Latest news with #LancsLive
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Man gets revenge on neighbour who complains about Union Jack flag in garden
The 66-year-old initially flew a Union Jack flag in his garden as a 'tribute to his country' but took it down after he received a complaint from a neighbour. Now he's got petty revenge A man who was forced to take a Union Jack flag down from his garden after a neighbour's complaint has got his own back. 'Market man' Colin, hoisted the flag out of love for his country but faced pressure to take it down after a neighbour lodged a complaint with the council. When quizzed about the dispute, the bloke, who poses wearing a suit covered in Union Jacks on his TikTok profile, said: "It's what people do these days; they complain about everything." The awkward situation quickly went viral online, which spurred Colin to take further action with a petty vendetta against the angry neighbour. Refusing to back down, the 66-year-old bought a mammoth-sized Union Jack and hoisted it on a ridiculously tall flagpole for the world to see. A clip of him erecting the oversized flag has now amassed over a million views on TikTok, Lancs Live reports. In the viral video, a woman can be heard sounding shocked as Colin puts the flag up. "It's gonna be too big Col. Oh my god," she warned, to which Colin wittily responded: "Well, I took this flag down because someone didn't like it. So I've only brought a bigger one, look." He jokingly cautioned: "So if they complain again you know what I'm gonna do. I'll get an even bigger one." In response, some TikTok commenters praised the move, with one writing: "Hoist that beautiful flag high. I salute the flag and you, sir" and another adding "You should be allowed to fly this country's flag, good on you mate." Another social media user joked: "I'm going to complain that the flag pole isn't tall enough, you need to get a taller flagpole for the bigger Union Jack flag, so people further away can see it and appreciate it." Meanwhile, someone else spotted: "Great but it's upside down, wide white stripe should be on top against the flag pole." Colin has now started flogging Union Jack flags on TikTok shop after his video went viral. It comes as households have been warned they could be slapped with a £2,500 fine if they break the rules around flying flags. The government allows certain flags to be flown from rooftops of any size, provided they meet specific criteria. It stipulates all flags must be kept in a safe condition, reports Yorkshire Live. You must also have the permission of the owner of the site on which they are displayed (this includes the Highway Authority if the sign is to be placed on highway land). It must not obscure, or hinder the interpretation of official road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or otherwise make hazardous the use of these types of transport. It should be removed carefully where so required by the planning authority. However, if you plan to fly the flag from a pole extending from any part of a building other than the roof, the rules become more stringent. The Town and Country Planning Regulations 2007 stipulate maximum sizes for flags flown on your house if they're on a pole, not on the roof. The government adds: "The flag may not exceed 2 square metres in size. No restrictions on the size of characters. Consent is required if the flagpole is in a controlled area." The flag has been at the forefront of conversation in recent days after a schoolgirl was placed in school isolation for wearing a Union Jack dress. Courtney Wright, a high-achieving 12-year-old who attends Bilton School in Rugby, was left feeling "so embarrassed" after turning up to the planned cultural celebration on Friday to be told her union flag dress was "unacceptable". Her family blasted the school after learning she had been segregated from her friends due to her choice of attire, adding that the straight A student "couldn't understand what she'd done wrong". In response to the fury, the school apologised. A spokesman for Stowe Valley Trust said: "At Bilton School, we are proud of the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they bring to our community. We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included. "On Friday 11th July, an incident occurred during our Culture Celebration Day that caused considerable upset to one of our pupils, her family, and members of the wider community. "We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies. We have since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better. "We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage. "As a school, we are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect, and understanding for all."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Boost income by £330 annually with little-known government scheme
It currently costs around £43,900 a year for a comfortable retirement. And with the full new state pension covering £11,973, savers will need to make up the difference themselves. Finance expert Antonia Medlicott has revealed a savvy tip for those eyeing a comfortable retirement, with the current annual cost estimated at about £43,900. With the full new state pension providing just £11,973, Brits are left to bridge the gap themselves. Antonia, MD of Investing Insiders, is pointing savers towards a "little-known government scheme" known as Specific Adult Childcare Credits that could bolster your state pension to the maximum if you're short on qualifying years. The investment expert said: "When a parent gets child benefit, they also get national insurance credits, but if they're working and someone else is doing the childcare, like a grandparent, then those credits can be transferred, which increases your retirement income if you don't have enough national insurance contributions. "Each year of credit can be worth up to £330 in extra pension income. Over a 20-year retirement, that equates to £6,600. Even better, you can backdate credits to 2011 in the application." Should have no effect on state pension entitlement And there's no need to worry about the parents' state pension entitlement – it remains unaffected as long as they're clocking up qualifying years through other means, such as employment. Royal London's analysis shows just over half of the 3.4 million people on the new state pension snag the full amount, reports Lancs Live. The remainder receive amounts proportional to the number of qualifying years they possess. To secure the full sum, you need 