For example the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme, which was updated last month, includes further incentives for farmers to graze moorland with cattle and ponies instead of sheep as it “contributes positively to biodiversity”. Cattle, for example, do not graze as low to the ground as sheep, allowing smaller plants to flower.

Netflix’s plan to buy the Hollywood studio Warner Bros Discovery is over. The streaming giant was eventually outbid by rival company Paramount Skydance, which is willing to pay around US$111 billion (£82.2 billion) for the company.

It’s not a done deal yet. There will be regulatory hoops that Paramount needs to get through.

But after a tense few months of negotiations, Warner Bros, which put itself up for sale last year, said Paramount’s latest bid was “superior” to the one from Netflix, which then refused to raise its offer.

And if things go according to Paramount’s plan, the company will soon become the new owners of a vast library of content. It will own the likes of Casablanca, Friends, Superman, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Plus it will have the Sopranos, Sex and the City and Succession.

Media companies like Paramount and Netflix appear to see high quality back catalogues as valuable strategic assets. The theory is that control over legacy content can provide financial stability and a durable competitive advantage.

And it’s a strategy with a long history. Back in the 18th century for example, Longman, the UK’s oldest commercial publishing house, built up its business by acquiring the catalogues of other firms.

Founded by Thomas Longman in 1724, the company steadily and deliberately expanded its portfolio of titles. One of the most famous and lucrative of these was Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe.

In addition to acquiring catalogues from publishers (who were often retiring or leaving the trade) Longman was also a keen trader of shares in consortiums known as “congers”. This was where publishers collaborated to finance new literary works as a way of spreading the risk of potentially costly publishing ventures. In 1755, for example, Longman joined a consortium with five other publishers to produce and publish Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language.

By the time Longman reached its centenary in 1824, the firm was regarded as one of the most distinguished publishing houses of the age. Its fortunes were built on the substantial capital generated through the acquisition of lucrative copyrights, a strategy that successive generations continued.

It was the third generation of Longman publishers for example, who, in 1863, acquired the business of John William Parker & Son, publishers of Gray’s Anatomy. First issued in 1858, the work had already become pivotal to medical education, making it a highly valuable addition to Longman’s catalogue. It has never been out of print, and still sells well to medical students and doctors around the world today.

Longman continued to grow, and was considered one of the major players in British publishing in the 19th century. A steady commitment to purchasing reference and instructional works helped cement the firm’s reputation as a leading educational publisher, a position strengthened by its overseas trade and broad catalogue of school textbooks.

Content is always king

This would become their enduring legacy well into the 20th century, as Longman’s reference works came to define standards in English language educational publishing.

As successive generations of Longman had pursued this strategy of acquiring established firms with profitable lists, new media companies entered the market seeking to expand their portfolios. Longman’s reputation and extensive back catalogue eventually made the firm an attractive target for a take over.

In 1968 Longman was acquired by Pearson, bringing an end to a publishing dynasty that had lasted for centuries. And although no longer family-owned, the Longman imprint has endured as a strong brand in educational publishing.

Similarly, by absorbing Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive archive, Paramount will gain control over a vast catalogue of cultural content, influencing which stories persist and how future entertainment landscapes may be shaped.

The deal, if it happens, demonstrates how legacy assets remain powerful tools for shaping markets and culture. It will also show that for media companies in the 21st century, as with publishing companies 300 years ago, ownership of a profitable back catalogue continues to be a cornerstone of growth and innovation.

Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes has a history of taking aim at Manchester United managers

Paul Scholes’ recent scathing criticism of Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick is nothing new for the Old Trafford icon. Scholes slammed his former team-mate following United’s 2-1 defeat away to Newcastle on Wednesday evening.

Carrick has been imperious since replacing Ruben Amorim at the beginning of the year. Defeat in the north east was his first since becoming United caretaker boss for the second time in his career.

While Scholes reserved some choice words for the 44-year-old, Carrick is not the only United manager who’s been on the receiving end of a rollicking from the ex-England star.

