The Prime Minister has been urged to make a major change

The Government looks increasingly likely to face mounting pressure to abolish the state pension triple lock over the coming year following confirmation from Andy Burnham that there were no plans to abandon the policy.

The triple lock guarantees the rate of the state pension rises every year in line with whichever is highest out of inflation, wage growth or 2.5%. However, this can – and frequently does – result in costly above-inflation increases.

And that appears set to be the case once again in April 2027, based on current projections. The latest wage growth figures of 4.1% sit above inflation.

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The rise to the state pension earlier this year was also based on wages. The full state pension is on course to climb by over £500 next year.

The triple lock is enormously expensive for the nation as increases are secured annually, as the name implies. Even if the amount surges in one particular year, it would still be required to rise again the following year.

It essentially leaves any government held hostage to pension increases. Calls are growing ever louder for the triple lock to be scrapped, but any decision to do so would represent a bold political move.

Burnham has acknowledged questions surrounding the triple lock but has said it would be “dangerous” to go against the Labour manifesto.

Leading economists maintain it will ultimately fall to a Prime Minister to make the defining decision.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is amongst influential bodies to call for reform. Mark Pemberthy, benefits consulting leader at Gallagher, said: “Andy Burnham has declared he has a plan, but we may need to wait a while before we know exactly what that means for pensions.

Angeline Ong, senior investments analyst at IG, said: “The OECD has added its voice to a growing chorus questioning the long-term sustainability of the triple lock, but politics remains the biggest obstacle to reform.”

Cambridgeshire County Council said the new crossing on Four Lamps Roundabout was designed to enhance ‘safety and accessibility’

Cambridge residents said they hope a new crossing will make a central road safer after one woman’s car door was ripped off its hinges by a speeding driver. The Maids Causeway side of Four Lamps Roundabout was resurfaced earlier this year but more works were scheduled to take place in summer to improve the crossing.

Cambridgeshire County Council said they’ve had to delay the completion of this project until September 18 due to difficulties getting new streetlights. A spokesperson said the dual crossing, with separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, has been built to reduce crossing time and improve safety.

Linda Carmichael said her car door was ripped right off as she was parked by a driver speeding down the parking bay beside Maids Causeway. The 63-year-old said: “It was very distressing – if I had stepped back, my grandchild was unbuckled and it would have been awful.”

The hinges of the back door broke, hitting the front door, and she said it caused several thousand pounds worth of damage. She said she hopes the work which has reduced the lanes entering the roundabout down from two to one will slow cars down.

A zebra crossing has been added across the road for bikes and pedestrians so cars will now have to stop before reaching the roundabout. Linda said it’s made the crossing much safer than before but that more could be done to prevent cars from cutting through the parking bay.

She said: “It’s very good – I’m glad they’ve made the crossing better because I have little grandchildren. There was no crossing before, you’d just have to take your chance, and hundreds of people would come across – it was dangerous.”

But she added that she would have liked speed bumps and signs to be installed in the parking bay to prevent speeding drivers using it as a rat run.

Christian Brady praised the council for doing the work quickly and communicating with residents throughout the process. The 53-year-old said: “It’s going to be really good if it stops people from being hit by cars.

“It was a four-lane road before so you’re going to get queues here, but ultimately it’s going to slow people down and that’s a busy crossing. I would be the first to complain, but I think it’s been reasonable – I think they’ve done a really good job.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said the works at night were loud as the houses are old with thin walls but she understood why they had to be done at that time.

She said: “We’ve got two children and we crossed it fine before – we would use the crossing at the traffic lights on Maids Causeway.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said: “The recent redevelopment of the Four Lamps roundabout prioritises improvements that enhance safety and accessibility. The scheme was developed following extensive positive engagement with local residents and stakeholders, and a formal consultation which received no objections.

“The new crossing, with the adjusted single lane approach and wider footpaths, reduces crossing time and provides safer and easier access across Maids Causeway towards the city centre and Midsummer Common, for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

“The resurfacing work was originally planned to be completed alongside the crossing improvements. However, part of the resurfacing work was brought forward to address concerns from residents about the condition of the road surface.

“Completion of the works has been delayed as we await the supply of the new streetlights. This delay has been caused by an issue at the manufacturing plant. The outstanding lighting is due to be installed next week, with final completion of all works anticipated by 18 September, after which the crossing will be formally opened.”

“Helmsley did us proud once again” was the overriding message as the town celebrated the visit of the Tour of Britain with a packed schedule of events. (Image: George Jabbour)

The market was buzzing with people and families coming from near and far to watch the prestigious cycle race, mark the launch of the Heart of Helmsley Project and take part in many activities.

