A MAJOR energy supplier has launched a market-leading energy-only fixed price tariff that is £149 cheaper than the price cap.

EDF’s “Essentials Fixed 1y Oct25” is £1,568 a year for a typical energy user paying by direct debit, making it £149 cheaper than the upcoming cap.

The average standard variable energy bill is set to rise by 10% to £1,717 on October 1 under the new price cap.

The deal is available to new and existing who have a smart meter or agree to have one installed.

A fixed energy tariff charges customers the same rate for their gas and electricity each month until their contract ends.

This means you are locked into the price even if the cap goes up or down.

In comparison, a standard variable tariff can go up or down according to the price cap which is set by Ofgem, the industry regulator.

The price cap changes every three months and EDF predicts that it will hit £1,690 in January before falling back down to £1,676 between April and June.

The energy supplier said that locking into this deal will save customers £122 over the course of this winter.

But it is impossible to guarantee that this will be the case as there is a chance that the price cap may be higher or lower.

Meanwhile, due to volatility in the energy market, EDF may withdraw this deal at any time.

Elise Melville, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “EDF’s new Essentials tariff could be a great option for households that want to fix their energy costs to beat the price rise coming on October 1.

“It’s worth considering a fixed deal if you want to know what you’ll be paying from month to month.

There are several fixed deals on the market that can save you money compared with the price cap.”

How do other deals compare?

Octopus Energy is offering the next cheapest deal, at £1,599 a year for a dual fuel tariff.

The “Octopus 15M Fixed September 2024 v3” deal is £118 cheaper than the current energy price cap and is available directly from Octopus Energy.

Meanwhile, households which lock into the “Co-op 15M Fixed September 2024 v2” from Co-Op Energy could save £118 against the October price cap.

The deal is also £1,599 a year.

How do I sign up?

Existing customers can sign up to the new tariff via the MyAccount tab on the EDF website.

Meanwhile, new customers can join EDF through its website.

But customers who sign up to this tariff will need to have a smart meter or agree to have one installed.

A smart meter gives real-time information about your energy consumption, whereas traditional meters require you to manually take a reading.

There is no upfront cost to get a smart meter and you do not need to pay for the in-home display it comes with.

This tariff is a one year deal, which means that once you are locked in you will not be able to leave for 12 months without paying a fee.

If you want to leave before the contract ends then you may be charged an exit fee of around £25.

At the moment this tariff works out to be £149 a year cheaper than the current price cap.

This is great if the price cap continues to rise as forecast as you would save even more money.

But if the price cap falls then you could end up paying more.

Before applying for this deal make sure to shop around to check that it is the best on offer for your family and budget.

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THE government has promised to crackdown on fraudsters and get more people into work in a fresh shake up of the benefits system

Sir Keir Starmer pledged to “leave no stone unturned” as his government aims to “rebuild our public services” during his speech at the Labour Party conference today.

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New laws will be introduced so that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can ask banks to report fraudulent activity, for instance if a claimant has more than £16,000 in savings, or how much they earn.

Anyone with more than this in the bank is not usually entitled to means-tested benefits like Universal Credit.

DWP estimates show that 3.7% of benefit spending was overpaid last year, meaning the government now pays out over £9.5billion in benefits that people aren’t entitled to.

At the moment, the DWP can only request information from a claimant’s bank account if there are “reasonable grounds to suspect fraud.”

Instead, the new proposals aim to remove the bureaucracy and will require banks to flag exactly when a claimant’s earnings clash with the eligibility criteria of their benefits.

Under the proposals, the DWP won’t be able to access bank accounts directly, and the exact information they can request is still to be confirmed.

The government department will also be handed more powers to recover debts from those who can afford to pay it back but have avoided doing so.

Labour also stressed that the Bill would contain safeguarding measures for vulnerable welfare claimants, and staff would be trained to the highest standards on the appropriate use of new powers.

The new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will bring the changes into law, though a timescale has not been given.

The Bill must pass through parliament and then into law, which can take months or even years.

The Prime Minister said in his speech today: “If we want to maintain support for the welfare state, then we will legislate to stop benefit fraud. Do everything we can to tackle worklessness.

Broader welfare reforms are expected to help cut the number of people claiming sickness benefits like PIP and Universal Credit’s disability payments.