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The TNT Sports pundit has unloaded on coaches from Jose Mourinho to Ruben Amorim. Here, we take a look at what Scholes has had to say on several former United bosses.

Michael Carrick

Following the disappointing result against the Magpies, an irritated Scholes took aim at Carrick via social media. On his Instagram story, he posted: “Michael has definitely got something special about him…cos Utd have been c**p last four games…night.”

In their previous four games, United had earned 10 points from 12, having beaten Crystal Palace at home and Everton away. They also drew with West Ham away and beat Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Scholes then displayed his appreciation for Newcastle’s midfielder Sandro Tonali, inscribing the Italian’s surname next to a love heart emoji.

Ruben Amorim

In December 2025, just weeks from Amorim’s sacking, Scholes unleashed on the Portuguese manager. Speaking on his podcast with former team-mate Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness, The Good, the Bad and the Football, Scholes laid into Amorim and his footballing philosophy.

Scholes said: “I don’t think the manager gets the club, full stop. I just don’t think he’s the right man. Man United is about risk and entertainment, more than anything.

“Having fans on the edge of their seat f*****g ready to go. If you go to Sporting Lisbon and watch, they played three at the back. Right away, that’s a no.

“Man United never do that. They can’t do that. They just can’t, it’s been proven over years and years and years. I just don’t think he gets it.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Solskjaer was relieved of his United managerial duties in November 2021. While Scholes didn’t lambast his ex-team-mate, he did concede that Solskjaer didn’t have what it takes to lift United to the heights of winning the game’s biggest trophies.

“He probably couldn’t take us to that next level,” Scholes said after the Norwegian was sacked. “He got us to second in the Premier League, which isn’t bad. Numerous semi-finals.

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“A final as well last year, but he just couldn’t make that final step. I have to say it’s difficult. You think of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, there’s a lot of quality in this Premier League. Whoever comes now, it’s not going to be easy to get Manchester United to where they want to be.”

Erik ten Hag

Back in September 2024, after United were soundly beaten by Spurs, Scholes dug out the Dutchman for a series of disjointed performances. Ten Hag was sacked by United in October 2024.

“You don’t know how they’re going to play,” Scholes said on SuperSport. “You don’t know how they’re going to approach games, whether they are going to play on the counter-attack or sit deep or whether they’re going to try to have all the possession in the game.

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“We’ve no idea. They look like an uncoached football team. The players looked dead today, they looked flat and they looked like they were thinking ‘I don’t know what to do’. There’s no enthusiasm for the game of football and that can only come from the training pitch.”

Ralf Rangnick

Rangnick succeeded Solskjaer at the end of November 2021. Following this period as boss, it was agreed that the German would continue in a consultancy role for another two years.

Ultimately, Rangnick departed United for good at the end of that season after leading them to sixth place in the Premier League. Scholes was quick to judge the former RB Leipzig manager’s time in charge at Old Trafford, saying he didn’t resemble a top-level coach.

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“They’re either not taking the instructions on, or they don’t want to,” Scholes said on United’s players under Rangnick.

“It’s been a bad six or seven months, the season’s not been good enough. The sack for Ole was coming, we all knew that, we all felt that but where was the plan? You think there has to be a plan, they must be bringing in an elite top coach into the football club to revive the season.

“Man Utd, they should have the best of everything. And to not have a plan and bring, what is technically, a sporting director. I think he’s coached a team two years out of the last 10 years.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like the man, I think he comes across really well. His team, it just looks like he lacks experience in the last five or six years. His team, they’re a team of individuals.”

Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese legend took over at United in 2016 after winning several major trophies in his career. Despite winning the Europa League and League Cup in 2017, United were labouring under the ex-Chelsea boss just a year on.

He was eventually sacked after a sobering defeat to Liverpool in December 2018, with Scholes claiming the former Real Madrid manager was “embarrassing” the club.

