FALL-lovers are raving about a $1.25 craft piece from Dollar Tree. 

Shoppers have dubbed the store’s carvable pumpkins as “perfect size” for getting your craft on this Halloween. 

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The foam ornaments, which are four inches tall and five and a half inches wide, can be turned into vases, candy buckets or used as part of your spooky display. 

They’re also a smaller dupe for the Michaels’ Orange Craft Pumpkins by Ashland. 

But while the Michaels version will set you back $19.99, Dollar Tree’s Carvable Foam Pumpkins are 88% cheaper at $1.25. 

The inexpensive design has received rave reviews from crafty Americans. 

One self-confessed fall lover said: “I’ve used these for the last couple of years for DIY and fall home decor.

“They’re so much fun to paint and decorate your own way. 

“They’re very affordable and easy to use.”

Another quipped: “These pumpkins can be carved and used to make different types of pumpkins.

“Such as painted, or covered with fabric or yarn. 

“They are easy to work with.”

A third beamed: “There’s so much you can do with these. 

“All you need is some paint, felt, craft wood, yarn, an X-acto knife and glue. 

“If you can imagine it, you can make it!”

The Michaels pumpkins have similarly good reviews, but for the price of one, you can pick up 15 in Dollar Tree.  

Halloween dupes

There are several Halloween dupes to help you celebrate on a budget.

Dollar Tree has $3 haunted plants that are 90% cheaper than the ones at Michael’s.

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The discount store also has hanging pats for just $1.25, while a major competitor sells them for $15.

Pottery Barn fans found a dupe for the store’s famous floating ghosts that are 61% cheaper.

Shoppers even found a dupe for Disney’s famous character pumpkins at Kohl’s.

A blurb on the pricier crafts reads: “Brighten up your Halloween decor with this craft pumpkin.

“You can decorate this accent with sparkly embellishments, paint with any multi-surface paint or carve it with a hot knife tool. 

“Display it among LED pillar candles on your mantel.”

Numerous firms would benefit from assistance to better understand the characteristics of vulnerability and identify vulnerable customers.

This is according to research from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), in partnership with FWD Research.

The CII undertook a survey of its members in July 2024 of those directly involved in Board reporting about the challenges they had encountered in producing the first Consumer Duty reports.

Off the back of this research and a roundtable discussion, the CII has published a white paper “that seeks to support firms’ compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) reporting requirements under the Consumer Duty legislation.”

Roundtable attendees also said they would welcome advice on storing and sharing information on vulnerable customers.

Most firms said they would “welcome more guidance” from the regulator on how they should meet the reporting requirements.

Other firms added however, the time being invested in the reporting process helped to shape internal conversations that had already driven positive changes for their customers.

Following this research, the CII has recommended that firms should:

• Ensure that data and reporting requirements are used not only to satisfy reporting requirements, but are baked into product, service and process improvement cycles
• Work with professional bodies to develop research best practice
• Identify whether they have a robust understanding of vulnerability for their customer base
• Place more emphasis on joining the data dots around individual customers or customer groups in real time
• And that leadership teams in firms should take active interest in reviewing customer needs

CII Group chief executive Matthew Hill said: “The Chartered Insurance Institute sought experiences of writing these initial reports to understand any challenges that might have been encountered, and to make recommendations that might assist other firms in future.

“We are sharing our findings and recommendations with the FCA and the wider sector through this white paper, and we will continue to explore with the regulator and our members what more we can do to assist firms in meeting the standards of care expected from the introduction of the Consumer Duty.”

FWD research director Martin Grimwood added: “It’s clear that many firms have yet to understand vulnerability amongst their customers.

“Without a top-down view, which quantifies how prevalent different types of vulnerability is within a customer base, it is difficult for firms to create informed strategic plans that will meet the needs of vulnerable customers.

“We are delighted the CII have chosen to endorse our approach to understanding vulnerability and look forward to helping CII members implement this key requirement of Consumer Duty and vulnerability guidance.”

THOUSANDS of borrowers who claim they are ‘mortgage prisoners’ have been ruled against by a high court judge.

The case was brought forward by former Northern Rock mortgage holders who claim TSB Bank charged them unfair interest rates on their “Whistletree” mortgages.

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The borrowers claim they have been stuck paying a standard variable rate (SVR) 2.29% higher than TSB’s own rate, in some cases for up to eight years.

The bank opposed the claims, and said that charging borrowers different rates is a basic feature of the mortgage market.

In the ruling, Judge Nicholas Thompsell said TSB has not breached the terms of the borrowers’ mortgage contracts.

The case, led by borrowers’ lawyer Tim Lord KC, focused on Northern Rock customers whose mortgages were transferred to TSB after the bank collapsed in 2008. 

Lord argued that many customers were unable to switch to cheaper rates or move to another lender because stricter mortgage rules introduced in 2014 meant they couldn’t pass new affordability checks. 

He claimed this left them mortgage prisoners, with TSB “disproportionately profiting” from the situation.

But TSB, represented by Sonia Tolaney KC, said the bank offers different products to customers with varying risk profiles, and that this was “neither surprising nor unfair.”

