‘We never had as much disrespect as we did at that meeting. It was absolutely shocking’

A protest was held at a West Belfast community centre this morning by “disappointed” local residents after it was denied funding by Belfast City Council.

The Glen Community Complex has been described as the heart of the Lenadoon area, providing a space for local residents and groups to gather and support one another through various projects. However, some of this could be put at risk after it was denied funding by Belfast City Council.

The centre provides space for educational courses, daycare, parent groups, support services for women and mothers and community wellbeing with it being the main facility used for the area’s Covid response during the pandemic.

Michael Doherty said he was shocked with the response from the council to the centre’s funding request as it has previously had a very good relationship with it. He said the funding from the Community Support Programme was vital, allowing the centre to provide its facilities free of charge by covering overheads like electricity and heating bills and without it they may have to reduce opening hours or start charging.

Nuala Fitzpatrick told Belfast Live that the services provided at the Glen Community Complex helped her go from “rock bottom” to a safe and secure place where she can best care for her young daughter. Nuala said that she was so impressed with the support that she received from the centre that she now works there.

She said she was shocked and disappointed that the council had rejected the centre’s funding request saying: “Everything that this community represents depends on this building and to me personally I have been able to go from rock bottom as the women’s group was able to support me and gave me everything that I needed and helped save me personally.

“I was then able to get a job her and my daughter attends the daycare while I work and I couldn’t do that without it. The older generation come here for computer classes which helps them to keep in touch with younger family members and in here helps the older generation do that.

“Belfast City Council have two values that standout to me and that is responsibility and integrity and I don’t think they took those into consideration when they made the decision to reject the funding.”

A protest was held at the Glen Community Complex on Friday, May 22, where staff, service users, local residents and political representatives gathered to show their support for a judicial review on the funding rejection.

Michael said at the protest:”For 20 years we’ve had a brilliant relationship with Belfast City Council, we worked really, really well with them, worked well with our staff. We have 1,500 people use the services in there and to be honest with you, we were really shocked in February when we found out that our application had been turned down.

“The funding that we get from the council, it helps towards the gas, electric, the running costs, the cleaning costs, and it allows us, to let groups come in and use it. We have over 12 groups use the building free of charge, and it’s because of the funding we’ve got of them over the years that we were able to do that.

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“We actually asked could we appeal the decision, and they said no. I think the thing that made things much worse for us was we actually done a meeting with council officials and it was probably the worst meeting I’ve done in 40 years.

“I’ve met British government ministers, unionist ministers, and we never had as much disrespect as we did at that meeting. It was absolutely shocking.

“Every question we asked was answered by One answer, community development is not a priority in your governing document. That’s all they would say. We pointed out all the services that we run, we were glad that every group that got got the funding that they have.

“But when we looked and seen well over a dozen groups that run the exact same services as we run in there were all being funded and we weren’t, we couldn’t understand it.

“What we have done is we then sought for the first time in our lives to take a judicial review, and the judicial review was in the hope that the courts would overturn the decision.”

Michael said the Council is now “trying everything in its power” to stop the centre from taking a judicial review against them, but they will continue fighting to provide for the local community and residents.

In a statement to Belfast Live, Belfast City Council said: “The Council received and has responded to pre-action correspondence from Glen Community Parent/Youth Group, who were unsuccessful in their application. It would be inappropriate to comment further on this particular application at this time.

“Belfast City Council introduced a new Community Support Plan large grant scheme last year, following a period of public engagement and consultation on the Plan.

“Through this grants programme, the council is providing over £5.4million support per annum to successful applicants, allowing them to bring targeted local activities and support to communities across the city.

“The Community Support Plan Grants scheme offered a three year fund of a maximum of £60,000 per year, to support organisations from April 2026 to March 2029. It opened on August 5, 2025, and applications had to be returned by noon on October 6.

“This was publicised through our usual channels, and we held seven information events for the sector between August 11 and 12 September, across the city and online, to allow organisations to ask questions about the application process.

“We encouraged all applicants to attend these sessions, even if they had received community funding from us on previous occasions, as it was a new process. Ultimately it was however for organisations to ensure that they met the essential criteria and provide the relevant supporting criteria as part of their application.”

