The Department of Work and Pensions has confirmed that the cost-of-living payments, a lifeline for low-income households, are not going to be extended to 2025. That scheme, between 2022 and 2024, has now been completed.

Scheme Background

Cost of living payments were introduced in 2022 to relieve the rising costs as inflation rose. The eligible households were to get up to pounds 900 per year, with the last payment of pounds 299 due in February 2024.

Why Payments Stopped

The DWP provides better economic conditions, such as declining inflation, as a result of stopping payments as of April 29, 2025, GOV. The UK update said that no future payments would be made, with greater emphasis being placed on long-term welfare reforms.

Who was Qualified?

The former payments included those receiving benefits tested on means such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Income Support. Eligibility required that a person had to have received these benefits during specific qualification periods, which were typically one month prior to the payments.

Consequences of Decision

Millions are hit by the cessation of payments, especially low-income families and pensioners. The critics state that the costs of living remain high despite reduced inflation levels, which leaves the vulnerable groups without the desperately needed funds.

Other Types of Support Measures

Since April 2025, the deductions to Universal Credit are set to be limited to 15 percent of the standard allowance, which is lower than 25 percent previously, and the claimants will be allowed to retain an income. It is also planned to introduce a one-time increase in the week of 7 pounds in the year 2026.

Pensioners are Suffering

The pensioners, particularly those on Pension Credit, encounter difficulties in the absence of payments. Advocacy organizations caution that energy and food price increases might leave more pensioners destitute unless a special effort is made.

Security Universal Credit Uprating

Universal credit was increased in April 2025 according to the inflation rate of September 2024, which was 1.7 per cent. Although this increases payments, critics indicate that it is not enough to cover the loss of cost-of-living support.

Reaction of the Public and Politics

The move has not been without controversy, and charities have responded to the decision, asking people to give once again. MPs in the Labour Party are under pressure to deal with issues leveled against them by the voters, particularly in constituencies where it has a deep reliance on benefits.

Payment History

Between 2022 and 2024, the payment ranged from £ 150 to £ 650, and it is automatically transferred to bank accounts that qualify. They were shown as the DWP COL National Insurance number of the claimant.

Appeals to Reconsider The Calls

The DWP is encouraged to restore the payments by campaigners due to the prevailing economic weaknesses. Campaigns through petitions and social media focus on individual stories of suffering, demanding that the government do something.

Other Changes of Welfare

A bill proposed in June 2024, the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill 2024-25, seeks to streamline the benefits system but lacks an additional cost-of-living payment, a disappointment to advocates.

Economic Context

The government states that inflation, which reached 1.7% in September of 2024, lowers the necessity of payments. Critics, however, cite the fact that life is still costly in basic necessities such as energy and food.

Effects on Low-Income Households

Families on low income have to deal with shrinking budgets, and they used to survive on payments. In 2024, the loss of 299 pounds per household translates to a massive reduction in after-tax adjustment on necessities.

Communication of DWP

DWP wants their claimants to update their contact details so that they do not miss on future benefits. There were no claims in the past payments, but the upcoming assistance can be presented through active applications.

Regional Variations

In Wrexham, where the pressures of cost of living are still in effect, local councils have begun to look at discretionary funds to help out residents, but these encroachments lack the full sums paid out under DWP.

Charities Step In

Organizations such as Citizens Advice have been giving budgeting advice as well as crisis grants to plug the gap. Nonetheless, they are overstretched and cannot provide full substitution of DWP payments.

Political Stakes

Coming so late to the elections, the move had the potential to influence the electorate. By refusing to pay labour, there is a risk of offending the households with low incomes, and Conservatives are insisting on tax reductions as an alternative.

Looking Ahead

And nothing new will be paid in 2025, although a push of a finger will change the policy. The DWP has a thorough understanding of the economy’s dynamics, and assistance can be provided in the event of inflation resuming its rapid growth.

Tips to Claimants

Claimants are encouraged to look at the eligibility of their current benefits, such as Pension Credit, which may offer continuing help. It can also help to relieve the problem in the short run by approaching local welfare schemes.

The move by Wrexham to re-provision the road to 30mph after a 20mph initiative has set off a furious debate. In 2023, the 20mph speed limit was introduced as an experiment to increase safety, but faced popular opposition, leading the council to partially reverse this decision.

Why the Change?

By September 2023, the Welsh government had implemented a 20mph default speed limit, which had been criticized for slowing traffic and causing annoyance to drivers. Wrexham Council based its decisions on the responses of the residents, having determined some important roads, where 30mph is much more appropriate to the needs of locals.

Which Roads Are Affected?

Announced in June 2025, the rollback will see 52 routes being targeted, including key routes such as Mold Road and Holt Road. These improvements aim to enhance safety and facilitate efficient travel, particularly for commuters and business professionals.

Implementation Delays

The transition is delayed beyond its initial deadline of June 30, 2025. Now, Wrexham Council is looking forward to works extending into July due to logistical issues surrounding the change of signage and road markings.

