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Wales Online
2 hours ago
- General
- Wales Online
Letters sent out as people could be owed over £7,000 after error
Letters sent out as people could be owed over £7,000 after error HMRC is writing to around 370,000 people to inform them of a mistake that could be affecting their state pension, with thousands of individuals owed a significant sum HMRC has uncovered a historical error that means thousands of women could be due compensation to the tune of £7,859. The error primarily impacted women who gave birth in the 80s and 90s under the Labour Party government's tax department. Consequently, HMRC is now sending letters to these women about their potential entitlement to a significant payout. The mistake relates to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), a scheme aimed at reducing the number of years needed on your National Insurance record to qualify for the full state pension. Tax experts suggest that those most affected by this oversight are stay-at-home mothers who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2000. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here . During this time, if you were at home raising children or caring for someone and receiving either Child Benefit or Income Support, you were eligible for HRP. However, the system was altered in 2010 when HRP was replaced with National Insurance credits. Unfortunately, for thousands of people, their HRP entitlement wasn't correctly recorded or transferred to their National Insurance record. This lapse by HMRC, which has now been recognised and is being rectified, means some individuals have gaps in their records, according to Birmingham Live. What's more worrying is that as a result, they may be receiving less state pension than they're entitled to, or will be in the future. The tax department has initiated the process of sending letters to roughly 370,000 individuals. They've pinpointed just over 5,300 instances of underpayment from January to September 2024, amounting to a total debt of around £42 million. On average, each person is due approximately £7,859. It's projected that about 43,000 of the affected individuals have unfortunately passed away, however, their families are still eligible to claim the owed sum. HMRC is prioritising those who have reached pensionable age and reaching out to them first. Article continues below To qualify, you must have been receiving child benefit in your own name (not a spouse or partner), your child was under 16 for the entire financial year in question, and you were not contributing to the married woman's 'reduced stamp'. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here .
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
Dunelm shoppers rave about £29 padded chair that's 'ideal for snoozing in the garden'
Dunelm shoppers rave about £29 padded chair that's 'ideal for snoozing in the garden' The camping chair has received rave reviews from fans who have branded it 'super comfortable' and 'very roomy' Dunelm is selling a foldable garden chair that's ideal for camping trips and beach days (Image: Dunelm ) Many of us are endeavouring to spend more time in the great outdoors now that the sun has made an appearance. While lounging on a picnic blanket has charm, there's nothing quite like having a supportive, comfy chair to relax in - whether for garden barbecues, camping trips, or beach days. With that in mind, Dunelm has introduced a padded camping chair priced at £29, which is quickly amassing rave reviews. A happy customer remarked, 'super comfortable and very roomy,' adding it's 'ideal for snoozing in the garden or reading a book.' The product boasts a cushioned seat and backrest for added comfort and comes in a lively bright yellow hue that promises to inject energy into any external arrangement. Plus, its foldability ensures easy stowing at home or transportation for those weekend getaways. READ MORE: 'I'm Italian and pizza is serious business': Ooni pizza oven is now at cheapest price READ MORE: Limited 40% off sale on teeth whitening range that shoppers claim leave 'teeth looking amazing' Other thoughtful touches include a wipe-clean finish and a handy carry bag, making it as practical as it is comfortable. It has a weight capacity of 110kg - although some reviewers have noted it's pretty heavy, reports Birmingham Live. Get the look £29 Dunelm Buy Now on Dunelm Product Description This folding chair combines comfort and portability, featuring a padded seat and backrest for relaxation. Of course, there are plenty more camping chairs available with added features. This £29.99 design from Decathlon comes with an insulated cup holder, making it ideal for festivals, while The Range offers this £39.95 option with a built-in canopy for sun protection. While numerous camping chairs offer various perks, this Dunelm piece stands out with its positive consumer feedback. Another buyer commented: "Great chair for summer beach or outdoors use. Exactly as described, big and well built. Quirky ochre dot print." A second individual remarked: "I got this chair because it looked like I could sit cross-legged on it. It's light and easy to pick up and put down." Yet they noted that folding it into the carry bag is a 'bit of a faff'. Article continues below Another reviewer penned: "I loved the modern design on the chair. Nice and comfortable, not lightweight, but it comes in a sturdy carrying bag with a strong handle, so it's easy to carry." Meanwhile, a different customer expressed: "Gorgeous chair, so comfy, easy to put up and pack away. We bought the green one too." Someone else said: "Wide, comfortable and easy to set up. Very cosy. Fairly light."
