THOUSANDS of households are being urged to check their state pension entitlement ahead of a rapidly approaching deadline.

There are less than six months left for people to fill any gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records, going back as far as 2006, to maximise their state pension.

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More than 10,000 payments worth £12.5 million have already been made through the new digital service to boost state pensions since it launched in April, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

People have until April 5 2025 to maximise their state pension by making voluntary contributions to fill any gaps in their NI record between April 6 2006 and April 5 2018.

Usually people can only pay voluntary contributions for the past six tax years, and after the April 5 deadline next year the normal six-tax year time limit will apply.

In 2023, the previous government extended the deadline to pay voluntary NI contributions to April 5 2025 for those affected by new state pension transitional arrangements, covering the tax years running from April 6 2006 to April 5 2018.

The extended deadline has allowed people more time to consider what is right for them and make their contributions.

Men born after April 6 1951 and women born after April 6 1953 are eligible to make voluntary NI contributions to boost their new state pension.

Some people may be entitled to NI credits rather than needing to pay contributions, so they will need to check and consider what is right for them.

HMRC said further analysis of the use of the online service shows the majority (51%) of customers topped up one year of their NI record, with the average online payment being £1,193.

Pensions minister Emma Reynolds said: “We want pensioners of today and tomorrow to enjoy the dignity and support they deserve in retirement.

“That’s why I urge everyone to check if they could benefit by filling gaps before the deadline passes. Using our online tool means only a few clicks could make a huge difference to your future.”

Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest, said: “Plugging gaps can be quite an expensive process, so it is important to assess whether you actually need to buy back any missing years.

“This will depend on how many more years you plan to work, and whether you are eligible for NI tax credits, which fill the gaps, such as those who have been sick, were unemployed or took time out to raise a family or care for elderly relations.”

How can I access the tool?

You can access it through the ‘Check your State Pension forecast’ page on Gov.uk.

It’s also available through the HMRC app, which you can download free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

You’ll need to log in using your Personal Tax Account login details. If you don’t already have an online HMRC account, you can register at Gov.uk.

It shows you how much your state pension could increase by and what NI years you’ll need to buy to achieve this.

You’ll then be able to pay for these missing years securely online, without having to call up separately.

You need to pay for these in full – you can’t pay in instalments.

You can’t use the online service if you’re already getting your state pension or if you’re looking to fill gaps from when you were self-employed or working abroad.

People can find out more about making voluntary contributions and check their state pension forecast on the government website.

How to top up National Insurance contributions and how much you can get

In some cases, buying back missing years can be really valuable.

But, earning back the years isn’t free so your voluntary contributions do come at a price.

If you’re filling gaps between 2006/07 to 2015/16 you’ll be paying the 2022/23 rates for contributions.

It works out to be worth £15.85 a week which means it costs £824.20 to buy one year of contributions.

As the state pension was £185.15 per week in 2022/23, this boost would add £5.29 per week or around £275 per year. 

Although you’d have to pay £8,242 (10 lots of £824.20), the annual state pension boost would be around £2,750.

Someone who was retired for 20 years would get back around £55,000 in total (before tax).

Anyone who tops up their record after April 2025 will pay those rates.

If you’re currently unable to use the new online tool, or you’d prefer to talk to someone on the phone, you can still call up to find out more information about your NI record and to pay for missing years.

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

The UK government has delayed the third and final stage of the post-Brexit border rollout, triggering an angry response from traders, who said ministerial engagement with industry was “totally lacking”.

A waiver on safety and security certificates for goods entering the UK from the EU has been extended by three months to January 31 2025, according to an update published by HM Revenue & Customs on Monday.

The announcement by the UK tax authority marks the latest in a string of delays to the implementation of the country’s post-Brexit border regime. 

Trade representatives said that while they welcomed the waiver extension, the government’s failure to properly engage with industry or offer clear guidance on arrangements with Britain’s largest trading partner had left homegrown businesses at a disadvantage. 

“Constant changes to deadlines cost the industry financially and erode confidence in both the government and our sector in terms of our ability to deliver for customers,” said Nichola Mallon, head of trade at business group Logistics UK. “Engagement with industry has been totally lacking.”

Phil Pluck, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, which speaks for the perishable goods trade, said industry had been given “hardly any notice” about the delay. It was “another example of the [government] failing to manage their own workstreams and so pushing the industry into another postponement”, he added.  

As of October 31, safety and security declarations were due to be enforced for all goods imported into the UK from the EU. The declarations, which were initially due to take effect from July 2022, are designed to provide UK authorities with information about goods on their way to Britain and assess their safety before they arrive.  

The scheme is the final step in the implementation of the new border regime, known as the Border Target Operating Model, after health certificates were introduced in January and physical checks began in April.

Anna Jerzewska, an independent trade adviser and chief content officer for consultancy CustomsClear, said the UK could still consider joining the EU’s safety and security zone, which the bloc shares with Norway and Switzerland, thereby avoiding the need for entry and exit summary declarations.

