Latest news with #579
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Over 800,000 families get up to £4,000 boost through HMRC scheme
Latest figures from the tax office show that in March 2025, 579,560 families in the UK used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills - this is an increase of 81,770 families compared to March last year Over 800,000 households have received an up to £4,000 boost through HMRC's Tax-Free Childcare scheme. According to official data, 826,000 families received government top-ups towards their childcare bills worth £632million between 2024 and 25. However, thousands more families could be eligible for the scheme, and HMRC is urging parents to sign up now for the summer. According to recent data, around 800,000 eligible families are eligible but aren't currently using this benefit. The childcare scheme is an online account which parents and guardians pay into, and then they receive a top up payments from the Government. For every £8 you pay into the account, the Government will automatically add in £2 which you can put towards your childcare costs. Childcare allowed under the scheme must be a registered provider such as nurseries, nannies, after school clubs and play schemes. The scheme helps pay for childcare for children up to the age of 11 years, or up to 16 if the child has a disability. If you're eligible, you can get up to £500 every three months - up to £2,000 a year - for each of your children. If your child is disabled, you could receive £1,000 or up to £4,000. Latest figures from the tax office show that in March 2025, 579,560 families in the UK used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills. This is an increase of 81,770 families compared to March last year. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: "Summer can be an expensive time if you have children. Whatever you're planning, Tax-Free Childcare can give your plans a welcome financial boost. Go to to start saving today.' To be eligible for the scheme, you must earn at least the minimum wage, for the equivalent of 16 hours a week. If you're in a couple, your partner must also earn this. Self-employed workers are also eligible if they earn this amount too. Both you and your partner also have to earn less than £100,000 a year to qualify. Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. This scheme is open to working families so you will not be able to get this help if you are claiming Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers. However, there are some exceptions for those who are not working. For example, you may still be able to claim if one of you is working and the other gets Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). HMRC says it takes around 20 minutes to apply for the scheme and you can do this through the website. Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money immediately, so it is ready to be used whenever it is needed; and unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Going forward, you will need to make sure the detail on the account are up to date every three months to keep receiving the Government top ups. It's also important to note that each eligible child requires their own Tax-Free Childcare account. If families have more than one eligible child, they will need to register an account for each child. The government top-up is then applied to deposits made for each child, not the household.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
HFMD surge linked to post-Covid immunity gap
PETALING JAYA: A recent spike in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Malaysia is likely the result of 'immunity debt' following the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Universiti Malaya Department of Medical Microbiology associate professor Dr Tee Kok Keng. He said lockdowns, school closures and heightened hygiene measures during the pandemic significantly reduced children's exposure to common viruses, leaving many 'immunologically naive'. Immunologically naive refers to individuals whose immune systems have never previously encountered certain pathogens and therefore lack the ability to mount an immediate response. 'With the resumption of social activities, these susceptible children are now experiencing rapid transmission of the virus, leading to a rise in HFMD cases,' Tee said, adding that while seasonal factors and changes in virus strains may also play a role, the main contributor is the population-wide gap in natural immunity. HFMD is endemic in Malaysia and typically sees seasonal spikes, particularly mid-year and occasionally towards the end of the year. Tee said the current surge aligns with this pattern, coinciding with school terms and Malaysia's hot and humid climate. 'Children under the age of five remain the most vulnerable during this period. Parents should be vigilant for symptoms such as fever, rashes and mouth sores,' he added. Tee stressed the continued importance of basic hygiene practices to limit the spread of HFMD, including isolating infected individuals, regular handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, avoiding the sharing of personal items and maintaining respiratory hygiene. He also pointed out that while HFMD vaccines have been approved in China since 2015, they are not yet available in Malaysia. 