35 qualifying years where you either contributed National Insurance or obtained credits such as the Specific Adult Childcare entitlement. To qualify for the credits, you must be aged over 16 but below state pension age, the child's parent or primary carer must consent to transferring their credit to you, and they must verify that you have cared for their child. You must also be an 'eligible family member' - this encompasses aunts, uncles, siblings irrespective of blood ties, grandparents, great-grandparents or great-great-grandparents. Check your pension Antonia also encouraged individuals to monitor their pensions even if retirement is years away. She said: "A staggering 55% of workplace pensions underperform against industry standards, which could leave workers with an income shortfall when they retire. "It's vital to take an active interest in a workplace pension to make sure it's on track for a comfortable retirement. Simply checking a pension regularly (at least once a year) will help workers identify any disappointing returns and take action if they need to change their investment strategy." Antonia highlighted that a mere 10% of the UK population have taken advantage of a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), which offers the same tax benefits as workplace pension schemes but with greater control over investment choices. She recommended considering a SIPP for several reasons beyond merely enhancing retirement income. She said: "There is a lot of flexibility when it comes to this pension; you can contribute as much or as little as you want. It is also very effective when it comes to estate planning. "You can pass on your pension savings to nominated beneficiaries very easily, which gives good peace of mind to know that your money will end up with loved ones." The finance guru also pointed out a common costly mistake regarding pensions: delaying the start of saving. She elaborated: "If you invest £200 a month from the age of 25, by 65 you could have a pot of over £459,000 at an average return rate of 7.5 per cent. "But if you start at 35, that pot will be £223,000, and it will be just £98,600 if you start at 45." It's important to remember that investments carry risk, and it's advised not to invest more than you can afford to lose at any point in life or when planning for retirement.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Millions of Brits losing £560 annually to 'zombie' accounts - how to stop it
Millions of people are losing out on hundreds of pounds each year by keeping their cash in so-called 'zombie' accounts - but it's easy to stop it and start making money An alarming 31 million Brits are unwittingly letting their hard-earned cash dwindle in 'zombie' savings accounts, which could be costing the average saver a hefty £560 annually when compared to more lucrative options. Personal finance expert Aaron Peake has raised the alarm that many savers may be oblivious to the fact that their money is stagnating in these zombie accounts. Characterised by dismal interest rates, these accounts often fail to keep pace with inflation. Aaron warned: "Far too many people keep their savings tied up with their current bank without questioning the poor rates. These linked accounts often offer low interest, withdrawal limits, or tiered rates that punish you if you move money around." He further advised: "If your savings rate is below inflation, which is currently 3.4%, your money is losing value. It pays to shop around and scour price comparison websites." Aaron also reassured savers: "You don't have to lock your money away or sacrifice access to get better returns. Many accounts offer competitive rates with no strings attached." With predictions of the Bank of England slashing its base rate imminently, Aaron urges savers to take swift action, as lower base rates typically translate to reduced savings rates, reports Lancs Live. In the battle against inflation, interest is the sole means for cash savings to maintain their worth; thus, having rates beneath the current inflation rate signifies a real-term devaluation of savings. Presently, CredAbility data indicates that a staggering £186 billion is languishing in UK accounts yielding just 1.5% interest. In the year leading up to May 2025, the inflation rate stood at 3.4%. Given that the average saver has approximately £16,000 in their savings, this could signify a significant loss of value each year. For instance, suppose you have £10,000 in an easy-access account yielding 1.5% interest. This would generate £240 annually in interest. However, if you were to use a top-rated easy-access account with a 5% interest rate, your earnings would increase to £800. This equates to an additional £560 per annum simply by choosing the right account. Essentially, sticking passively with existing accounts instead of actively seeking out the best deals could be shaving hundreds off your savings. Different accounts also offer varying interest rate ranges. Typically, easy-access accounts provide the lowest interest rates as they allow constant access to funds without penalties. Conversely, accounts with more restrictions on withdrawals usually offer higher interest rates. These include fixed-rate accounts, notice accounts, and regular savings accounts. Depending on your savings goals, other accounts may be a better fit and could offer a substantial boost in interest rates. MoneyFacts has outlined the average interest rates currently available across various accounts. Average interest rates for July 2025: Easy access - 2.68% Notice account - 3.62% Easy access ISA - 2.92% Notice ISA - 3.49% One-year fixed bond - 4.03% Long-term fixed bond - 3.91% Aaron's top accounts offering market-leading interest rates are: Principality Building Society's Six-Month Regular Saver - 7.5% Atom Bank's easy access - 5% with 2.25% bonus for the first year for new customers Snoop's easy access saver - 4.6% Plum's 95-day notice - 4.84% Oxbury Bank's 120-day notice - 4.6%
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'We've holidayed in popular seaside town for years – but now it's gone to hell'
