logo
Martin Lewis shares how your neighbours can save you hundreds of pounds a year

Martin Lewis shares how your neighbours can save you hundreds of pounds a year

Independent4 hours ago

Showing now | Lifestyle
01:42
Lucy Leeson
Martin Lewis has shared how your neighbours could save you hundreds of pounds a year.
The Money Saving Expert founder explained how thousands of households across the UK are currently in the wrong council tax banding, meaning they are paying more money than they should.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday (25 July), the financial expert urged people to carry out 'the neighbour check' to see if you are paying the same for your property as next door.
Mr Lewis explained the necessary checks you need to take in the video above.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why Scots are being urged to submit meter readings this week
Why Scots are being urged to submit meter readings this week

The National

time23 minutes ago

  • The National

Why Scots are being urged to submit meter readings this week

Advice Direct Scotland, a charity which runs the national energy advice service, is reminding consumers to submit readings before midnight on June 30 to avoid being overcharged, and to ensure that smart meters are working properly. Accurate readings prevent suppliers from estimating usage and applying previously higher prices to energy used after June 30, as Ofgem resets the cap on what suppliers can charge every three months. The latest change from £1849 to a lower rate of £1720 on July 1 represents a 7% drop, with average annual bills falling by around £122, according to the charity. READ MORE: Ex-director of Scots whisky company found guilty of domestic abuse However, Advice Direct Scotland said that this is still £582 more than households were paying before the energy crisis began in autumn 2021. The charity called for a 'longer-term solution to the scourge of fuel poverty' with a UK-wide social energy tariff, to support low-income households which would automatically place the most vulnerable people on cheaper deals. It said that anyone unable to submit readings by June 30 should do so as close to the date as possible and advised taking a photo of the meter in case of disputes, and suggested checking for more favourable tariffs. The next price cap update will be announced by Ofgem in August, with forecasts suggesting a further fall, according to Advice Direct Scotland. READ MORE: Labour to press ahead with welfare vote amid major rebellion threat It warned that many people are still struggling with record levels of debt, and is encouraging anyone worried about bills to contact its experts for free impartial advice. Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Lower gas and electricity prices will come as a relief for households, but bills remain significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began. 'It's important to submit meter readings before the new price cap comes into force, to prevent being overcharged. 'For extra peace of mind, take a dated photo of the meter. If you have a smart meter, make sure it's working. 'People can also take practical action by examining their bills, finding out how much they are paying, and checking if there are cheaper options available with other suppliers. 'Struggling customers should know they do not have to suffer in silence. Our expert team is on hand for anyone who needs help, no matter their circumstances. 'However, a longer-term solution to the scourge of fuel poverty is a UK-wide social energy tariff, which would automatically put vulnerable people on the cheapest deals.' Advisers can be contacted at or on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Mum urges parents to nab Aldi paddling pool that's the ‘easiest' to put up so you're set up for the weekend sunshine
Mum urges parents to nab Aldi paddling pool that's the ‘easiest' to put up so you're set up for the weekend sunshine

The Sun

time42 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Mum urges parents to nab Aldi paddling pool that's the ‘easiest' to put up so you're set up for the weekend sunshine

A MUM has urged parents to head to their local Aldi before the weekend arrives. Andrea Kemp, from the UK, took to social media to show off her bargain buy that was essential for the summer months. 2 The mother and grandma shared a picture of the paddling pool she had purchased from the budget-friendly store last week. The large paddling pool looked perfect for having a dip in this weekend where the weather should reach 30°C again. It measures over 9ft long and 5.5ft wide, meaning there's plenty of space for toys as well to keep the kiddos entertained. Andrea wrote: "Bought this from Aldi for my grandson's birthday, got to say it's the easiest paddling pool I've had to put up and a bargain, it takes an hour and a half to fill up. "We've had so much fun over the weekend with it." The happy gran revealed she paid just £50 for the paddling pool which was 50cm in height. While it was easy to put up thanks to its foldable sides that collapse down and up, Andrea warned it was heavier than it looked. "The only thing is it's really heavy and it takes two people to carry to where you want to put it up and to fold it back and put it back away in its box as extremely heavy," she added. Despite that Andrea and her grandchildren were loving the pool for the hot summer days. Aldi bosses say: "Featuring foldable sides that allow users to change the size, it means shoppers can create a mini splash zone for toddlers or go full-size for family fun, and anything in between! My dream pool was £40,000 so I DIYd my own 18ft version in February all for this summer heatwave - it's saved me £37,000 "It simply folds away when the day is done for easy storage. It's the ultimate solution for homes where space is tight but summer fun is non-negotiable." Like with most Aldi Specialbuys, once it's gone, it's gone, so make sure you head to your local store now. Others who bought the pool were quick to confirm just how good it was on the Facebook group, Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK. One person wrote: "We got the same one it's absolutely fantastic well worth the money out of all the pools we have bought over the years this is by far the best and easiest. "I agree it is very heavy though." Swimming safety advice Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer: How to stay safe at the beach Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety. "If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard." How to stay safe at the swimming pool Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency. "It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life". An Auqabliss spokesperson added: ' Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool. ' Children may try to grab these from the pool's edge and fall in." How to stay safe at a waterpark Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult. "And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently. ' Waterparks are often very busy places and it's easy to lose sight of a child in a split second." "I have this, my little boys love it, took about 3 hours to fill up," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Now that's what I'm talking about." Someone else added: "This one seems good."

Passengers could soon take a free cabin bag on flights – as EU set to change carry-on rules
Passengers could soon take a free cabin bag on flights – as EU set to change carry-on rules

The Sun

time42 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Passengers could soon take a free cabin bag on flights – as EU set to change carry-on rules

PASSENGERS flying on EU airlines might not have to pay for fees for carry-on bags up to 7kg under new rules. On June 25, the EU Parliament transport committee put forward a new law to ban additional fees for small carry-on bags. 3 If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker. The conditions are that the bag can weigh up to 7kg and is no more than 100cm. Passengers will also be allowed to bring one smaller personal item that can fit under a seat on the flight. The new rule would apply to all flights between the EU and the UK and flights within the EU itself. Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage. The bad news is that some airlines have warned that the proposed rule change could force up ticket fares. It could potentially impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags. Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: 'The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too The EU transport committee also agreed during the meeting that airlines should be prohibited from charging a seat selection fee for children up to the age of 12. It also wants to introduce a common form for compensation and reimbursement requests. Last year, there were reports that there were going to be changes to the hand luggage rules - but these did not change. Speaking to The Independent at the time, Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Europe's biggest budget carrier, Ryanair said: "We do think there should be a standardised agreement on what can be brought on board. "We're working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven't reached an agreement with them yet." While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this popular travel bag that's allowed on Ryanair flights for free. Plus the travel bags, plane outfits and accessories we can't live without – and they start from just 99p. Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you Head of Travel (Print) Lisa Minot weighs in. EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers. But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward. Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges. And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits. These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair's revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair's ancillary revenues were worth £884million. Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags. They also point out many airlines won't be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags. But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing. Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out. 3

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store