Energy bills to soar by 16% in January – what it means for your money

The typical household bill is set to jump by £276 in January, according to an industry forecaster, with others warning of a “second energy crisis” on the horizon.

Second price rise predicted in the New Year

Bills are set to go up tomorrow by 4 per cent in line with the energy regulator Ofgem’s price cap increase. Energy consultancy firm, Cornwall Insights, has warned the next price cap increase in January could be even more, bringing a typical annual bill to £1,999.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the this morning that rising energy costs were “very difficult indeed”, and the Government would be looking at “any measure that can give people breathing space”.

This came as the CEO of energy supplier EDF, Simone Rossi, warned the UK is “walking into a second energy crisis”.

Bleak winter ahead

“I’m doing what I can, removing say VAT off bills. But it is very difficult indeed, and it’s why the Middle East situation needs to command a lot of our attention.”

Andy Burnham

Watch more from The i Paper

Why Israel has banned Greens leader Polanski

Israel’s foreign ministry has banned Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering the country after a motion on the definition of Zionism was adopted by the Greens at the party’s conference over the weekend.

The motion defines Zionism as supporting “an ethnonationalist Jewish state”.

A democratic Palestine

It also backs a “single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine”.

It has divided senior party figures, with deputy leader Rachel Millward calling the wording “problematic”.

Zionism motion is a ‘stain’ on UK history, says Israel

Polanski did not take part in the vote at the Greens’ annual conference in Brighton on Sunday, but members endorsed the policy motion by 1,022 votes to 813.

Israel’s foreign ministry described the motion as a “clear antisemitic text” and “a stain on the history of the United Kingdom”.

Asked about the motion on Friday, Polanski told the BBC: “If your Zionism is the displacement of the Palestinian people then that is clearly racist, and I say that as a Jewish leader of a British political party.”

Polanski did not vote in the debate as he left the Greens’ conference early to campaign for a seat in this week’s Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

However, the Green Party leader called for some amendments to the motion.

Amendments rejected

• Polanski said he wanted to see reference to a single Palestinian state changed, arguing that the UK should not be “deciding what the future settlement looks like”.
• He also wanted an amendment to specify that it should not be used to discipline Jewish members attending synagogues that consider themselves Zionist.
• However, both amendments were rejected by Green members.

Jewish groups speak out

Zionism is anti-racism, creating a refuge for Jews in their ancient homeland after millennia of persecution outside it. Branding most British Jews and Jewish institutions ‘racist’ stokes anti-Jewish hatred.

Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council

Watch more from The i Paper

What we know about US bombers withdrawal from RAF Fairford

The United States has withdrawn all of its
B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers from RAF Fairford.

It comes after British authorities arrested five men on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism near the base, and a sixth man on suspicion of plotting a terror attack, with all of the suspects later released on bail.

Warplanes sent back to US

According to  and , the warplanes were removed due to a new potential threat against the airbase in Gloucestershire.

At least three of the bombers had returned to the US, landing in South Dakota, by Sunday, the reported.

New Fairford threats?

One US official, speaking anonymously to the , said the new threats were part of the same warnings from three weeks ago, but that more specific details had emerged in the past 24 hours.

The report claimed some planes left so urgently that refuelling aircraft were still being arranged to support the journeys. The UK Ministry of Defence has not commented.

PM: Iran may be responsible

• It follows the five arrests just over a week ago, after three suspicious vans were spotted near the base.
• Andy Burnham has said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a part in that incident.

Senior Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP)
co-ordinator Vicki Evans said a “hugely complex” investigation into the suspected terror plot was under way.

• On Saturday, CTP said a sixth man arrested in connection with events at RAF Fairford had been released on bail.
• The 25-year-old, a dual UK-Iranian national, was held on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
• Five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism and then bailed.

Speculation over new strikes

The departure of the bombers has renewed speculation the US could begin fresh strikes on Iran after next month’s midterm elections. US forces have used Fairford as a base for Middle East operations and had been granted permission to launch “defensive” strikes on Iran from there. But Fairford-based bombers would have been unable to take part in new, aggressive measures.

Pentagon statement

We can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF  have redeployed to their home stations in the United States. The airmen that operate America’s bomber force… remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime.

A Pentagon official

What to remember when asking AI about your pension savings

While AI can be a “great tool” for research, pension savers have been warned they could lose money if they rely on chatbots to answer financial questions.

