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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
DWP confirms exactly when it will launch huge benefits crackdown that means banks can identify fraudsters
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Government has confirmed when it's planning to bring in controversial new powers aimed at cracking down on benefits fraudsters. Banks will be drafted in to help identify benefits cheats and convicted fraudsters could be stripped of their driving licences under the new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Government wants to crack down on benefits fraudsters and save taxpayers billions Credit: Alamy New Government documents have revealed it's planning to bring the measures under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill in April 2026. The DWP has said it will be the "biggest fraud crackdown in a generation". It's estimated the new powers could save taxpayers £1.5billion over five years. Last year, an estimated £7.4billion was lost to benefits fraud - around 2.8% of total welfare spending. A further £1.6bn (0.6%) was overpaid due to unintentional errors by claimants, while £0.8bn (0.3%) was overpaid because of errors by the DWP. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been trying to boost the public purse after it was revealed she needs to plug a £50billion hole in public finances. The new measures mean banks will help to identify customers who might have breached benefit eligibility rules, such as exceeding the £16,000 savings limit for Universal Credit. They will share limited data with the DWP but can't provide transaction details, so officials won't be able to see how benefit claimants spend their money. The DWP also won't gain direct access to claimants' bank accounts, but it will receive cases flagged for investigation. Financial institutions face penalties if they overshare information beyond what's permitted. DWP will have access to YOUR bank accounts to tackle debt as Brits told 'get back to work' in major push on unemployed Airlines and other third-party organisations might also have to provide information to help detect benefit claims made from abroad that could violate eligibility rules. According to the Government documents, any information "will not be shared on the presumption or suspicion that anyone is guilty of any offence". However officials will gain authority to recover money directly from fraudsters' bank accounts. As well as this, persistent benefit fraudsters who fail to repay their debts could face driving bans lasting up to two years. DWP minister Liz Kendall has pledged to clamp down on benefit cheats, saying back in March: "The social security system that we inherited from the Conservatives is failing the very people that it is supposed to help and is holding our country back. "The facts speak for themselves. One in 10 people of working age are now claiming a sickness or disability benefit. Almost one million young people are not in education, employment or training - one in eight of all our young people." The DWP has said it will have strong safeguards in place, including new inspection and reporting mechanisms. DWP staff will also receive comprehensive training before using the new powers. However campaign groups have warned the powers could invade claimants' rights to financial privacy and it could also lead to legitimate claimants being wrongly investigated. In a letter to Kendall last year, the directors of Big Brother Watch and Age UK described the plans as "mass financial surveillance powers" which they said would "represent a severe and disproportionate intrusion into the nation's privacy".
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
The new direct train line set to connect the UK to a European city for the first time
THE Government has revealed plans for a new rail link between London and a new European country. The UK and 5 There could soon be a direct rail route between the UK and Germany Credit: Getty 5 Berlin is known for its vibrant culture and top class beer Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The new direct train would allow both Brits and Germans a flight-free way of getting to each country. For Brits, this meant they could be exploring the Brandenburg Gate, the The secretary added: "This landmark agreement – part of a new treaty the Prime Minister will sign with Chancellor Merz today - has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying. "A new task force will bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange, building on a landmark deal we signed earlier this year to explore introducing direct services to Switzerland." Read more on travel inspo The plans are also set to give the UK a big economic boost, with the creation of jobs and strengthened trade links. Alexander added: "This is central to our Plan for Change – breaking down barriers, thinking boldly about the future , and making long-term decisions that better connect Britain to the world. "Working with Germany, we're building bridges between our people and paving the way for a more sustainable, connected future." It has not been made clear where the new train service would depart from in London. Most read in News Travel Currently, This is due to St Pancras being the terminus for High Speed 1 (HS1) - the only high-speed rail line in the UK that connects to the Channel Tunnel. The Sun reviews business class travel on the Eurostar 5 Currently, Brits need to change in Brussels to get to Germany Credit: Getty Berlin is known for its vibrant culture and top class beer, which includes Prater Garten, the city's oldest beer garden having first opened in 1837. Currently, St Pancras International is the only London station that provides direct international passenger train services, including those that connect (via a change in This is because St Pancras is the final station for High Speed 1 (HS1) - the only high-speed rail line in the UK that connects to the However, Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International stations both sit on the HS1 line. In theory, both of these places could handle international services. However, the Eurostar - which is the main operator through the Channel Tunnel - has not served these stations since the Covid-19 pandemic . 