INDEPENDENT NEWS LTD.

25/03/2025

DWP TO IMPLEMENT STRINGENT MEASURES TO CRACK DOWN ON BENEFIT FRAUD - 💷

Report by Duncan Williams for View News

The UK Government is preparing to roll out a major crackdown on benefit fraud, with new measures set to be introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) from 2026.

The initiative, part of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill, is aimed at reducing fraudulent claims and ensuring taxpayer money is used appropriately. The government estimates that the reforms could save up to £1.5 billion over the next five years.

Among the new measures is the Eligibility Verification Measure, which will allow banks and other financial institutions to flag potential breaches of benefit eligibility rules. This will primarily focus on identifying cases where claimants exceed financial thresholds, such as the £16,000 savings limit for Universal Credit.

However, the DWP has been clear that this does not mean it will have direct access to people’s bank accounts or visibility of how claimants spend their money.

The legislation only permits banks to share limited data, and any unauthorised sharing of information, such as transaction details, could result in penalties for the institutions involved. The government guidance states: “Any information shared through the Eligibility Verification Measure will not be shared on the presumption or suspicion that anyone is guilty of any offence.”

The crackdown also introduces harsher penalties for those found guilty of benefit fraud. Repeat offenders who fail to repay fraudulently obtained funds could face driving bans of up to two years.

The DWP will also be given new powers to recover debts from individuals who are no longer on benefits and not in PAYE employment, preventing people from avoiding repayment when they have the means to do so.

These measures are part of a broader effort to tackle fraud across the public sector and ensure that government funds are directed towards those who genuinely need support.

To ensure fairness and accountability, the DWP has confirmed that all measures will be introduced with strict safeguards.

Oversight mechanisms will be put in place, and the government has committed to a “test and learn” approach before full implementation.

A series of 11 factsheets published by the DWP outlines how these new powers will be monitored and regulated, with the government stating: “DWP and the Cabinet Office will continue to work with industry to implement the new measures, consult stakeholders on Codes of Practice and publish guidance.”

In addition to financial checks, the DWP will expand its ability to gather information from third-party organisations, including airlines, to verify whether benefit claimants are living abroad while continuing to receive payments. This is intended to clamp down on individuals who may be fraudulently claiming UK benefits while residing in another country.

The government is also strengthening its approach to organised benefit fraud by introducing new powers of entry, search and seizure to target criminal gangs. This will reduce reliance on the police in complex fraud investigations and allow the Public Sector Fraud Authority to take a more active role in tackling large-scale fraud cases.

Other measures in the Bill include stronger civil penalties for fraudsters as an alternative to criminal prosecution and improved processes for recovering public money lost through fraudulent claims.

While the reforms are designed to crack down on fraud, the DWP has reassured legitimate claimants that they will not be unfairly targeted.

The focus is on preventing incorrect payments and identifying deliberate fraud rather than penalising those who are entitled to financial support.

The government has stressed that the new powers will be used “appropriately, proportionately, and effectively”, with trained staff ensuring that investigations are carried out fairly.

With implementation set to begin in 2026, the coming months will see further discussions with stakeholders, industry experts, and regulators to finalise the details of how these measures will operate.

The government's intention is to remain committed to ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely, balancing the need for fraud prevention with the protection of those who rely on the welfare system.

24/02/2025

An opportunity to see St Paul's in a whole new light - reports Duncan Williams 🙏

With the colourful light show set to end on 28 February, there are only a few nights left to experience this spectacular fusion of art, music and architecture.

Since February 22, visitors to St Paul's Cathedral have been experiencing a unique transformation as Luminous, a spectacular light and sound installation by Luxmuralis which brings the historic building to life in vivid detail.

08/02/2025

DWP SAYS 200,000 DISABLED PEOPLE CAN WORK, BUT CHARITIES WARN OF THE RISKS - ⭕

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

The Department for Work and Pensions has claimed that 200,000 people receiving health and disability benefits are ready to work immediately if the right job or support were available.

However, charities and campaigners warn that cutting benefits could push disabled people into poverty rather than into employment.

The findings, based on a government survey released on Thursday, indicate that 32% of those claiming health and disability benefits believe they could work now or in the future. Of these, 5% - around 200,000 people - said they would be ready now if the right support were in place.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said that the figures were evidence of a broken benefits system. She said, “People claiming health and disability benefits have been classed by the system as ‘can’t work’ and shut out of jobs and have been ignored - when they’ve been crying out for support. It’s bad for people, bad for businesses, which miss out on considerable talent, and bad for the economy. For young people in particular, being out of work can have a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime."

While charities and campaigners have welcomed efforts to improve work opportunities for disabled people, they have warned that reducing benefits will not help. Scope said, “Cutting disability benefits pushes disabled people into poverty right away, and does not move them into jobs."