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The new bags are 25p cheaper than the supermarket’s lowest-priced plastic option, with reusable plastic bags currently costing 40p each. The move comes after a price increase last year when Lidl raised the cost of plastic carrier bags from 30p to 40p.

Customers have shared mixed opinions on social media about the new paper bags, with some in favour and others expressing doubts.

One user wrote: “Some would say this is a good thing as it means less plastic waste. I’m not so sure.”

Another commented: “Put more than one apple in that paper bag and the handles say ‘I’m off mate’.”

UK supermarket rankings in 2026

Others raised concerns about durability.

One customer said: “Never had a brown paper bag that didn’t rip or collapse before l got home.”

Some felt there was no need to charge for a non-plastic bag.

Another user wrote: “Thought they only charged for plastic bag because of well…plastic.”

Others questioned whether the bags would hold up in wet weather.

One said: “Paper won’t stand the weight and if it rains a waste of time.”

Despite the criticism, some welcomed the change.

One user said: “Paper bags every time, easier to recycle!”

Another agreed: “A paper bag is great.”

Lidl and more UK supermarkets introduce ‘£13 rule’

Most of the major retailers are implementing a new ‘£13 rule’ as the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze Brits households’ budgets.

The rule means many major branches are introducing a wage increase for staff to make sure hourly pay reaches a minimum of £13.

In April, the legal minimum wage increased to £12.71 per hour.

Currently, the Real Living Wage stands at £13.45, which is determined by the Living Wage Foundation Charity.

Here is a list of other retailers and supermarkets set to adopt the ‘£13 rule’.

Primark

Customer assistants across England, Scotland and Wales have received a pay increase to a minimum of £13.

Those working at the fashion chain in London will see their wages increase to £13.71 an hour.

Tesco

Tesco has also increased the wages which will take effect from this month. According to The Workers Union [TWU], the hourly pay rate for store assistants increased to around £13.35 per hour nationally.

Aldi

Supermarket retailer Aldi has revealed its updated pay structure. The chain has said shop assistants will receive £13.50 per hour across the country.

Workers at branches in London will see their pay increase to £14.88 per hour.

Lidl

Lidl has stated that starting hourly rates have risen to £13.45 per hour across the nation and this can progress to £14.45 with time served. In the capitol, wage increase is set to climb to £14.80 and can climb to £15.30 based on experience.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s increased their hourly wage to £14.54 from £13.23 nationally.

M&S

Hourly wages at supermarket M&S increased from £12.60 to £13.41 on April 1.

While staff based in London saw their wage climb from £13.85 to £14.74.

A US court filed criminal charges against Cuba’s 94-year-old former leader, Raúl Castro, on May 20. Castro has been charged with conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder and two counts of destruction of aircraft. The charges relate to a 1996 incident in which four men were killed after Cuban fighter jets shot down two planes belonging to an exile group from Miami.

The indictment comes at a time when tensions between the two countries are running high, and raises the possibility that the US could try to remove Castro from the country by force, to be brought to trial in the US. We spoke to Anna Grimaldi, a lecturer in global development and Latin American studies at the University of Leeds, about the prospect of military action.

Is there any evidence of Raúl Castro’s involvement in shooting down the aircraft?

Raúl’s brother, Fidel Castro, who was the Cuban president at the time, took responsibility for the 1996 incident shortly after it took place. But US prosecutors argue that, as the then-defence minister, Raúl’s direct orders for Cuban forces to train in tracking and intercepting aircrafts constituted an operational role in the planning phase of the shooting.

In reality, the basic facts of the incident are still unclear. The US maintains the planes were unarmed and flying in international airspace, which would make the downings unlawful. But Cuba argues the aircraft were part of repeated and deliberate violations of its airspace and sovereignty.

Cuban officials continue to frame the attack as a justified act of self‑defence against ongoing provocation. And in any case, Cuban law explicitly prohibits the extradition of its citizens to another country. So unless the US stages an operation to seize Castro, he is unlikely to face trial in the US.

Could the US be using the charges as a pretext for military action against Cuba?