The government plans to launch a new initiative to encourage millions of benefit claimants to re-enter the workforce and bring down the amount it spends on welfare.

Currently, 2.1million Universal Claimants are permanently out of work and claim limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments.

These claimants have undergone a work capability assessment (WCA), which decides whether they can work and are eligible for the free top-up.

Households falling into this bracket can claim up to £416.19 a month.

That’s on top of a standard allowance worth up to £617 a month.

An additional 479,716 claimants have a limited capability for work (LCW), meaning they must prepare for future employment but remain out of the workforce.

It’s unclear how the government plans to reduce the number of claimants receiving disability payments.

The Labour Party previously said it wants to “review” Universal Credit.

The DWP hasn’t denied moving forward with a proposal to scrap WCAs and use PIP assessment for all disability benefit claims.

Instead, LCWRA payments could be replaced by a new Universal Credit “Health Element”.

Households would then need to meet the eligibility criteria for personal independent payments (PIP) to qualify.

Any changes are anticipated to be unveiled later this year when Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her Autumn Statement on Wednesday, October 30.

BACK TO WORK

Rachel Reeves told The Sun in August that she wants to get more jobless Brits back into work as the £306 billion welfare bill is “out of control”.

Ms Reeves has vowed to crack down on benefits spending as the workless crisis puts the brakes on a booming economy.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, previously announced a “Back to Work Plan” to tackle economic inactivity back in July.

Under the DWP’s plan, Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service will merge to help more people find work and support those seeking better opportunities with the means to find better-paid work.

However, the government is expected to go further when the Chancellor delivers her Autumn Statement next month.

BENEFIT EXPENDITURE

The government is forecast to spend £305.6billion on the social security system in Great Britain in the current financial year.

Total welfare spending is forecast to be 11% of GDP and 24.9% of the total amount the government spends in 2024 to 2025.

Around 55% of social security expenditure goes to pensioners.

This includes spending on the State Pension which is forecast to be £138.1 billion in 2024 to 2025.

The government is expected to spend £138billion on working age and children welfare.

This includes spending on Universal Credit and its predecessors, and non-DWP welfare including child benefit.

A further £89billion will be spent on benefits to support disabled people and people with health conditions, and £35.3billion on housing benefits.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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MORRISONS has revealed the exact date customers can book their Christmas deliver slot – here’s how you can get an early one.

Bagging yourself a slot during the festive period is notoriously difficult as it’s the busiest time of the year so you need to make a note of these key dates to make sure you aren’t left disappointed.

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As delivery slots are snapped up quickly, especially in the run up to Christmas, shoppers are advised not to hang about.

Preparations for the holiday period seem to get underway earlier and earlier.

Morrisons will start taking bookings next month.

Delivery Pass customers will be able to book their slots from October 2.

Customers without a Delivery Pass can book slots from October 9.

A Morrisons Delivery Pass allows you to shop online as often as you like without having to pay for delivery every time you checkout.

Shoppers can choose from an anytime (seven-day) pass or midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) pass.

The cost of your delivery pass will depend on the length of its validity:

• Midweek annual pass – £40
• Anytime annual pass – £70
• Midweek six-month pass – £25
• Anytime six-month pass – £45
• Midweek month pass – £5
• Anytime month pass – £8

Shoppers can buy a delivery pass on the Morrisons website before booking a slot.

All shoppers need to spend at least £25 before they can check out an online order.

Those without a delivery pass will be charged between £1.50 and £6 to secure a one-hour delivery time slot.

People are advised they shouldn’t get a delivery pass unless they think it will save them money in the long term – not just to get a Christmas slot.

Earlier this month, Morrisons unveiled its Christmas food range.

This year, the festive range will feature everything from the classic turkey, salmon, puddings, and whole range of starters and sides.

Morrisons isn’t the only high street supermarket to have already tempted shoppers with its festive foods and many others, such as Tesco, M&S, Asda and Iceland have also released details of their products.

The news comes just days after Ocado announced its dates to book a Christmas delivery slot would be available.

Shoppers are being told to “look out” for an email or SMS which will alert them the day before they can book their festive delivery.

The retail giant will be making over one million home delivery and click-and-collect slots available on the week of December 20 to December 24.

