Stoke-on-Trent
Pottery firms 'need faster action' from government
The boss of a ceramics firm says the support announced by ministers does not go far enough.
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The Independent
31 minutes ago
- The Independent
What does the UK spend on welfare – and how much will it rise?
Welfare spending is forecast to rise sharply over the next few years, driven by the UK's ageing population and an increase in the number of people receiving health and disability benefits. Here, the PA news agency looks at the latest figures and projections for social security and welfare expenditure. – How much does the UK spend in total? The Government is forecast to have spent £313.0 billion on welfare in 2024/25, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). This is the equivalent of 10.9% of UK GDP (gross domestic product, or the total value of the economy). The OBR forecasts annual spending on welfare to reach £373.4 billion in 2029/30. This is up £60.4 billion on the figure for 2024/25 – an increase of nearly a fifth. Welfare spending as a proportion of GDP is forecast to fall slightly to 10.8%, however. – What takes up the biggest share of the welfare budget? Spending on pensioners. Some £150.7 billion was spent on pensioners in 2024/25, accounting for nearly half (48%) of the total welfare budget. Besides the state pension, this spending also includes pensioner housing benefit, pension credit and the winter fuel payment. Spending on pensioners is forecast to reach £181.8 billion by 2029/30, but this would still be just under half (49%) of the full welfare budget. – How does the rest of the welfare budget break down? The next largest chunk of spending goes on Universal Credit, which made up 28% of the 2024/25 budget (£87.8 billion). It was followed by disability benefits at 13% (£41.4 billion) and child benefit at 4% (£13.3 billion), with other types of spending – including social security in Northern Ireland – accounting for 6% (£19.9 billion). – Is spending set to increase for all types of welfare? No. The child benefit budget is forecast to remain largely flat, at £13.6 billion in 2029/30, compared with £13.3 billion in 2024/25. By contrast, spending on disability benefits is forecast to jump to £56.3 billion by 2029/30, up from £41.4 billion in 2024/25. Spending on Universal Credit will reach £99.0 billion, up from £87.8 billion. – Why is welfare spending rising? The OBR identifies two main drivers of the increase. The first is higher spending on pensioners. This is because of the UK's ageing population and the 'triple lock', which guarantees pensions will rise each year by whichever is highest: the annual rate of inflation, average growth in earnings, or 2.5%. Of the forecast £60.4 billion extra spending on welfare in 2029/30, pensioners are responsible for just over half of the amount, at £31.3 billion (51%). The second factor identified by the OBR as driving an increase in welfare spending is the rise in people eligible for health and disability benefits. Spending on disability benefits, which includes disability living allowance and personal independence payments, accounts for £14.9 billion (25%) of the £60.4 billion extra spending on welfare in 2029/30. – How does spending on health and disability benefits break down by age group? The OBR defines health and disability benefits as covering the following entitlements: the standard allowance and health element spending for Universal Credit claimants; employment and support allowance; incapacity benefit; severe disablement allowance; income support for incapacity; disability living allowance; personal independence payment; attendance allowance; spending on the Universal Credit carer's element; carer's allowance, and income support for carers. Spending on all these benefits was estimated to be £75.7 billion in 2024/25, three-quarters of which (75% or £56.9 billion) went to working-age adults. Just under a fifth (19%, or £14.2 billion) went to pensioners, while 6% (£4.5 billion) went to children. Although the amount spent on health and disability benefits is forecast to rise to £97.9 billion in 2029/30, the proportions are expected to remain broadly the same: 74% on working-age adults (£72.3 billion), 19% on pensioners (£18.3 billion) and 7% on children (£7.0 billion). – How does welfare spending compare with other government departments? In 2023/24, actual spending on health and disability benefits was £66.3 billion. This was more than than the total departmental expenditure on defence (£57.6 billion) or transport (£32.6 billion), but well below the figure for education (£127.0 billion) and overall health and social care spending (£196.7 billion), according to the latest Treasury data. Total expenditure by the Department for Work & Pensions stood at £275.1 billion in 2023/24, up from £239.1 billion in 2022/23 and the highest figure among all government departments.