Raúl Castro’s indictment has raised familiar alarm bells. A few months ago, the US carried out a military operation along similar lines in Venezuela which resulted in the capture of the sitting president, Nicolás Maduro. At that time, the US alleged Maduro was involved in drug trafficking and had partnered with cartels designated as terrorist groups.

The US is keeping its options open in Cuba. When asked by reporters following Castro’s indictment whether there could be an arrest similar to Maduro, Trump said: “I don’t want to say that.” Yet he has persistently hinted an interest in carrying out what he calls a “friendly takeover” of Cuba. The Cuban president, Miguel Díaz‑Canel, says this threat alone “constitutes an international crime”.

At least for now, there is little to suggest Washington is actively preparing to intervene in Cuba militarily. In comments to the Associated Press in early May, US officials speaking on the condition of anonymity stated they are “not looking at imminent military action against Havana”.

Cuba’s military doctrine, which is oriented primarily towards territorial defence and in which every citizen is considered a participant, means that military intervention would probably be prolonged. It would also be politically and financially costly.

When fears of retaliation (Cuba lies just 90 miles from Florida) and existing US military commitments elsewhere are also considered, such an intervention looks unlikely in the near term.

The US is much more likely to continue its campaign of indirect pressure, which has intensified in recent years but ultimately stretches back to the Cuban revolution in 1959.

The US regime of sanctions and fuel blockades is crippling Cuba’s economy. Washington appears to be pursuing a strategy of straining the Cuban regime internally, while simultaneously constructing the legal and political justifications for escalation.

Would a Venezuela-style operation in Cuba even be possible?

There are some similarities between the Venezuelan and Cuban cases. By targeting a sitting and former head of state, the US has tried to delegitimise the political leadership of both countries. Cuba and Venezuela have also both faced deep economic crises, heightening their vulnerability to external pressure.

However, there are significant structural differences between the two countries. Venezuela represents a strategically valuable resource for the US, with US policy there closely tied to control over its oil reserves. Cuba lacks comparable material incentives, and has instead been subjected to a long-term embargo and containment strategy.

Cuba’s centralised one‑party system and entrenched institutions also contrast with Venezuela’s more fragmented and weakened state apparatus. And Cuba’s long history of confrontation with the US has fostered a political culture of resistance. Together, these make an operation to impose regime change much less viable.

Is there an opposition movement inside Cuba that would back US military action?

There is no unified political opposition in Cuba. Expressions of dissatisfaction there have frequently taken place through mass emigration, with the island’s one‑party system and other mechanisms of state control constraining the ability of opposition groups to organise and expand.

Rare protests have erupted in Cuba in recent months. But this dissent appears to have be driven largely by material grievances, with reports of demonstrators chanting slogans such “turn on the lights” amid blackouts, rather than an organised political agenda.

At the same time, the external pressure from the US has produced nationalist mobilisation and demonstrations in defence of Cuban sovereignty. Mass rallies throughout the country have framed US threats against Cuba as imperial aggression, emphasising unity and resistance against external intervention.

Dissatisfaction with the Cuban government does exist. But so far, it seems to remain rooted in economic and domestic concerns, rather than translating into alignment with US objectives or welcoming possible intervention.

DC Andrew McKeane, who investigated, said that the images are the ‘worst he’s graded’ since moving into his role about five years ago

A paedophile has been found to have over 2,000 indecent images of children stored on his device, as well as on a cloud storage app linked to him. Ben Sharpe, 31, was visited by the officers at his home in the Huntingdon Road area of Cambridge at about 1.15pm on January 31.

Sharpe, who had already been convicted of indecent images of children offences in 2021, handed over his mobile phone to one of the officers working for the force’s management of sexual and violent offenders (MOSOVO) for them to examine.

The 31-year-old admitted to deleting some apps from the phone before he let the officers in and was arrested. The phone was examined, and 2,188 indecent images of children were found to have been stored on the device, as well as on a cloud storage app linked to Sharpe.

He had also breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) handed down following the 2021 conviction by uninstalling mobile internet browsers, failing to provide police access to his cloud storage, deleting apps and installing a storage cleaner on his phone.