Non-Smart Pass Holders will have to wait a little longer for general access becomes available, which is usually the following week.

The retailer also detailed that slots over Christmas week have a minimum spend of £90.

To be the first to find out about early festive slots, you could sign up to a loyalty plan – these often give you early access but you should only sign up if you know you will save money on its benefit schemes.

We recommend you spend some time comparing online, by browsing Christmas menus and prices on the retailers’ website.

You can also visit compare the market websites, which draw easy comparisons between product quality and prices.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

GRAB the felt-tips and paper – colouring in is not just for the kids.

Tapping into creativity, busting stress and aiding sleep are among the benefits of the arty activity for adults.

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And a big budget isn’t necessary to get on board. Here’s what you’ll need.

OVER AGE: There are patterns specifically for adults which are more intricate and detailed than ones you would give your kids.

The Works has books starting at £2 including mandala patterns, movie and television themes such as Stranger Things.

Colour-in canvases are currently half price at Hobbycraft, reduced from £6 to £3, meaning you can hang your work of art when it’s finished.

FREEBIES: You can download and print free patterns for colouring in. Plenty of patterns are available at Crayola.com, with specific adult designs.

Or try Hobbycraft.co.uk with more than 100 designs available based on many different themes.

You can also use a black pen to adapt designs or add extra details. For example, try adding zigzags, spots or other patterns to background white areas. This way you can easily turn a child’s sheet into something more sophisticated.

PEN PALS: Darker nights and tumbling temperatures can make it harder to socialise without splashing out.

An evening of colouring in is a fun way to bring together a group of pals to unwind and catch up. Lay on a few snacks, but try to avoid anything that can spill on your pads!

STEP UP: If you want to take your colouring up a gear, try learning extra skills.

Blending and shading will give your picture depth and make the finished piece look more impressive.

There are plenty of free tutorials on YouTube or join online communities such as Facebook group Adult Colouring UK, to swap tips.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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SHOPPERS will be pleased to know one of Britain’s favourite bargain stores will be extending its opening hours to help shoppers over the Christmas period.

Dunelm announced that stores will extend their opening hours over the festive period – just in case you wanted to grab any last minute gifts.

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From the 23rd December, stores will have more flexible opening and closing times to accommodate customers:

• Monday 23rd December – 9am – 9pm
• Tuesday 24th December – 9am – 4pm
• Wednesday 25th December – CLOSED 
• Thursday 26th December – 10am – 5pm
• Friday 27th December – 9am – 9pm
• Saturday 28th December – 9am – 7pm
• Sunday 29th December – Normal opening hours
• Monday 30th December – 9am – 9pm
• Tuesday 31st December – 9am – 4pm
• Wednesday 1st December – 9am – 6pm (Scotland stores closed)
• Thursday 2nd Jan – England normal opening hours (Scotland 9am-6pm)

Shoppers can expect to see their local stores opening hours extended.

These hours differ compared to normal hours that are conventionally Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm and Saturday 9am – 7pm.

Some high street favourites and supermarkets have confirmed they will pull down the shutters on Boxing Day so staff don’t miss out on family time.

Almost all stores close up on Christmas Day but, traditionally, shoppers head out on Boxing Day to cash in on cut-price goods.

However, in recent years, more and more retailers have decided to stay closed on December 26, delaying customers’ shopping sprees by another day.

Boxing Day is a Bank Holiday which means opening hours are already reduced.

Some stores may also close early on Christmas Eve and other days around the festive period so it’s worth double checking opening times in advance to avoid a wasted trip out.

Check your local branch opening hours on the store’s website.

Below are the stores that have confirmed closures on Boxing Day…

Aldi

The discounter has said it will close on Boxing Day, as well as Christmas Day.

Richard Thornton, communications director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is such a special period for many of our colleagues, and by keeping our stores closed on Boxing Day, Aldi gives them more time to spend with their loved ones. 

“Customers will have plenty to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas, with exciting Christmas ranges hitting shelves in time for the festive season.”

It’s not the first time Aldi has closed on Boxing Day – the discounter has been doing so for the past few years.

The Range and Wilko

The Range and Wilko are owned by CDS Stores which has announced it will close all branches at both brands on December 25 and 26.

