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New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Fuziah: Op Gasak had 'communication issue'
KUALA LUMPUR: Op Gasak was intended to target activities involving the decanting of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into non-subsidised containers. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh said the enforcement, however, was not communicated effectively. "Targeting decanting was the initial move, where subsidised LPG was transferred into non-subsidised containers. "But somehow, there was a communication issue," she told reporters after the BBC's World Questions debate held in Petaling Jaya tonight where she was among four panellists. Fuziah said that the government is now collecting data and engaging with multiple stakeholders before bringing feedback to the Cabinet in order to make amendments to the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Regulations 2021. "This would allow the micro businesses to have more than three canisters of LPG gas cylinders. "Before this it was three and you would have to have a special permit to have more than that. "Now that rule no longer applies (to micro businesses)." Fuziah was responding to criticism that the Op Gasak campaign was poorly communicated and rushed. She said that this is why the Cabinet, in light of the feedback received, agreed to allow micro and small-scale food and retail businesses to continue using LPG cylinders without a Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB) until October. Op Gasak, which runs from May 1 to Oct 31, aims to curb illegal activities such as gas decanting (transferring gas from subsidised to non-subsidised cylinders), smuggling, and the misuse of subsidised LPG by medium and large-scale industrial sectors.
9 News
5 days ago
- Business
- 9 News
Aussies are spending way more on booze than they were last year
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Households might be holding back on their spending, but there's one thing Australians have been happy to splash out on recently: booze. New ABS data released this morning showed spending growth was essentially flat in April, rising by just 0.1 per cent for the month, it fell 1.2 when only goods were considered. That came on the back of fresh GDP figures yesterday , which showed the proportion of income Australians are saving has risen to 5.2 per cent – up from less than 4 per cent late last year. Australians are spending more on beer each month than they were this time last year. (Chris Hopkins) But while households are clearly still keeping their belts tight after years of high inflation and interest rate rises, they've been happy to spend more on alcohol recently. A survey by comparison site Canstar Blue found Australians are spending $77 on wine every month, on average, an increase of 17 per cent from the same time last year, when the figure was sitting at $66. The jump in beer spending has been even steeper: up 30 per cent, going from $76 to $99. That's well in excess of inflation, as the average price of beer rose a far more modest 4.5 per cent in the 12 months to March. Spending on wine is also up, although not by as much. (Louie Douvis/AFR) "The Easter holidays helped pick up spending slightly for the month of April, but these latest figures show households chose to spend more on experiences than on discretionary items, like clothing and footwear," Canstar Blue spokesperson Eden Radford said. "Despite spending on alcoholic beverages and tobacco falling for the month, Canstar Blue research shows average monthly spending specifically on wine and beer has increased over the last year, with survey data showing $99 for beer and $77 for wine. "If this month's figures are anything to go by, households will continue to keep a close eye on their budgets, with many likely holding out for big sale seasons or tax returns, before making any big purchases." Yesterday's relatively weak GDP figures have fuelled expectations that the Reserve Bank will reduce interest rates again when it next meets in July, with the market now pricing in an 86 per cent chance of a cut, up from 81 per cent on Tuesday. Consumer national Australia money Cost of Living finance alcohol CONTACT US
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Greene County Discusses Budget for 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
SNOW HILL, N.C. (WNCT) — The Greene County Board of Commissioners held a meeting Monday May 19, 2025, to discuss the proposed county budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The budget proposal including topics like funding local fire departments, replacing county vehicles for multiple departments, and increasing funding for Lenoir Community College by 10%; the first requested increase in 15 years. Greene County has been in communication with the town of Snow Hill about the possibility of absorbing the Snow Hill Police Department into the County's Sheriff's Office. As of right now, the County has provided information on how coverage and payments would work, but the final call on the decision is up to Snow Hill. 'Recently, Snow Hill approached us about the cost to offer designated service in the town of Snow Hill by Greene County Sheriff's Office. We provided them a number as to what it would cost, and we have given them that number and we await their response. Anything we can do to help them, we are genuinely trying to reach out and do,' Greene County Manager, Kyle DeHaven said. Also discussed in the budget proposal is a property tax rate of $0.786 per $100 of assessed valuation. The estimated valuation for real and personal property stands at approximately $1.194 billion. The county anticipates net tax revenues of approximately $11 million by applying an estimated collection rate of 98%. The budget proposes six new full-time positions. Four Deputy Sheriffs and two Dispatchers. The new Deputy Sheriffs will support law enforcement services in Greene County. The Dispatcher positions align with state recommendations for optimal 911 operations, transitioning from two full-time and one peak-time role to three full-time dispatchers. A 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all County employees is included, aimed at offsetting inflation and in response to a 2.4% year-over-year increase in the Consumer Price Index. For a full look at the proposed budget, you can find it here. A public hearing and budget workshop will be held this Friday May 23rd, and next Wednesday May 28th at 8:30 a.m. in the Longleaf Pine Conference Room at the Greene County Complex, 229 Kingold Blvd, Snow Hill, N.C. The public is welcome to attend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Western Telegraph
12-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
State Pension age: benefits, discounts and deals not to miss