“Over and over again companies that invested in changing their processes to meet upcoming changes, ended up wasting time and money. There were so many instances where companies tried to prepare but ended up worse off,” she said.

Jerzewska added that policy churn made it harder for the government to get businesses to comply. “Companies learn that there is nothing to be gained from trying to be compliant and following government recommendations. This is actually worrying,” she said.

After years of strained relations with the EU under the last Conservative government, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour administration is trying to forge closer ties, including by seeking a veterinary agreement with the bloc that could cut border red tape for agrifood products.

Marco Forgione, director-general of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, said the professional body recognised it was “early days for the government and the timetable for the implementation for BTOM was not theirs”.

But “announcements like this have got to be made in collaboration and partnership with businesses”, he added.

HMRC said it had “been working closely with ministers to review plans for the introduction of safety and security declarations for EU imports, as well as listening to industry about the time it will take them to prepare”.

“We will continue to engage closely with industry to ensure they are prepared for a smooth transition,” it added.

PUNTERS cannot wait to get their hands on this iconic 90s beer that is set to return – after a 30 year wait.

A blast from the past and one of the nation’s most beloved drinks during the 1950s will be “coming very soon to your favourite pubs” according to the Burton-on Trent brewery.

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Announcing the come back on Instagram, Allsopp’s Beer revealed that Double Diamond has been set to make a return.

The caption of the September 25 post read: “It’s back, and it still works wonders!

“After months of research and trialling recipes to make it perfect, we’ve relaunched Double Diamond.

“Revived as a 3.8% pale ale that drinks like a lager, it’s a delicious, easy-going, sessionable draught beer, coming very soon to your favourite pubs.”

First made in 1876, the new and improved recipe seems to be a hit with punters.

Many have already taken to the comments section to express their joy at the relaunch.

One user commented: “Working wonders!”

Another said: “We tried and can say it’s stunning!! Safe to say we have it in the cellar waiting to come back on!!”

Someone else wrote: “The first beer I had the privilege of tasting in the company of my beloved Grandad, watching match of the day not quite the same these days.”

A fourth put: “Something to look out for.”

Another commented: “Where? Can’t wait to try it out.”

The brewery has revealed Double Diamond will not be their only offering with other old beers to make an appearance.

Drinkers could opt for a pint of Hofmeister, Kestrel Pilsner or Watneys Party Seven keg, all from the same brand.

Those hoping to find other drinks by the brewery could also hop to Allsopp’s Best Bitter.

Marketed at being “perfect for any occasion” the beer has notes of forest fruit, marmalade and biscuit.

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Dutch state-owned electric grid operator Tennet has tapped investment bankers to explore an initial public offering for its large German subsidiary, seeking to sever its links to the capital-hungry business after talks to sell it to Berlin collapsed.

Tennet has lined up bankers at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, ABN Amro and Deutsche Bank to plan a potential listing for the German unit, which could be valued at more than €20bn, according to people familiar with the matter.

The Dutch government has for years tried to sell the German grid operations, as it is reluctant to invest billions of Dutch taxpayers’ money into the modernisation of German electrical infrastructure.

Tennet invested €4.8bn in German infrastructure in 2023, compared with €2.9bn in its home market.

Germany’s energy grids play a key role in the government’s plan to increase the share of renewable energy to 80 per cent by 2030, up from 52 per cent last year.

More decentralised power generation and bigger swings in electricity production mean that grid operators will have to invest billions of euros into energy distribution infrastructure over the coming years.

Big Four firm EY puts the investment needs of all German electricity grids at €281bn by 2030.

A plan to sell the unit to the German government at a €22.5bn enterprise valuation fell through earlier this year.

A stock market listing in Frankfurt for Tennet’s German business could now come as soon as next year, the people said. However, they cautioned that Tennet was still exploring other options such as a stake sale which remained a more likely outcome than an IPO.

Regulated utilities such as grid operators have been popular investment targets for insurance companies and infrastructure investors as they operate in markets with high barriers to entry and generate stable and reliable returns.

Bankers at Lazard have been working with Tennet to weigh options for the German business.

Tennet declined to comment. The Dutch finance ministry, Goldman Sachs, ABN Amro and Deutsche Bank declined to comment. Morgan Stanley and Lazard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

THOUSANDS of low-income families will get the chance to benefit from council funding worth up to £180.

Cash-strapped households could be eligible for the added support after the cost of living crisis – there’s just one thing they’ll need to know.

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Ealing council has been offered £2.6 million to help those in financial need until March.

It is expected that the funding will be the last phase from the government so those strapped for cash will want to check if they’re eligible.

If you’re living in the area and are hoping to nab some extra money to pay for essentials, you don’t need even need to apply.

However, those eligible will need to get their skates on as the clock is ticking for recipients to redeem the vouchers.

