A FAMILY favourite fast food chain has abruptly closed an “incredible” site leaving shoppers “heartbroken”.

Japanese takeaway chain Itsu has 77 branches across the country, including in Brighton, Leeds and Exeter.

1

It sells everything from sushi, salads and noodle dishes for hungry shoppers on-the-go.

But customers in Staines will now need to find a new restaurant as the branch in the Two Rivers Shopping Centre closed for the final time yesterday (October 18).

In a statement on Facebook, the centre said; “Sadly, itsu will be closing at Two Rivers as of Saturday evening.

“Keep your eyes peeled on our social media for some very exciting coming soon news.”

Locals took to Facebook to share their disappointment at hearing the news.

One customer said: “Awww, what a shame.”

Another added: “What! Love an Itsu. Please don’t bring in another unhealthy food place.”

A third cried: “It’s a shame for those who work there.”

While a fourth wrote: “So disappointed! I love Itsu!

“My nine-year-old son will be heartbroken. Whenever we are in Staines he only wanted to eat at Itsu.”

In the Google reviews, the restaurant has been described as “incredible” with “lovely and helpful staff”.

The Sun has contacted Itsu for comment.

More local closures

Itsu isn’t the only chain to have closed a bench in Staines recently.

Argos closed its branch in the market town in February ahead of its move into a local Sainsbury’s supermarket.

TGI Fridays shut its restaurant in Staines after it collapsed into administration.

It was among 35 locations that closed with immediate effect, leading to the loss of 1,000 jobs.

Carpetright also shut its branch in the town in July as part of a a pre-pack administration deal. It resulted in the closure of 213 stores.

HOSPITALITY WOES

The hospitality sector has struggled to bounce back after the pandemic, facing challenges including soaring energy bills, inflation and staff shortages.

In January 2023, Byron Burger fell into administration with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Around 12 branches were saved in a rescue deal with Tristar Foods, which is owned by Calveton.

The Restaurant Group (TRG), which owned Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquito and Wagamama, shut dozens of sites in the same year.

It then went on to sell its Frankie & Bennys and Chiquito brands to Cafe Rouge owner The Big Table group in September 2023.

Italian restaurant chain Prezzo also closed dozens of sites last year.

In April 2024, Tasty, the owners of Italian restaurant Wildwood and Dim T, a pan-Asian restaurant, announced plans to exit around 20 loss-making restaurants after a “challenging” start to the year.

In the same month, Whitbread revealed plans to slash its chain of branded restaurants across the UK.

Pub giant Stonegate has also raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts.

Britain’s “rudest restaurant” went bust in September after its parent company, Viral Ventures UK, reportedly racked up more than £400,000 worth of debt.

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

THOUSANDS of pensioners will be eligible for a payment worth £120 after losing the winter fuel allowance.

The move follows the government’s decision to make the winter fuel payment means tested from this winter.

1

Norfolk County Council revealed how it plans to spend the £6.7million it received from the government’s Household Support Fund.

It was feared that the fund would come to an end in September, but the Labour government has extended it.

Now the Conservative-run County Hall in Norfolk say 50,000 households will see the benefit of it.

The council plans to use £750,000 working with charities and organisations to identify elderly people who missed out on pension credit eligibility, Wymondham & Attenborough Mercury reports.

Winter fuel payments will still go to those eligible for pension credit, but people on the borderline, like those paying higher costs due to being disabled, could get a one-off payment of £120 because of the scheme.

Families eligible for means-tested free school means will also benefit from £3.6million going towards cost-of-living vouchers.

The Norfolk Assistance Scheme, which helps people with household goods and emergency financial support, will also get a £1million boost.

Proposals to support some of Norfolk’s most vulnerable people this winter have been set out on Tuesday.

Norfolk County Council revealed how it was looking to use £1.15million of the £6.7million allocated to the county through the Household Support Fund.

Councillor Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance at Norfolk County Council said: “We are extremely concerned about the impact that the government’s decision will have on our communities.

“Winter can be an extremely challenging time for our older residents and the cost of heating your home can make it difficult to pay for other necessities.