'Perhaps it is time for authorities to conduct randomised clinical trials to assess vaccine efficacy locally,' he said. In Kelantan, HFMD cases have increased tenfold this year. As of April 5, 4,591 cases had been reported, up from 459 during the same period last year. State Health Department director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said 87% of cases involved children aged six and below. Meanwhile, Penang has also seen a significant rise. Between April 6 and 12, cases jumped by 156.2% compared with the previous week, with 579 new infections and four clusters reported. Penang State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Z.S. Gooi had earlier revealed a 409% increase in HFMD cases from Jan 1 to March 22 compared with 2023. A total of 4,585 cases have been reported in Penang as of April 12, compared with just 879 over the same period last year. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh warned that HFMD is highly contagious, spreading via faecal-oral transmission, respiratory secretions such as sneezes and contact with contaminated surfaces such as toys or tables. She emphasised the need for stronger public awareness campaigns to educate communities on prevention and early detection. 'Parents should isolate infected children and ensure frequent handwashing. If a child has a persistent fever or appears unusually unwell, they should seek immediate medical attention,' she advised. While most HFMD cases are resolved without serious complications, Sharifa noted that outbreaks involving enterovirus 71 carry a higher risk of severe outcomes, including aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis and potentially fatal neurological or cardiovascular complications. 'In a study conducted in Taiwan, complications were reported in up to 32% of HFMD cases,' she said.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
ActionSA slams Eskom's R3.6 billion diesel spending in one month as 'costly cover-up' for failing grid
ActionSA demands accountability from Eskom and the Minister of Electricity, calling for honest reporting, real recovery plans, and an end to wasteful diesel spending disguised as energy progress. Image: Timothy Barnard /Independent Newspapers ActionSA has expressed concern over Eskom's R3.6 billion diesel spend in just 30 days, calling it an 'unaffordable illusion' used to mask South Africa's ongoing electricity crisis. The party says government claims of ending load shedding are misleading, with diesel-powered emergency generation simply substituting blackouts rather than solving the core issues. ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley, said: 'South Africa hasn't ended load shedding – we've simply replaced it with an unaffordable illusion, paid for by the taxpayer.' Beesley said that between April 1 and 10, 2025, alone, Eskom burned R1.34 billion in diesel. Yet, Eskom's Energy Availability Factor (EAF), the key metric for generation performance, sits at just 56.11 percent, well below the 70 percent target set by the Minister of Electricity. This also reflects a decline from the same period last year, when the EAF was 58.96 percent. ActionSA says this proves there are fewer megawatts available now than a year ago, despite significantly higher spending. 'That is not a recovery – it is a cover-up with devastating fiscal consequences,'' Beesley warned. According to Eskom's 2024 data, diesel-fired generation via Open-Cycle Gas Turbines costs R6,579 per megawatt-hour, compared to R541 for coal and just R113 for nuclear. ActionSA argues that billions are being wasted to keep the grid afloat when those funds could have been used to restore failing coal infrastructure. If the same amount of electricity had been produced using coal, the cost would have been a fraction, closer to R300 million. Beesley added: 'Eskom is burning billions, and the people of South Africa are being burned in the process.'
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senate wields power over WV cities with bill overturning local anti-discrimination ordinances
Sen. Brian Helton, R-Fayette, speaks on the Senate floor Monday, March 24, 2025, about a bill that would overturn anti-discrimination ordinances passed by city councils in West Virginia. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography) Anti-discrimination ordinances would be overturned in dozens of West Virginia cities, according to a bill passed Monday by the Senate. During a fiery debate over the measure, multiple Republicans spoke out against their party members, saying it was anti-local control and not up to Senators to override lawful city council members' decisions. 'This is dumb,' Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, who represents several cities with anti-discrimination protections. 'In West Virginia we like to say, 'All are welcome.' I'm not sure this helps with that message.' Twenty cities and communities — including Bethany, Fayetteville, Harper's Ferry, Morgantown and Wheeling — have passed anti-discrimination measures that offer additional protections to LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans and more. The measure, Senate Bill 579 would prohibit municipalities participating in the home rule program from establishing nondiscrimination ordinances that include protected classes in addition to what is designated in state statute. 'There's a thing called the Human Rights Act of West Virginia, and it's in place to prevent discrimination against people who are part of special protected classes,' said bill sponsor Sen. Brian Helton, R-Fayette. Those protections extend to employment, housing and more, he said. 