With the cost of living rising and the means testing of the Winter Fuel Allowance, plus no further Cost of Living payments being announced, many older people are struggling to afford the basics. Here are the DWP benefits, discounts and deals millions of pensioners are missing out on - and how to apply. Pension Credit Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit, aimed at providing extra financial support for older people on low incomes - both singles and couples. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit. To qualify, you'll need to have a weekly income of less than £227.10 if you're single or £346.60 if you have a partner. If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have to pay certain housing costs, such as mortgage interest payments. It used to be the case that couples, where one person was over state pension age, could claim, but new rules now mean that both people in a couple must be over state pension age to apply. So, if you're single and move in with a partner who is younger than the threshold, you will stop being eligible. But if you're already receiving pension credit under the old system it won't stop unless your circumstances change. How to claim Pension Credit You can claim the benefit online or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. Before you ring up it's worth having your details ready and to hand - this is things like your National Insurance number, bank account details and information about your income, savings and investments. Free Prescriptions Everyone aged over 60 gets free prescriptions. You're also entitled to a free NHS sight test, so you should let your optician know when you reach 60. Depending on your circumstances, you could also get help with: NHS dental treatment the cost of glasses or contact lenses NHS wigs and fabric supports travel costs to receive NHS treatment. Free Passport If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, and are a British citizen, you may be eligible for a free passport. More information and application details can be found on here. Free/discounted TV Licences TV licences are now only free for people who receive Pension Credit. However, people over State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind may qualify for a half-price TV licence. There's details of who is eligible and how to apply on the site. Cold Weather Payments These are extra payments for people receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, when there's very cold weather. A Cold Weather Payment is £25 a week for each 7-day period – or forecasted 7-day period – of cold weather. This only applies between 1 November and 31 March each year. Warm Home Discount If you receive Pension Credit or you're on a low income with high energy costs, you might be entitled to a £150 reduction on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme. Check with your provider. This has also become more generous this year, applying to 2.7m more low income households winter 2025/26, so apply, even if you've been rejected previously. Martin Lewis says: "That's good as it's a terribly implemented system which left many, literally, unfairly out in the cold." Over 60 free bus pass, senior railcard and transport concessions If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from a senior rail card to a free bus pass. In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. In Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you can get a bus pass when you reach 60. Social tariffs on broadband, phone, water and internet bills Social tariffs are cheaper broadband, phone and water packages for people claiming DWP benefits, but millions of people are missing out because they aren't aware of the support available. Martin Lewis discussed these tariffs on his programme, causing a spike of interest in these 'essential' or 'basic' broadband and phone packages, which are available to people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some disability benefits. They're delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price, and sometimes with better terms, such as no mid-contract increases. They could cut your broadband or phone bill to £10, but many don't realise they can apply. There's a full guide here - if you aren't sure, ask your supplier. Council Tax Assistance There's no set amount of Council Tax Reduction - it depends on your circumstances and where you live. Each council operates its own Council Tax Reduction scheme, so the amounts of support given across the country may vary. Wherever you live, the amount of Council Tax Reduction you get depends on many factors, including: your age your income, including any benefits you receive your savings who you live with how much Council Tax you pay. You may get more Council Tax Reduction if you receive a disability or carer's benefit. Also, if you live alone, you can apply for a single person's discount of 25%. Age UK has some helpful information on this. If you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit you may even get your Council Tax paid in full. Housing Benefit This can help you cover your rent, and you can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you're State Pension age or over (unlike younger claimants). If you and your partner aren't State Pension age and you need help with paying your rent, you can only claim Housing Benefit if you live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. Otherwise, you'll need to make a claim for Universal Credit instead. If you own your home and you're having trouble paying the interest on your mortgage, you might be eligible for a Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loan. Disability benefits and help for carers These benefits include: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - if you're under State Pension age, if you reached State Pension age while claiming PIP this will continue Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - you will need to have been already claiming this before you reached State Pension age Attendance Allowance - if you're over State Pension age and have not claimed DLA or PIP Carer's Allowance - if you are a carer or someone cares for you, there can be funding to help with this. The rules have become more generous on this, so even if you weren't previously eligible, it's worth checking. You could get £83.30 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits. Winter Fuel Payment There were controversial changes to these payments last year. If you or your partner are over State Pension age and receive a qualifying benefit (usually Pension Credit), you could get £200 towards your bills. If you or your partner are over 80, you could get £300. You're not entitled to Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home or nursing home during the period 23 June to 21 September 2025. Loyalty cards, discounts and deals Many shops offer deals and discounts for over 60s, and some have special days with extra bargains. B&Q, for example, has a Diamond Card offering over-60s 10 per cent off purchases on Wednesdays. Iceland offers 10% off your shopping every Tuesday when you show valid ID and an Iceland Bonus card. If you have a Boots Advantage Card and are over 60, you will get ten loyalty points for every £1 spent on own-brand products, up from the usual four. Have we missed some great deals or discounts for pensioners? Please drop us a line to And, as always, don't be afraid to apply for a discount or ask for a better deal.