“There will be thousands of people who will miss the new cut-off by a small margin, leaving them without the means to pay for the cost of fuel.

“The county council will make sure payments make their way quickly to those who most need them, working closely with Age UK, Citizen Advice Bureau and other local partners.

“However, the funding only lasts until March. I will continue to urge the government to find a solution that isn’t to the detriment of our older residents.”

WETHERSPOONS punters have just hours left to grab a pint for as little as £1.79 at 700 pubs across the country.

The pub chain has been selling a range of 30 different real ales, including five from overseas brewers, since October 9.

1

The festival has been offering punters the chance to sample beers from Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the USA.

The event has been taking place at 700 of Wetherspoons’ pubs across the UK.

Pints are available for £2.29 on average, and as cheap as £1.79.

Spoon fans can try three beers for the price of one, with the chance to buy three third-of-a-pint tasters for the cost of a single pint.

But the event will draw to a close at the end of today (October 20), so punters will need to be quick to make the most of the deals.

The menu includes a range of unusual flavoured ales such as mango, chocolate and banoffee pie.

And the festival range is extended to include vegan and vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free options, which can be found using the allergen information screen in pubs or via the app or website.

The deal includes beers that have never been available in Wetherspoons before, so you will have the chance to try something new.

Marketing manager Jen Swindells said: “The festival is a great celebration of real ale.

“It will allow us to showcase a selection of superb beers, including those from brewers as far afield as Japan and New Zealand, as well as those closer to home, over a 12-day period.

“All of the beers will be available at great value-for-money prices.”

While the pints could be selling for as cheap as £1.79 in some pubs, keep in mind that menu prices vary based on location.

It is a good idea to browse the festival magazine before your arrival via the app or website to check your local prices, or you could double-check the price with the staff at the bar when you order.

Below is a full list of real ales which will be available at the festival:

• Siren Mesmerist (Siren Craft Brew) 3.4% ABV
• Conwy Born to be Mild (Conwy Brewery) 3.8% ABV
• Hogs Back Notorious P.I.G (Hogs Back Brewery) 3.8% ABV
• Adnams T Drop (Adnams Brewery) 4.0% ABV
• Red Racer Session (Central City Brewery, British Colombia, Canada) 4.0% ABV
• Windsor and Eton Canberra (Windsor and Eton Brewery) 4.0% ABV
• Batemans Salem Session IPA (Batemans Brewery) 4.1% ABV
• Hook Norton Tower Ale (Hook Norton Brewery) 4.2% ABV
• Townshend Dinner Ale (Townshend Brewery, Tasman, New Zealand) 4.2% ABV
• Ishii Orihime Pale Ale (Ishii Brewing, Tochigi, Japan) 4.3% ABV
• Evan Evans Wild Coast (Evan Evans Brewery) 4.4% ABV
• Fyne Ales Sun Lounger (Fyne Ales) 4.4% ABV
• Greene King Blood Hound (Greene King Brewery) 4.4% ABV
• Loch Lomond The Gloaming (Loch Lomond Brewery) 4.4% ABV
• Brewster’s Sailing By (Brewster’s Brewery) 4.5% ABV
• Rudgate Mango in the Night (Rudgate Brewery) 4.5% ABV
• Maxim Banoffee Pie Golden Ale (Maxim Brewery) 4.6% ABV
• Titanic Sapphire Spoon (Titanic Brewery) 4.7% ABV
• Lancaster Hop Storm (Lancaster Brewery) 4.8% ABV
• St Austell Fresh Pot (St Austell Brewery) 4.8% ABV
• Elgood’s North Brink Porter (Elgood’s Brewery) 5.0% ABV
• Exmoor Phoenix (Exmoor Ales) 5.0% ABV
• Shepherd Neame Cold Snap (Shepherd Neame Brewery) 5.0% ABV
• Thornbridge Coltrane (Thornbridge Brewery) 5.0% ABV
• Urban South Who Dat (Urban South Brewery, Louisiana, USA) 5.0% ABV
• Salopian Disintegration (Salopian Brewery) 5.1% ABV
• Oakham Sunset (Oakham Ales) 5.3% ABV
• Yazoo All Dog Alert (Yazoo Brewing, Tennessee, USA) 5.5% ABV
• Burning Sky Aurora (Burning Sky Brewery) 5.6% ABV
• Innis and Gunn Caribbean Rum Cask (Innis and Gunn Brewery) 6.8% ABV

Order your pint of choosing either at the bar or via the mobile app, which is available to download via the App Store.