5 Services to Europe run from St Pancras International in London at the moment Credit: Getty Eurostar has also announced plans to create direct trains from London to Frankfurt in Germany and Geneva in A new high-speed line known as High Speed 2 (HS2) is under construction in the UK. Whilst the line will primarily be used for travel within the UK, such as linking London to the West Midlands, there have been some discussions about a link between HS1 and HS2. If this link were to be built, it could allow for direct international services from other parts of the UK via HS2. New European rail service A NEW European train service, launching next year, will connect Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen, marking the first direct route between Prague and Copenhagen in a decade. Operated by Czech, German, and Danish rail companies, the service will primarily run twice daily. The journey from Prague to Copenhagen will take around 11hours - a duration expected to decrease with the completion of the Fehmarn Belt Undersea Tunnel. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a dining car, a children's cinema, and improved mobile signal. The ComfortJet trains will also offer space for bikes and be wheelchair accessible. This initiative is one of 10 pilot projects supported by the European Commission to enhance cross-border rail travel. The construction of HS2 is also behind schedule and the Government confirmed in June that the completion of the line would now be delayed beyond the target date of 2033. Plus, a gamechanger 5 The service could be up and running "in just a matter of years" Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The new direct train line set to connect the UK to a European city for the first time
Plus, the new European rail service launching next year linking two major cities TRACK ON The new direct train line set to connect the UK to a European city for the first time Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Government has revealed plans for a new rail link between London and a new European country. The UK and Germany have joined forces to create a direct rail route to Berlin. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 There could soon be a direct rail route between the UK and Germany Credit: Getty 5 Berlin is known for its vibrant culture and top class beer Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The new direct train would allow both Brits and Germans a flight-free way of getting to each country. For Brits, this meant they could be exploring the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie "in just a matter of years", according to Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. The secretary added: "This landmark agreement – part of a new treaty the Prime Minister will sign with Chancellor Merz today - has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying. "A new task force will bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange, building on a landmark deal we signed earlier this year to explore introducing direct services to Switzerland." The plans are also set to give the UK a big economic boost, with the creation of jobs and strengthened trade links. Alexander added: "This is central to our Plan for Change – breaking down barriers, thinking boldly about the future, and making long-term decisions that better connect Britain to the world. "Working with Germany, we're building bridges between our people and paving the way for a more sustainable, connected future." It has not been made clear where the new train service would depart from in London. Currently, St Pancras International is the only London station that provides direct international passenger trains, including ones that connect to Germany - via a change in Brussels. This is due to St Pancras being the terminus for High Speed 1 (HS1) - the only high-speed rail line in the UK that connects to the Channel Tunnel. The Sun reviews business class travel on the Eurostar 5 Currently, Brits need to change in Brussels to get to Germany Credit: Getty Berlin is known for its vibrant culture and top class beer, which includes Prater Garten, the city's oldest beer garden having first opened in 1837. Currently, St Pancras International is the only London station that provides direct international passenger train services, including those that connect (via a change in Brussels) to Germany. This is because St Pancras is the final station for High Speed 1 (HS1) - the only high-speed rail line in the UK that connects to the Channel Tunnel on the UK side. However, Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International stations both sit on the HS1 line. In theory, both of these places could handle international services. However, the Eurostar - which is the main operator through the Channel Tunnel - has not served these stations since the Covid-19 pandemic. 5 Services to Europe run from St Pancras International in London at the moment Credit: Getty Eurostar has also announced plans to create direct trains from London to Frankfurt in Germany and Geneva in Switzerland in the early 2030s - which would still likely depart from St Pancras International. A new high-speed line known as High Speed 2 (HS2) is under construction in the UK. Whilst the line will primarily be used for travel within the UK, such as linking London to the West Midlands, there have been some discussions about a link between HS1 and HS2. If this link were to be built, it could allow for direct international services from other parts of the UK via HS2. New European rail service A NEW European train service, launching next year, will connect Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen, marking the first direct route between Prague and Copenhagen in a decade. Operated by Czech, German, and Danish rail companies, the service will primarily run twice daily. The journey from Prague to Copenhagen will take around 11hours - a duration expected to decrease with the completion of the Fehmarn Belt Undersea Tunnel. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a dining car, a children's cinema, and improved mobile signal. The ComfortJet trains will also offer space for bikes and be wheelchair accessible. This initiative is one of 10 pilot projects supported by the European Commission to enhance cross-border rail travel. The construction of HS2 is also behind schedule and the Government confirmed in June that the completion of the line would now be delayed beyond the target date of 2033. Plus, a gamechanger new budget train line is to launch from London next year.