'Uniformity of law is critical to ensure all West Virginians are equally protected. A patchwork of varying local ordinances creates uncertainty for individuals and businesses,' he said. Helton also said that local ordinances offering protections to transgender individuals contradict executive orders from President Donald Trump and Gov. Patrick Morrisey saying that the government will recognize only two sexes, female and male. The state's Home Rule code, enacted in 2007, allows eligible cities to adopt ordinances separate from state law or rules as long as they don't conflict with the U.S. Constitution, the state constitution and a few other guardrails. In Morgantown, there are ordinances banning LGBTQ+ discrimination and the use of conversion therapy. City council members also passed a Crown Act in 2021, banning natural hair-based discrimination. This Senate bill, if signed into law, would strike down all three local ordinances. 'I'm very disappointed in the Legislature for saying that is not a value for West Virginia,' said Danielle Trumble, a member of Morgantown City Council for four years. 'Home Rule was put in place because of small government. The changes they are making do not support this.' A coalition of local leaders from all 20 communities signed a letter opposing the bill. 'Local governance is a cornerstone of our democracy, allowing communities to make decisions that reflect their values and priorities,' the letter reads. 'Each of our cities and towns adopted fairness laws through thoughtful deliberation, often with bipartisan support, to foster inclusive and welcoming environments for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Overturning these protections would disregard the will of our constituents and undermine the ability of local governments to respond to the needs of their communities.' Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, echoed similar concerns on the Senate floor during bill debate. Fairmont adopted an anti-discrimination ordinance in 2022. 'Local control is only good, apparently, when it is what this body agrees with, and that's completely against the idea of democracy on a local level,' he said. Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, represents Charleston and South Charleston, both of which have passed anti-discrimination ordinances. He voted against the measure. 'The easiest vote I will ever make in the Senate is to allow the voters to decide,' he said. The local voters have voted for their local city councils to make those decisions for themselves.' Helton raised concerns about city ordinances that ban medical professionals' use of conversion therapy on children who may be questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. The city ordinances banning the practice infringe on parents rights who may seek conversion therapy for their child, he said. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice of using therapy to 'convert' LGBTQ+ people to heterosexuality or traditional gender expectations. It's often based on religious ideologies. Twenty-one states, including Kentucky, have banned its use. 'It essentially tries to hypnotize a child to say they're straight,' said Takubo, who is a doctor. 'Conversion therapy is pretty damn close to child abuse,' said Sen. Mike Woefel, D-Cabell, who cited positions from medical professionals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, against the practice. Sen. Scott Fuller, R-Wayne, spoke in support of the bill, saying children should know there are two biological sexes. 'What we stand for, number one, is parental rights … We are Republicans, we run by common sense,' he said. Fairness West Virginia, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, called the measure an attack on local decision making and on the ' basic dignity of LGBTQ+ West Virginians.' 'West Virginia is our home. We deserve the right to live and work here without fear of discrimination. Our leaders should be working to expand protections for all residents, not take them away,' said Andrew Schneider, executive director of Fairness West Virginia. The bill passed the Senate 24-8, with six Republicans joining the Senate's two Democratic members to oppose the measure. 'I don't always agree with the actions of the city of Morgantown. But at the same time, I respect their ability to take those actions,' said Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, who voted against the bill. Trumble said Morgantown's anti-discrimination ordinance has been a useful tool in the city in fostering a welcoming environment. It's one of the few parts of the state where population is increasing, she noted. 'The majority of people in Morgantown I've spoken to, regardless of political affiliation, are proud that our community is welcoming to everyone,' Trumble said. Weld emphasized there wasn't a current state problem that this legislation sought to address. 'Of all the problems, foster kids, [child protective services], workforce, educational outcomes, PEIA, Hope Scholarship and the financial burden it may create within our budget … and this is where we're at today,' he said. The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Capacit'e Infraprojects Ltd (BOM:540710) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue ...
