Many of them find themselves at the sharpest end of the housing crisis: unable to afford even the cheapest rent and lacking the stability needed to pursue a career or complete their education.

A lack of housing supply has been a policy challenge for several years. Successive governments have struggled to get homes built, and housing charities argue that some 90,000 social homes are needed every year in order to address the chronic shortage of affordable housing.

Michelle Donovan, Head of Independent Living at Centrepoint, says the cycle of instability caused by a lack of housing can be disruptive for young people in particular, “It’s such a crucial time for them. It can harm career progression and educational attainment.”

In response, the youth homelessness charity launched its Independent Living Programme. The initiative’s crucial innovation is to cap rent at one-third of a resident’s earnings, and to provide support services focused on ensuring they are ready to maintain employment and housing when they move on.

Michelle says the most important thing is that young people have space to hold down a job “Our homes give them that stability and from there it ends their reliance on benefits and hopefully means they can escape homelessness for good. The idea is we’re giving young people the stability they need to focus on their futures.”

The flat that changed one young woman’s life

A woman who spent the pandemic lockdowns alone in her room in homelessness accommodation is now fulfilling her dream to be a midwife.

Katelin, who became homeless at 17 after years of family arguments, said the isolation gave her time to plan the steps she needed to achieve her goals. “During COVID I thought, where do I see myself if I stay where I am?”

She spent two years in supported housing but – like 1 in 5 young people in similar situations – struggled to move on and start living independently.

Her support worker told her about a scheme run by Centrepoint for working young people who couldn’t afford rent elsewhere, “I got incredibly lucky – the scheme was offered to me and one other person. I wouldn’t be able to say I’m a midwife now if it wasn’t for me living at the independent Living Programme.

We Can’t Do This Alone

Last year, over 118,000 young people faced homelessness. That’s one young person every four minutes. At a time of life when most of their peers are trying new things and taking their first steps into adulthood, these young people found themselves alone and afraid, and unsure where to turn.

It doesn’t have to be like this, with the right support at the right time, these young people can escape homelessness or avoid it altogether.

At Centrepoint, provide more than a bed for the night. We provide a safe place to rebuild, support into education and work, and the confidence to believe in a better future.

Youth homelessness is not inevitable. With the right help at the right time, it can be prevented and it can be ended.

Our mission is to end youth homelessness – and you can help us.

Whether it’s running a marathon or holding a sleep out, you, your friends, family and co-workers can join our movement to end youth homelessness and give vulnerable young people a brighter future.

To find out more, donate or get involved, please visit our website:http://www.centrepoint.org.uk/newspaper

PE Teacher Gains Independence Through Centrepoint

A PE teacher has revealed how living in a Centrepoint Independent Living Programme home has made a “significant difference” to his life, giving him the stability and independence he previously struggled to find.

(Image: Centrepoint)

Londoner Naihum always loved sport and teaching. And, after finishing university, he secured a full-time role as a PE teacher. However, despite his dedication, he faced a common problem for many young people: a lack of affordable housing. Rents in his area were high, and the stress of trying to cover his living costs began to weigh heavily on him.

“I couldn’t find a place I could afford,” he said. “It was really difficult to manage everything on my own.”

Things changed when he heard about Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme. After applying, he was offered a place in one of their homes where rent is capped at a third of his salary.

“Living here has made a significant difference. I’m able to afford it without having to stress overnight and having to think about where I’m going to get the money from with the job that I’m currently at,” he explained, “I know that other people are in situations where they are finding it hard and their mental health is affected.”

The Independent Living Programme homes are more than just housing; residents are also able to access additional support in acquiring the life skills young people need to sustain tenancies in the future. Naihum has worked with mentors to improve his budgeting and financial management, helping him to understand what he can do to cover essentials like food, transport, and bills.

The stability and support has helped Naihum in other ways too. Over time, he has built a strong sense of community with other young people living in similar situations to him. “It’s great because you’ve got others to reach out to and it just makes it easier,” he said.

