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Am I eligible for a free BBC TV Licence? How to apply UK News

The household payment, which funds much of the corporation’s operations, had been frozen at £159 and was set to rise in line with inflation next year.

Though the expected 9% increase – which would have meant an increase of around £15 from April 2024 – has been reduced, the Government said.

However, you may not need to purchase a TV Licence. This is everything you need to know.

When do I need a TV Licence?

You do not need a TV Licence to watch:

  • streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus
  • on-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video
  • videos on websites like YouTube
  • videos or DVDs

You do need a TV Licence if you:

  • watch or record live TV on any channel or service
  • use BBC iPlayer

Am I eligible for a free TV Licence?

For those of us aged 75 or over who are in receipt of Pension Credit, the TV Licence can be obtained for free rather than costing £159.

Guidance from TV Licensing says: “Free TV Licences are only available if you’re 75 or over and you, or your partner living at the same address, are receiving Pension Credit.

“If you think you’re eligible for a free licence but can’t apply online, please call 0300 790 6117* and speak to one of our advisors to request an application form (our lines are open between 8.30am and 6.30pm, from Monday to Friday).

Times Series:

“Once we’ve received your application it may take a few weeks to process. If there are any problems we’ll write to let you know. We may also call you if you have given us your phone number.

“There are separate arrangements in place for over 75s on the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey.”

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-08 11:16:53

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Elizabeth Line delays after line fall causes power failure UK News

London Fire Brigade (LFB) helped take passengers to safety following incidents at three stations last night, with rail services still affected today (December 8).

Transport for London says there is currently no service between Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 and Heathrow Terminal 5 and severe delays between Abbey Wood and Reading and Heathrow Terminals 4 while Network Rail fix damaged overhead power cables at Paddington.

Tickets are being accepted on London Underground, London Buses, local buses, Thameslink, South Eastern Railway, DLR, South Western Railways and Chiltern Railways.

There are minor delays on the rest of the line.

Firefighters assisted partners at Ladbroke Grove Underground Station after an overheard line fell.

LFB said around 1,000 passengers on a nine-carriage train were returned to Paddington Station after the track was confirmed to be clear. The brigade was called at 7.29pm and the incident was over for firefighters at 10.36pm.

At Hanwell Railway Station, three fire engines and around 15 firefighters helped evacuate one passenger train carrying 165 passengers and another carrying 250 passengers. There were no reports of any injuries.

The brigade was called at 8.02pm and the incident was over for firefighters at 10.47pm.

At Acklam Road in Notting Hill, two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from North Kensington and Paddington Fire Stations helped make the scene safe after around 1,000 passengers on a nine-carriage train were evacuated from the tracks to safety.

There were no reports of any injuries. The brigade was called at 9.17pm and the incident was over for firefighters at 10.11pm.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-08 13:15:06

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Knit-and-natter at Elizabeth Lodge Enfield care home UK News

Elizabeth Lodge Care Home wants older people to meet its residents for ‘knit and natter’ Friday afternoon sessions from December 8, from 2.30pm.

They can chat with residents and staff about their memories while they knit a Christmas-themed jumper.

“We’re opening our doors because December can be a difficult month for many people,” Elizabeth Lodge manager Michelle Sampang said. “This is a chance to bring them together to get into the Christmas spirit and make new friends.”

The home in Pennington Drive has joined a ‘Care to Share’ programme for the festive season, among 100 Care UK homes taking part up and down the country, which also includes Christmas carols and watching a Christmas movie with mince pies.

Anyone interested can call Jaime Stubberfield on 0333-4343 024, or email Jamie.Stubberfield@careuk.com

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-07 14:00:00

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London Paddington: Disruption to Elizabeth line and Heathrow UK News

It comes as damage to overhead electric cables has seen trains running to and from the station be cancelled or delayed by up to 80 minutes, says to National Rail.

The damages have also seen disruption on the Elizabeth line, seeing services to stations between Paddington and Heathrow and Reading cancelled, according to Sky News. 

Talking to Sky News, one passenger hoping to get a train from Paddington said: “I’ve been sat for an hour outside Paddington and [it was] just announced another train has crashed into a power line

“There’ll be thousands of people heading for Heathrow missing flights.”