On Thursday, May 21, at Peterborough Crown Court, Sharpe, of Brooks Road, Cambridge, was jailed for two years and six months, having pleaded guilty to four counts of breaching a SHPO, three counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count each of possessing a prohibited image of a child and possessing an extreme pornographic image. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

DC Andrew McKeane, who investigated, said: “The images are the worst I’ve graded since moving into my current role about five years ago so I’m happy Sharpe has been jailed. He clearly hasn’t learned anything from his previous conviction.

“Officers from MOSOVO will always check on convicted sex offenders in the county to make sure they are adhering to their conditions and court orders. In this case, a routine visit has uncovered further offences which has led to a repeat paedophile being jailed.”

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Kyle Busch experienced shortness of breath, felt he was overheating and was coughing up blood the day before his death, according to a 911 call obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

Busch died Thursday at age 41. No cause of death has been given, though his family said earlier he had been hospitalized with a “severe illness” three days before he was to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told the AP.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because details have not been disclosed by Busch’s team or family.

During the emergency call placed late that afternoon from the General Motors training facility, an unidentified caller calmly told the dispatch: “I’ve got an individual that’s (got) shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’s going to pass out, and is producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.”

Busch was lying on the bathroom floor inside the complex and the caller told dispatch “he is awake,” according to audio provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office.

The man then gave directions on where emergency responders should go and asked that they turn off any sirens upon arrival.

NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell addressed reporters at a news conference Friday but declined to answer any questions about the cause of death or any health problems that might have plagued Busch.

“We are 24 hours from getting a phone call and out of respect for the family, and they have asked for privacy, I am not going to address anything,” O’Donnell said. “But transparency is something that we all believe in. So in due time I think that everyone will be comfortable with where things stand.”

O’Donnnell talked at length about Busch’s legacy, his rebellious nature and even his feuds with NASCAR, while calling him “an American badass.”

“We certainly had our battles but I would give a lot of money to have a few more battles,” O’Donnell said.

He joked about the time Busch pretended to be seriously hurt when NASCAR had ordered him to go to the infield care center after hitting the wall at Texas.

“He laid flat out on a pit cart, made fun of us,” O’Donnell said. “I was mad at the time, but I look back and that was damn funny — and that was Kyle.”

O’Donnell mentioned NASCAR might consider adding Busch to this year’s list of Hall of Fame Class of 2027 inductees, which was determined earlier this week with Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Larry Phillips being voted in.

The news of Busch’s death sent shock waves across the motorsports world on one of racing’s biggest weekends, which also features the Indianapolis 500.

The NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes honored Busch with a moment of silence before Thursday night’s Eastern Conference Finals game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Vice President JD Vance took to social media, saying “I had the opportunity to meet Kyle, one of NASCAR’s greatest racers, on the campaign trail in 2024. Usha and I are praying for him and his family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”

Richard Childress Racing announced plans to suspend use of Busch’s No. 8 Cup Series car until his 11-year-old son, Brexton, is old enough to begin NASCAR racing.

Gloomy, gray skies hung over the track on an unseasonably cool day in Concord, which seemed a fitting background for the in memoriam photo of Busch on the videoboard.

Christopher Bell was among the drivers planning to run in the NASCAR Trucks Series race on Friday night, one that Busch had been scheduled to compete in. Busch won last week’s Trucks race at Dover — the final win of his career — giving him 234 victories across NASCAR’s three national series, the most of any driver.

“It’s going to be very strange to be out there without Kyle in the field,” Bell said. “It’s going to take a long time before things feel back to normal.”

Bell called Busch’s death a “gut-wrenching feeling.”

He said he spoke to Busch before the last Trucks Series race and said he seemed “normal, like completely normal.”

On Monday, Busch posted a birthday message to Brexton on Instagram, saying, “Your mom & I are so proud who you’re turning out to be!”

The father and son spent Tuesday night in Durham, North Carolina, with the Andretti family at the opening of a go-kart facility.

“I guess it is a very stark reminder of how fragile life can be,” Bell said.

O’Donnell said NASCAR never seriously considered canceling the Coca-Cola 600.

“Kyle Busch would probably be pretty (upset) if we didn’t race,” O’Donnell said. “So we’re going to honor his memory and make sure people know what he was all about.”