Now the charity hopes even more young people like Naihum can be supported thanks to the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw in the Lake District, which will help fund more of the charity’s Independent Living Programme homes and give young people the chance to move from homelessness into independence.

The partnership could not have come at a more important time. Centrepoint’s chief executive, Seyi Obakin OBE, is hopeful that many dozens more young people will get to benefit from the stability that the charity’s Independent Living Programme affords young residents: “The guaranteed £1 million raised by Omaze will help us expand our services and build more genuinely affordable homes for those ready to move forward. Together, we can help transform young lives and end youth homelessness for good.”

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The family of late San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler is nearing a sale of the team, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Padres aren’t commenting publicly on the process.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the imminent deal with private equity billionaire Jose E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones. The team is expected to be sold at a valuation of $3.9 billion in a record deal for a Major League Baseball team, easily topping the approximately $2.4 billion paid by Steven Cohen for the New York Mets in 2020.

The 53-year-old Feliciano is the co-founder and managing partner of Clearlake Capital, a private equity firm based in Santa Monica, California. The firm was part of an investment group that purchased Premier League club Chelsea in 2022, with Los Angeles Dodgers minority owner Todd Boehly becoming the Blues’ chairman.

Seidler’s family began to explore a sale of the Padres last November, two years after the death of the popular Peter Seidler. His brother, John Seidler, has served as the Padres’ chairman since then.

Peter Seidler was part of a group that bought the Padres in 2012 for $800 million, and he became the team’s primary owner in 2020. He enthralled San Diego’s baseball fans with his free-spending eagerness to win the Padres’ first World Series, and general manager A.J. Preller built a series of exciting teams that have reached the MLB playoffs in four of the last six seasons — a first in team history — despite playing in the same division as the dominant Dodgers.

The Padres’ current players reacted with excitement about the news of the potential sale to Feliciano — and the reported size of the billionaire’s deal particularly caught these millionaires’ attention.

“I think it’s special that they went out there and put that number out there for us,” slugger Manny Machado said in Anaheim before the Padres opened a series with the Los Angeles Angels. “Tells you everything they want for the organization. Looking forward to some conversations with them, and what they see for the future of San Diego. … That’s a big stepping stone, $3.9 billion.”

The Padres’ potential sale price reflects their value as San Diego’s only franchise in North America’s four traditional major sports leagues, leading to a passionate fan base in their attractive home at downtown Petco Park. The Padres have set attendance records in each of the past three seasons, capped last season by drawing a whopping 3,437,201 fans — the second-most in the majors to the Dodgers, who play in their much larger stadium in Chavez Ravine.

“You look at what’s going on in our city and just the state of baseball in general, and this game is in an amazing place,” said infielder Jake Cronenworth, who has been with the Padres since 2020. “For the market that we’re in, and what the team just sold for, I think it shows where the game is. Not only is it close to $4 billion, but for it to break the record is very, very impressive.”

The Padres finished last season with the majors’ ninth-highest payroll at around $217 million, still down significantly from its peak under Seidler.

The current team, which arrived at Angel Stadium on an eight-game winning streak, boasts a lineup anchored by Fernando Tatis Jr., Machado and Jackson Merrill — who are all signed through at least 2033 — along with closer Mason Miller, who has become the most dominant reliever in baseball.

Potential buyers also were clearly not frightened off by the Padres’ relative lack of media revenue. The team is expected to benefit immensely from any new media deal that would accompany baseball’s next collective bargaining agreement.

Feliciano was born and raised in Puerto Rico before attending Princeton and Stanford. He co-founded Clearlake Capital two decades ago.

Machado, a Miami native with Dominican ancestry, was excited by the prospect of a second Latino owner in baseball alongside the Angels’ Arte Moreno. Machado holds a minority ownership stake in Major League Soccer’s San Diego FC.

“That is unbelievable, having another Latin come and be an owner,” Machado said. “I think that tells you a lot about where baseball is heading. Blessed to have another Latin owner that can bring that Latin culture to San Diego, which is already a big part of the Latin community. I know he’s going to bring a lot of great things to the organization, to the city itself.”