The magazine also details the origins of the beers and their flavour profiles.

For example, the Japanese Ishii “Orihime” Pale Ale is from Tochigi, and has a “citrusy, fruity hop character”.

And the Canadian Central City “Red Racer” Amber Ale is from British Colombia and has “a good balance of bitterness and malt flavours”.

While the mysterious Maxim “Banoffee Pie” Golden Ale is from Durham, and is described as “dessert in a glass”.

REBELLIOUS wine brand 19 Crimes has teamed up with barber Dean Gleeson to offer free Halloween haircuts, including head, chest or back.

A barbershop is offering a hair-raising way to impress this Halloween – by sculpting body hair into frightening works of art.

4

4

Advertisement

4

4

Images have been released to show what styles you could go for, from a skull on the back of the head to spider webs or a mummy in your chest or back hair.

No design will be off limits, providing it fits the theme at the ‘Hairwolves’ service.

Rebellious wine brand 19 Crimes teamed up with barber Dean Gleeson at Ruffians Barbershop in Shoreditch to offer the one-off service, free of charge on 31st October.

The service was created to launch the brand’s limited edition Halloween glow in the dark labelled bottles, which has replaced imagery of its convicts to a mummy, skeleton and the grim reaper.

Speaking in partnership with the wine brand, professional hair artist Dean said: “It’s going to be a fun day of creating some seriously spooky Halloween haircuts.

“Absolutely nothing is off limits, and we want to give those daring enough a haircut to be remembered for on Halloween.

“You can come in and make your suggestion – and if we can physically do it with the type of hair you’ve got on offer, we’ll do it for you.”

Dean estimates he could get through up to 20 trims on October 31st – but possibly more if the designs are simple, with basic stencil designs like a cobweb taking less than five minutes.

However, if you’re looking for something more intricate, it could take 30 to 60 minutes.

One consideration for anyone thinking about a spooky hair sculpt is the density of hair, particularly on the back or chest, to ensure it is thick enough to support the detail required for the design.

It follows research which revealed the hairdos that 2,000 Brits consider as the biggest hair horrors – with the ‘rat tail’ coming out on top.

Meanwhile, the bowl cut, ‘friar tuck’ and mullet were also disliked by respondents.

However, 32 per cent admit they’ve had a hair howler of their own – but 35 per cent would still be open to risking it again if they could get a cut for free.

It also emerged the most iconic Halloween hairstyles were Morticia Adam’s pin straight hair, the Joker’s green do, and the Bride of Frankenstein beehive.

Chantal McDowell, from 19 Crimes added: “We wanted to find a fun and unconventional way to bring to life the limited-edition Halloween labels for consumers this Halloween.

“We’re using Dean’s expert talents with a trimmer to create some seriously hair-raising haircuts this Halloween.”

To book your free haircut on the 31st of October which includes a glass of wine, please click here [https://gbl.19crimes.com/pages/19-crimes-hairwolves].

APPLYING for a mortgage is always stressful, but a surprising red flag meant Leigh and Patrick struggled to find a lender to help them onto the property ladder.

The couple, who live in Norwich, were eager to get a place of their own after growing “increasingly frustrated” at having to manage rising costs on their rental property.

1

Leigh, 42 and Patrick, 43, were paying £900 a month in rent for a two bedroom home in Norwich, Norfolk, with their rent rising by £50 in a year.

After spotting a new housing development nearby that was within their budget, they were eager to cease the opportunity to get their own place.

The pair had been gifted several thousand pounds towards their deposit from family members in Ireland, which they thought would be the key to unlocking their dream property.

But the couple were shocked to find that many lenders were automatically declining their mortgage application for this exact reason – and it almost cost them their dream home.

