Latest news with #PMQ
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP Winter Fuel Payment won't be reinstated for one group despite U-turn
Last week, Sir Keir Starmer signalled a potential U-turn on the controversial policy to scrap the universal Winter Fuel Payment One group of pensioners will not have their Winter Fuel Payment reinstated this year if Labour pushes ahead with its U-turn a government minister has confirmed. In an interview this week, a government minister confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment would not be given to "millionaire" pensioners and would onyl go to those who "that need it the most". Last week, Sir Keir Starmer signalled a potential U-turn on the controversial policy to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment. During PMQ's, the Prime Minister told the Commons that the government wanted to ensure that more pensioners would be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment going forward. Keir Starmer said the decision on this, however, was "as part of a fiscal event" so any changes would only come after a Spending Review. He told the Commons: "I recognise people are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis including pensioners, and as the economy improves we want to make sure people feel those improvements as their lives go forward. That is why we want to ensure as we go forward more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments. As you would expect we will only make sure we make decisions we can afford." The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payment is worth £300 and is paid to pensioner households between October and March. The aim of the money is to help with the extra costs of heating the home over the winter months. Speaking to Sky News on Thursday evening, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones was asked about Reform UK's commitments on fully reinstating the Winter Fuel Payment. He said: "All of those things cost money. It's right that we set out the detail and how we're going to pay for those in a proper and orderly way.' "We're sticking to the principle that millionaires shouldn't be getting subsidy for their energy bills from the government, so Winter Fuel Payments will still be targeted to those that need it the most.' It is believed that the Government is considering a rethink of the £11,500 cut-off for the allowance, which would allow more people to get the money. Last year, the Labour government means-tested the Winter Fuel Payment. This meant that only certain pensioners over the age of 66 would receive the money, rather than all pensioners. The move saw over nine million pensioners in the UK lose the extra cash last winter. Labour faced severe backlash at the time, which has continued to follow them. Legal challenges have been raised against the government for the move, with charities warning that it would push more older Brits into poverty. Research conducted by Unite Union found that over two-thirds of its retired members had to turn their heating down last winter, a third were taking fewer baths or showers, and 16% had to cut back on hot meals due to the increased costs of trying to stay warm. The axing of the benefit was also linked to the rise in Reform Councillors in the recent elections.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend May 31-June 1
If you're looking for some inspiration on what to do this weekend, we have you covered. Culture vultures can catch Wes Anderson's latest offering, The Phoenician Scheme, or artist Ernest Chang's exhibition 'Artifice' at The Stallery. Fans of all things South Korean can celebrate its traditional alcohol at the inaugural Taste Sool: The First Sip, an artisan liquor festival taking place at PMQ, while K-beauty brand Glint launches in Hong Kong, available exclusively at Sephora. For something more relaxing, spend Sunday at a chilled meditation and sound healing session at The Glasshouse at Celestial Heights, in To Kwa Wan. Read on for more details. 1. 'Artifice' at The Stallery 'Artifice' features a strange, indoor Zen garden full of traditional Chinese scholar rocks that are shaped like contemporary symbols for things like currencies, Bluetooth and Wi-fi.
Bloomberg
17-05-2025
- Bloomberg
Roucou Is a Cheese Omakase and Bar Offering 12-Course Meals in Hong Kong
Roucou is a cheese omakase and bar that recently opened on Aberdeen Street opposite PMQ, and is the creation of Jeremy Evrard, former manager of Caprice and Upper Modern Bistro. I went recently with five friends and we indulged in the restaurant's 12-course cheese voyage. This took the form of a Japanese-French omakase at HK$1,280 per head. There's also the option of a HK$500 wine pairing, with bottles from up-and-coming vineyards. If you opt to order a la carte at the bar, friends who have done so suggest getting more than you might think, and also being adventurous in your cheese selections.
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend May 16-18, from a run to sampling gin
Summer has arrived in Hong Kong and, according to the Chinese almanac, this weekend is great for – you have guessed it – going out and meeting friends. Try to avoid renovating the kitchen or having your hair and nails done, though. Here are our top five picks of things to do in Hong Kong this weekend. 1. Ginsanity at PMQ The annual gin extravaganza is back for another year at Central's PMQ, and the weather is looking favourable for some alfresco drinking. Ginsanity returns to PMQ in Central. Photo: Handout The festival brings together more than 100 distilleries from Hong Kong and around the world, and entry is free – pay for drinks as you go, with cocktails priced from HK$75 (US$9.60). Grab a Ginsanity reusable cup for HK$30 or bring your own. If there's a gin you take a shine to, bottles can be bought on site and delivered to your address at no extra cost – handy if you find yourself enjoying the tipples a bit too much. Ginsanity is open from 4pm to 10pm on May 16 and from 1pm to 10pm on May 17. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
South China Morning Post
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this Easter weekend, April 18-20, such as dog yoga
In a city where people will happily queue up for a soft toy launch, this Easter weekend might prove a busy one – as a toy festival is just one of five fun things that you can do in Hong Kong this weekend. 1. PMQ Play Stuff Fest 2025 The 'PMQ Play Stuff Fest 2025' festival is themed like a toy convenience store and runs from April 18 to 21 at PMQ in Central, on Hong Kong Island. Advertisement It features more than 30 toy brands and platforms from Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Shenzhen and Singapore. Check out a wide range of playful designs, including exclusive toys and event merchandise launched by local designers Club Babo, Don't Cry In The Morning, LeeeeeeToy and Mr. Giraffe. Join sharing sessions with toy designers to hear their inspiring stories and take part in workshops led by the masters. Do not forget to collect stamps at the festival – with them, you can redeem special rewards. Advertisement PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