One commuter shared a picture of themselves on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: “1hr 50 mins later and we are still stuck on an Elizabeth Line outside Paddington. Waiting to be rescued!”

Another said: “Been stuck on the Elizabeth line for over 1.5 hours between Paddington and Acton main line. The carriages have now lost power, and it seems we may be walking home…”

There have been “no announcements”, according to one traveller, “Welcome to the Elizabeth Line. Departed Paddington 1837. Stuck on the line just outside since. Power off so no light, no heat, no announcements. People opening the doors onto the line. @TfL”.

Just 20 minutes ago one rail user said: “Been stuck on the Elizabeth line for two hours outside of Paddington. No updates. People are cold and tired. Why haven’t we been let off the train yet? @TfL”.

On the TfL website, they advised: “No service between Abbey Wood and Reading / Heathrow Airport due to damage to overhead wires. GOOD SERVICE operating between Shenfield and Stratford.

“There will be no train service between Stratford and Whitechapel with trains running directly from Stratford to Liverpool Street (high level).

“Tickets will be accepted on London Underground, London Buses, local buses, Thameslink, South Eastern Railway, DLR, South Western Railways and Chiltern Railways by any reasonable route.”

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-07 21:07:16

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BBC TV licence will be increased to £169.50 a year UK News

It comes after the household payment, which funds much of the corporation’s operations, had been frozen at £159 and was set to rise in line with inflation next year.

However, the government has said the expected 9% increase, which would have meant an increase of around £15 from April 2024 has been reduced.

Speaking in the Commons on Thursday (December 7), Frazer told MPs the increase will instead be based on September’s consumer prices index (CPI) rate of inflation which was 6.7%.

This will mean an increase of £10.50 to £169.50 per year.

Why is the BBC TV licence being increased next year?

Frazier explained: “Under the terms of the settlement, the licence fee must now increase annually in line with CPI (consumer prices index rate of inflation), with the first increase due in April 2024.

“The Government is committed to supporting families as much as possible during these difficult times.

“We recognise bill rises are never welcome and family budgets remain under pressure.

“Today I am announcing that we will use the annual rate of CPI in September to calculate the increase of the BBC licence fee in April 2024.”


TV Licence explained


She stressed that the licence fee rise was being “kept as low as possible”.

Frazer added: “In April the licence fee will rise by 6.7% to £169.50 annually.

“This will minimise the rise for households, keeping it to £10.50 over the year, or 88p a month, rather than the rise of £14.50 which would have happened under the previous CPI measure.”

The news comes after the veteran TV executive Dr Samir Shah was named on Wednesday (December 6) as the Government’s preferred candidate to become BBC chairman.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-07 12:47:33

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Barnet electric car street chargepoint scheme objections UK News

Objections have been made by Barnet’s Federation of Residents’ Associations, which wants a pause in plans to install 120 street charging points incorporating advertising screens.

The protesters have sent messages to all councillors this week saying the scheme has had “minimal public consultation and little democratic accountability”.

They claim a £2.1 million public grant for the scheme has been allocated “with a complete lack” of transparency.

“Each chargepoint advertising screen uses as much electricity as four homes,” the Finchley Society’s Michael Levitsky said. “This goes against the council policy on climate change.”

Erecting many points would violate council policies to protect street character and amenity, protesters argue, asking why 18 applications have all been approved by planners.

The charge points are part of a deal by the council with the Australian Jolt network.

But the chargers have two large digital advertising screens which objectors say would mean doubling the digital street advertising, with many high streets “already saturated with bright and garish images that few want to see”.  

The first has been installed in North Finchley High Road outside Creams restaurant.

But objectors claim it “breached planning conditions”, saying the concrete pedestal and trailing cable are “trip-hazards for those with limited mobility”.

Mr Levitsky, who is co-ordinating the objections across Barnet, insists: “No more should be installed before the scheme has been properly approved by councillors after public consultation. Barnet is being used as a guinea-pig to put thousands of unsightly chargepoints all over the country — a gimmick meant to distract from the impact they will have on our streets.”  

