward to welcoming guests from near and far.”

Developed by Dean Street Developments, the hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline.

Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, vice president, brand management, EMEA at Marriott International, said Aloft’s identity is a strong match for Manchester.

Ms Schulze-Potgieter said: “We are delighted to introduce Aloft by Marriott to Manchester, bringing this upscale, lifestyle brand to one of the UK’s most dynamic cities.

“Aloft is different by design.

“It is a hub, or launching and landing pad for all that travel has in store, bringing our unique attitude and atmosphere to each and every stay, now also in Manchester – a city internationally recognised for its creativity, individuality, and innovation.”

The hotel offers family-friendly amenities through the Camp Aloft programme for children, and welcomes pets with the Arf (Animals R Fun) scheme, which includes in-room toys and treats.

Other facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre and a private meeting space for business travellers.

Room rates start from £95 per night.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points during their stay, and access mobile check-in and digital key services via the Marriott Bonvoy app.

Luke O’Nien, who has played more than 300 times for Sunderland AFC, has been recognised by the University of Sunderland for his “outstanding contribution” to the city, both on and off the field.

He will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sport during the university’s graduation ceremonies, which take place the week of July 6 at The Fire Station in Sunderland city centre.

The university’s honorary awards acknowledge individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their fields.

Mr O’Nien said: “I don’t think I can find the words to express what it means.

“I came here to play football and get the club back to the Premier League, and every time people thank me, I’m like – no, thank YOU.

Luke O’Nien (Image: University Of Sunderland)

“You guys took me on and gave me the opportunity.

“You gave me time and space to learn and grow as a player and as a dad.

“You guys have given me the life that I’ve always wanted, on and off the pitch.

“I’ve turned up and given my everything but without the community here I wouldn’t have this opportunity.

“I am unbelievably grateful and I will make sure that I will do my best to keep contributing to the Sunderland community the best I can.”

Mr O’Nien joined Sunderland in 2018 and has since become one of the team’s most enduring and admired figures.

Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor and chief executive at the University of Sunderland, said: “Luke is someone who embodies the very best of Sunderland’s spirit; talented, hardworking, resilient community‑minded and relentlessly positive.

“Quite rightly, people refer to Luke as ‘Mr Sunderland’ and it is highly appropriate that the city’s university now recognises his outstanding achievements.”

Luke O’Nien (Image: University Of Sunderland)

Mr O’Nien is respected not only for his footballing achievements but also for his leadership, positivity and support for the wider community.

He said: “One of the most important things in life is human connection and hearing people’s stories of where they’ve come from and where they’re going.

“I think everybody is carrying something that nobody else can see.

“We all have challenges, we all have setbacks and we all have moments when life feels heavy.

“Sometimes the best thing you can do is take the time to listen – not to judge, not to solve the problem, just to understand.

“When people feel seen, heard and supported, incredible things can happen.”

Some of the ingredients are actually harmed by putting them in the fridge

Most people will think that it’s absolutely normal to store everything that goes into the salad in the fridge – as generally it’s the type of food which ill go off quickly. However food fans have been told that some of the ingredients are actually harmed by putting them in the fridge.

When people come to dish up at dinner or a barbecue they will want their salad to be zingy and fresh – but exeprts say storing some items in cupboaards is of benefit.

Tomatoes

According to food scientists tomatoes will certainly lose their flavour and texture if stored in the fridge. The acids and sugars start to break down in cold conditions causing the flavour to change.

The cell structure becomes soft and squidgy which is not what you want on your sarnie. Keep tomatoes on your counter with your fruits.

The BBC Good Food guide says: “Many people pop their tomatoes straight into the fridge the moment they get home from the shops, but this is arguably a mistake if you want to enjoy their best flavour. Chilling tomatoes actually mutes their taste and can degrade their texture, leaving them mealy rather than juicy. Unless your tomatoes are very ripe and you won’t be eating them for a couple of days, they’re best stored at room temperature. If you do need to keep ripe tomatoes in the fridge, put them in a perforated bag, but take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating to help revive their flavour.”

If you don’t use a tin of tomatoes all in one go, transfer the remainder to a non-metal, airtight container and store in the fridge – it will last for around two days.

Cucumbers

Dr Chris Smith explained that refrigerating fruit such as cucumbers: “Cucumbers, like many fruits, have evolved to grow, mature and ripen in warm temperatures,” said Dr Smith.