Reports suggest the government wants to cut at least £3bn from the benefits bill, with a disability benefits green paper due in the spring outlining plans to overhaul the system.

As part of these reforms, 424,000 fewer people are expected to be assessed as having limited capability for work by 2028/2029, contributing to the expected savings.

James Taylor, director of strategy at Scope, said, “This research shows there are many out of work who could work if given the right support. It is imperative that the government focuses its efforts on how to achieve this, instead of cutting the welfare budget.”

Evan John, policy advisor at disability charity Sense, raised concerns over another key finding from the research. He said, “The government’s own research found three-quarters of disability benefit claimants are worried about being forced into jobs which will make their conditions worse. We therefore want to see assurances from the government that disabled people will not be pressured into unsuitable work for fear of losing their benefits."

Minesh Patel, associate director of policy and influencing at mental health charity Mind, welcomed the government’s commitment to supporting people into work but emphasised that benefits must still be there for those who cannot work. He said, “We know there that are many people, including younger people, with mental health problems who would like to be able to work but don’t have the right support available. Tailored, voluntary and holistic support is most effective in supporting people with mental health problems to enter and stay in work, and this must be at the heart of any future reforms. The DWP must also make good on its commitment to work with disabled people on reshaping the health and disability system."

Sense has called for more practical support for disabled jobseekers, such as assistive technology like screen readers in every Jobcentre and better training for work coaches to understand the challenges disabled people face. Evan John said, “As the government develop the new jobs and careers service, putting accessibility at the heart of this is more important than ever."

Merry Cross, a member of Disabled People Against Cuts, said this is not just a health issue but a funding issue. She said, “And which age-group within society is most likely to have mental distress? It’s teenagers of course, the group that this and the last government most complain about for being out of work. Yet the funding and resources for mental health services have been savaged over recent years, with a report by the Children’s Commissioner in March 2024 stating that almost a quarter of a million children who had been referred for treatment in 2023 were still waiting."

The Labour government remains insistent that it wants to take a tougher stance on benefits, warning that the UK is the only G7 country where employment levels have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

( Photo: Steve PB 📷 )

03/01/2025

FLU INFECTIONS RISING AT AN ALARMING RATE ACROSS ENGLAND - 📈

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

Flu infection rates in England have surged dramatically, with the number of hospitalised patients quadrupling in the past month, NHS England has revealed. Over 5,000 people were receiving hospital treatment for flu at the end of last week, nearly 3.5 times higher than the same period in 2023.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating: “The pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.”

The surge in flu cases is exacerbating pressure on an already overstretched NHS. Last week, more than 12,200 patients were left waiting in ambulances for over an hour before they could be admitted to hospital. Dr Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “What we are seeing is ambulances are frequently stuck outside emergency departments and our emergency departments are full.”

He added: “Flu is the straw that is breaking the camel’s back because we have this chronic lack of beds within our hospitals, and we don’t use those beds properly because we haven’t reformed social care.”

Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said the service is in a position of "national vulnerability" with "intense pressures" gripping local services despite steps taken to prepare for winter challenges. Hospitals have implemented measures such as adding extra beds, reintroducing mask mandates, and restricting visitors to limit the spread of flu.

Professor Redhead also issued advice for vulnerable individuals and those with respiratory conditions, particularly with a severe cold snap expected. “With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions.”

The NHS urges everyone in at-risk groups to try to keep warm and ensure they are well-stocked with any regular medication.

25/12/2024

Denzel Washington becomes a licensed minister following baptism - reports Duncan Williams 🙏

Washington has often spoken about his Christian faith, which he credits as a guiding force throughout his life.

"It took a while, but I'm finally here," Washington said.

12/12/2024

NHS WARNS OF 'FESTIVE FLU' CRISIS AS FLU HOSPITALISATIONS JUMP 70% - 📈

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

England is grappling with a sharp rise in flu infections, with the NHS reporting a staggering 70% increase in hospital cases within a single week.

Health officials are calling on the public to act swiftly, urging vaccinations to mitigate the growing threat of what has been dubbed "festive flu".

For the week ending 8th December, an average of 1,861 patients with flu were hospitalised daily, up from 1,099 the week before and a mere 402 at this time last year. The UK Health Security Agency has identified children aged 5 to 14 as having the highest infection rates, but warns that adult cases are likely to rise as schools close and families come together for the festive season.

Adding to the pressure on healthcare services are surges in other seasonal illnesses, including norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Hospital beds occupied by patients with norovirus symptoms increased by 10% last week compared to the previous week, marking a 64% rise from last year. Meanwhile, hospitalisations of children with RSV climbed to 152 per day, a notable increase from 107 a year ago.

Though COVID hospitalisations have slightly declined, with 1,343 patients compared to 1,390 the previous week, the combined strain of these illnesses has raised concerns about a potential “quad-demic” - simultaneous peaks of flu, COVID, RSV, and norovirus.