The BlueCo consortium formed to buy Chelsea also owns Strasbourg in France’s Ligue 1. Chelsea has been among the Premier League’s biggest spenders since Boehly and his partners took over the club, although it has yet to produce significant success.

Any sale of the Padres must be approved by 75% of MLB owners.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

A post-mortem examination found that Baye Bireme Fall died from a single stab wound

Two teenagers are facing a trial later this year charged with the murder of a 16-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed in Peterborough. Baye Bireme Fall was attacked near the Orton Centre shopping centre in Peterborough on Sunday, April 12.

A post-mortem examination recorded that he died from a single stab wound, Cambridgeshire Police said. Emidas Krutkevicius, 18, of Peterborough, and a 15-year-old boy who cannot be identified for legal reasons, are charged with Baye’s murder.

Both defendants appeared by video-link before Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, April 17. The judge and barristers removing their wigs because of the age of the youth defendant. The youth defendant’s parents listened to proceedings from the public gallery.

Neither defendant was asked to enter a plea and no application for bail was made. Both defendants spoke to confirm their name and date of birth, and to confirm that they understood what was happening and could hear.

Judge Mark Bishop instructed that a plea hearing would take place at the same court on May 19. He set a provisional trial date of October 12 at Huntingdon Crown Court. The trial is expected to last around four weeks.

He remanded Krutkevicius in custody, and the 15-year-old into youth detention accommodation.

Baye’s family said in a tribute released by earlier this week that he was “an amazing boy and son whose heart is pure and kind towards other people”.

Rachel Warley, from North Tyneside, has been leading a months-long campaign to bring Yuki, an abandoned puppy, from Indonesia to Newcastle after he was found near a beach in Bali suffering from a severe calcium deficiency.

The condition left his legs bent and his body weakened, but with medical care and rehabilitation, Yuki has made a full recovery and is now cleared to travel.

Rachel Warley from North Tyneside is making a final appeal to bring rescued Bali puppy Yuki to Newcastle after months of fundraising and care following his abandonment in Indonesia (Image: Supplied)

Ms Warley, who has already raised and spent nearly £3,000 through fundraising, said: “I’ve exhausted my personal funds.

“I’ve even put my car up for sale as a last attempt to make sure this doesn’t fall through – but there’s been no interest so far.”

A total of £2,937 was raised after fees, covering adoption agency costs and Yuki’s flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam.

Ms Warley has also covered vaccinations, rabies testing, and ferry transport from Amsterdam to the UK out of her own pocket.

However, she now faces a shortfall of £658 to cover the outbound flight and visa of her friend Emma, who must fly to Bali to accompany Yuki home.

The journey is time-sensitive, with flights needing to be booked immediately.

Emma is due to fly to Bali on June 8, and after a brief recovery period, Yuki will begin a 20-hour transport to Jakarta on June 14.

He will stay at a dog-friendly hotel for two nights, funded by the Bali rescue organisation, before receiving final veterinary checks and flying to Amsterdam via Istanbul.

Ms Warley said: “I’ll be meeting Yuki for the very first time in Amsterdam.

“After everything he’s been through, that moment means everything.”

Ms Warley will travel via ferry from North Shields to Amsterdam to meet Emma and Yuki.

The trio will then return together by ferry, arriving in Newcastle on June 19.

Supporters are invited to welcome Yuki when he arrives in the city.

She said: “This is the last push.

“Everything else is in place.

“Without this final funding, the whole plan risks collapsing.”

Ms Warley has documented Yuki’s journey on Instagram under @getyukihome_uk, where his progress from a critically unwell puppy to a playful, healthy dog has inspired supporters.

She believes that rescuing Yuki will have a wider impact.

She said: “This isn’t just about one dog.

“Getting Yuki home means another space opens up in the rescue for a dog that desperately needs help.

“It creates a ripple effect.”

To donate and follow Yuki’s journey click here.

She said: “This little dog has fought so hard to survive.

“We just need one final push to bring him home.”