In his 49-page ruling, Judge Thompsell agreed, stating that TSB was following the same SVR Northern Rock had previously applied. 

He ruled that the rate, now called the ‘Whistletree SVR’, is simply a continuation of the original rate and that TSB was acting within the terms of the mortgage contracts.

Following the ruling, a TSB spokesperson said: “We welcome the court’s decision today, which recognises that TSB acted in accordance with the terms of Whistletree mortgage contracts.”

TSB added that more than two-thirds of affected customers had switched to a new mortgage product or settled their mortgages since 2016.

The borrowers lost this round but their legal team isn’t giving up. 

Matthew Patching, a partner at law firm Harcus Parker, said: “Our clients are disappointed with the result, but are looking forward to progressing their claims to the next stage.”

A further hearing is expected to take place in the case.

What is a mortgage prisoner?

A mortgage prisoner is a homeowner who is unable to switch to a better mortgage deal, even though they are keeping up to date on their payments. 

Mortgage prisoners are often trapped with their existing mortgage, paying more money than they need to. 

This is because when an introductory mortgage rate ends, the borrower typically moves on to the lender’s SVR, which is usually more expensive than the previous rate.

In 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimated that there were 47,000 mortgage prisoners in the UK.

NOT only is mould damaging for your health to have in your home, it is also an eyesore and can be costly to fix if the issue spreads.

With energy costs still relatively high, it has become a balancing act between avoiding big bills, and heating your home enough to keep the green stuff away.

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So, what is the right temperature to avoid mould building up in your home?

Ideally you will want to maintain a consistent room temperature of around 20°C, and avoid letting it drop below 16°C. 

You should also aim to keep your humidity levels between 30% and 60%, any higher and there is too much moisture in the air.

You can use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity in your home.

While these may sound expensive, in a pleasant surprise you can pick up one of each for a collective total of around £20 from Amazon.

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, said: “The Energy Saving Trust recommends that people in good health heat their home to between 18 and 21 degrees celsius.

“They also estimate that people can save 10% on their energy bills for every degree they turn down their thermostat, so if you’re trying to keep costs low then do bear this in mind.”

That means if you have your temperature set at the higher end, you can still turn the thermostat down and save cash while keeping mould at bay.

How to prevent and stop mould?

Mould forms because the air holds moisture, which is something anyone who owns a dehumidifier will have seen first hand. The warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold.

If moist air is cooled by contact with cold surfaces, such as walls, windows or mirrors, the moisture condenses into water droplets, known as condensation.

The result of this condensation is often mould, which primarily affects the airways and lungs, but also has an impact on your eyes and skin. 

In fact, the respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death.

Don’t worry though, preventing mould and removing mould are simple enough processes.

A hack to remove mould involves mixing one part bleach with four parts water, and applying the solution to the mouldy area with a cloth or brush. 

Scrub gently until the mould is gone, then wipe away the bleach and dry the area.

Another tip is to mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bottle and spray the mouldy area. 

Vinegar is a natural mould killer that can help loosen mould from fabric. 

To prevent mould, you want to reduce moisture levels, so simply opening windows and doors to let fresh air in can do the job.

If you are still worried about mould potentially building up in your home, a sure fire way to help prevent it is the use of a dehumidifier.

While these do vary in price, you can pick up a small one from Amazon for within the £40 to £50 range.

Gallizzi said: “As winter arrives, many people dry wet clothes on radiators or airers, but this releases moisture into your home. 

“Try to avoid this where you can or consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess water from the air. This helps to combat condensation and prevent mould growth. 

“As well as plug-in dehumidifiers, you could also try moisture absorbing tabs, which can minimise condensation from building up on your windows.”

Energy bills are set to go up again, so brace yourself

The average household’s annual gas and electricity bill under the July to September 2024 price cap is £1,568, according to government data.

That’s a big drop from the peak of £2,380 we saw between October 2022 and June 2023, but it’s still 29% higher than what we were paying in Winter 2021/22.

But there’s more bad news, the price cap will jump by 10% to £1,717 from October 2024, and experts say it’ll rise another 3% in early 2025.

Right now, gas costs 5.5p per kilowatt hour (kWh) and electricity is 23.4p per kWh, with standing charges at 31.4p a day for gas and 60.1p a day for electricity. 

From September 2024 however, gas prices will climb to 6.2p per kWh and electricity will go up to 24.5p per kWh, with a slight increase in standing charges too.

The amount of money raised on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) through secondary fundraising has decreased by 33% from last year.

Secondary fundraising describes the sale of post-IPO shares on the secondary market between investors.

Research from national accountancy group UHY Hacker Young showed that only £1.18bn was brought in through secondary fundraising over the past year to August 2023, compared to £1.8bn the previous year.

UHY Hacker Young said: “The fall in the amount of money raised could suggest that investors in AIM companies have been less willing to support AIM companies pursue growth plans.”

There has been a continued decline from a high of £6bn in fundraising in 2021.

UHY Hacker Young also said that investors have been less supportive of UK shares over the past few years.