Scattered Public Opinion

Dwellers are divided. Others rejoice about going back to 30mph as the traffic is smoother, and others point out that the 20 mph limit lessened the number of accidents and guarded the pedestrians, particularly in schools and residential zones.

Issues of Safety Concerns Ensued

Those critical of the reversal point to the fact that Wales has 2023 data indicating a 20 percent reduction in road casualties with the 20mph limit. Increased speed poses a fear of losing the advantages gained and putting the vulnerable road users at risk.

Business and Commuter Effect

The changes have been met with cheers by local businesses, especially those that depend on deliveries. Motorists have reported that congestion has been reduced on major routes, but they fear that they may spend more time on the 20mph roads that still exist.

Mother Balancing Act Council

Wrexham Council is claiming that the roll back will be specific, and 20mph speed limits will be kept in sensitive zones such as school zones. The selective style will still deal with the queries of the people and at the same time focus on safety where it is most required.

Position of the Government of Welsh

Initially, the government of Wales was a strong proponent of the 20mph speed limit policy, but it has since toned down its support, giving local councils more flexibility to set limits according to the needs of their areas. This was done after massive demonstrations in Wales.

Community Outreach Work

Wrexham Council conducted consultations before making changes to fine-tune it, and residents and businesses were consulted. The exercise showed there were severe schisms as more than 60 percent of the respondents supported a partial move to commencing 30mph.

Environmental Questions

The environmentalists doubt the effects of the rollback. Faster speeds may lead to more emissions, which defeats the net-zero ambitions in Wales. Nevertheless, the argument could be countered by the council that some environmental issues would be addressed.

Enforcement Challenges

Respecting certain speed limits is a challenge for police. As the restriction of some roads has been returned to 30mph, it may, as suggested, increase the number of patrols and raise the awareness of drivers in and around the areas of Wrexham, which have a variety of 30mph, 40mph, 20mph, and 70mph.

Political Ramifications

The speed limit saga has become a political hot point. The campaign puts pressure on local councillors as both the anti 20mph and pro 20mph groups tend to influence future elections.

Residents Voices

Motorists, such as Sarah Evans, who commutes to Wrexham, are delighted at the 30mph speed limit and argue it saves them time. In the meantime, parent Tom Hughes expresses his concerns about safety around the school in which his children attend and on which 20mph speed limit is still operating.

Comparisons with other Regions

The strategy of Wrexham follows actions in other Welsh councils, such as Flintshire, which returned some roads to 30mph. This is the sign of increasing opposition to blanket 20mph schemes in Wales.

The Future of Speed Limits

The transitions in Wrexham could lead to a precedent. Other councils are not resting on their laurels, and rollbacks are possible as long as public opinion and statistics allow increased limits.

Ongoing Monitoring

The council intends to monitor the accident rate and traffic flow after the reversal. The earliest data will play a valuable role in determining whether the 30mph reinstatement is meeting the intended balance.

Educating the Society

Wrexham Council is also starting a campaign to notify drivers about the changes in order to make the transition easier. New boards and electronic messages will be put in place to avoid congestion on the affected roads.

A Fractured Course To The Future

The speed limit revisions in Wrexham are a sign of a broader debate over safety, efficiency, and public opinion. The council walks on a thin line as it seeks to please all parties involved in the debate.

What Lies Ahead for Wrexham?

As changes are still taking place, Wrexham roads are an experimental area of the speed limit policy. The result would define how Wales can negotiate urban mobility and safety in the coming years.

The Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign has been pursuing the battle of justice without any respite. With 3.6 million female citizens born in the 1950s, the WASPI group draws attention to the fact that the government mismanaged the adjustments to state pensions age which placed the great number of citizens in the position of facing financial insecurity.

Surprising Rate Increase in Pension Age

During 1990s and 2000s, the state pension age of women was increased by the government to 65 and later to 66 to match that of men. The lack of proper communication kept a lot of people unprepared, ruining their retirement plans and resulting in major financial losses.

Damning Verdict of Ombudsman

According to a Report by a Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, the Department for Work and Pensions was responsible of maladministration. Delaying in informing the women of 28 months was considered unfair and they should be paid between pounds one-thousand to 2.9-thousand each.

Government Rejects Compensation

Labour government denied blanket payouts citing a cost of 10.5 billion and alleging most women were aware of the changes and rejected them in December, 2024. This ruling caused mass outrage, as campaigners said it relegates their plight.

High Court Takes Action

On the 23rd of June of 2025, WASPI had a crucial legal victory. The High Court also granted a cost-capping order, which would only have the group paying up to 60000 pounds to the Crown in case their claim of judicial review is found to be unjustified, cushioning them against financial downfall.

Judicial Review Looms

The judicial review that WASPI will use to challenge the refusal by the government to compensate is picking pace. The case being accepted by the High Court is a decisive move but even then it is not definite that former women can be compensated even when the decision is in favor of WASPI.

Parliamentary Debate Scheduled

Financial redress to affected women will be one of the main debates of July 3, 2025. The session is likely to be well attended and supported by MPs such as Rebecca Long-Bailey, co-chair of State Pension Inequality for Women group.