The final leg of the journey now depends on securing Emma’s travel, which will ensure Yuki arrives safely in Newcastle on June 19.

ISAs have long been promoted as straightforward and tax-efficient savings, but many are unaware of the inheritance tax implications upon death – and the consequences are proving costly

Millions of savers may be harbouring an expensive misconception about ISAs, an expert has cautioned. Many assume they are entirely tax-free when actually they could face a substantial bill from HMRC later on.

ISAs have historically been promoted as amongst the most straightforward and efficient savings vehicles, enabling savers to accumulate wealth without paying tax. But one expert cautions that this “tax-free” description is frequently misinterpreted – especially regarding what occurs upon death.

The concern is inheritance tax. Presently levied at 40 percent on estates exceeding £325,000, the threshold has remained frozen for years, steadily pulling increasing numbers of families into the tax net. Significantly, ISA savings are counted as part of the estate. That means a lifetime of prudent saving, frequently accumulated with discipline across decades, could still be vulnerable to a considerable tax bill.

Joe Farmer, an Independent Financial Adviser and co-founder at The Retirement Studio, said many have no idea they have to pay inheritance tax on their ISA savings.

He added: “I speak to clients every day who believe ISAs are completely tax-free, full stop. They’re genuinely shocked when I explain that on death, ISAs form part of the estate and can be subject to inheritance tax.”

He said the magnitude of the problem was frequently underestimated, even among those who regarded themselves as financially astute.

Mr Farmer continued: “I saw a client just last week with an ISA worth over £300,000. That alone nearly takes them to the inheritance tax threshold, before you even consider their home or any other assets.”

For many, the issue lies not in the act of saving itself – but in what hasn’t been considered further down the line.

He said: “This is the part most people haven’t thought about. They’ve done the right thing by saving into ISAs year after year, but they haven’t considered what happens to that money when they pass away.”

The repercussions stretch far beyond tax bills. Mr Farmer warned that ISA funds were frequently tied up in probate alongside the remainder of the estate, leaving families unable to get their hands on the money precisely when they needed it most.

He added: “I deal with bereavement cases and I regularly see ISA funds tied up in probate for months, sometimes years.”

For a product so heavily promoted as tax-free, he believes the messaging has created a deeply concerning gap in public understanding.

Mr Farmer added: “It’s tax-efficient while you’re alive, but that doesn’t mean it’s free from inheritance tax.”

He noted that the problem is frequently made worse by poor advice and a lack of forward planning.

He continued: “A lot of this comes down to structure being overlooked. Advisers focus on performance and returns, but not enough on what happens later. I always say to clients that structure is just as important as performance. There’s no point building a large ISA pot if a significant portion could be lost to tax or delayed in probate.”

With potential alterations to pensions from 2027, which could see them drawn into the inheritance tax net, the issue is only set to intensify.

Former manager Ruben Amorim, who left the club in January, felt Rashford wanted a different challenge away from Old Trafford when he was allowed to join Aston Villa on loan in 2025.

Carrick is in a different position given he is both a former team-mate, coach and – for three games following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal in 2021 – manager of one of the recent stars of United’s academy, who is currently the club’s 15th all-time highest goalscorer.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to lower the top-level amounts being paid at the club and, when Casemiro leaves in the summer, Rashford will be United’s highest earner.

“Whoever’s here, I want to work with, and help them improve,” Carrick said.

“At the moment, it’s this squad of players. There’s obviously players on loan, and whatever happens with that later on will happen.

“But certainly, as a coach, and leader of a squad, we want to get the best out of everyone.”

Carrick was placed in interim charge of the club in January and is a leading contender to take the job on a full-time basis this summer.

But the former midfielder’s immediate focus is his side’s Premier League trip to Chelsea, when victory would take United 10 points clear of Liam Rosenior’s side.

However, their chances have not been helped by suspensions that have ruled out central defensive duo Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, while Leny Yoro was absent from the group that travelled from Stockport station for the journey south on Friday afternoon.

If Yoro is absent, Carrick could be forced to play either Luke Shaw or Noussair Mazraoui, or even veteran midfielder Casemiro, alongside 19-year-old Ayden Heaven at Stamford Bridge.

