DWP State Pension Claimants Can Increase Payments by Deferring

Claimants of the UK State Pension can increase their weekly payments by deferring their pension. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) clarifies that State Pension is not automatically paid and must be claimed. Deferring for at least nine weeks can increase payments by around 5.8% per year. The pension must be claimed or deferred upon reaching the official retirement age of 66, with initial payments starting within five weeks and thereafter every four weeks.

Newcastle City Council Rules Out Coast Road Bus Lane Plan

Transport officials in Newcastle have denied plans to install a bus lane on the Coast Road. After a claim that the council aimed to introduce the lane by 2025, a spokesperson confirmed no such plans exist. Traffic modeling indicated that adding a bus lane between the Corner House junction and Sandyford Road would create congestion. Despite being listed in a broader bus service improvement plan, officials stated this specific project is not feasible.

EasyJet Explains Seat Allocation Rules

EasyJet has outlined their seat allocation rules, advising passengers to check in as early as possible to get preferred seats without extra fees. Seats can be selected for a fee during booking or before check-in. Passengers who don’t choose a seat will receive a randomly assigned one. Checking in early increases the likelihood of sitting with travel companions. Boarding passes can be downloaded or printed after check-in, which is available 30 days to 2 hours before departure.

Sicily Faces Tourist Turnaways Due to Water Shortages Amid Heatwave

Tourists in Sicily are being turned away from hotels as unprecedented temperatures over 40C have led to severe water shortages. In Agrigento, water supplies are limited to a few times a week, forcing some visitors to seek alternatives. The local government is considering using a desalination plant to address the crisis. This situation is part of a broader heatwave affecting other parts of Italy and Europe, with warnings in place forecasting temperatures exceeding 40C.

Concerns Grow Over Missing Teen Jay Slater in Tenerife

Jay Slater, a 19-year-old from Lancashire, has been missing in Tenerife for almost a week. He was last seen leaving a rave with two British men heading to a remote AirBnB. Extensive searches by authorities have yielded no results. Slater mentioned plans for a long trek back to his lodgings in his last message. His mother, Debbie Duncan, and friends suspect he may have been taken, as no sightings have been reported.

North Northumberland Election Candidates Criticize Water Companies

Election candidates in North Northumberland criticized water companies for discharging sewage while paying high dividends to shareholders. During a hustings event in Alnwick, Labour candidate David Smith called the situation a “national disgrace”. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party also voiced concerns, advocating for greater regulatory power or public ownership of utilities. Conservative incumbent Anne Marie Trevelyan defended the government’s measures, highlighting increased monitoring and investment.