Regulars who have been visiting Blackpool for decades say they won't be returning as the historic piers and once grand hotels are now tired, outdated and have 'gone downhill' Blackpool's glory days as the jewel of Britain's seaside tourism are now a distant memory as long-time visitors say they're unlikely to return after witnessing the town's ongoing decline. Historic piers and hotels once considered grand are now described as tired and outdated, and regulars who have been coming to the resort for decades say it's "not what it used to be." One couple from Manchester, who have visited Blackpool for years to relive childhood memories, said: "It's all alcies and druggies now." Mrs Jones, from Gloucestershire, who has been visiting since 1980, said: "We've come twice in a year at times. But it's gone downhill. It's nowhere near as nice as it used to be… I've said to [my husband] 'we won't come again'." Her comments echo those of June and Tony from Waterfoot near Rawtenstall, who have been visiting Blackpool twice a year, Lancs Live reports. "We have seen a decline," June said. "It's very, very sad. My heart goes out to Blackpool." Tony added: "It's a real shame. The hotels on the Prom have gone to hell." The town - once a booming Victorian resort favoured by the North's working classes - has suffered decades of economic hardship. In 1801, Blackpool's population stood at just 473. By the 1890s it had grown to 35,000, welcoming 250,000 visitors each year. The Grand Metropole and Imperial Hotel were built in the 19th century as the town's tourism industry flourished alongside landmarks like Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach. Now, it's one of the most deprived local authority areas in England. Government data ranks Blackpool poorly across health, education, employment and crime. According to the Office for National Statistics, 28% of its population were classed as "economically inactive" last year - neither working nor actively looking for work. Yet despite its fall from grace, many still return. For some, Blackpool holds nostalgic value - though rising prices and thinning crowds are hard to ignore. Ann and Richard Kelly from Durham say they've visited dozens of times. "We used to bring our kids here when they were growing up. Now we bring our grandkids," Ann said. "But everything costs so much more these days. I was stunned when I saw how much it costs to go to the Pleasure Beach. It's just so quiet. I've never known it be so quiet." Elizabeth and Alex Foulds from Paisley have also been coming since childhood. "It holds such happy memories for me but it's sad to see how things are now," said Elizabeth. Despite public perception, Blackpool Council insists there's hope. The £300m Blackpool Central development - promising two indoor theme parks, a flying theatre, a 200-bedroom hotel and public square - was dealt a blow when its developer collapsed. But demolition work on the former Bonny Street police station began this week in an effort to revive investor interest. "Blackpool Central sits right at the heart of our plans to make Blackpool better for everybody," said Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council. "I believe that this is one of the most exciting leisure development opportunities in the country." The project is seen as key to growing Blackpool's £1.98bn visitor economy, which currently supports over 22,000 jobs.
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis names 'simple' answer for everyone with a state pension
The personal finance expert has issued a warning that some people with a state pension may be taxed on their income. However, he has said there are ways people can avoid it Martin Lewis has tackled worries that people might encounter tax consequences on their state pension next year. The money-saving expert revealed that numerous individuals had reached out to him, voicing concerns about potentially losing part of their pensions to higher taxation. He outlined that the problem arises from the personal tax allowance threshold, which was locked in 2021 by the Conservatives at £12,570. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has previously signalled that this freeze will continue until 2028. Nevertheless, considering the current debt crisis gripping the country, some experts have proposed it might be prolonged even further. Mr Lewis explained that the 'fiscal drag' resulting from the freeze means anyone earning above £12,570 starts paying income tax at that threshold. The triple lock system, which guarantees pensions rise annually by the greatest of 2.5%, the CPI inflation rate, or wage inflation, could result in people beginning to pay income tax next year even if their sole income is the state pension. He declared: "I'm getting quite a few people getting in touch concerned "The State Pension will start to be taxed" on the back of newspaper articles. I thought it worth making a few simple points to clear up possible confusions." Martin Lewis emphasised the following points: He added: "So overall, the fact that 'the State Pension alone may be taxable for some', is primarily due to the freezing of the personal allowance and the significant annual increases in the State Pension. "One way politicians could prevent this would be to raise the personal allowance (for everyone or just for state pensioners). However, it's worth noting that another solution could be to abolish the triple lock, so the State Pension doesn't increase as much! "I'm not trying to make any political point here. Just attempting to explain how it works as I've had quite a lot of questions." A campaign urging Rachel Reeves to hike the lowest personal tax allowance threshold has seen a groundswell of support following a parliamentary debate, reports Lancs Live. In a huge wave of frustration people have been signing up to a massive petition on the parliament website on the issue. The petition concluded last week with 281,792 signatures, making it the second-largest petition on the platform - only surpassed by one demanding a general election, which has amassed over 3 million signatures. At present, people start paying tax after earning £12,570 - a threshold that has remained unchanged since 2021, resulting in millions of the UK's lowest earners being pushed into the tax-paying bracket. The petition has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to raise the income tax threshold to £20,000, highlighting the unfairness of 'fiscal drag' impacting the lowest earners. The campaigners are pressing the Treasury to: "Raise the income tax personal allowance from £12570 to £20000. We think this would help low earners to get off benefits and allow pensioners a decent income." They argue: "We think it is abhorrent to tax pensioners on their state pension when it is over the personal allowance. We also think raising the personal allowance would lift many low earners out of benefits and inject more cash into the economy creating growth."