Officers worked with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiners on the operation on Tuesday (April 14).

They checked instructor credentials, vehicle insurance and compliance with licensing requirements.

North Yorkshire Police said a “small proportion” of vehicles were found to be operating without the required approved driving instructor (ADI) licence and/or appropriate insurance.

“Enforcement action was taken immediately, and those involved were prosecuted for the relevant offences,” a force spokesperson said.

They said the “majority” of vehicles stopped were linked to instructors correctly qualified, licensed and insured to the required standards.

Matt Harvey, from North Yorkshire Police’s road safety team, said the operation was “about protecting learner drivers and the wider public”.

“Becoming a qualified ADI is not optional – it requires formal training, testing, licensing and proper insurance,” he said.

“Anyone attempting to bypass that process is putting learners at risk and undermining the system. We will continue to work with the DVSA to identify illegal instructors, enforce the law, and take action where standards are not met.”

A pharmacist says there are several signs to watch for in the toenails that could be a sign that all is not well

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During winter, feet tend to stay tucked away beneath socks and slippers, meaning toes rarely get the attention they deserve. Yet these often-neglected body parts can actually serve as crucial indicators of our general well-being.

Now, as spring arrives and temperatures begin to rise, people are casting a fresh eye over their feet — and what they find might reveal tell-tale signs that went unnoticed throughout the colder months. These could point towards some potentially serious underlying health concerns.

Such conditions can range from nutritional deficiencies and diabetes to significant circulatory problems. Sheena Bagga, Pharmacist Prescriber at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, has previously drawn attention to the significance of toe and nail health, pinpointing eight warning signs that should set alarm bells ringing, reports the Mirror.

She stressed: “While often overlooked, your toenails and feet play a huge role in your overall health and it’s important to pay attention to their condition. While everyone’s toes look different, healthy nails should have a smooth surface with light pink or translucent colouration without much variation in shade or hue.”

Yellow nails

A key warning sign to be aware of is a yellow discolouration of the toenails, which can suggest an infection. This can affect any portion of the nail, leading to alterations in colour, texture and thickness.

It may also be an indicator of nail psoriasis, which is typically characterised by a pitted appearance or detachment from the nail bed. To ward off toenail infections, experts advise keeping nails trimmed, clean and properly cared for, changing socks daily, and making sure shoes fit properly.

Dark stripes on the nail

This condition, called Melanonychia, appears as a brown or black stripe running down the length of the nail. While typically harmless and merely a difference in nail colouring, it can occasionally signal Subungual Melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

To help prevent Melanonychia, good nail and foot care is essential. Preventing nail injuries is important – if you damage your nail, let it heal fully and avoid picking at it.

Swollen toes

Swelling in the toes can result from various conditions, such as lymphatic problems, inadequate blood flow, or gout. It’s therefore wise to see your GP if you’re noticing other worrying symptoms like pain, discomfort, or difficulty moving.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis marked by sudden, severe joint pain, usually affecting the big toe, caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It’s more common among people who are overweight, and following a healthy eating plan that promotes weight reduction can help manage the condition.

Swollen toes can also result from less severe issues, such as extended periods of sitting or standing, poorly-fitting shoes, being overweight, insufficient hydration, or consuming too much salt. Adopting a balanced, healthy diet combined with consistent physical activity may help alleviate these everyday problems.

White toenails

White marks or streaks on your nails, referred to as “leukonychia”, are often the result of minor injuries like banging your toe. Sometimes, they may suggest shortages of protein, zinc, or iron.

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Fungal infections can cause nails to turn white while also making them weak and flaky, especially if your feet are consistently kept warm and damp. This can be for reasons such as wearing trainers for long stretches as they become hot and sweaty.

Though rare, entirely white nails can indicate more severe health problems, potentially revealing systemic conditions such as liver cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes. If any additional symptoms are worrying, it’s crucial to consult your GP to determine the underlying cause.