Additionally, the perceived risks of UK shares having risen since the Liz Truss Budget in September 2022.

Rumours are also circulating that chancellor Rachel Reeves may remove the inheritance tax break on AIM shares ahead of the Budget on 30 October.

Currently, shares in many AIM companies are not subject to IHT, making them more valuable to private investors.

In the past 12 months, only one company managed to raise more than £100m through secondary fundraisings on the AIM market.

UHY Hacker Young partner Colin Wright said: “One of the great successes of the AIM market has been the ability of companies to raise money after their IPO to keep powering their growth.

“That element of AIM hasn’t been working recently. The amount of money is down sharply.

“You can’t blame that entirely on possible tax changes for AIM shares, but the speculation isn’t helping.

“The AIM market is a vital part of the UK’s efforts to create growth companies so reducing the tax breaks attached to it would be counterproductive.

“I’m pretty sure the stock exchange would like the government to clear the air and confirm they have no intention of changing the tax status of AIM shares.”

Wright added that investor focus has shifted away from AIM towards the US market, mainly due to AI-related tech companies performing well.

A consequence of this is that smaller UK companies are struggling to attract the attention of investors and the capital needed for growth and expansion.

This, he said, has resulted in the valuations of UK listed companies being lower than counterparts on other stock markets and increases the possibility of takeovers of UK companies.

Wright concluded: “The government does need to find ways to encourage more investments in companies on UK stock markets so that they can remain competitive with other countries.”

SHOPPERS have been left devastated after a popular Colin the Caterpillar Christmas decoration has sold out online – and is now being listed for more than double the price on eBay.

Marks & Spencer launched the £5 decoration earlier this month and it was quickly snapped up by shoppers who have branded it the best.

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The hand-painted glass decoration is designed to look just like the Mini Colin the Caterpillar cakes, and is painted with Colin’s signature white face and milk chocolate beans.

The 8cm-long ornament is unavailable online but shoppers can enter their contact details to be notified when it comes back into stock.

Fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after being unable to find the must-have decoration online or in store.

One shopper said: “Do you have a link? I can’t find it. Hope it’s not already sold out”.

While another added: “Well it’s already sold out.”

Popular TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp even voiced her frustration after being unable to get her hands on the beautiful decoration.

In a tweet directly to the supermarket she said: “Dear @marksandspencer I’ve being told these are sold out already. Please reassure me that this is not the case. Thank you & Merry Christmas.”

The Sun can exclusively reveal the ornament is due back in store and online from October 12, but you’ll need to be quick as Marks & Spencer said it is expected to sell out quickly again.

Desperate shoppers are now turning to eBay to get their hands on the bauble.

Other customers are making extra cash by flogging the decorations for around £10.99 on the secondhand website.

One cheeky shopper even sold one of the ornaments for £12 plus £3.39 postage just five days ago.

This was the highest price seen by The Sun on eBay.

Shoppers seem eager to get hold of the festive item for themselves.

One described the item on X as the “best thing ever”, while another added “need one of those”.

Colin the Caterpillar vs Cuthbert the Caterpillar

MARKS & Spencer has called a truce with Aldi over Colin the Caterpillar cake.

The upmarket supermarket and discount chain were locked in a legal battle after Aldi started selling a cake called Cuthbert the Caterpillar which looked similar to the M&S creation. 

They reached a confidential agreement out of court on November 5, it has now emerged.

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The companies have not disclosed the terms of the settlement – but both cakes will still be sold. 

An Aldi spokesperson said: “Cuthbert is free and looking forward to seeing all his fans again very soon!”

An M&S spokesperson said: “The objective of the claim was to protect the IP in our Colin the Caterpillar cake and we are very pleased with the outcome.”

The high street retailer started selling the famous Colin cake more than 30 years ago and its design has been largely unchanged since 2004. 

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The only exception is during seasonal events such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter, when M&S launches temporary new designs.

Colin is made of chocolate sponge and buttercream, covered in a chocolate shell, and costs £7. 

Aldi launched its copycat Cuthbert cake in 2019 for £4.99. 

Most supermarkets now have their own version, including Waitrose’s Cecil, Charlie at the Co-op, and Tesco’s Curly cake.

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Nearly 40 of the decorations of the beloved brown caterpillar have already been sold on eBay this month.

The Colin the Caterpillar chocolate log was first created by Marks & Spencer in 1990 and has since sold more than 15 million cakes.

Since then the iconic insect has been used on a variety of products including slippers, hot water bottles and pet toys.

The supermarket chain has launched several Christmas decorations of its beloved characters including a Percy Pig Christmas Tree Topper and Spencer Bear decoration.

There are also several other glass ornaments in its Christmas collection this year, including a tractor hanging decoration and three pack London skyline series.

A Marks & Spencer spokesman said: “It comes as no surprise that our brand new Colin the Caterpillar Cake Christmas Tree Decoration is HUGELY popular with our customers.

“Considering Colin attends over a MILLION birthdays per year, it was a no-brainer to get a replica of the nation’s much-loved caterpillar cake hanging on Christmas tree’s across the UK this festive season.”

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