Powys County Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
State Pension age: benefits, discounts and deals not to miss
The State Pension age is climbing, and costs are going up, but millions of pensioners - and even those aged over 60 - are missing out on benefits and discounts they are entitled to. With the cost of living rising and the means testing of the Winter Fuel Allowance, plus no further Cost of Living payments being announced, many older people are struggling to afford the basics. Here are the DWP benefits, discounts and deals millions of pensioners are missing out on - and how to apply. Pension Credit Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit, aimed at providing extra financial support for older people on low incomes - both singles and couples. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit. To qualify, you'll need to have a weekly income of less than £227.10 if you're single or £346.60 if you have a partner. If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have to pay certain housing costs, such as mortgage interest payments. It used to be the case that couples, where one person was over state pension age, could claim, but new rules now mean that both people in a couple must be over state pension age to apply. So, if you're single and move in with a partner who is younger than the threshold, you will stop being eligible. But if you're already receiving pension credit under the old system it won't stop unless your circumstances change. How to claim Pension Credit You can claim the benefit online or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. Before you ring up it's worth having your details ready and to hand - this is things like your National Insurance number, bank account details and information about your income, savings and investments. Free Prescriptions Everyone aged over 60 gets free prescriptions. You're also entitled to a free NHS sight test, so you should let your optician know when you reach 60. Depending on your circumstances, you could also get help with: NHS dental treatment the cost of glasses or contact lenses NHS wigs and fabric supports travel costs to receive NHS treatment. Free Passport If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, and are a British citizen, you may be eligible for a free passport. More information and application details can be found on here. Free/discounted TV Licences TV licences are now only free for people who receive Pension Credit. However, people over State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind may qualify for a half-price TV licence. There's details of who is eligible and how to apply on the site. Cold Weather Payments These are extra payments for people receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, when there's very cold weather. A Cold Weather Payment is £25 a week for each 7-day period – or forecasted 7-day period – of cold weather. This only applies between 1 November and 31 March each year. Warm Home Discount If you receive Pension Credit or you're on a low income with high energy costs, you might be entitled to a £150 reduction on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme. Check with your provider. This has also become more generous this year, applying to 2.7m more low income households winter 2025/26, so apply, even if you've been rejected previously. Martin Lewis says: "That's good as it's a terribly implemented system which left many, literally, unfairly out in the cold." Over 60 free bus pass, senior railcard and transport concessions If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from a senior rail card to a free bus pass. In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. In Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you can get a bus pass when you reach 60. Social tariffs on broadband, phone, water and internet bills Social tariffs are cheaper broadband, phone and water packages for people claiming DWP benefits, but millions of people are missing out because they aren't aware of the support available. Martin Lewis discussed these tariffs on his programme, causing a spike of interest in these 'essential' or 'basic' broadband and phone packages, which are available to people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some disability benefits. They're delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price, and sometimes with better terms, such as no mid-contract increases. They could cut your broadband or phone bill to £10, but many don't realise they can apply. There's a full guide here - if you aren't sure, ask your supplier. Council Tax Assistance There's no set amount of Council Tax Reduction - it depends on your circumstances and where you live. Each council operates its own Council Tax Reduction scheme, so the amounts of support given across the country may vary. Wherever you live, the amount of Council Tax Reduction you get depends on many factors, including: your age your income, including any benefits you receive your savings who you live with how much Council Tax you pay. You may get more Council Tax Reduction if you receive a disability or carer's benefit. Also, if you live alone, you can apply for a single person's discount of 25%. Age UK has some helpful information on this. If you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit you may even get your Council Tax paid in full. Housing Benefit This can help you cover your rent, and you can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you're State Pension age or over (unlike younger claimants). If you and your partner aren't State Pension age and you need help with paying your rent, you can only claim Housing Benefit if you live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. Otherwise, you'll need to make a claim for Universal Credit instead. If you own your home and you're having trouble paying the interest on your mortgage, you might be eligible for a Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loan. Disability benefits and help for carers These benefits include: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - if you're under State Pension age, if you reached State Pension age while claiming PIP this will continue Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - you will need to have been already claiming this before you reached State Pension age Attendance Allowance - if you're over State Pension age and have not claimed DLA or PIP Carer's Allowance - if you are a carer or someone cares for you, there can be funding to help with this. The rules have become more generous on this, so even if you weren't previously eligible, it's worth checking. You could get £83.30 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits. Winter Fuel Payment There were controversial changes to these payments last year. If you or your partner are over State Pension age and receive a qualifying benefit (usually Pension Credit), you could get £200 towards your bills. If you or your partner are over 80, you could get £300. You're not entitled to Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home or nursing home during the period 23 June to 21 September 2025. Loyalty cards, discounts and deals Many shops offer deals and discounts for over 60s, and some have special days with extra bargains. B&Q, for example, has a Diamond Card offering over-60s 10 per cent off purchases on Wednesdays. Iceland offers 10% off your shopping every Tuesday when you show valid ID and an Iceland Bonus card. If you have a Boots Advantage Card and are over 60, you will get ten loyalty points for every £1 spent on own-brand products, up from the usual four. Have we missed some great deals or discounts for pensioners? Please drop us a line to