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Britain BANS ‘dangerous' porn trend to help tackle violence against women
The ban will likely be in place by the end of the year SICK FETISH Britain BANS 'dangerous' porn trend to help tackle violence against women THE Government will ban porn showing strangulation in a bid to tackle violence against women following a shocking rise in men choking their partners during sex. A review found porn has made choking into a "sexual norm", despite it being "dangerous and degrading". 2 New rules also now require porn websites to have "robust" age verification in place by July at the latest Credit: Getty Tory peer Baroness Bertin made the recommendation in a review for the Government. Advertisement She said men believe choking their partner is "safe" during sex because it isn't fatal. But there is no safe way to strangle a person. Lady Bertin also recommended that online porn which is violent, harmful and misogynistic should be banned if it is being sold in high street shops. Legal changes will be made as an amendment to the Crime and Policing bill which is going through Parliament right now. Advertisement This means the ban will likely be in place by the end of the year. The Government's Independent Porn Review reads: "Non-fatal strangulation pornography (commonly known as 'choking' in pornography) should be illegal to possess, distribute, and publish. "Non-fatal strangulation or 'choking' sex is perhaps the starkest example of where online violent pornography has changed 'offline' behaviour. Toxic influencer Andrew Tate blamed for alarming rise in young men choking partners during sex By Julia Atherley TOXIC influencer Andrew Tate and other 'masculinity influencers' are being blamed for an alarming rise in young men choking partners during sex. The trend is most common in those aged 16 to 34 — with 35 per cent of females reporting being throttled during consensual sex, a government-funded study found. Tate often promotes the idea of male dominance and sexual control online. A recent survey by the government-funded charity the Institute For Addressing Strangulation, found that strangling is most common in the 16-34 age group, with 35 per cent responding that they had been choked by a partner during consensual sex. Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) was made a specific offence in 2022, and can lead to a five year prison sentence. In the year up to 2023, around 700 offenders were sentenced for the offence. "Choking sex is now being normalised with a survey showing 38 per cent of women aged 18-39 have been choked during sex. Advertisement "So-called 'choking' content is rife on platforms that host pornography and is a very popular category of content. "The review has evidence to show the influence that media sources, including pornography, have had in establishing choking as a sexual norm. "People acting it out in their sex lives may face devastating consequences. "Evidence shows that even a small amount of pressure to the neck can harm the brain, and there is no safe way to strangle a person." It comes after abusers who strangle their partners will now face jail sentences of up to five years. Advertisement New rules also now require porn websites to have "robust" age verification in place by July at the latest. Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) was made a specific offence in 2022, and can lead to a five year prison sentence. In the year up to 2023, around 700 offenders were sentenced for the offence. Many blame "masculinity influencers" and those like Andrew Tate for the rise in choking being seen as a normal thing to do during sex. Michael Conroy, from anti-misogyny training firm Men At Work, said: 'The rise in choking comes from porn and I see Andrew Tate as part of the porn world. Advertisement "He is part of porn world. He is the idea of porn made flesh. 'There's a visual grammar of heterosexual porn, which is that you - the man - are dominant, you are the controller, you are the one who tells them what to do. "You are at the top and she is at the bottom. And then Andrew Tate says it and reinforces it. 'He is responsible for fuelling the fire of sexual violence by putting that feeling in their stomach. And he refuses to acknowledge accountability and responsibility and that is attractive.' 2 A review found that porn has made choking into a "sexual norm" despite it being "dangerous and degrading" Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major update on huge energy meter switch off affecting 314,935 as government confirms delay