Lenders may reject a mortgage application when the deposit funds come from abroad, because it can be viewed as a financial risk.

Nicholas Mendes, mortgage technical manager, at John Charcoal, explained this is because lenders view overseas transactions as being at risk of money laundering.

“Lenders are required to comply with strict anti-money laundering regulations, and funds from foreign sources can raise red flags,” he explained.

“Verifying the origin of these funds can be more difficult.

“Additionally, funds from abroad often come in foreign currencies, which can introduce uncertainty due to fluctuating exchange rates.

“Lenders may see this as a risk, as the value of the deposit might decrease if exchange rates shift unfavourably before the mortgage process is complete.

“This could affect the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, making the deposit smaller relative to the property value.”

But, this wasn’t the only hurdle to do with it coming from overseas that the couple had to overcome.

The family’s bank also refused to send the necessary statements to Leigh and Patrick’s bank because they were based in a different country.

Leigh said: “The bank had to send the statements over to Ireland, only for our family to have to send them back to England.

“The first bank statement they sent then had the wrong date, so they had to be re-requested, and the process had to be repeated again.

“We were so worried we’d lose our hold on the property we were hoping to reserve, but thankfully, the developer was very accommodating.”

These statements can be vital for helping lenders confirming that the funds are legitimate.

The couple sought the help of The Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) to find a lender that would accept their deposit.

Danny Belton, head of lending at the MAB, said, “For those in receipt of a gifted deposit they will need to show proof that it is from a legitimate source.

“For example, if the person has sold a home and gifted money from this, you’d need to show proof. If it has come from savings you’ll need to show evidence of the savings.

“The lender will ultimately need to be confident that this money is not a loan that will be called back and is legitimately owned and able to be gifted by the person sending the money.

“This can add delays to the buying process, but getting advice from a broker who can go through everything that’s required, might be the best bet to get you mortgage ready as quickly as possible.”

With help from MAB, the couple eventually managed to secure their three-bedroom home in Norwich in August 2023 through the shared ownership scheme.

The house cost £290,000 and Leigh and Patrick own 75% of it.

They took out a shared ownership mortgage of £206,625 for 27 years with fixed rate of 5.6% for five years.

Their monthly mortgage payments are £1,275 a month, while they pay £166 in rent – a total of £1,441 between them, or £720.50 each.

Leigh said: “Our broker was in contact with us every step of the way, and worked hard to find the most suitable option for us – one that was both affordable and offered a competitive interest rate.

“With the exception of the bank and deposit issue, we were quite surprised at how easy the mortgage application process was, and we have MAB to thank for that.”

Why shared ownership?

A shared ownership scheme is where you buy a share in a property rather than the entire home.

You then pay rent to a landlord on the amount you don’t own.

Leigh and patrick said they had never heard of shared ownership before and had some reservations at first.

“Initially, we were concerned about the fact that you still pay rent on top of the mortgage, as well as the cost of the service charge on top of the other payments,” Leigh said.

“However, we figured that as rental costs were almost as much as a mortgage, it would be best to pay a little more and have the security of home ownership.”

Leigh said she now recommends the scheme to any wannabe homeowner who is concerned about high mortgage rates.

“Definitely get your affordability checked for Shared Ownership,” she added.

“You can buy a percentage of the property from as low as 25%, and you don’t have to worry about landlords breathing down your neck or suddenly deciding to sell up.

“Plus, as property values increase, so does the value of your percentage. It’s a fantastic option for first time buyers to get on the property ladder.”

Now settled into their home, the couple say they are “thankful to the scheme that gave us the opportunity to achieve our home ownership dreams”.

What are the pros and cons of shared ownership?

The main benefit of a shared ownership scheme is that it allows you to buy a home you wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford.

You can get on the property ladder with a much lower deposit than if you bought the entire home, and you may be able to build up the share you own over time.

This is a particular draw to first-time buyers in the current market who are struggling to save enough for deposits.

One of the major downsides, however, is that you will have to keep paying rent on the part of the house you don’t own alongside your mortgage.