Blue discolouration

A blue tint to your nails, accompanied by unusual coldness in your toes, might indicate poor circulation, often associated with Raynaud’s disease. This condition leads to the constriction of tiny arteries that supply blood to your fingers and toes.

Consistent exercise can boost circulation, which helps in controlling Raynaud’s symptoms and sustaining a healthy weight.

Itchy toes

Athlete’s Foot, a common fungal infection, appears as itchy white patches between the toes. It can also affect the soles or sides of the feet, sometimes causing fluid-filled blisters.

To help avoid Athlete’s Foot, ensure you dry your feet completely after washing them, particularly between the toes. Also, put on clean socks every day – cotton is ideal as it allows the skin to breathe more easily.

Ulcers on toes or feet

Different from a blister that forms under the skin, an ulcer is a break in the skin’s surface, appearing as an open sore. It’s crucial that these receive appropriate treatment to minimise any infection risk.

While the wound stays open, it can make you susceptible to developing an infection, which in severe instances can lead to amputation. A diabetic foot ulcer is characterised as an open sore or wound on the skin that takes an extended time to heal.

Spoon Nails

Checking your toenails regularly is important. If your toenails change in appearance and seem curved or ‘spoon’ shaped, it might indicate an iron deficiency or anaemia.

Iron is crucial for producing healthy red blood cells and maintaining good nail health, so it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who may recommend taking a supplement.

Some of these methods won’t cost you a penny, and could be better than tablets

Hayfever, a common – and annoying – seasonal allergy, leaves many people battling constant sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. But a few simple tricks could help make high-pollen days more manageable.

The condition is triggered by pollen which is a fine powder that is released by plants. Symptoms typically flare up when it comes into contact with the mouth, nose, eyes, or throat.

According to the NHS, symptoms tend to worsen between late March and September, particularly during warm, humid, and windy weather, when pollen levels peak.

While hayfever can’t be prevented or cured, there are practical steps you can take to relieve symptoms when the pollen count rises.

In one of its tips, the health service urges people to “put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen”. You should also “wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes.”

As well as this, the NHS suggests that anyone with hayfever should:

1. Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
2. Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
3. Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
4. Try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner

You should not:

1. Cut grass or walk on grass
2. Spend too much time outside
3. Keep fresh flowers in the house
4. Smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
5. Dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen
6. Let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors

What are the symptoms of hayfever?

Symptoms of hay fever include:

1. sneezing and coughing
2. a runny or blocked nose
3. itchy, red or watery eyes
4. itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
5. loss of smell
6. pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
7. headache
8. feeling tired

Should I see a GP?

You should see your GP if your symptoms are getting worse. You should also book an appointment if your symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy.

The NHS explains: “The GP might prescribe a steroid treatment if you have hay fever. If steroids and other hay fever treatments do not work, the GP may refer you for immunotherapy.

“This means you’ll be given small amounts of pollen as an injection or tablet to slowly build up your immunity to pollen. This kind of treatment usually starts a few months before the hay fever season begins.”

Rising prices are putting pressure on people to try and use less energy. But what are the most effective ways of cutting bills? We asked five experts for their practical advice.

1. Insulate your home

Upgrading loft insulation to current standards, typically 27–30cm thick for mineral wool, improves energy efficiency, comfort and long-term cost savings. It acts as a thermal barrier, as up to 25% of a home’s heat can escape through an uninsulated roof. Installing cavity wall insulation in older homes improves efficiency by reducing heat loss through walls by up to 35%.

Using draught excluders, keeping internal doors closed on cold days, and installing a smart energy controller also help retain warmth and optimise energy use. All these measures can help lower heating bills, maintain warmer indoor temperatures, reduce draughts, minimise condensation, and improve a home’s energy performance certificate rating.

The cheapest energy is the energy we do not use. That’s why the International Energy Agency describes energy efficiency as the “first fuel”. Buildings account for around 30% of global energy demand, so homes are a critical part of both affordability and energy security.

In the UK, 420,600 energy-efficiency measures were installed in 2024 through government support schemes. There is clearly strong demand for more measures like this.