 Earlier this year, it was announced that the start of the fourth day of the 2026 Tour of Britain would be in Helmsley, which successfully hosted the finish of this bike competition four years ago.

 The occasion was also an opportunity to launch the Heart of Helmsley Project, an initiative with significant investment to deliver improvements to enhance the accessibility of the town’s facilities and make it a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

“Helmsley did us proud once again” was the overriding message as the town celebrated the visit of the Tour of Britain with a packed schedule of events. (Image: George Jabbour)

 Helmsley’s North Yorkshire Councillor, George Jabbour, said residents and visitors had a fabulous experience.  

“From watching the cyclists as they left Helmsley and listening to live music and the Bandamonium brassbands, to meeting local organisations and touring the town to view the decoration of the shops and streets, everyone had a brilliant time.

“Helmsley did us proud once again” was the overriding message as the town celebrated the visit of the Tour of Britain with a packed schedule of events. (Image: George Jabbour)

“It was a real delight to work with local volunteers, businesses and residents to decorate our beautiful town ahead of Saturday’s spectacular event.  Helmsley was absolutely stunning.  The enthusiasm and participation that we have seen from everyone demonstrated how excited the community was.  After the phenomenal success that Helmsley enjoyed at the 2022 Tour of Britain, a lot of effort had gone into ensuring that this prestigious cycling race would return.  Now that it has, Helmsley did us proud once again.”

 Heart of Helmsley Project Representative, Carolyn Frank, said: “We enjoyed welcoming the international cycling race again to Helmsley, and hope that people who came for the first time return to visit again.  For our community, this was a good opportunity to come together with voluntary organisations, businesses and residents all contributing and taking part together.  Helmsley was again simply the best market town in Britain, not just on Saturday and showed our famous community spirit.”

Many people will complain about this after having to hunt down their bins, but it can be prevented.

A binman has shared an easy and cheap tip to make sure your bin is returned to your house after the rubbish has been collected.

@theno1.binman The reason the binmen leave your bin down the road #Binformation #simplerrecycling #binmen #binday ♬ original sound – The No1 Binman

Easy trick to avoid losing your bin

The No.1 Binman on TikTok, Ashley, has shared why binmen often leave your bin down the road.

He said: “It’s probably because you haven’t got your number on your lid.

“No point putting it on the side because you can’t always see it.

“You want to be able to see it no matter where you are looking, you can always see the top of the bin.

“So get your number on top of your bin.”

While some people might paint the number of their house on the side of the bin, it is much easier to see if it is put on the bin lid instead.

If you have a house name instead of a number, this can also go on the top of the lid.

Ashley added: “You don’t have to your number, you can have your road name as well or your house name.

“It’s quite easy to do.”

By doing this “simple” trick, your binmen will find it easy to return the correct bin to the right houses.

He continued: “The binmen will put your bin outside your house, as long as you have a good binman.”

People took to the comment section to share their thoughts on the easy trick.

One person said: “Yessss I knew I wasn’t mad putting it on the lid!”

Another person said: “Mine has always been on the front, name and street, never had an issue.”

One person commented saying they did not mind walking up the road to get their bin.

They wrote: “My number is on the lid and it’s always 4 or 5 houses up the road.

“It’s not really an issue, I just collect it.

“Why are people so lazy, the extra steps will do us good.”

Will you be putting your house number on the top of your bin to make sure it does not get lost from now on? Let us know in the comments.

You might think living in Notting Hill, Chelsea or Maida Vale means you indisputably reside in one of London‘s finest postcodes.

Not for some. 

A new map has reignited the debate over the best places to live in the capital – with the ‘London squirrel’ preferring swathes of east London over more traditionally swanky areas to the west and north-west.

It comes a year after the ‘London banana’ sparked arguments across the city over where the most desirable parts of the capital lie. 

The yellow fruit shape highlighted the best areas to live – the north-west, south-west and central – while simultaneously dismissing swathes of the city outside of the zone as ‘horrible’. 

The new map, however, highlights areas such as Peckham, Stratford and Sidcup over more traditionally sought-after spots such as Knightsbridge.  

The London ‘squirrel’, which looks nothing like a squirrel, was posted by X user EwanBen, who wrote: ‘My contribution to London Banana Discourse: London Squirrel. Best place in the world bar none.’

The post was met with widespread mockery over its design and the areas chosen. 

The London banana, which went viral last year, was a map of the city with a hand drawn banana shape on top

Honey, 26, who works at a pie and mash shop in Greenwich, said the south-east London suburb is her favourite area in the capital

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One X user said: ‘Potentially the worst interpretation one could even fathom.’ 