“Fridges are below four degrees celsius and the rationale for having things at that temperature is that it suppresses the growth of the kinds of things that cause food spoilage: fungi and bacteria.”

However, keeping the fruit cool can not only hinder the ripening process, but cause ‘cold injury’. Dr Smith likened the practice of putting a cucumber in a cool box to trying to grow a cucumber in winter.

“It doesn’t like it,” he explained. “The cells don’t like it, the metabolism of the cucumber goes off kilter, the ripening process is thwarted and it produces chemicals that that might not taste as nice and tissues that might not taste as nice.”

Onions

They can last up to two months when stored in a cupboard or at cool room temperature. Onions should be kept in a cool, dark, dry place. Spring onions can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Only spring onions should be stored in the fridge. Brown, red and white onions are best stored in a cool, dry, dark place, ideally in a cloth bag.

Firefighters are battling a blaze which broke out in a shop on Dalry Road in Edinburgh.

Firefighters are battling a blaze which broke out at a shop in Edinburgh as residents have been evacuated and treated by medics. Emergency crews raced to Dalry Road in the capital around 4.58pm on Tuesday, June 16.

Six fire appliances and a height appliance were dispatched to the scene by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). Police Scotland have now confirmed that nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.

The public are being asked to avoid the area at this time. Video footage of the incident shows multiple appliances in attendance, fire crews operating a specialist appliance on the scene and firefighters moving what appears to be e-bikes.

One local told Edinburgh Live: “I think it was something to do with electric bikes as the smell of burning was bad and they were removing a lot of bikes from the shop below.” One person has been treated at the scene and enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Dalry Road in Edinburgh is closed in both directions following a report of a fire at a premises around 5.25pm on Tuesday, 16 June, 2026. Emergency services are in attendance and one person was treated at the scene.

“Nearby properties have been evacuated as a precaution and people are being asked to avoid the area. Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.”

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A SFRS spokesperson added: “Motorists should avoid Dalry Road in Edinburgh following a fire affecting a shop. At 4.58pm on Tuesday, 16 June, Operations Control was alerted and mobilised six appliances and a high reach vehicle to the scene to make the area safe.

“There are no reported casualties at this time.”

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James Corden has described the Tartan Army as the ‘most incredible fans’ in the world

A clip from James Corden’s World Cup coverage has gone viral after leaving his studio audience in tears of laughter, as the host turned his attention to Scotland’s travelling supporters and their colourful impact in Boston.

The Gavin and Stacey star has been bringing late-night entertainment to the World Cup for American viewers with a new nightly show airing throughout the tournament on FOX, but one particular segment about Scotland’s Tartan Army has left his studio audience in tears of laughter.

The one-hour programme sees Corden joined by former England player Rio Ferdinand and comedian Ian Karmel as they break down the biggest moments, viral clips and talking points from the tournament, alongside surprise guest appearances from football and entertainment stars.

A clip from the show, shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral after Corden turned his attention to Scotland’s famous Tartan Army in Boston. In the clip, Corden says: “The Scottish fans, the Tartan Army. They are the most incredible fans. They were so excited to be there for the World Cup.”

He then introduced footage of thousands of Scotland supporters arriving in the stadium in full force. “Check this out, this is them walking into the stadium. Look at that, love to see it,” he said.

The clip showed the Tartan Army marching in numbers, many wearing traditional kilts and accompanied by the sound of bagpipes. Corden went on to show the reaction of Scottish fans once inside the stadium.

He said: “But once the Scottish fans got inside the stadium, they became impressed with everything that this American World Cup has to offer.”

The show then cut to footage of a Scottish supporter watching the cheerleaders inside Boston Stadium with his mouth wide open, as the group of girls performed for the supporters – something that certainly doesn’t happen at games in Scotland.

James jokingly added: “Everybody loves to make fun of American, until you get to America and you’re like, okay now I get it,” which brought the audience to fits of laughter.

Ian Karmel added his own comedic take on the cultural differences between the United States and Scotland. “This is because all the Europeans who come to America, it’s like a college student in between their first and second year at Cambridge,” he said.

“But once we get a bunch of drunk Germans and Scottish people, who are sports fans coming here, you show them an Arby’s beef and cheddar. That’s how you heal the world baby.”

However, not all viewers were convinced by Corden’s commentary, with X users quickly pointing out inaccuracies in the clip. One user wrote: “Who’s going to tell him that was the march to the baseball and not the football.”

For someone waiting for a hip replacement, the NHS waiting list is not an abstract policy problem. It is the difference between walking to the shops or staying indoors, sleeping through the night or waking in pain, returning to work or putting life on hold.