“The team is very low on confidence,” Scholes said in October 2018, with United struggling in the Champions League and Premier League.

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“We talk about them being dull, and we talk about the first 10 games of the season, but you’re going into last season as well.

“The last year has been dull to watch. I don’t know how many times we’ve sat in this studio watching games and we end up watching the other screens, looking at the other games, trying to find some goals.

“He’s coming out in press conferences, he’s constantly having a go at players, he’s having a go at people above him because he’s not getting what he wants and I think his mouth is probably out of control and I think he’s embarrassing the club.”

Police in England and Wales have lost public trust over the last decade, with confidence in policing declining across several measures since 2015. Five years on from the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving London Met police officer, Met commissioner Mark Rowley says he understands why women still do not trust the UK’s largest force.

Everard’s murder and the lack of police investigation into violence against women and girls more generally is just one example of why trust has dipped. Other reasons include use of stop-and-search that disproportionately affects black people, and independent reviews finding that police organisational culture in the Met and other forces is institutionally racist, sexist and homophobic.

The government recently released its plans for the most significant overhaul of policing in decades. The proposals include changes to the sizes of forces, a new system of police licensing, and improving oversight and accountability for police.

This is an opportunity for policing to move away from the “warrior culture” that drives a wedge between police and local communities. As I have explored in my research, warrior-like policing culture – characterised by aggression, violence, sexism, racism and homophobia – is present in forces around the world, including in the UK.

The UK has made strides to increase transparency and accountability nationally, with publicly accessible barred police officers lists and using body-worn cameras.

The government’s proposal to reduce the number of forces in England and Wales from 43 to around 12 could be a chance to purge the most harmful aspects of this culture. Larger police forces are typically more diverse, and have more robust complaints and oversight systems. For example, New York and other US cities have civilian complaint review boards, which allow members of the public to review police misconduct complaints and be involved in improving policing.

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Met police: Casey review shows how ‘warrior culture’ drives policing in the UK

It could also be a chance to replace this warrior-like culture with “guardianship policing”, a policing model that prioritises police legitimacy through community respect, partnership and working with the public to combat crime and violence. This could include creative new solutions to local crime problems – like adopting public health solutions to issues like knife crime, which are health, not punishment, focused.

Improving accountability

Under the proposals, all police officers across England and Wales will be required to hold and regularly renew their Licence to Practice. While the College of Policing will set the standards, this is an opportunity to develop more robust, fair and accountable training and licensing requirements.

Too often, police standards and training are designed and delivered by current and former officers without input from the communities they serve. Members of the public could offer perspectives on their own experiences of crime, and also of poor policing, to better inform police of the consequences of their work.

The government also wants to give the police inspectorate new legal powers to better support and incentivise problematic forces to improve. This means the inspectorate could take action where they find deeply embedded misogyny, racism, homophobia or other worrying misconduct. However, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police misconduct complaints watchdog, also needs increased enforcement powers so they can directly hold problematic people and forces to account, which they cannot currently do.

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Police are failing to deliver a minimum standard of service, according to the UK public

But even under the proposals, the police inspectorate and IOPC will still handle too few cases. Currently, police misconduct is mostly handled internally within forces, and often results in little action. The inspectorate and the misconduct watchdog should therefore also be empowered to sue problematic forces for systemic problems, which they still will not be able to do under the proposals.

Another possibility would be to give courts the power to create and enforce consent decrees. Common in the US, these court-ordered settlement agreements mandate changes to troubled police forces, which are overseen by a court or independent monitoring team. These are the types of reforms that would give systemic misconduct investigations real teeth.

Politicising the police

The reforms present some real opportunities to change policing, but are also fraught with potential for misuse.

For example, giving central government more control over policing, including restoring the home secretary’s ability to fire chief constables. This could be helpful in instances of large numbers of police misconduct complaints or low police legitimacy levels in certain forces. But if a home secretary can fire police chiefs on a whim – because they don’t their like politics, because they work too closely with local communities, or because their initiatives are not punitive enough – that is problematic.