In response to these challenges, the NHS is intensifying its vaccination campaign. Eligible groups, including the over-65s, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions, are being urged to take advantage of free flu jabs available at pharmacies.

To make vaccinations more accessible, they are also being offered in unconventional locations such as football clubs, Christmas markets, church halls and supermarkets.

Pregnant women are being encouraged to receive the RSV vaccine to protect their babies, while adults aged 75 to 79 are also eligible for this additional protection.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, Chief Medical Officer of NHS England, described the surge in flu cases as deeply concerning, emphasising the urgent need for vaccinations. He said, “The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS. With one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid ‘festive flu’.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this call, urging people to act now, saying, “Protect yourself, your family, and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it’s too late.”

The plea comes as the health service braces for an exceptionally challenging winter.

In addition to rising infection rates, November was the busiest on record for A&E departments in England, with 2.31 million attendances. However, only 57% of patients were seen within the target of four hours, down from 58.1% in October. Ambulance handover delays also increased, with patients waiting an average of 42 minutes and 59 seconds - a rise compared to the same period last year.

Vaccination remains a critical defence against what health officials fear could become a particularly difficult winter for the NHS and its patients.

( Image: Pixabay Library 📸 )

09/11/2024

CPS considers sexual offence charges against born again Christian Russell Brand - writes Duncan Williams 🙏

This development follows a significant investigation that has led several women to make allegations against Brand spanning the past two decades.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is considering bringing criminal charges against British comedian and presenter Russell Brand after the Metropolitan Police submitted a file of evidence involving multiple sexual offence allegations.

05/11/2024

ROYAL MAIL’S 2024 CHRISTMAS STAMPS CAPTURE SNOWY SPLENDOUR OF ICONIC UK CATHEDRALS - 🎁 ✝️ ❄️

Report by Duncan Williams for View From UK

This festive season, the Royal Mail has unveiled its much-anticipated 2024 Christmas stamp collection, featuring a series of evocative snowy scenes of iconic UK cathedrals. Illustrated by British artist Judy Joel, each stamp captures the beauty of these sites dusted in winter snow, evoking a sense of peace, tradition, and seasonal spirituality.

Five cathedrals across the UK are featured: Liverpool, Edinburgh, Armagh, Bangor, and Westminster. The new stamps, available as of today, offer a tour through Britain’s architectural past and its spiritual heart. Each image highlights the cathedrals' unique histories and cultural significance, giving a glimpse of both well-known and hidden details about each site.

Liverpool Cathedral is celebrated as the largest cathedral in Britain and ranks as the fifth largest in the world. This architectural giant, known for the world’s heaviest and highest ringing peal of bells, attracts countless visitors each year, not only for its grand scale but also for its imposing neo-Gothic design, which stands out dramatically against the Liverpool skyline.

Moving north to Scotland, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh appears in all its Victorian Gothic beauty. Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the cathedral’s cornerstone was laid in 1874, and its triple spires mark it as one of only three cathedrals in the UK with this unique feature, a distinction shared only with Lichfield and Truro. St Mary’s is also known for its pioneering spirit in music; it was the first UK cathedral with a daily choral service to invite girls to sing alongside boys, a progressive change made in 1978.

Across the Irish Sea, Northern Ireland’s St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh brings ancient history to this festive collection. Perched on the hill that gives the city its name, Ard Mhacha, the cathedral’s site is said to date back to 445 AD, where Saint Patrick himself founded a church. Its architecture, shaped by centuries of reconstruction and restoration, is an eclectic blend that reflects the varied epochs through which it has endured.

Wales also finds its place in this collection with Bangor Cathedral, a site steeped in Welsh history and legend. Dating back almost 1,500 years, it has withstood the turbulence of history, including episodes of destruction and reconstruction, and serves as the burial ground of notable Welsh princes. The cathedral is dedicated to its 6th-century founder, Saint Deiniol, anchoring it as a deeply significant site for the Welsh people.

Rounding off the collection is Westminster Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales. Though construction concluded in 1903, Westminster Cathedral remains unique due to its unfinished interior mosaics, which continue to be crafted and added to this day. The structure itself, with its Byzantine architecture, stands apart from the more Gothic style associated with English cathedrals, making it an architectural marvel in its own right.

This 2024 stamp series offers more than a festive touch; it presents a celebration of the UK’s Christian and architectural heritage, connecting modern observers with centuries of seasonal culture, faith, and history.

( Pictures courtesy of Royal Mail 📸 )

24/10/2024

Gustavo Gutiérrez, pioneer of liberation theology, dies at 96 - reports Duncan Williams 🙏

Over time, Gutiérrez's ideas became more accepted within the Church, culminating in a warmer reception under Pope Francis.

