New State Pension rates from April could see nearly one million older people paying tax in retirement

Newly updated figures show that during the ongoing cost of living crisis, people in the UK claiming their State Pension entitlement only just break even despite a record-breaking increase to weekly payment rates in April. The research, conducted by pension advisors Almond Financial, looked at the State Pension in comparison to the average cost of living in the UK.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest that around one million adults in England are living with type 2 diabetes without knowing it.

A new online petition is urging the UK Government to “commit to not increasing the State Pension age above 68” following the publication of new research by the International Longevity Centre, which suggested that the State Pension age will need to rise to 71 by 2050 to keep up with projected longer life expectancy.

MAFS UK star Luke Worley has gone public with a new romance following his split from co-star Jay Howard.Taking to Instagram, the 31-year-old shared two loved-up snaps as he enjoyed a date night in the pub with his new beau, who he tagged as Hannah Lynch. He captioned the post: "My rocket," alongside a rocket and a smiling face with hearts emoji. His followers were quick to comment on his new relationship, with one writing: "You look really well! Happiness obviously shines on you!" Someone else said: "You’re glowing! Lovely to see you happy," while a third added: "Happy for you mate." Luke's MAFS co-star JJ Slater, who is rumoured to be dating Katie Price, commented: "My f***ing brother," to which Luke cheekily replied: "Double date?" MAFS star Thomas Kriaras also commented with a string of fire emojis.

The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics show that in 2021, 3.3 million people aged 65 years and over were living alone in England and Wales, with around 337,000 single pensioner households recorded in Scotland. Navigating the ongoing cost of living crisis can be challenging for any household, but for older people on their own it’s essential that they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures indicate that fraud and error in the benefit system is falling after the UK Government restated its determination to drive levels down further and protect taxpayers’ money. The latest national statistics show that in the 2022/23 financial year, fraud and error rates fell to 3.6 per cent (£8.3 billion) from 4.0 per cent (£8.7 billion).

Millions of older people in receipt of the New or Basic State Pension are set for a significant boost this year after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed that payments will rise by 8.5 per cent from April 8, 2024. This means that someone on the full New State Pension will see payments go up from £203.85 per week to £221.20 and as payments are typically made every four weeks, this amounts to £884.80 each pay period.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responded to an online petition calling for the UK Government not to use new proposed powers to access bank accounts of people receiving State Pension payments. More than 12,600 people have signed the petition, however, the DWP’s written response clarifies the new measures and the types of State Pension bank accounts that may flag up for review due to potential fraud or error.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that around 700,000 people on Tax Credits and no other qualifying benefit have started to receive the final cost of living payment of £299. Payments will be made automatically on weekdays between February 16 and 22, 2024.

Full House, the beloved ’90s sitcom, has left a mark on popular culture that ensures we’re still talking about it all the way into 2024.

New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that by the end of August 2023, there were more than 1.5 million older people receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance, including over 136,200 living in Scotland. The payment is worth either £68.10 or £101.75 each week and is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses.

Taylor Swift is part of a covert operation for the Pentagon.The figures come following a poll that was carried out across the US between February 8 and February 12. Speaking with over 900 US citizens, the results show that nearly one in five believe that the pop star is secretly working with the government.The speculation about Swift’s involvement with the US government came into prominence last month, when Fox News broadcast a segment claiming that the singer was part of a covert operation with the Pentagon, and secretly working as a “psyop”.In the conspiracy theory, shared on Jesse Watters Primetime, the anchor questioned if viewers had “ever wondered why or how she blew up like this?” Before adding: “Well around four years ago, the Pentagon’s psychological operations unit floated turning Taylor Swift into an asset during a NATO meeting.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that the State Pension currently provides regular financial support for nearly 12.7 million older people across Great Britain, including over one million retirees living in Scotland. This payment is administered by the UK Government and is available for those who have reached the eligible retirement age - currently 66 for both men and women - who have accrued at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance Contributions.

The government has been warned by The Society of Radiographers that the NHS could face longer waiting lists and more staff leaving if it doesn't commit to fully-funded pay awards. They said there have been 15 years of underfunding and that the service is currently 'at breaking point'.

Elizabeth Olsen and Charles Melton are teaming up for a new movie!

Meghan Markle has announced a brand new podcast months after the Duchess of Sussex's last one was unfortunately cancelled by Spotify. The 42 year old royal has signed a new deal with Lemonada Media, and shared that she's "proud" to announce the new project. "I’m proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting," the royal shared.

Prince Harry raced back to the UK for a whistle-stop trip after the news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was made public last Monday night.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging low-income pensioner households to check their eligibility for Pension Credit as successful claims made before March 5, 2024 will receive a backdated £299 cost of living payment. Pension Credit is a retrospective benefit that can be backdated by up to three months, which would take any new claims made between now and March 5 to within the qualifying period of November 13 - December 12, 2023.

Millions of older people on the State Pension will see payments rise by 8.5 per cent in April while those on benefits can expect an uplift of 6.7 per cent. However, many people may not be aware that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will implement the annual uprating on two separate dates.

Jennifer Lopez is seemingly hinting at her retirement from music.