Policing policy should be driven by evidence, not by politics. The risks and implications of overly-politicised policing and security decisions are worrying, because they can mean peoples’ needs are not addressed.

To this end, it is promising that the government is replacing elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). PCCs were controversially introduced in 2012, with proponents arguing they provided greater police accountability and innovation. Yet critics assert they added additional police bureaucracy, tied the hands of police chiefs in addressing local crime, and are more subject to political pressures.

The proposal to replace PCCs with Policing and Crime Boards under mayoral or local council control could allow for better coordinated, more innovative solutions to local crime and security problems. Or, it may effectively just be keeping PCCs, but under another name.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson and the GOP leadership are calling for Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas to withdraw from his reelection race after he admitted having an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.

The Republican leadership announced its decision Thursday, a day after Gonzales acknowledged a relationship that has upturned the political world in his home state and in Washington, and after the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into his conduct.

“We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues,” said Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer, and GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain in a statement.

“In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for reelection.”

Johnson, R-La., has been under enormous pressure from his own GOP lawmakers to take action, and several Republicans have already called for Gonzales to step aside. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., has introduced two resolutions to punish Gonzales. The first seeks to remove him from his assignments on the House Appropriations and Homeland Security committees, while the second seeks to censure him.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, meanwhile, said he would support expelling Gonzales from the House, a rare step that requires a two-thirds vote from the chamber.

GOP leaders notably did not call for Gonzales to resign from office as they struggle to maintain their slim majority in the House, which they hold by only a handful of seats.

Their move came after Gonzales, appearing on the “Joe Pags Show,” was asked whether he had a relationship with the aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles.

Santos-Aviles, 35, died after setting herself on fire in the backyard of her home in Uvalde, Texas. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled her death a suicide.

“I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions,” Gonzales said.

The congressman, now in his third term, has said he would not step down in response to the allegations, telling reporters recently that there will be opportunities for all the details and facts to come out.

Gonzales, a father of six, first won his seat in 2020 after retiring from a 20-year career in the Navy that included time in Iraq and Afghanistan. On Tuesday, he was forced into a May runoff against Brandon Herrera, a gun manufacturer and YouTube gun-rights influencer who narrowly lost to Gonzales in the 2024 primary.

In his interview broadcast Wednesday, Gonzales said he had not spoken to Santos-Aviles since June 2024 and she died in September 2025.

“I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing, and in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales went on to say he reconciled with his wife, Angel, and has asked God to forgive him. He also said he looked forward to the Ethics Committee investigation.

Johnson and GOP leadership urged that committee to “act expeditiously.”

Under House ethics rules, lawmakers may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House under their supervision.

Online dating sites and apps are two of the most popular ways to meet a new partner in 2026. In fact, a recent YouGov survey found that it’s how nine per cent of adults in Britain found their partner.

Unsurprisingly, Tinder remains the most popular dating app, although Hinge has become bigger with those looking for something more serious, with its “designed to be deleted” model, according to a TGI consumer survey.

Most people remain unwilling to pay for a dating site. However the likes of eharmony and Our Time, which encourage users to pay for better features, are popular with over 50s, who tend to be serious daters.

Evidently, there’s a lot to consider when choosing a dating site, and the vast number in the UK (around 450) can make deciding the right one for you tricky to navigate. Whether you’re looking for something short or long-term, interested in talking before you meet or to date straight away or want to date someone of the same religion, I’ve put together this guide on dating sites to go some way to helping.

The best dating apps and sites of 2026: At a glance

Professional dog trainer with 20 years experience shares the three dog breeds he would not recommend — including one capable of killing an entire pack of wolves

A seasoned dog trainer and founder of the esteemed American Standard Dog Training company has revealed in a short YouTube video the three breeds he would advise against owning, from his professional perspective. Garret Wing, who boasts over two decades of experience training police dogs for both street work and competitions, highlighted certain breeds he deems unsuitable for families or challenging to manage.