Another said: ‘How the **** is that a squirrel?’ 

Others ridiculed the inclusion of zone five suburb Sidcup until the original user admitted he was from Sidcup. 

But those who live in the overlooked areas in the capital, that the squirrel highlights, have proudly argued their case against last year’s banana map. 

Honey, 26, who works at a pie and mash shop in Greenwich, said: ‘I did see the London banana. It completely misses south-east. Why you would ever want to live in north London I do not know.

‘Everyone is different and where you belong in London definitely depends on the type of person you are. South is for me.’ 

Honey moved to Greenwich several years ago from Wales and said it is her favourite area in London. 

She said: ‘The reason that I love Greenwich so much is that there is everything in one place. The whole area is just gorgeous.

‘It has got so much life and the people from here have got so much character. I love the culture and the history. Everyone here is just so friendly.

Robyn Moffat, 27, a nanny who recently moved to the area of Clapham from Scotland, says it is one of the best areas in London 

Peter Addiall, 32, argued that Stratford in east London deserves to be in the squirrel 

Cutty Sark sits behind the Gipsy Moth pub in Greenwich

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‘I have just become so at home here and I would never leave. I feel I can really express myself here.’

Niall Rowan, 60, who has worked in Greenwich Market for 14 years running an antique stall, said: ‘It’s a beautiful area. It is definitely the nicest in south-east London.

‘There is just so much to see. We have got a lot of history. Parts of it feel like the 17th century and other parts feel like the 22nd century.

‘It is London but low power London. It is much calmer and nicer than other parts. I think it has matured a bit recently rather than changed. There is something here for everyone.’

Over in Stratford, east London, residents also defended their spot in the squirrel – claiming that the area has improved since the 2012 Olympics held in the capital. 

Peter Addiall, 32, said: ‘Stratford absolutely deserves to be in the squirrel. A lot of people have been priced out of Hackney and Clapton, and they are coming out this way.

‘There is more nature and it is a lot more affordable to live. I am very passionate about the area.

‘I think there has been a lot of investment since the 2012 Olympics which has meant this area has improved from an infrastructure perspective and the vibe.

‘I feel it is a real celebration of multiculturalism. We have got people from all different communities living in harmony together.’

Jean Cristoph, 61, who has lived in the area of Clapham for 20 years says it is great for walking his dogs and definitely deserves its place among the elite areas in London

Reon Tyndale, 38, a police officer who has lived in Newham for three years says it is one of the best areas of London 

Reon Tyndale, 38, a police officer who has lived in the area for three years, added: ‘I would definitely put it up there as one of the best areas in London to come visit.

‘Certain parts of Newham seem to be forgotten about when it comes to the council spending money. Parts like Stratford look great. It makes sense because this is the part where tourists come.

‘Everywhere in London has its problems but Stratford is looked after. There is always security everywhere.

‘All the lower working-class people have been pushed out to other parts of London.’

At the convergence of the banana and the squirrel lies the affluent suburb Clapham. 

Robyn Moffat, 27, a nanny who recently moved to the area from Scotland, said: ‘I would agree, it is definitely one of the best suburban places to live in London.

‘I think it is a lovely place. It is definitely great for kids.

‘There are good local amenities and really nice restaurants. Clapham Common is gorgeous.

‘It is really safe out here. It gets bad press but I have never had any problems.’

Jean Cristoph, 61, who has lived in the area for 20 years says it is great for walking his dogs and definitely deserves its place amongst the elite.

He said: ‘It is really lovely. I really enjoy living here and when I go to other places in London, I realise just how great this is. I would prefer to live here than in Chelsea.

Niall Rowan, 60, who has worked in Greenwich Market for 14 years running an antique stall, said: ‘It’s a beautiful area. It is definitely the nicest in south-east London’

Common Cafe on Clapham Common high street

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Inside Clapham Common Tube station, which has an island platform

‘There is a real community feel in Clapham and lots of shops, bars, and restaurants. It is a very young area.

‘Despite a few stabbings recently it still feels relatively safe.’

Joan Greenbury, 70, who has lived in the area for 43 years added: ‘It is a lovely area. It is the common that attracts people.

‘There are lots of young people. You can see why people want to come here. It has got everything going for it really.

‘I feel very safe, I have never had any trouble. I am very lucky to live here.’

The London banana map sparked a viral debate last year about where the best areas  in London are. 

The post caused furious conversation online as famously proud Londoners defended their local area, while banana dwellers smugly sent the map to friends, family and colleagues. 