You need to factor both payments into your financial planning when you’re looking to buy through a shared ownership scheme.

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

APPLYING for benefits in the UK can be a tricky process with lots of hoops to jump through and confusing rules.

And even then, you can end up with a decision that you don’t agree with.

1

This could be because your claim is denied, you don’t get the level you expected, or you’re missing certain elements you think you qualify for.

Fortunately, the system allows you to challenge decisions that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made, and there’s evidence it’s well worth doing.

For instance, figures released by His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service on 14 March show that 70% of all Personal Independence Payments appeals are won.

That means people are getting much-needed cash that they would have been denied if they hadn’t challenged the government’s decisions.

If you want to challenge a DWP decision, you usually need to apply for a mandatory reconsideration. But first, you need to understand why the benefits office made the decision it did, and gather evidence to show why they’ve got it wrong.

Getting an explanation

If your claim is denied or lower than expected, the first step should be to make sure you understand why. Sometimes, you’ll be sent the reasons in writing, for instance if you are rejected for a Personal Independence Payment claim.

If you haven’t been told why, you can ask the DWP to explain. Sometimes this can happen over the phone, or you can get a written statement of reasons. If you want the information in writing, you can request this and it must be provided.

Either way, you should move fast. There’s a time limit when it comes to asking for a mandatory reconciliation, so if you leave it too long, you might not be able to appeal. 

To get the extra info, contact the DWP, HMRC or your local authority, depending on which benefit you’re trying to appeal. You should have the details on your decision letter. 

It’s also worth speaking to them and explaining why you think the decision is wrong, sometimes it can be changed without launching a formal appeal.

For instance, if the decision was based on incorrect or missing information, the benefits office may be able to send you a new decision letter or it can explain what you can do next.

If your first language isn’t English, you can get an interpreter.

Turn2Us says that if you do telephone the benefit office, you should make a note of the time and date that you call, who you speak with and exactly what is said. This can be useful if you decide to formally challenge the decision.

If you’re still not happy with the outcome, the next step is usually to start the mandatory reconsideration process.

How long do I have to appeal the decision

Generally, you need to apply for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of your decision letter.

However, Turn2Us says that if you ask for written reasons within one month of the date on the decision letter, the time limit will be extended. The new limit will be:

• One month and 14 days from the decision date (if the written reasons are provided within one month of the decision date); otherwise
• 14 days from the date the written reasons are provided.

However, the charity cautions that this only applies if the reasons were not provided in the decision letter you received. It says: “If you are in any doubt, stick to the usual time limits.”

You can usually get an extension if you have a good reason, for instance, if you’re in hospital or if a member of your immediate family dies.

How to ask for a mandatory reconsideration

If you want a mandatory consideration, you should write to the DWP or other relevant department.

You need to ask for the decision to be reviewed, and include any evidence you have as to why it was wrong in the first place.

You should go into detail, and provide copies of supporting documents where possible, for instance medical reports, doctor’s records, and financial statements.

If you are challenging decisions to do with benefits such as PIP and ESA medical evidence can be extremely valuable, particularly if it contradicts your medical assessment report produced by DWP.

Send the letter by recorded delivery, so you know it arrives safely, and keep a record for yourself.

If you’re challenging a decision around Universal Credit, you can do so through your online journal.

A different person will look at the decision, and decide whether it should be overturned or changed.

Sometimes, the DWP will ask for more information or extra pieces of evidence. If this happens, you should send things through as quickly as possible.

If your mandatory reconsideration is successful, you’ll be sent a new decision letter. If the decision doesn’t change, you’ll also be told by post.

You can choose to appeal if you’re still not happy with the outcome you get.

How to take an appeal further

The next steps depend on which benefit you’re applying for. However, in almost all cases you need to act within a month.

We have explained what to do for each benefit below.

Budgeting loans

If you want to challenge a decision around a budgeting loan, you need to ask the Independent Case Examiner’s office to do a review. The ICE is an independent organisation that’s completely separate from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Contact the ICE office in writing asking it to look at the decision again. You need to include your:

• Name
• Contact details
• National insurance number
• Details of the benefits you applied for
• The date of the decision 
• Information about why you disagree with the decision and evidence to back this up.