Those deemed qualified to receive the payment will be sent a 16 digit code with instructions via email or letter.

The personalised link will need to be claimed via the Blackhawk website which is a trusted partner of the local council.

All of the payments have been offered as vouchers with those eligible for free school meals receiving ones to spend at supermarkets.

Based on low income, those claiming benefit from the scheme will gain either £15 or £30 per child depending on when they were means tested.

If you’re children are not old enough to claim free school meals then there’s no need to fret as you could still be eligible.

Those with kids under five, receiving housing benefit or council tax reduction could find a voucher in their inbox.

Care leavers have also been placed on the list of those to be supported, with Ealing locals receiving £100 per care leaver.

The Household Support Fund has been provided by the Department for Work and Pensions to help those who qualify to be able to afford food and essential items.

Local authorities across the country have been allocated funding from the £421 million pot.

The Sun recently shared a guide and interactive map to help those unsure figure out what they may be able to claim.

Funding applications and eligibility varies between council and so those interested in redeeming support should check with their local authority.

PLEASURE Beach Resort in Blackpool is one of the country’s best-loved seaside attractions.

The award-winning seaside theme park, which is just as popular in the colder months of the year, claims to be home to the “most haunted” ghost train in the world.

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The Ghost Train at Blackpool‘s Pleasure Beach Resort first opened to the public in 1930 and remains in operation to this day, with Hollywood director Tim Burton among its fans.

Tim Burton visited Blackpool last year while he was filming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and went on a private tour of the Blackpool-based ghost train for inspiration.

But a tour – or even a ride – certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, with claims that it’s the world’s most haunted ghost train.

The popular ride is said to be haunted by a clog-wearing spirit aptly named ‘Cloggy’.

Cloggy, who died 20 years ago, was one of the ride’s original operators, and earned his nickname because he always wore clogs.

It was after Cloggy passed away that guests reported being “touched” or “grabbed” by someone – or something – they could only hear.

Over the years, staff members have also claimed to hear odd noises like tapping, scratching and groaning as well as loud footsteps.

A group of workmen also reported unusual events like signs working without any power or electricity, while others have claimed to see a ghostly male figure resembling German philosopher Karl Marx.

Other parts of the seaside theme park are also said to be haunted, including Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machines, the park’s oldest ride.

A ghostly little girl is said to haunt the ride’s gift shop.

Other spooky sightings at the park include a phantom hanging man and a blood-stained woman.

The TV series Most Haunted investigated Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort in 2004, with the late Derek Acorah claiming to make contact with Cloggy

Still in use today, the Ghost train will form one of the four scare zones at Pleasure Beach Resort’s Journey to Hell event.

Journey to Hell is an experience-led event, featuring live actors through themed areas of Pleasure Beach Resort.

There will also be immersive scare zones and unlimited riding after dark, guaranteed to leave adrenaline flowing and hearts thumping. 

Two new live-action scare zones are set to feature in 2024.

I just love the whole vibe

The Alice and Wonderland-themed ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ will see the park’s Alice in Wonderland ride transformed into a nightmarish world where Alice and friends have gone insane.

Meanwhile, inside the bizarre ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ visitors will find the lair of a macabre collector and have to flee through a maze of horrors.

There will be nine rides in the event, all available for unlimited riding, with the north of the Pleasure Beach home to terrifying roaming creatures.

‘The Ghost Train: Vault of Shadows’ returns for the second year, and the resort’s network tunnels will become home to a live-action scare zone.

Entry tickets start from £39.50 per person, with the event running from October 11 until October 31, 2024.

Andy Hygate, director of operations at Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “The story goes that Cloggy loved his job so much that, even after he passed away, he continued showing up for work and causing mischief. Even the most skeptical of staff have stories to tell, and some point blank refuse to work on that particular ride.

“Other people can’t get enough of the ghostly goings on though, and we’ve had guests travel from all over the world to get a glimpse of Cloggy and the other ghosts that are said to haunt Pleasure Beach.”

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Celebs who love Blackpool

Plenty of A-listers have been spotted in the northern seaside town, including Robbie Williams and Samuel L Jackson.

Tim Burton, who is arguably the town’s biggest fan, first visited Blackpool in 2006 to watch The Killers perform.

Since then, he’s returned to the town on several occasions, even shooting his Miss Peregrine’s School For Peculiar Children in the Blackpool in 2015, and turning the lights on at Blackpool Illuminations.

Burton told Granada Reports: “I just love the whole vibe. It surprised me because I don’t really know why. Sometimes things are an emotional response.

“I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in California and used to wander alone on these amusement piers.

“It just had a gravity to me; the old and new, the texture of the older buildings. The whole environment was something that really spoke to me.”

Plans are underway to develop pet-friendly apartments at the seaside theme park.

And this award-winning theme park is opening a new £300m attraction in the UK.

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