Farooq Sher is a senior lecturer in sustainable energy engineering

2. Go fully electric

Almost everything in our house is now electric, including our heating, cooking and car. This makes environmental sense because electricity can easily be generated from low-emission sources, whereas gas, petrol and diesel can only really come from extracting and refining fossil fuels. In the UK, we generate electricity from a range of sources including solar, wind, tidal, and from burning gas.

Currently, close to 50% of the electricity on the national grid is from renewable sources. Providing heat from a heat pump has about 70% lower greenhouse gas emissions, compared with heat from a gas boiler.

As well as reducing emissions, electrification can reduce bills. Our heat pump replaced an old and relatively inefficient gas boiler, and our annual heating bill has fallen by about 10%. Though electricity is more expensive than gas, heat pumps can reduce bills because for every unit of electrical power they consume, they deliver between two and four times that in heat.

A well-designed and carefully installed system will improve performance. We upgraded our insulation at the same time, and in winter closed off the spare room completely. An added bonus of full electrification is that there’s no need to pay a gas standing charge, which can save about £128 per year.

Another thing to consider is using materials that reduce need for heating – for instance, double glazing. And try to minimise your demand for energy as much as possible, then install the smallest system which meets that demand. We’ve found that doing all of this leads to a warmer, nicer and cheaper home.

Stuart Walker is a research fellow in sustainabilty assessment

3. Increase your energy payments

The conflict in the Gulf is just the latest shock to the energy supply chain. And the tricky thing with supply chains is disruption takes time to be felt. Even if a peace deal sticks, consumers and businesses can still expect higher prices to ripple through the energy market for months.

As such, think about the behavioural economics of what’s known as “intertemporal choice” – your spending over time. People often excessively discount the future and focus on the present when choosing how to spend money. This is known as “present bias”.

Today, there are widespread expectations of higher energy prices, but (for now) they remain around pre-war prices. In the future – when the war is over – there will be widespread expectations of lower prices, but the current disruptions will still be rippling through the system. This mismatch between expectations and reality could leave people with a nasty surprise when their bill comes through.

So, pay it forward. Don’t fall into the trap of present bias. If you can, increase your energy bill payments today. Economists call this “smoothing out” your consumption. When higher bills bite, you’ll be (psychologically) better off for it.

Stuart Mills is a lecturer in economics

4. Sort out any draughts

In our home, we have removed the fireplace, blocked it completely and insulated inside it to cut out draughts. As it is now not so draughty, the heating isn’t required as much and we’re not losing heat through the chimney stack.

This has improved indoor air quality, partly because we no longer have to dispose of ashes and don’t have to do extra cleaning after fires. This is an indirect saving that some may not realise.

Another benefit is that we’re not exposing ourselves to particulate air pollution that results from open or stove-based fires. Home heating contributes significantly to urban air quality, and my motivation has been to improve both indoor and outdoor air quality.

I’m also not storing or buying and transporting fuel – another cost saving. I have bought a cargo ebike to commute to work, carrying my children and their belongings. It also has a bread basket on the front, which is fantastic for shopping and carrying bags. This has cut my short car trips.

We are fortunate to live in an area with good cycling infrastructure. I am aware these choices are not an option for everyone, especially those in rented or temporary accommodation.

Yvonne Ryan is an associate professor in environmental science

5. Crack on with home improvements

A good way to protect yourself against rising bills next winter is to crack on now with projects to make your home more energy efficient. One option is to stop the heat you have paid for escaping through your windows and doors.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that upgrading your windows could save up to £140 a year. But research has shown that, while households frequently research the options and get quotes, they often stall at the final decision on a project and fail to go ahead.

One reason for this is over-reacting to “sludge” – the barriers that increase uncertainty and effort, such as difficulty finding information and contractors. This can overwhelm our understanding of the benefits of going ahead, leaving us stuck with the status quo.

But the good news is, it is perfectly possible to override these behavioural biases. Rising and volatile fuel bills may be the nudge we need to do that.

Jonquil Lowe is a visiting academic in economics