China releases plan for childcare subsidies, Xinhua reports
Subsidies will be handed out starting this year, and children under the age of three who were born before 2025 are also eligible for some subsidies.
($1 = 7.1718 Chinese yuan renminbi)
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The Sun
15 minutes ago
- The Sun
Households can get FREE supermarket vouchers or council tax credits worth £150 NOW
FAMILIES are getting a £150 boost which they can receive as a supermarket voucher, a virtual energy card or a council tax credit. The leg-up comes from the government's Household Support Fund (HSF) - a huge £742 million fund available to councils across England. 2 The HSF is a government-backed scheme designed to help vulnerable households with essentials like food, energy bills and other living costs. Each council in England is allocated a portion of the £742 million fund, which it then distributes to residents struggling with the rising cost of living. Bromley London Borough Council is distributing payments of £150 to successful applicants through HSF. The money can be used for a virtual energy card, a supermarket voucher or credit added to a council tax account. Who is eligible for the support? Those over the age of 16 who are Bromley borough residents with a Bromley postcode. Priority will be given to first time applicants, according to Bromley Council's website. From May 27 to August 31 2025, the Council will process applications from: First time applicants Those who have not received support from HSF5 and/ or HSF6 between April 2024 and March 2025 From September 1 to March 31 2026, the Council will process applications from: First time applicants AND all others that meet the eligibility criteria, such as those awarded support from HSF5 and/or HSF6 between April 2024 and March 2025) Stop Making This Air Conditioning Mistake: How to Slash Your Summer Energy Bill All applicants will be required to prove the following: They have rent, energy, council tax or other financial arrears They have an income They are unable to meet their arrears in the form of bank statements for the last three calendar months Who is not eligible for the support? Those who are a family in receipt of school holiday vouchers Those living in temporary accommodation outside of the borough How can people apply? To claims the awards, this application must be completed. The Council only accepts applications through its website. Those who need help with their online application can call the enquiry line on 020 8461 7999. The line is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings between 9am and 12 noon. When will applicants know the Council's decision? The Council says it aims to response within three weeks of each individual's application submission date. Applicants will be notified of the Council's decision by email or post. What about those who don't live in Bromley? Councils across the country are actively paying out to families through the Household Support Fund scheme. Leicestershire is issuing hard-up households electronic fuel vouchers worth up to £98. Wealden District Council is handing out up to £200 to those on certain benefits. Meanwhile, low-income families in West Berkshire can claim up to £300 if they have three or more children. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. The last round ran until the end of March 2025, but was extended. The current round is running between April 2025 and March 2026. 2
Telegraph
15 minutes ago
- Telegraph
HMRC plans new private school tax grab
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Reuters
18 minutes ago
- Reuters
Mexico reveals sweeping plan to bring down Pemex debt, boost investment and lift production
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