Garret, whose YouTube channel has amassed an impressive 2.5 million subscribers, even mentioned one breed capable of “killing an entire pack of wolves”. In the 2023 video, Garret identified three extra-large dog breeds that potential owners might wish to steer clear of.

The first breed, which he stated they’d “never recommend as professional dog trainers,” is the Tibetan Mastiff, reports the Express.

He explained: “Starting with number three, the Tibetan Mastiff. A monster of a dog that is capable of killing an entire pack of wolves.

“So, do you think you need that in your home, with your small children? Not necessarily.

“They’re also known for being very stubborn and difficult to train. Beautiful animals, probably not for you.”

Next up was the Great Dane. Despite being “sweet dogs” that can make wonderful companions, Garret warned that they will entirely transform your lifestyle.

Owners of this breed may find themselves having to reorganise their entire home, invest in an oversized crate, and give serious thought to furniture arrangement and outdoor spaces where the dog can be taken.

He further commented: “We’re talking about a dog that is just too big for most homes.”

The breed he would least recommend, topping his list, is the Cane Corso.

This Italian mastiff breed, renowned for its livestock guarding abilities, has historically been utilised for cattle herding and large game hunting.

Garret advised against this breed for family households. He stated: “And then last but not least, we’re talking about the number one dog breed we do not recommend for families, the Cane Corso.

“That is too much dog for about 99.9% of folks, and that is coming from us, not only as professional dog trainers but owners of the Cane Corso. They are absolute battle tanks, and you don’t need that in your suburban neighbourhood.”

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Newly released police body camera footage shows bargoers and pedestrians fleeing and ducking for cover in the moments after a gunman began firing outside a Texas bar, leaving three dead in what is being investigated as potential terrorism.

“Everybody down!” one officer yells. “Where is he?”

The terrifying moments captured on video by officers and surveillance cameras that were released Thursday show how the shooting that wounded more than a dozen others unfolded quickly early Sunday in downtown Austin’s entertainment district.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers arrived within 56 seconds of the first 911 call, shooting and killing the suspect after he fired at police.

Davis said the investigation is ongoing and would not discuss a possible motive for the shooting that erupted a day after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran.

Police have identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne and say he legally bought the pistol and rifle that he used in the attack outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. The venue is on Sixth Street, a nightlife destination filled with bars and music clubs close to the University of Texas at Austin..

Authorities now know 19 people were hit by gunfire, including the three who died, Davis said Thursday. One person remains in critical condition.

Most of those who were shot were outside the bar, including one victim who was waiting for a ride, she said.

Screaming and shouts of “get down” can be heard on a 911 call released Thursday. “There has been a shooting at Buford’s,” one caller said. “There are people dead over here. We need help right now.”

Diagne was not on the radar of authorities before he opened fire early Sunday. Davis said investigators have found he was the subject of a mental health-related welfare check, possibly in 2022, by an agency elsewhere.

He fired the first shots from his SUV then parked his vehicle and emerged with a rifle, police said. He shot another person before officers rushed to the intersection and shot and killed him, Davis said.

Jorge Pederson, 30, an aspiring mixed martial arts fighter, died from his gunshot wounds Monday. He had just moved to Texas from Minnesota. His former gym, the Academy Martial Arts Gym, said in a Facebook post that he brought “light and joy into the grueling work of training.”

Also killed were 21-year-old Savitha Shan and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington.

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Harrington had attended Texas Tech University through last fall, and his former fraternity brothers at Beta Theta Pi recalled in an Instagram post his ability to “make ordinary days unforgettable.”

___

Associated Press writers Jim Vertuno in Austin, Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington contributed.