Unlike the squirrel, house prices are typically higher inside the banana, an indication areas are more desirable to homeowners, while crime rates outside of the very centre of London tend to be lower. 

• Are the places within the ‘London squirrel’ better than the ‘London banana’? Email: jamie.boys@dailymail.co.uk

Around 900 fish were found following the incident in September 2024

Anglian Water could face prosecution over a suspected pollution incident that led to the death of around 900 fish. The dead fish were found floating in the King’s Dyke area between Stanground and Whittlesey in September 2024.

At the time, the Environment Agency (EA) found there were higher levels of ammonia and lower levels of oxygen in the water. An investigation revealed a nearby Anglian Water pumping station had been discharging sewage for 23 hours due to a pumping failure.

After two years of investigation, the EA has confirmed its plans to prosecute Anglian Water for the “pollution incident”.

In a letter addressed to MP Steve Barclay, Sadia Moeed, area director for East Anglia for the EA said: “Following the conclusion of our investigation I can now confirm that we have made the decision to prosecute Anglian Water Services Limited in relation to the pollution incident that occurred at King’s Dyke, Stanground in September 2024.

“This has been communicated to the company today (August 28).” The EA said it is awaiting a magistrates court date.

Ms Moeed added: “We are committed to taking action against water companies responsible for pollution and to ensuring that environmental regulations are robustly enforced.”

An Environment Agency spokesperson added: “Following a detailed investigation, we have taken the decision to prosecute Anglian Water in relation to alleged pollution of the King’s Dyke in Stanground, in Peterborough, in September 2024.”

Anglian Water did not wish to comment.

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The group said the upmate means all members are treated fairly and consistently

Slimming World is making a change which will affect every member. The weight loss giant is updating its plan rules so those using weight loss medication such as Wegovy and Mounjaro will be eligible for the organisation’s Slimmer of the Week and Slimmer of the Month awards, as well as its member competitions.

Every member – whether on the medication or not – will be treated the same and recognised using the same criteria. Slimming World said it is making the change as a result of the increased use of GLP-1 medications which some members are using alongside following the food optimising plan.

It said: “Every member should feel welcomed, supported and fully included.”

Slimmer of the Week and Slimmer of the Month are member recognition awards based on weight loss over a set period, while member competitions are assessed on a wider range of criteria alongside weight loss. Slimming World supports members through its 12,000 community groups across the UK and Ireland and digital service and the change follows a review of Slimming World’s member data and feedback from its Consultants and members.

Slimming World’s Managing Director, Lisa Salmon, says: “When GLP-1 weight loss medications first became more widely available, there was limited understanding of how these medications might influence members’ weight loss journeys. Over the past two years, we’ve built a clearer picture through our own data and our members’ experiences.

“We now know that members who engage with Slimming World’s programme and attend group regularly achieve excellent results, whether they’re using weight loss medication or not. Reflecting this, we’re updating our awards and competitions to include members who’ve used or are using weight loss medication.”

She added: “Experts are agreed that medication alone is not enough to help people make long-term changes, which is why we believe weight loss medication should be partnered with evidence-based support, delivered with empathy and compassion.

“Whether they’re taking weight loss medication or not, people come to Slimming World for the same reasons. They want to learn healthier habits, gain confidence, feel part of a supportive community and build the skills needed to manage their weight for the long term. We’re committed to doing exactly that for everyone who chooses Slimming World.

“Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE founded Slimming World on the belief that every person who walks through our doors should feel welcomed, supported and never judged. That’s what I experienced myself when I joined as a member more than 20 years ago.

“This change reflects that commitment today. It ensures all members are treated fairly and consistently, and that everyone can be recognised and celebrated for their achievements as part of our supportive community.”

This is the latest change to recognise the increasing use of GLP-1 medications. In May Slimming World announced it was launching dedicated GLP‑1 support, designed to help people using weight loss medication build the healthy habits they need to achieve and, crucially, sustain their weight loss for life.

This included weekly in-person support, a specialist booklet and a dedicated GLP-1 online hub with support and advice. It said the move reflected “a clear and consistent belief while medication can play a role in weight loss, lasting success comes from getting the support to make changes around food, drink and exercise and build positive lasting habits – not medication alone”.

Speaking at the time Lisa Salmon said: “We’ve always steadfastly believed our methods can help anyone to lose weight, and our mission has always been to support anyone and everyone who wants help to do that. As more people turn to GLP‑1 medications and they are now undeniably part of the weight management landscape, that hasn’t changed.

“Everyone is agreed that these medications don’t work long term on their own, they need to be partnered with evidence-based wraparound support.”