Gustavo Gutiérrez, the Peruvian priest and revered father of Latin American liberation theology, has died at the age of 96.

15/10/2024

Discovery of one of the world's oldest churches reveals Armenia's ancient Christian roots - reports Duncan Williams 🙏

Archaeologists have uncovered one of the world's oldest Christian churches in the ancient city of Artaxata, Armenia, offering remarkable insight into the spread of early Christianity.

08/10/2024

10TH OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS - ❤️

Report by Duncan Williams for View News

Mental Health Awareness Day, observed annually on 10th October, has become a key event in the UK, spotlighting the importance of mental health and encouraging open conversations to challenge prejudice.

Since its introduction by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, this day has evolved into a significant focal point for public health campaigns, with organisations such as Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and the Mental Health Foundation leading the charge. Each year, a new theme addresses current mental health concerns, ensuring the campaign remains relevant.

One central message of Mental Health Awareness Day is that mental health issues can affect anyone - men, women, and young people of all ages. In the UK, one in four people will experience a mental health problem during their lifetime. However, recognising these issues - whether in ourselves or others - can be difficult due to lingering misconceptions, which may cause many to suffer in silence.

Spotting early signs of mental health problems is vital for timely support. Emotional indicators might include persistent sadness, irritability, or hopelessness, while physical symptoms may involve changes in sleep, appetite, or unexplained pain. Social withdrawal or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed are also common. In severe cases, risky behaviours like substance abuse, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts may emerge.

For those experiencing these symptoms, reaching out for help is crucial. This often starts with a visit to a GP, who can guide individuals toward counselling or other mental health services. For family and friends concerned about someone, simply offering a non-judgemental listening ear can be a powerful first step. Reassuring someone that they are not alone can make a significant difference.

Encouraging professional help when needed is essential. Many people feel unsure about accessing mental health services, so helping them navigate the system or offering to accompany them to an appointment can be beneficial. Providing practical support, such as assisting with daily tasks, can also ease the burden for someone feeling overwhelmed.

While awareness of mental health has improved, the pressures of modern life contribute to rising levels of mental health issues. The fast-paced nature of work, constant digital connectivity, and the pressures of social comparison - often amplified by social media - can weigh heavily on well-being. Financial stress, job insecurity, and the rising cost of living further compound these issues, especially for younger generations.

Although mental health problems have always existed, there is now a greater willingness to seek help and discuss these issues. This shift is partly due to reduced stigma and the growing number of people openly sharing their experiences.

Despite this progress, mental health services in the UK remain under strain, making access to treatment in some regions challenging. While the conversation around mental health has improved, much more needs to be done to ensure timely and adequate support.

Mental Health Awareness Day plays a critical role in fostering the ongoing cultural shift needed to ensure that mental well-being receives the same attention and care as physical health.

28/09/2024

HOW TO CLAIM FREE GREGGS, COSTA, STARBUCKS, OR CAFFE NERO COFFEE - ☕ 🤎

Report by Kelly Leonard for News Advertiser newspapers

Who doesn’t love a free coffee or a snack? Well, on 1st October, you can enjoy a complimentary drink from Costa, Starbucks, Greggs, or Caffe Nero, thanks to a special giveaway from www.VoucherCodes.co.uk.

The offer is being launched to celebrate International Coffee Day, and 600 lucky people across the UK will have the chance to claim a £4 voucher to use at one of these popular chains.

Here’s how you can get your hands on it...

The process for claiming your free coffee is simple. First, you need to sign up for an account on the VoucherCodes website, or if you already have an account, just sign in. On the day of the offer, which is next Tuesday, head to the VoucherCodes site at 10.00am and look for the giveaway banner.

Once the promotion goes live, you’ll be able to claim a voucher worth £4 that you can spend on any drink or snack at Costa, Starbucks, Greggs, or Caffe Nero.

There’s a catch, of course... This is a first-come, first-served offer, so you’ll need to act fast. Only 600 vouchers will be available, and once they’re claimed, that’s it.

To give yourself the best chance, make sure you’re logged into your VoucherCodes account before 10.00am, and keep a close eye on the site so you can click as soon as the banner appears.

Once claimed, the voucher can be used immediately, or you can save it for up to six months.

International Coffee Day is the perfect time to enjoy this offer, with the voucher covering any of the delicious drinks or snacks at these top chains.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cappuccino from Costa, a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, a croissant from Greggs, or a rich espresso from Caffe Nero, the voucher gives you the flexibility to pick your favourite treat. The £4 credit goes a long way at Greggs, where you could easily grab a coffee and a snack.

If you’re keen to make the most of this and future offers, it’s worth considering becoming a VIP member on VoucherCodes. It’s free to join, and it gives you access to exclusive discounts and rewards throughout the year, increasing your chances of snapping up more deals like this one.