Here’s what you should remember when asking AI about your nest egg…

UK-based online provider PensionBee has warned that an AI bot’s answers to common questions about retirement savings could leave out crucial details.

It found issues around questions about significant life events, and those enquiries where the user’s location was unclear.

AI also might not recognise that the person asking the question may be in vulnerable circumstances, PensionBee said.

An answer can contain correct information and still leave you with the wrong impression because something important is missing. This is one of the biggest risks with using AI for financial questions. Consumers need to look beyond whether an answer sounds right and check whether it gives them the full picture before acting.

Becky O’Connor, head of  at PensionBee

Free AI advice may be wrong

Someone in a genuinely difficult financial situation may turn to an AI chatbot because they don’t want or can’t afford to pay for advice, says Becky O’Connor

She added that free AI advice was “exactly when recognising the wider circumstances matters most”, and people should understand a clear, confident answer from a chatbot might still be incomplete or wrong.

If you want AI advice:

• That includes age, pension type, and whether you are going through a major life event.
• Do not share personal details, such as passwords and account numbers, with AI.
• Ask neutral questions and verify sources and information before acting.

How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps

The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel less stressed.

NHS GP dR RADHA

Research has shown that feeling or expressing thanks can actually alter our brain.

• The balance of neurotransmitters change; more serotonin and dopamine (feel good chemicals) are produced.
• This can be long lasting if we make gratitude a regular habit.
• We also get a decrease in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels which helps lower anxiety.
• Being grateful can strengthen the nerve pathways which triggers positive emotion.

Change your words

Instead of seeing something as a problem, try to see the opportunities within it. 

Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.

Express it

This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.

Notice more

Throughout your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?

The basics

By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy so that we can enjoy them.

Gratitude can lead to feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality. 

• Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don’t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it.
• Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day.
• Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day.

Sales of battery
electric vehicles hit a record high last year.

Starts at £22,995 for the smaller battery

Available with either a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.

The interior has been lavished with a level of detail that’s typically reserved for more expensive cars. 

A champion of EV efficiency

It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.

It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger.

Priced from £37,400

It’s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.

The £89,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche’s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.

The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.

With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering £76,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.

It’s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion. 

All of its gadgetry can’t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the ride is fussy at slower speeds and it’s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.

• While good value (prices start at £17,935) for the 200-mile max range, there are more interesting options from Hyundai, Citroen and Renault for similar money.
  

• It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps. 
• There’s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash.
• Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds. 

Victorinox paring knife

It’s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.

ProCook cast iron pan

For unbeatable searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice. 

Tesco chopping board

Priced at just £22, I’ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.

Pyrex jug

It is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won’t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.

Salter scales

“I’ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I’m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.”

Microplane grater

It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike copycats simply can’t match. 

Braun hand-held blender

It’s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce. 

Bodum cafetiere

As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there’s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.

Oxo peeler

What truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.

Falcon pie dish

Made by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe. 

The golden rules for a happy, secure relationship

Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, author of bestselling book , explains why we behave the way we do in love.

Start with your own behaviours

The foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable. All of these qualities can be enacted in small gestures every day.

Express your needs

People need consistency and connection to feel safe. This is not, ‘You hurt my feelings by never replying to me’, it’s more ‘this is the kind of contact that helps me feel secure’.

The appendix ‘inflammation’ rule

If a relationship repeatedly inflames your nervous system, you need to disengage and deprioritise it.

Lean on community

You don’t need hundreds of friends. You need people and places that regularly remind you that you belong. 

Stop blaming childhood

Humans are much more complicated than: ‘this happened to you, therefore you are doomed to be anxious’.

Reach for a
secure script

When something unsettles you in a relationship, your first reaction is not always the most accurate one. 

If you’re anxious, your brain may jump very quickly to: ‘this is the beginning of the end’. If you’re avoidant, your brain may say: ‘this person wants too much from me, I need to get away’. So one very practical thing you can always do is pause and ask: ‘What would a secure person do here?’

Loneliness elsewhere

When people talk about loneliness, they often assume it means you don’t have enough people in your life. But you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if those relationships leave you feeling excluded, ignored or disconnected.

• Build a community that works for your temperament and gives you regular, reliable moments of connection.
• You can still be kind to people while not treating them as someone who belongs in your inner circle. 
• Explain what you need. Sometimes people simply don’t realise how you are experiencing them.
• Check in with people: does this person actually feel that I’m reliable? Do they experience me as predictable? That’s the only way that you can start to become more secure.