Revenue (9 months FY25): INR 1,678 crores, up 26% from INR 1,333 crores in 9 months FY24. EBITDA (9 months FY25): INR 318 crores, up 31% from INR 243 crores in 9 months FY24. EBITDA Margin (9 months FY25): 18.7%, compared to 17.9% in 9 months FY24. EBIT (9 months FY25): INR 248 crores, up 52% from INR 163 crores in 9 months FY24. EBIT Margin (9 months FY25): 15.2%, compared to 12.1% in 9 months FY24. PAT (9 months FY25): INR 151 crores, up 120% from INR 69 crores in 9 months FY24. PAT Margin (9 months FY25): 8.9%, compared to 5.1% in 9 months FY24. Revenue (Q3 FY25): INR 590 crores, up 23% from INR 481 crores in Q3 FY24. EBITDA (Q3 FY25): INR 101 crores, up 12% from INR 89 crores in Q3 FY24. EBITDA Margin (Q3 FY25): 16.7%, compared to 18.5% in Q3 FY24. EBIT (Q3 FY25): INR 76 crores, up 57% from INR 83 crores in Q3 FY24. PAT (Q3 FY25): INR 52 crores, up 77% from INR 30 crores in Q3 FY24. PAT Margin (Q3 FY25): 8.7%, compared to 6.1% in Q3 FY24. Order Book (as of December 31, 2024): INR 10,047 crores, with 63% from public sector and 37% from private sector. New Projects Awarded (9 months FY25): INR 1,459 crores. Total Fresh Order Intake (as of date): INR 2,579 crores. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with OHEL:TTALO. Release Date: February 14, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Capacit'e Infraprojects Ltd (BOM:540710) reported a strong financial performance with a 26% increase in revenue for the first nine months of FY25 compared to the same period in FY24. The company achieved a significant 120% increase in PAT for the nine months of FY25, setting a new performance benchmark. Capacit'e Infraprojects Ltd has a robust order book, with new projects worth INR2,579 crores secured during the nine months ending December 2024. The company is positioned as L1 in projects worth INR600 crores, indicating potential future order inflows. The company is experiencing strong traction in both private and public sector projects, with a diversified order book supporting high growth. The Q3 FY25 operational margin was impacted by a one-time expense of INR12 crores related to a differential GST rate, affecting the EBITDA margin. There are ongoing litigations and provisions, with the company working to recover amounts provided for during the COVID period. The cost of materials increased by 45% year-on-year, impacting overall expenses. The company's other income saw a significant increase, which may not be consistent in future quarters. There are concerns about payment delays from state-funded projects, although the company has mitigated this risk by working with clients who have their own sources of income. Q: Capacit'e has a strong track record in high-rise construction, yet this segment only contributes 7% of your project split. Do you see this segment becoming a larger part of your revenue mix in the coming years? A: The super high-rise segment remains important. We are constructing 10 towers of 300 meters each in a joint venture with Tata Projects. We have also bid for projects with private sector clients for towers over 280 meters. We continue to focus on this segment and are a preferred contractor for super high-rises. Q: The data center market in India is booming. What steps is Capacit'e taking to position itself as a first-choice contractor for data center construction? A: We have constructed 11 data centers for the Department of Telecommunications and are working on two more. We are participating in a large data center project on an EPC basis and are looking for collaborations on design. We aim to be a strong contender for data centers in both public and private sectors. Q: You guided for INR3,000 crores worth of order inflows. At the end of 9 months FY25, you are at INR1,459 crores. Do you still maintain your guidance? A: We have announced an order of INR1,120 crores, taking the total to INR2,579 crores. We are in an L1 position for projects worth INR600 crores. We are confident of surpassing INR3,000 crores in fresh order intake this financial year and expect to cross INR4,000 crores with MHADA land release. Q: Your other income has increased drastically year-on-year. What is the reason for this increase, and will it be consistent? A: The INR10 crores in other income is from specialized items traded to joint venture companies. This will range between INR2 crores to INR12 crores over the next three to four quarters. Q: The cost of material has gone up 45% year-on-year. Is this related to revenue scale, and what is the mix in the cost of material? A: The cost includes labor subcontractor charges, construction expenses, and material. When totaled, it is about 65% to 66%, consistent with the last four quarters. Q: Can you maintain an 18% plus margin in Q4 and FY26? A: We have guided 18% and maintained it over 9 months. It will be maintained over 12 months as well. EBIT has improved by 200 basis points over the last 12 months, and we expect this to continue. Q: What is the expected contribution from CIDCO and MHADA for FY26? A: For CIDCO, we expect to bill at least INR85 crores per month. For MHADA, we target billing about INR1,200 crores at the LLP level, with INR400 crores at the Capacit'e level. Q: Are there any payment delays from CIDCO or MHADA given the Maharashtra state government finances? A: CIDCO and MHADA have their own sources of funds, so there are no delays. We have seen delays in PWD, but payments have been received recently. We do not foresee issues with CIDCO or MHADA. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
