Windfall elimination tax

Energy bills could soar even higher as customers face forking out to run collapsed firm Bulb. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng admitted he did not know if the £1bn-a-year cost would fall on a buyer for the firm, the Treasury, or all customers’ bills. Raising bills to cover the costs of propping up Bulb Energy, which failed in November, would be another blow to Brits as bills hit £2,800 a year this winter. But in a glimmer of hope, Mr Kwarteng also suggested electricity bills could be cut in future, by no longer pegging them to the price of gas. He said: “It cannot be the case forever that we can link directly our electricity prices to gas prices when gas is only a portion of the electricity generating mix.” Annual electricity and gas bills are already expected to hit £2,800 a year from October as the price cap is raised. Alongside this, the £2.7bn cost of 28 suppliers collapsing will be spread across customers' bills nationwide - adding about £94 per home. A deadline … [Read more...] about Your energy bills could soar EVEN higher to cover costs of collapsed Bulb Energy

Media mogul Richard Desmond is reviving plans for a controversial £1bn housing development in London’s docklands even after the Government blocked the scheme. Accounts filed this week revealed the businessman has held early-stage discussions with lenders to bankroll the Westferry Printworks scheme on the Isle of Dogs. Mr Desmond’s holding company, Northern & Shell, said bankers had signalled their support for the project. Ministers blocked the 1,500-home development in November last year, overturning the decision of former housing secretary Robert Jenrick. Mr Jenrick’s verdict, which contradicted the advice of the planning inspector, was quashed after a High Court case filed by Tower Hamlets found “apparent bias” in favour of the businessman. The minister had exchanged text messages with Mr Desmond, a former adult magazine tycoon, shortly before the plans were approved. That approval came a day before Tower Hamlets Council brought in a new tax that would have cost the … [Read more...] about Richard Desmond revives £1bn Isle of Dogs development blocked by Government

Boris Johnson’s move to extend tariffs on imported steel by two years — a probable breach of World Trade Organisation rules — was welcomed by protectionist MPs from both sides of the political aisle. Industry also predictably lauded the decision, saying it will be protected from artificially cheap imports. Much like fishing, steel carries with it a disproportionate amount of political focus compared to its size — in 2020 the £2bn it contributed to the economy was the equivalent of just 0.1pc of total economic output and 1.2pc of manufacturing. But as the industry likes to point out: everything is made of steel. The metal goes into cars, aircraft, new buildings and the machinery that forms almost everything else. Without it, steel insiders say the logic of having a manufacturing industry in the UK would be considerably weaker — a fact that will not be lost on the Prime Minister. The move was pegged as an effort to “protect the steel sector”, Trade Secretary Anne-Marie … [Read more...] about With the Tories in turmoil, steel helps Boris Johnson show his mettle

Meghan Markle: Royals 'don't want to ruffle feathers' says Nicholl Sign up for FREE royal alerts SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info It emerged earlier this week that the findings of a Buckingham Palace investigation into bullying claims made by royal staff against Meghan will never be published. A royal insider claimed the Queen did not want the investigation made public as there has been "enough drama" surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are living in California after quitting royal duties. Related articles Royal Family LIVE: Harry and Meghan ‘damage control’ comes ‘too late’ Harry and Meghan 'raised eyebrows' with solo moment at Jubilee event The source told Vanity Fair: “It was … [Read more...] about Queen fed up with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘drama’ and wants ‘line drawn’

LAHORE:   Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Sunday criticised PTI Chairman Imran Khan regarding the Toshakhana controversy, and said that a reference has been filed in this regard and submitted to the speaker of the National Assembly. "The speaker will announce a decision within 30 days, after which the reference will be forwarded to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)," he maintained while addressing a press conference in Lahore along with  Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique. Sadiq said that the previous government had inflicted "considerable damage to the country's economy by not signing agreements to purchase oil at cheaper rates." He also said that the coalition government will  "block the way of those who want to spread chaos in the country." Sadiq further added that during Khan's tenure, the country's foreign relations were damaged because "all the countries had reservations about the then government." The minister also said that … [Read more...] about Reference against Toshakhana controversy submitted to NA speaker: Ayaz Sadiq

How many of us have tried to improve our diet only to throw in the towel just days or weeks down the line? There are so many tips out there about what foods to eat - and which to avoid - it can be mind-bogglingly difficult to find out what works the best for you. As such it can all become rather overwhelming, but thankfully help is at hand. Before putting things right with your diet, it's vital look at what's wrong with it. Here, nutrition expert Lauryn Lax at BreakingMuscle.com outlines the main reasons why your diet isn’t working - and how to fix it. Want to get the latest health news direct to your inbox? Sign up for the Mirror Health newsletter HERE A great addition to your diet - avocados are rich in potassium, fibre and vitamins B, E and C ( Image: Getty Images) You’re not eating enough fat Diets that exclude or drastically limit fat tend to replace all those missing calories with carbohydrates, which sets you up to ride the blood sugar … [Read more...] about Nutrition expert explains why your diet isn’t working from stress to not chewing