Alex Simpkin, chief executive officer for CDS, said: “This year’s been another great one for the business.

“We’re grateful to all our incredible team for their dedication and hard work and believe everyone deserves a well-earned rest during the festive season.

“So, in appreciation, we’ll be closing our stores on Boxing Day to give our team the opportunity to enjoy a full two-day break with their families.”

The brands were also closed last year on Boxing Day.

Home Bargains

Home Bargains has told The Sun all 600 of its stores across the UK will remain closed on Boxing Day.

All branches will also close earlier on Christmas Eve, with trading finishing at 5pm instead of the usual 8pm or 9pm.

The chain also confirmed shops will be completely shut on New Year’s Day.

A spokesperson for Home Bargains said: “We know how hard all our colleagues have worked throughout the year.

“Being a family-run business, we recognise the importance of spending quality time with our loved ones.

“Therefore, we feel it is only right to support our valued store teams by giving them extended time off around Christmas and New Year.”

Home Bargains has remained closed on Boxing Day for the last four years.

John Lewis and Waitrose

The vast majority of Waitrose supermarkets and all standalone John Lewis stores will be shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) which runs the two brands exclusively told The Sun it will shut on December 26.

More than 300 Waitrose branches and 33 John Lewis sites will be shut with just a handful of Waitrose shops attached to petrol stations remaining open on Boxing Day.

And only John Lewis shops within the Trafford and Stratford shopping centres will remain open.

The brand also closed on Boxing Day last year.

Homebase

DIY giant Homebase will shut all its stores on December 26, the brand confirmed to The Sun.

The retailer has 142 stores across the UK which will shut for a full 48 hours to give staff a festive rest.

A spokeswoman for the firm said: “We’ll once again be closing our stores on Boxing Day so our team can enjoy time with their friends and family over the festive period.”

More stores are expected to announce Boxing Day closures over the coming weeks.

Last year DIY giants Wickes and Screwfix all shut their branches on December 26, as did M&S and Lidl.

Poundland, which currently runs over 850 shops in the UK, also closed on Boxing Day last year.

Keep an eye on your favourite retailer’s social media as many often publicise their festive opening hours on X and Facebook.

AN Asda shopper has cleared their local store of baby dinners after the supermarket reduced the price to just 20p.

The bargain hunter also showed off other hugely reduced goods they got in their haul.

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Taking to social media they showed off their goods and told just what they’d paid.

Writing on Facebook’s Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group she said: “Asda Dunstable.

“Pull ups £8 down to £2.80. Cow and Gate toddler milk £8 down to £1. Heinz meals £1.65 down to 20p.

They added: “Lots of pet stuff too. Was in a crate at the front of the store.”

The shopper made a significant saving as the Pull ups were reduced by 65 per cent, while the toddler milk and Heinz meals were both down by a significant 87 per cent.

Generally, the price of Pull Ups varies depending on what size box is bought and the pants size.

Prices though start at £4 for “Trainers Day” for girls aged 2-4 years at both Iceland and Tesco, according to the supermarket price comparison app Trolley.

However, a pack of 32 “Night Trainers” for boys cost £8 on Ocado.

Cow and Gate baby milk formula also varies in price depending on the size of the container.

An 800g packet of “First infant milk” currently costs £9.75 from Iceland, although it is £10.50 in Asda, Boots and Sainsbury’s.

While a 600g pack is £7.50 in both Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

A single 200g jar of Heinz “Sunday Chicken Dinner” baby food can be bought at Sainsbury’s for just £1.

Both Morrisons and Tesco have an offer currently running though where you can buy four jars for £4.

Other members of the group were suitably impressed.

One, who tagged in her pal, wrote: “20p meals.”

Another, who also included her friend, said: “Have a look if u go in Asda.”

While a third added: “Wonder if they have any in ours.”

Supermarkets often reduce products when they are close to their use-by or best before date.

The best before date is related to quality and there is no harm in eating items that have gone past “best” if they have been stored correctly, like at the right fridge temperature.

This is different from the use-by date, which is very important in the safety of food.

You can eat food right up to the use-by date but not after, the Foods Standards Agency says.

Supermarkets often mark up reduced products with a yellow sticker so shoppers can spot these kind of reductions on shelves.

But as it depends on stock availability can vary from store to store.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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