We reveal how to spot if you've got one of the affected meters below ENERGY WARNING Major update on huge energy meter switch off affecting 314,935 as government confirms delay Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Government has announced a major update on a huge energy meter switch off affecting more than 300,000 customers. Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters will now be turned off in a phased approach from June 30. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 RTS meters were due to be switched off on June 30 Old-style RTS meters use longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off-peak rates and are becoming obsolete. Energy firms had previously been given a deadline of June 30 to change customers on these types of meters onto more modern ones. However, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said there will now be a "managed and more controlled start" to the phaseout. It comes after firms admitted some households on these meters would not have had them replaced in time. Energy UK, which represents energy suppliers, said 392,000 households still had the meters as of mid-April. Meanwhile, energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said yesterday the pace of RTS replacements carried out by industry had been 'too slow', leaving 314,935 RTS meters still in homes as of May 30. Regulator Ofgem has said if households are left with obsolete RTS meters and without replacement ones it could lead to a host of problems. These include: heating and hot water being left continually on or off, and electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills. Meanwhile, it could leave energy suppliers being unable to confirm households' electricity usage during peak or off-peak times. Ms Fahnbulleh said: "My department has worked to ensure industry will pursue a more controlled approach to the phaseout, beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas. How to cut energy costs and get help with FOUR key household bills "During this process, Government and Ofgem will closely monitor supplier readiness to ensure the process is smooth and vulnerable consumers are identified and protected." The Government said customers with RTS meters will be contacted by their suppliers to book appointments to replace them. In most cases, households' meters will be replaced with a smart meter, charging them peak and off-peak rates. Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: 'The RTS switch-off process was doomed to failure after it became clear that the deadline was simply unachievable. 'Ministers are right to be getting a grip on the situation and holding Ofgem and the energy industry to account. 'We now need to see a plan published that sets out how the gradual switch-off will take place, including which regions will be affected and when. 'Crucially, we also need firm and binding reassurances that no customers will be left without heating or hot water, and that no household will face higher bills as a result of the changes.' How to tell if you have an RTS meter The oldest RTS-powered meters have a switch box labelled 'Radio Teleswitch' next to the electric meter. Others may have the RTS switch box within the electric meter as a single box on the wall. One way to tell is if you get cheaper energy at different times of the day. You might be on a tariff called Economy 7, Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control. Another way to tell is if your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters, Energy UK suggests. RTS meters are also often used in areas with no gas supply, for example with high rise flats or houses in rural areas. If your home is in one of these locations then you should check your meter. If you are still unsure then contact your supplier and ask if you have RTS equipment. They should be able to tell you if you do. If you have one of these meters then you should book a smart meter installation as soon as possible. What is a smart meter? SMART meters are gas and electricity meters that can digitally send readings to your energy supplier. They show you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, so can be used to help reduce your energy bill. Unlike traditional meters, which simply register a running total of energy used, smart meters can record half-hourly price and consumption data and provide automatic meter readings to your energy supplier. Most homes have two meters, one for gas and one for electricity – both will be replaced with smart meters. You will also be offered an in-home display to show you the cost and amount of energy you are using at any given time It will update every 30 minutes for gas and in near real-time for electricity. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