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Manchester United could be in for a busy summer and reports suggest Sandro Tonali features prominently in their list of targets

Manchester United have reportedly made Sandro Tonali their transfer focus this summer. Michael Carrick signed a two-year contract to become the new permanent head coach following a superb temporary spell at Old Trafford.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, United have decided to hone in on the Newcastle United midfielder, regardless of Ederson, as the new boss looks to the Italian to begin the midfield restructure. The outlet has claimed that the Magpies have a gentleman’s agreement with the midfielder that if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, he would be allowed to leave.

From a transfer point of view, the 26-year-old is said to be available from €100million (£86m) with Eddie Howe’s side facing the prospect of a bottom-half finish. Going into the final game of the season on Sunday, Newcastle sit 10 points off the Champions League places but just three points off the final European place, however they have an inferior goal difference to Chelsea.

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It had led to fresh speculation surrounding Tonali’s future, who has been rumoured to be of interest to newly-crowned champions, Arsenal.

The Italian outlet has suggested that United have applied focus on the Premier League-experienced midfielder, while holding an interest in Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but Tonali is a player that Carrick specifically wants.

Di Marzio has claimed that there is a “good chance” a deal will go through but it is unknown whether it will be €100million or up to €80m (£69m) plus bonuses.

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Tonali has faced speculation over his future, namely when the Gunners were reported to be weighing up a move during the January transfer window.

Eddie Howe was forced to speak out in February, reaffirming the 26-year-old’s commitment at St James’ Park. He said: “His only focus was on Manchester City and trying to win that game so there’s absolutely no issue with Sandro himself.

“He’s very happy and committed so I find it difficult to talk about things I don’t know too much about. I can only talk about Sandro as the person and player, and his mindset here and now. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he’s absolutely fine.”

The Magpies head coach has previously discussed the prospect of summer activity within the Toon ranks. He said last month: “I think from my perspective, we’ve recruited players here since I’ve been here in the same way. So, although we’ve had different sporting directors, the processes haven’t changed.

“When we recruit a player, what’s fundamentally important is that me and the coaching team like that player and can see a way that we can get the very best out of him in our team. Signing a player that doesn’t fit that criteria, I think, is unhealthy.

“And the club have been really good in helping me sort of mould the squad as I want to. So I think I always say judge me by every signing that we’ve made since I’ve been here, not just by one or two that people want to sort of beat me with a stick with. Across the board, I think we’ve recruited really well. Of course, there will be question marks on certain players.

“I understand that comes with the territory. But I’m really proud of our recruitment. There’s got a lot of work that’s gone into it. But all the players that we’ve signed, whether it’s abroad or domestic based, have been chased and endorsed by myself.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Indoor air that’s too dry can irritate skin, cause asthma symptoms, sore throats and even cracked lips. Adding moisture back with a humidifier may help.

They’re useful in summer, when fans and air conditioners dry the air, and winter, when heating and dehumidifiers do the same. I know how shifts in temperature can leave my son’s skin feeling uncomfortably dry (not to mention my own), so I’m always looking for ways to manage ot.

I tested 10 of the most popular humidifier brands, including Dyson, Humio and Meaco, to see if they’d help. Incidentally, my house plants have flourished thanks to the added moisture in the air. Prices vary from about £60 to nearly £700, depending on the device you choose.

You can read my reviews further down, followed by some advice on how to use humidifiers. Here’s a quick look at my top five:

The best humidifiers: At a glance

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How to choose the best humidifier

“Many adults suffering with asthma, eczema or allergies choose to buy humidifiers,” says Dr Semiya Aziz, general practitioner and founder of Say GP. “However, it’s important to do your research before purchasing. For example, cool-mist humidifiers may ease a stuffy nose during a cold, whereas a heated humidified air doesn’t seem to have the same result and may be of no benefit.”

If you have allergies, asthma, or skin conditions, speak to a healthcare professional before use. Remember, a humidifier is a home remedy, not a medical treatment.

They also differ in capacity. Some are quite large and designed for bigger rooms, while other models are compact and good for use in a bedroom or child’s nursery. There’s also the option with some humidifiers to add aromatherapy oils or vapour discs to enhance the overall experience. Some even double as air purifiers.

How we test humidifiers

Zenith Aviation Limited, established in 2013, is a luxury private jet operator based in Biggin Hill, London.