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Wales Online
Brits in violent brawl with sports racquet used as weapon on popular Tenerife beach
Brits in violent brawl with sports racquet used as weapon on popular Tenerife beach Other beachgoers had to intervene as punches flew, and it's not the first time this has happened with reports of a rising tide of violence The brawl reportedly took place on a popular beach in the Canary Islands (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) A shocking video of a violent altercation at Tenerife's popular Playa del Duque beach has sparked outrage across social media platforms, as users blast the unruly behaviour shown. The incident erupted on the renowned beach in the Costa Adeje area and apparently involved both British holidaymakers and island residents. In the widely circulating footage, a man is seen delivering punches and later brandishing a sports racquet as a weapon before being subdued in a headlock, although not before landing a blow on an opponent lacking a shirt, The Express reports. Intervening tourists who were soaking up the sun swiftly separated the tourists as their peace was disrupted by the sudden outburst of violence. Commentary on the viral video included one user's sarcastic remark: "Nice to go on vacation. The sea, the sand, the umbrellas – the fights!!!!", reports Birmingham Live. Details regarding injuries sustained during the fracas or subsequent arrests remain uncertain at this point. Despite the idyllic setting offered by Playa del Duque, known for its stunning turquoise waters and golden sands luring summer tourists, such disputes are not a rarity, with escalating temperatures often fuelling volatile tempers. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here This clash at the beachside isn't an isolated event on the island, with reports from Canadian weekly indicating a troubling trend of increasing altercations in the southern parts of Tenerife. Article continues below Another recent outbreak of violence was witnessed in the popular Playa de las Americas area, where a massive fight erupted. This reportedly resulted in a significant increase in police patrols.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Drivers warned of new licence rules in June affecting millions of motorists
The changes will come into effect on June 10 New rules to driving licences which are set to come into force next month will affect millions of motorists. The changes will launch on June 10 and will have a major impact on all road users. From the proposed date, any motorists who currently holds a category B driving licence will be allowed to drive electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles which have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg. The current MAM limit for category B licences is 3,500kg. The extra weight allowance will apply to all vehicles who can currently drive using a category B licence. This includes SUVs, small trucks, vans and cars which carry up to eight passengers. Currently, category B licences which are passed before 1 January 1997 licence rules allow motorists to drive a 4-wheel vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 8,250kg. Drivers with that licence are also legally allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM. If you passed after 1 January 1997 and hold a category B licence then you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM, with up to 8 passenger seats, plus a trailer up to 750kg, reports Birmingham Live. You can also tow heavier trailers if the vehicle and trailer MAM is not more than 3.500kg. You're allowed to ride motor tricycles with a power output higher than 15kW, providing you're over 21 years old. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. If you have a physical disability with provisional category B entitlement, you also have provisional entitlement to ride Category A1 or A motor tricycles. This isn't the full list, especially if you passed your test before 1997. For further information about categories or if your licence includes other category entitlements, check out the government's driving licence website. Once you've got a full driving licence, you might want to upgrade your entitlement so you can drive other vehicles for work or leisure. A warning was recently issued to drivers who are aged 70 and over and have not renewed their licence. Experts warned that they are not 'legally allowed to drive'. This is because 90 days before drivers turn 70, they should receive a D46P application form from the DVLA. Age UK stated that if a person's drivers licence expires and they are unable to apply for a new one within the timeframe then they are not legally allowed to get behind the wheel. The charity said: "Don't forget to apply for any extra categories of vehicle covered on your old licence if you still want to be able to drive them. "There might be extra costs for these but if you don't apply for these extra categories you'll only be able to drive a car in future."
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
'Beautiful' Dunelm curtains on sale for £35 as shoppers say they 'brighten up the room'
'Absolutely love these curtains, they are so pretty and fresh looking, highly recommend.' With Dunelm hosting its summer sale, there is no time like the present to shop for your seasonal homeware decor. Now that we are heading into June, many people are looking for ways to brighten up their homes to reflect the warm and vibrant season outside. One simple change that shoppers can make to their homes that can make a big impact is by switching up their curtains. Thankfully, there are many summer inspired items in the home furnishing retailer's sale that shoppers will be spoilt for choice. For shoppers who enjoy a floral design, then the Country Meadow Eyelet Curtains may be of interest. Priced at £35 for the duck egg blue design with dimensions of W 228cm by D 182cm, this curtain has been described as 'elegant' and 'fresh looking' by shoppers. It should be noted that the above Country Meadow Curtains are only available in the blue design in that one size, all the rest have sold out. However, the curtains are also available in a natural coloured design, with prices ranging from £30 to £80 depending on the length you need. The only difference is that the same dimensions of the blue design jumps up to £70 in the natural edition. All of the curtains feature an elegant floral design and are crafted with a soft cotton fabric for a comfortable touch, reports Birmingham Live. Each luxurious curtain panel is also said to be fully lined for extra durability and they can be ironed on a cool setting if any creases appear. For shoppers who want to take their home decor to the next level, there are also matching cushions and blackout blinds available that can be purchased separately. Country Meadow Eyelet Curtains £70 £35 Dunelm Buy Now Product Description Another set of curtains in the Dunelm sale is the Edith Duck Egg Floral Blackout Eyelet Curtains. Normally retailing between £45 and £65, shoppers can snap up these gorgeous blue floral curtains for between £36 and £52. With all the widths being 168cm, shoppers can choose between drops of 137cm, 182cm and 228cm. Alternatively, Debenhams has slightly dropped the price of the Dreams & Drapes Floral Print Curtains With Tie-Backs. Now ranging between £24.30 and £71.99, these curtains are made with 100 per cent cotton and are designed with a lavender floral print. The Country Meadow Curtains are a popular item on Dunelm's website as they currently boast a 4.6 star rating from 182 reviews. Many shoppers have gushed over how well these curtains complete their home revamp, with some saying they may go buy another set. One happy shopper said: "Absolutely love these curtains, they are so pretty and fresh looking, highly recommend." With another customer adding: "I like these curtains very much, I am considering purchasing another pair for the guest bedroom when it has been decorated." However, a few customers complained about the material, as one person said: "Lovely pattern but cheap material that doesn't hang well. I bought weights to try to solve the problem. Oh and longer than 90 drop, I had to hem them." Another shopper followed on, adding: "Look nice in my bedroom bit thinner than I thought." Despite this, another five-star reviewer wrote: "Beautiful lined curtains with a delicate pattern which doesn't overtake the room. The matching cushions are great quality and complete the look of the room." While another simply wrote: "Curtains have brightened my bedroom and look quite elegant." A seventh shopper also wrote: "The pattern on the curtains is a lovely country meadow with calming colours of pink, green and blue/lilac. Just the thing for my bedroom. They are lined but I would say are on the thin side so if you are sensitive to light you might want to use with a blind to block out the light a bit more. "Very easy to put up. I would recommend giving them an iron when you take out of the packet first as they were a bit creased." For those who want to buy the Country Meadow Eyelet Curtains, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