The groups objecting include the Finchley Society, Barnet Society and residents associations in High Barnet, East Barnet, Friern Barnet, Whetstone and Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, cabinet member for environment & climate change, said: “We are committed to making Barnet a net zero borough by 2042, as well as ensuring the air we breathe is clean. Joining the state-of-the-art and first-of-its-kind JOLT EV charging network is part of our approach to enabling greener and cleaner transport.

“Our pioneering scheme allows residents to charge their vehicles, for free, for 15 minutes, gaining 7kW of energy that will allow them to drive up to 30 miles.

“The charging points already in place were being used by residents soon after their installation, and the feedback we have had so far has been very positive. JOLT EV charge points work well in town centres because of the charging speeds they offer and the ability to keep charging rates competitive by using income generated from the advertising. We are also able to use some of the advertising time to support local businesses, which helps boost our local economy.

“Achieving our net zero aims requires us to look for new answers to old problems. As such, we will continue to work with our communities and partners to find the right solutions to get us there.”

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-06 15:56:15

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Sir David Jason to return to Only Fools and Horses UK News

The show will be back for Christmas as fans will be able to see the Trotter family back in action in Peckham. 

The special will see a documentary BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses as Sir David returns alongside fellow beloved co-stars and contributors. 

The documentary will air on Channel 5 as the 83-year-old veteran actor will discuss the award-winning show and reveal secrets from Only Fools and Horses.

Sir David Jason to return to Only Fools and Horses

Sir David is set to be joined alongside his on-screen wife Tessa Peake-Jones, played by Raquel Trotter, according to the Sun. 

Times Series: Only Fools and Horses star will be back on screens this Christmas. Only Fools and Horses star will be back on screens this Christmas. (Image: (UKTV/BBC/PA)

Plus, celebrity fans will also appear will the likes of Strictly star and Channel 4 news reader Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis.

Only Fools and Horses last aired on UK screens back in 2003 for a special Christmas episode. 

The beloved sitcom had 18 festive specials throughout its time when it first began in 1981. 

Sir David played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter and since leaving the show behind, regularly attends Only Fools and Horses fan conventions as it remains one of the most popular British sitcoms of all time. 

“I would love to revisit him”

The Channel 5 documentary will see Sir David return to TV for the first time since his hip replacement, according to a source from the Sun: “Producers were delighted when David was passed fit to appear following his surgery, so the special will be cushty for fans.”

Sir David previously discussed his role on Only Fools and Horses, sharing to the Sun: “I’ve always loved Del Boy, who is such a wonderful loser.

“I would love to revisit him, I need someone to write me a script.

“As a show, it’s very important we don’t forget about it, it has a huge following, it fills in that need for an awful lot of people.”

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-06 21:23:30

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Concrete fall in Muswell Hill Broadway sparks safety warning UK News

Firefighters cordoned off part of Muswell Hill Broadway on Sunday (December 3) after concrete fell from a building at around 4.15pm.

Crews found small pieces of concrete had fallen from the top floor of a four-storey building above Beam café.

A staff member at the family-run coffee shop said they called London Fire Brigade after being alerted by a customer about falling masonry.

They said: “A customer told me he saw a little piece of concrete falling from the building upstairs. I called the fire brigade straight away and made sure nothing would happen to people passing by or to our customers.”

Both the cafe worker and Muswell Hill Residents Association said falls often happen due to changes in the weather.

“When it rains it happens. It’s a question of maintaining it,” they said.

The residents association posted a video on social media site Instagram showing firefighters on a hydraulic platform knocking away pieces of decorative masonry.

“No one was hurt but it’s only a matter of time as this is an ongoing problem every year when the weather changes,” they said.

A fire brigade spokesperson said the incident was over for firefighters by 6.40pm and the issue left in the care of the local authority. 

A Haringey Council spokesperson said: “We have previously written to owners and leaseholders of this type of building to remind them of their legal duty to keep properties safe. 

“We urge them to have regular inspections to check for loose stonework or defects.  They should contact their insurers and get a qualified person to check the condition of the building. 

“If residents spot loose stonework please report it to the council and it will be investigated.” 