The airline’s fleet, which is supported by a team of “highly trained and experienced” pilots and operational ground staff, consists of:

• Bombardier Learjet 75
• Learjet 45
• Citation XLS
• Challenger 605 aircraft

Zenith Aviation Limited, on its LinkedIn page, added: “We’re committed to maintaining unrivalled standards of quality, safety and service.

“Zenith Aviation – quality without compromise.”

Zenith Aviation Limited enters administration with all flights cancelled

After 13 years in business, Zenith Aviation Limited has now fallen into administration.

Paul Hargreaves from Nexus Corporate Solutions Limited was appointed administrator on May 15, according to The Gazette.

Mr Hargreaves, speaking to Newsquest (via The Herald), said Zenith Aviation was in an insolvent position due to “cashflow issues, debtors not paying, and historic ownership and management issues”.

A total of 41 jobs will be lost as a result of the company’s collapse.

Mr Hargreaves continued: “It is unfortunate for the company and the former employees, however, we are assessing the assets of the company, assisting employees with claiming their statutory redundancy entitlements, and looking at options to include potential rescue, or buyout should that be appropriate.

“At this time we are still assessing the company’s position, and evaluating the options.”

Other airlines that have fallen into administration or liquidation in 2026

Several airlines entered liquidation in 2025, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, including:

• Blue Islands Limited (UK) – November
• Air Kilroe Limited t/a Eastern Airways (UK) – November
• Play Airlines (Iceland) – September

This turbulence in the airline industry has carried over into 2026, with more airlines entering administration or liquidation, including:

• Ascend Airways (liquidation)
• EcoJet Airlines (liquidation)
• Royal Air Philippines (administration)
• Dove Airlines (liquidation)

Meanwhile, four UK travel companies have also closed down in 2026:

• Regen Central Ltd
• Gold Crest Holidays
• Asiara UK Ltd
• Simply Florida Travel Ltd

All four have ceased trading, according to Companies House, and have lost their Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL).

Luxury holiday company Salamander Voyages also entered administration late last month.

Have you flown with Zenith Aviation before? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

Eligible families with three or more children will receive higher Universal Credit payments following the abolition of the two-child limit from April 6

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Families receiving Universal Credit are set to see increased payments this year following a significant rule change implemented last month, which abolished the longstanding two-child limit. The restriction preventing claims for support beyond two children was lifted on 6 April, meaning households will now receive the child element for every child in their care.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that while the change has already taken effect, owing to Universal Credit’s payment structure – with payments issued monthly – claimants will only notice the increase this month or in June.

The DWP stated the timing varies according to each claimant’s monthly assessment period, which dictates when Universal Credit is calculated and distributed.

Until now, most families could only claim the child element of Universal Credit for their first two children, unless they met certain exemptions, reports the Daily Record. This policy, referred to as the ‘two-child limit’, has now been scrapped.

Consequently, families with three or more children can now access additional monthly support for each subsequent child, boosting their total Universal Credit entitlement. The change applies throughout the Universal Credit system, benefiting both new and existing claimants.

The child element of Universal Credit is worth:

• £333.33 a month for a first child (born before April 6, 2017)
• £287.92 a month for each additional child

This means households will now be eligible to receive an additional £287.92 monthly for each extra child who was previously excluded from their claim. Annually, this amounts to over £3,400 per child.

While the policy amendment came into force from April 6, payments will only rise after a claimant completes the first full monthly assessment period following that date.

This means:

• Some households will see higher payments this month
• Others will not receive the increase until June

DWP guidance states that the exact timing will vary depending on individual payment cycles. There is no requirement to submit a fresh claim or contact DWP, as the amendments should be implemented automatically.

However, claimants are encouraged to review their Universal Credit statements to confirm the correct number of children are reflected in their award. Further information on how the changes operate, including eligibility and payment timings, is available on GOV.UK.

Diana Henry is the Telegraph’s much-loved cookery writer. She shares recipes each week, for everything from speedy family dinners to special menus that friends will remember for months. She is also a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and her journalism and recipe books, including Simple and How to Eat a Peach, are multi-award-winning. A mother of two sons, Diana can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.