Across Wales, there are signs that some long waits are finally beginning to move in the right direction. More people are getting through the system for planned operations, tests and appointments. But that is only part of the story. The parts of the NHS people rely on when they are frightened, seriously ill, or waiting for cancer treatment remain under severe pressure.

The recent election in Wales makes this an important moment to take stock of the NHS: what is improving, what is still struggling and what this means for patients. The latest official figures cover March and April 2026, when the previous government’s targets still applied.

The new Plaid Cymru Welsh government has said it will continue reporting against these targets unless they are replaced or revised. Mabon ap Gwynfor, the recently appointed minister for health and care, inherits a service that is both recovering and still under real strain.

The clearest good news is in planned care. In March, just under 666,700 appointments, tests or treatments were waiting to be carried out. That was down by around 21,300 from February and marked the tenth month in a row that the number had fallen. These figures do not represent individual patients. One person may be waiting for more than one appointment, test or treatment. Management information suggests that around 529,100 people were on treatment waiting lists.

The longest waits are also falling. Just under 2,600 treatments had been waiting more than two years, 96.3% lower than the peak in March 2022. The proportion waiting less than 26 weeks rose to 65.9%, the best figure since May 2020. Those waiting more than 36 weeks fell to just over 166,800, the lowest level since August 2020. The median wait was 15.5 weeks, the shortest since April 2020.

These improvements should be recognised as important for wider public health. For patients, planned-care recovery can mean less time living with pain, less uncertainty, fewer cancelled plans, and a better chance of staying in work or caring for family.

Why emergency care still feels broken

Emergency care is where many people judge whether the system is really coping. It is the part of the NHS people encounter at moments of fear: chest pain, falls, breathing difficulties, severe infections or the sudden deterioration of an elderly relative.

In April, Wales recorded just under 95,100 emergency department attendances, an average of 3,168 a day. Only 66% of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours, against a target of 95%. More than 10,000 patients waited 12 hours or more.

The causes are not simply that too many people are turning up at accident and emergency departments (A&E). Emergency departments depend on the wider hospital and on social care outside hospital. If wards are full, patients cannot move out of A&E. If ambulances cannot hand patients over, they cannot get back on the road. If people who are medically well enough to leave hospital cannot be discharged safely, beds remain occupied.

In April, there were just under 1,300 delayed discharges on the day the data was collected. Together, they accounted for almost 57,500 delayed days for adults who were ready to leave hospital but could not move on.

This explains why the public can hear that waiting lists are improving and still feel that the NHS is stuck. A hip operation may finally be scheduled, while an elderly parent waits all day in an emergency department because there is no bed or care package available.

Cancer care shows the stakes most clearly. The Welsh target is for at least 75% of patients to start their first definitive treatment within 62 days of an urgent suspected cancer referral. In March, performance improved, but only to 60.2%. Delays matter because cancer is exceptionally time-sensitive. Later diagnosis and treatment can mean more advanced disease, more complex treatment and poorer outcomes.

Mental health services show another form of pressure. In March 2026, local support services received 7,568 referrals. Across all ages, 84.9% of assessments were completed within 28 days and 92.7% of treatment began within 28 days of assessment. Secondary mental health services were supporting 17,498 patients at the end of March.

These figures show that headline waiting-list improvements, while important, do not tell the whole story. Demand is rising across different parts of the system, and the pressure is not limited to planned operations.

The workforce

The NHS in Wales has more staff than it used to. At the end of 2025, there were 100,224 full-time equivalent staff directly employed by NHS Wales, up 1.6% in a year and 25.8% since 2018. But more staff does not automatically mean enough capacity.

The same release recorded 5,652 vacancies and an average sickness absence rate of 6.4% across 2025. Anxiety, stress, depression and other psychiatric illnesses accounted for 34.9% of sickness absence.

This points to a workforce under sustained pressure. Recruitment matters, but so do retention, morale and working conditions. Recovery will be difficult if the people delivering care are themselves exhausted.

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Then there is the financial reality. Audit Wales reported that all seven Welsh health boards again breached their statutory duty to break even over the three years to 2024 and 2025. Money alone will not solve every problem. But improving access, supporting staff and redesigning services is difficult when every health board is financially stretched.

The Welsh NHS is moving, but unevenly. For people, the test will not be whether one graph improves. It will be whether the whole journey through care begins to feel safer, faster and more humane.