Some older people on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could be entitled to backdated payments for enhanced mobility rate following a tribunal ruling and regulatory changes affecting claims between 2013 and 2020

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Some older people claiming a DWP benefit could get more money. Some groups of pensioners on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with an award for the lower rate of mobility element may be able to ask the DWP to reassess their claim.

It follows a recent change in legislation. Those over State Pension age may also be eligible for an increased award for the mobility part of PIP even if they no longer receive the benefit.

However, the change in law only relates to claimants over State Pension age and their entitlement to the enhanced mobility award. Department for Work and Pensions guidance clarifies it only applies to PIP claims that were reviewed between April 8, 2013, and November 20, 2020.

This legal amendment follows a tribunal ruling on May 22, 2020 which highlighted an unintentional gap in regulation 27 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013, reports the Mirror.

The guidance states: “DWP did not have the legal powers to restrict the mobility award for claimants who were in receipt of the standard rate of the mobility award and over State Pension age, on the grounds of new medical evidence. New medical evidence is a report from a health professional requested by DWP which recommended the enhanced rate of the mobility award.

“DWP were only able to restrict the mobility award for claimants if a relevant change in circumstances was identified after they reached State Pension age.”

Amendments to PIP regulations came into effect from November 30, 2020, to rectify this unintentional gap. The DWP is urging anyone who believes they may have been affected to request a review of their claim.

Who might qualify for the PIP enhanced mobility rate?

The DWP previously relied on a health professional report when assessing your claim, and if you hadn’t reported a change in your mobility requirements, you may be entitled to an uplift in your mobility award.

This is because the DWP should not have informed you it couldn’t be increased due to reaching State Pension age – meaning you could have received additional money.

The enhanced mobility rate is currently valued at £77.05 per week during this financial year, totalling £308.20 every four-week payment period. An enhanced mobility rate award could also allow someone to access the Motability Scheme, assisting them with transportation.

The Government is expanding the WaterSure scheme, meaning an extra 53,000 households on disability benefits like DLA, PIP, or Attendance Allowance could save hundreds each year.

The scheme caps bills for households that use high amounts of water due to medical needs or larger families.

Existing recipients already save an average of £325 a year, and the new reforms could add up to £100 more in savings for many.

Who qualifies for WaterSure?

To be eligible, households must:

• Be on a qualifying disability benefit such as Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
• Have a household income below £25,745 per year.
• Have a water meter and be high water users due to a medical condition or three or more children at home.

Good news: Applicants no longer need to pay for a doctor’s note, cutting extra costs.

It’s #MoneyMonday!

WaterSure is a scheme that helps people who use more water because of a disability. The scheme adds a cap to your water rates, so you will not be charged more if you use over the average water amount. Contact your local water supplier to see if you qualify. pic.twitter.com/zHydz5SyZi

— Dosh Tweets (@DoshTweets) November 13, 2023

How much could you save?

• Average existing savings: £325 per household.
• Extra savings under reforms: Up to £100 for most households.
• Total potential savings: £425 for some families per year.

Tip: Check if your water supplier participates in WaterSure to claim your savings.

Government and charity support

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “Reforming WaterSure will make a meaningful difference to hundreds of thousands of families who need support the most.”

Mike Keil, CEO of the Consumer Council for Water, added: “These improvements will bring peace of mind to tens of thousands more customers whose circumstances mean they have no choice but to use a significant amount of water for essential needs.”

Recommended reading:

James Taylor from Scope said, “Life costs more if you are disabled, and it’s very good news that more disabled families will qualify for discounted water bills.

“Water bills for some disabled families can be eye-wateringly high.”

Rising living costs, including water bills, hit vulnerable households hardest.

Expanding WaterSure ensures families who rely on extra water for medical or disability needs are no longer left paying excessive bills.

How to apply

1. Contact your water supplier to check if you qualify.
2. Provide proof of benefits and household income.
3. Confirm your water meter and high-usage eligibility.

You don’t need a doctor’s note anymore, so the application is simpler and cheaper than before.