The Sun
31 minutes ago
- The Sun
Lidl's £3.99 middle aisle bargain will save you hundreds on getting the handyman in – & it's less than half price of B&Q
LIDL has the perfect DIY bargain to help you save hundreds on getting handymen in, and it's less than half the price of B&Q's version. With temperatures skyrocketing to 28C today many Brits will be spending time in the garden, basking in the heat. 3 However, whilst settling down to relax, you may have noticed that your outdoor space is in need of a bit of a TLC. Getting the handyman in to do up your garden can cost a fortune, but thankfully Lidl's Middle Aisle is currently stocked full of bargains to help you do it up yourself. Lidl Multifunctional Angle Gauge In stores now is the Parkside Multifunctional Angle Gauge, which costs just £3.99. It can be used for marking and transferring angles, heights and depths, making it perfect for building outdoor furniture, or sprucing up your fence or decking. The nifty tool helps you to easily record and mark measurements, and has a scale of 0-30cm. The angle range is 0–90° and the angle scale is 0–180°. The bargain tool can be found in the middle aisle of your local Lidl. However, as with all Middle of Lidl bargains, you better be quick, as once they're gone, they're gone. Cheaper than B&Q Lidl's bargain tool is currently on sale for less than half the price of B&Q's Magnusson Stainless steel Angle measurer, which is currently on sale for £8.99. The B&Q tool measures angles between 0°-180° and depth between 0-100mm. I made a DIY fence for £68 with pallets from Facebook Marketplace - it gives more privacy & people say it's 'fantastic' It also features a brass locking nut, nickel-plated and stainless steel washer. More Lidl DIY Bargains Lidl's Parkside 4V Cordless Rotary Tool is another perfect product for doing some garden DIY. The £11.99 gadget can be used for routing, grinding, polishing, cleaning and engraving. It has an adjustable power speed with an LED display and comes with an abundance of accessories, including three polishing wheels, four sanding sleeves and one threaded mandrel. Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts IF you've ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you'll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff. Aldi's speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals. It's all part of Aldi's plan to be as efficient as possible - and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers. Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process. It also uses 'shelf-ready' packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock. Plus, it's a whopping £55 cheaper than the Dremel Cordless Lite Rotary tool 3.6V which is currently on sale at B&Q for £67. DIY fans will also be pleased to know that Lidl has launched a £4.99 toolkit that will save you hundreds on buying a new phone. The Parkside Smartphone Repair Set comes with 32 pieces, including screwdrivers and suction cups, to help you take apart your smartphone, and fix it yourself. The kit can be used to fix any smartphone including Apple and Samsung devices, and can also be used to fix laptop and tablet screens as well. Anyone who has been struggling to sleep in the extreme heat will be pleased to know that Livarno Home Double TopCool Duvet has landed in Lidl stores just in time for the heatwave.
The Sun
31 minutes ago
- The Sun
The FASTEST selling used cars on Sun Motors, our used car expert reveals how YOU can get your hands on it
SEARCHING for a new car? Blink, and you'll miss any on the official list of the fastest-selling cars on Sun Motors. The list represents some of the most in-demand small cars, SUVs and family vehicles on the market. 5 SEARCH HERE It's been created by the experts at Sun Motors, who have run the figures, crunched the numbers and done all sorts of tricky calculations. I'm a used car expert, and I'm going to give you my view on three of the best used cars on this list. Even better, if you find one you like, you can apply for finance and get an instant decision in just 60 seconds. You can search for a car, secure finance and agree on a sale all from the comfort of your armchair. This is why Sun Motors is quickly becoming the best place to buy a used car in the UK. It's simple to use and connects buyers with hundreds of the UK's top dealers. All the cars have been thoroughly checked before being put up for sale. You can also access affordable finance deals. 5 What used cars are selling the fastest? Here's a list of the fastest-selling cars on Sun Motors this year: Toyota Yaris Cross MG HS Mercedes EQA / EQC Tesla Model Y Audi Q2 Hyundai Tucson VW T-Cross Cupra Formentor Mercedes A-Class Ford Puma VW T-Roc Fastest-selling used cars UK: Driven and tested Sadly, I haven't driven all the cars on this list, but I have driven some – and here are my views. Toyota Yaris 5 This cool, compact and convenient city car is a huge seller on Sun Motors. It's reliable, affordable and easy to drive, with the short wheelbase and compact design making it a doddle to potter about and park. It's a WhatCar? favourite, too. The biggest selling point is the fact it does a quite incredible 70 miles to the gallon. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here. The ride quality is good, too. It's perfect for short journeys and city spins. It's a compact can, and 'larger individuals' may struggle for space in the front (or get stuck in the back). The petrol-electric hybrid engine (like the one in this 2021 Yaris ICON) is no slouch and easily manages motorway cruising speeds. If you want better performance, go for a GR Sport model. Ford Puma We're old enough to remember the iconic Steve McQueen advert for the original Puma. This compact SUV-style car is more aggressive-looking and comes packed with more features. It's a little less fun than the original, but it's a perfect and practical family car. Starting with the looks, the Ford Puma is more angular and aggressive than the original, but we like the big grill and rounded headlights. The in-car experience is great, with lots of modern gadgets and gizmos like the large panel touchscreen, making it feel like you've invested well. Despite some negative reviews, pre-2024 versions feel reassuringly well-made for a Ford, as well. Ford announced the petrol model Puma would be phased out in 2024. You can still get them, like this stunning red 2023 Ford Puma 5Dr ST-Line. On the road, it's confident and capable, as you'd expect. The 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine isn't hugely exciting, but it's a family car, so sit back and enjoy the ride. MINI 5 SEARCH HERE Everyone knows the MINI is a cool car, and it continues to sell by the bucketload. The styling is iconic and remains a favourite among all types of drivers. There's no one Mini, there's a huge amount of variation, with the standard MINI coupe, convertible, Cooper and Clubman all having huge numbers of fans in the market. All minis sell well, because they're a huge amount of fun to drive. Step (or slide) into a Mini and you instantly feel at home. The driving position is comfortable, albeit quite low down. It's ergonomically designed with every dial, switch, lever and pedal (thankfully) where you expect it to be. There are too many model variations to provide a review of any one particular engine configuration, but that's not a problem because they're all good. The enduring popularity of the MINI means prices hold up well. You'll also find lots on the market (with over 2,500 MINIs for sale on Sun Motors today), so be sure to shop around. Used bar buying FAQs What do I need to apply for car finance? To apply for car finance, you'll need to have information about yourself, including your date of birth, address and income. Our finance provider will do a soft check to get an understanding of what you could borrow. When you find a car and agree on a price, you'll need to submit a full finance application. At this stage, the lender will require additional information, including identification and proof of income. (They may ask for additional information, especially if you're self-employed.) This process should be over pretty quickly. Once your agreement is signed, sit back and wait for the keys to your new dream car. Can I apply for car finance if I've been denied credit before? Yes, you can. Firstly, when you apply for finance with Sun Motors, our lender will only do a 'soft check'. That means there's no impact on your credit rating. Our finance partner specialises in arranging credit for individuals who have been previously denied by high-street lenders. Car finance is secured against an asset, which offers lenders some protection, which means they may be more willing to lend. We can't make any promises, but apply to Sun Motors finance and you'll get a decision in 60 seconds, so what have you got to lose? What to look for when buying a used car When buying a used car some of the things to look out for are mileage, service history, condition of the car body and internals, previous owners, known problems (that have hopefully been fixed) and price. We always recommend buying a car from a dealer. This way, your new car will have been checked and any issues sorted. It'll also come with a fresh MOT and a warranty, too. When it comes to buying a used car, there's often no such thing as a bargain. Unless you know what you're doing, it's better to pay a little more for the peace of mind from buying from a dealer. What to look for when buying a used car When buying a used car, some of the things to look out for are mileage, service history, condition of the car body and internals, previous owners, known problems (that have hopefully been fixed) and price. We always recommend buying a car from a dealer. This way, your new car will have been checked and any issues sorted. It'll also come with a fresh MOT and a warranty, too. When it comes to buying a used car, there's often no such thing as a bargain. Unless you know what you're doing, it's better to pay a little more for the peace of mind you get when buying from a dealer. What is good mileage on a used car? High mileage on a car doesn't necessarily scream AVOID like it used to. Modern cars can cope with high mileages. What they can't deal with is a lack of servicing, care and attention. When buying a car, always check that it's been serviced regularly, preferably by a main dealer. Check out old MOTs and look for faults that may not have been fixed. If you're buying a high-mileage car, ask how the miles were done. Long motorway trips will put less pressure on the car than lots of short city centre stop-start drives. What are the best used models for reliability? According to the ever-reliable WhatCar? the most reliable cars in the UK include: Lexus NX (2014–2021) Toyota Aygo X (2021–present) Mini Countryman (2017–2024) Audi Q2 (2016–present) Kia Picanto (2017–2024) Lexus ES (2018–present) Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman (2016–present) Skoda Octavia Petrol (2013–2020) Mini Convertible (2016–2024) Tesla Model Y (2021–present) These are the ones that perform best in their test. Overall, most modern cars are much more reliable than the cars I grew up with. Regularly service a car, drive it with care and ensure all issues are dealt with quickly, and you should get many thousands (and in some cases, hundreds of thousands) of miles out of it. Motor Genius Group Ltd t/a Sun Motors is an Appointed Representative (FRN 960504) of The Compliance Guys Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 941360). We are a credit broker not a lender. We work with a select group of lenders and will receive commission. The full details of how the commission arrangements work will be provided before you proceed with any arrangement. Finance subject to status and income. Terms and Conditions apply. The advice we provide is not impartial due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [ZB640135]. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