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-06 12:30:40

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Starbucks offers NHS workers free coffee as Christmas thanks UK News

For the first time, select hospitals without a nearby Starbucks shop will also receive deliveries of coffee from the brand with drinks like the Frappuccino Mocha Flavoured Chilled Coffee being sent.

NHS staff at hospitals with brand locations participating in the We Proudly Serve Starbucks scheme will also receive free Caramel Waffles to go along with their beverage.

Speaking of the new reward for NHS workers, Alex Rayner, General Manager at Starbucks UK, said: “We want to thank NHS staff across the UK for all the work they do and as a token of our appreciation, we are bringing back the free Tall beverage on 6 December for the fourth year running.

“Coffee brings people together and we hope that NHS staff can take a moment today to share the festive joy and raise a coffee to one another to celebrate. 

Times Series: NHS staff will be eligible for free Starbucks coffee in-store.NHS staff will be eligible for free Starbucks coffee in-store. (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

“We know how much NHS staff have enjoyed taking part in this special day and it’s something we look forward to year after year, so we are thrilled to see our partnership with NHS Charities Together flourish and our offer extend to more NHS workers than ever before.

“We look forward to building on this success so we can continue to give back to the communities we serve.” 

Louise McCathie, Director of Fundraising at NHS Charities Together, said: “We deeply appreciate our partnership with Starbucks and are proud to see its ongoing work and support for NHS Charities Together. 

“This day is an opportunity to show how much NHS staff and their work are appreciated and valued across the UK.

“Winter is always a challenging time for the NHS so we hope this will encourage them to pause and take a moment to enjoy this festive period.” 

Times Series: The free Starbucks coffee will be offered to NHS staff on December 6.The free Starbucks coffee will be offered to NHS staff on December 6. (Image: Starbucks)

How can NHS workers get free coffee from Starbucks?

To get free coffee, staff will need to show their NHS work card before having their order made on Wednesday, December 6.

NHS workers at 19 select hospitals in remote locations across the UK are also eligible for donated deliveries of the Frappuccino Mocha Flavoured Chilled Coffee and Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte Premium Instant Coffees.

Find out more on the Starbucks website.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-05 15:50:34

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Hornsey Round Table Santa sleigh route and times for 2023 UK News

Father Christmas’ sleigh will be making the rounds through the streets of Muswell Hill, Crouch End and Hornsey this year as part of the annual tradition from the Hornsey Round Table.

To kick start the festive season, Santa will make an early appearance this week, giving people the chance to wave, cheer and pass on their letters and lists.

Hornsey Round Table was formed over 80 years ago as part of an initiative to give back to the community.

The group says that it hopes to support “as many families in need this Christmas as possible”.

Times Series: The Santa sleigh run in a previous yearThe Santa sleigh run in a previous year (Image: Femi Otitoju)

At first the sleigh will go down a Harringay Ladder & West Green route this Sunday (December 10) between 4pm and 7pm.

This route includes roads near Harringay station, Duckett’s Green and Seven Sisters.

Times Series: The route on December 10The route on December 10 (Image: Handout)

Next Tuesday (December 12), the route will follow roads in Hornsey between 6pm and 8pm, starting from Priory Road and ending at Etheldene Avenue.

Times Series: The route on December 12The route on December 12 (Image: Handout)

Then on December 17, the Christmas celebration will continue as Santa will go around Crouch End between 4pm and 7pm starting from Cecile Park and ending near Hornsey Town Hall Arts Centre.

Times Series: The route on December 17The route on December 17 (Image: Handout)

Muswell Hill will then get a visit on December 18 between 6pm and 8pm, starting from The Avenue and ending at Fortis Green Road.

Times Series: The route on December 18The route on December 18 (Image: Handout)

Hornsey Round Table said: “This year we will be taking collections on our sleigh night either via this page or in the form of cash donations.

“We’d still love to raise some money this Christmas and our two beneficiaries from the donations we receive will be the Hornsey Foodbank & Tottenham Foodbank.”

Tracking links to see where the sleigh is at will be shared on Facebook and Instagram on the night of each visit.

Anyone wishing to donate should visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hornsey-roundtable-2023

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-05 16:03:43