The ICE will decide whether the decision should be changed.

Employment and Support Allowance

If you’re making an appeal regarding ESA, you might want to skip the mandatory reconsideration process.

Turn2Us says this applies if you already getting the payment, you’re appealing a decision that says you are fit for work, and the decision is not based on you having failed to return your ESA50 questionnaire or attend an assessment.

It must also be either:

• The first time you have been found fit for work at an assessment, or
• You have been found fit for work at a previous assessment but since then had an assessment where you were found to have limited capacity for work.

The reason for going straight to appeal is that you can keep getting your benefits during the appeal, but you can’t when going through a mandatory reconsideration process.

If you’ve been through the mandatory reconsideration and aren’t happy with the outcome, you can still choose to appeal either online or by post.

You can appeal a decision online through GOV.UK, if you are in England, Scotland or Wales or through The Appeals Service, if you are in Northern Ireland.

You can also write to HM Courts and Tribunals Service at the following addresses:

• England and Wales: HMCTS SSCS Appeals Centre, PO Box 12626, Harlow, CM20 9QF
• Scotland: HMCTS SSCS Appeals Centre, PO Box 13150, Harlow, CM20 9TT .
• Northern Ireland: The Appeals Service, PO Box 2202, Belfast, BT1 9YJ.

The First Tier Tribunal will decide if you are entitled to a benefit and can change a decision.  However, it’s worth knowing that its decision could leave you worse off so it is often best to seek advice first.

Universal Credit

If you believe the DWP has calculated your Universal Credit using the wrong income, you need to raise a Real Time Earnings (RTI) dispute. You can do this by leaving a note in your journal.

If your claim has been closed and you want to make a challenge, you should call the DWP helpline 0800 328 5644. You can also use the Challenge a decision made by the Department for Work and Pensions form.

Further appeals follow the same process as for an Employment and Support Allowance claim.

Personal Independence Payment

If you’ve tried a mandatory reconsideration for your PIP claim and you still aren’t happy, the next step is to go to a tribunal. You normally need to do this within a month.

In England, Wales and Scotland, use the SSCS1 appeal form or the online form on the Gov.uk website. In Northern Ireland, use the NOA1(SS) appeal form. 

You need to explain which decision you’re challenging, what you think the outcome should have been, and why you disagree with the DWP’s decision. 

PIP is awarded based on points, so you need to include information about how many points you think you should have been scored for each activity and medical evidence where possible to back up your claims.

Turn2Us says you can also apply for judicial review if the way a decision was made was wrong or very unfair.

Council tax support 

If you’re challenging a decision on council tax support you need to send a letter or email to your local authority instead of DWP. You should include your council tax reference number, why you think the decision is wrong and any documents that back up your argument.

The next step is to make an appeal. This could focus on whether you are entitled to a reduction in your council tax, or how much you have been awarded under the local Council Tax Support scheme.

You can get a copy of the appeal form or complete it online from:

Child benefit

If you’re challenging a child benefit decision, you need to speak to HMRC not DWP, but the mandatory reconsideration process is the same.

If you’re still not happy with decision, you might be able to go to tribunal, although not all decisions can be appealed.

For instance, you cannot appeal against a decision about who gets child benefit if you and the other parent could not agree and had equal priority.

If you are appealing, you need to write directly to the Tribunal Service. 

In England, Wales and Scotland, you use the appeal form SCS5 on the Gov.UK website.  There are also SSCS5 guidance notes to help you fill the form. You need to include the mandatory reconsideration notice that you received from HMRC.

In Northern Ireland, y use appeal form NOA1 (HMRC)

Housing Benefit

Like with council tax challenges, appeals around housing benefit need to go through your local authority first, not DWP. However, the mandatory reconsideration process is the same.

If you then go on to appeal the decision, it will be looked at by an independent tribunal, which is separate from your local authority or the Housing Executive. You can appeal without having to ask for a reconsideration first.

The First Tier Tribunal will decide if you are legally entitled to a benefit and can change a decision if they think it is wrong.