The Popular and Political Appeal Increases

To a good number of Conservative backbench MPs and a small number of Labour ones, WASPI has its cause. The new campaign site calls on the supporters to lobby MPs and contributions totaling above 220,000 pounds to finance legal expenses have been received.

Individual Lives lost to Suffering

Lots of women, who were supposed to receive pensions at 60, years had to spend without money. Some even went without a roof over their head or had to use their savings because they could not anticipate the postponement. Such fables drive WASPI to keep on fighting to ensure that they obtain reasonable remuneration.

Political Tightrope of Labour

WASPI has threatened to have the Labour MPs, such as the Health secretary Wes Streeting, lose their seats due to compensation denial. The 3.6 million women affected have whooping electoral powers in the 150 constituencies that have small majorities.

Partial Apology of DWP

The DWP recognized the problem of the 28-month delay in notification and apologized to the people. Yet, it still says that giant outgoings are unreasonable, the position of which is labeled as a betrayal of the reports of the ombudsman by campaigners.

Requests of Out-of-Court Discussions

The supporters are claiming that the government should settle on out-of-court settlements so that a landmark case can be discouraged. This may help to release taxpayer money and resolve the injustice that affects millions of women.

Wider Welfare Picture

The battle that WASPI is engaging is accompanied by other welfare arguments such as the PIP changes and winter fuel payment changes. According to campaigners, the policies comprise a pattern of placing budgets before the needs of the vulnerable groups.

Economical and Social Interests

The state pension helps as it forms close to half of the income of the retirees. Increasing the pension age, in turn, affects especially poorer women to an unfair degree, and thus contributes to inequality and points at welfare communication failures.

UNISON’s Solidarity

One of the biggest unions in the UK is UNISON, which takes the side of WASPI and criticizes the government on its refusal to act. The members demanded compensation at the 2025 conference, in which they indicated long-term contributions and money losses of the women.

It is a matter of Fairness

Social media critics claim that the campaign proved false since some women were aware of the changes as early as 2006. WASPI response is that there was a lack of proper notice thus many were not prepared and this reduces faith in the system.

The Road in Future

The government may be cowed into a rethink on the July 3 debate. The legal team behind WASPI is gearing up to the judicial review hoping that a positive result would create a policy U-turn.

Campaigners’ Resilience

Under the leadership of Angela Madden, the WASPI is unswerving. The financial success of the group and support that is increasingly becoming bipartisan is a good indication of a movement that is building up steam, to help set matters right where they belong.

Call to Action

WASPI encourages people to take part in the battle, including writing to the MPs and going to rallies. The webpage created in the frames of the campaign provides materials to give people voices to make the issue remain among the agendas.

Justice Still Much Desired

WASPI women are among those who are together as the High Court fight draws. They are not only fighting over money; they are fighting over decency, justice, and even accountability of the government to its shortcomings.

The Department for Work and Pensions has brought about new changes concerning Personal Independence Payment which has been debatable. This reform, which would start in November 2026, will aim to make eligibility stricter and cheaper and will send waves of shock to thousands of disabled claimants.

New Eligibility Criteria Explained

One of the reforms involves a minimum of four points in the daily living section to be eligible in PIP. This more strict limit may end up locking out most with modest needs and would transform the way disability will be evaluated and tended to in the UK.

Financial Impact on Claimants

The government forecasts huge savings with estimates indicating there would be a reduction of 3.8 billion by 2029/30. But there is a price to be paid with approximately 430,000 future claimants being disadvantaged in the amount of 4500 per year, with the possibility of vulnerable populations having a hard time meeting financial ends.

Transitional Protections of Existing Claimants

The DWP has guaranteed that the introduction of the reforms would be cushioned by 13 weeks of protection to the existing claimants. An amount that has been termed generous is meant to cushion the short-term shocks, but pessimists say it is not enough to promote stability in the long run.

PIP Claims after Pandemic

The number of claims has soared by 100 per cent since the pandemic when the monthly award increased to 34,000. The number of cases of anxiety and depression has increased by three times and the government has presented its positions that the system should be recalibrated to be sustainable.

Pubic and Charity Backlash

The reforms have strongly been opposed by charities and advocacy groups. It is feared by critics of such tightening that disabled people may be driven into poverty and that additional expenses would run to several thousand pounds per disabled person per year by the end of the decade, adding to inequalities.

The Partial Backdown of Labour

The government has succumbed to this pressure and has promised to safeguard about 400,000 existing claimants and will continue to receive a payment of about 3.8K or 5.7K a year. Such compromise has been well received although most campaigners find it weak.

Appeals to Delay and Review

The Work and Pensions Committee of the Commons has asked the government to delay the changes till a review of the whole benefits of disability is completed. Those in favor state such would guarantee more equitable results and protect unnecessary damage to claimants.

Motability Scheme in the Ring

Issues have also been noticed against Motability scheme that greatly assists mobility of disabled individuals. The complaint of its review has already been raised and the fears are related to the fact that access to vehicles may also be limited as well.

Means-Testing Speculation

The rumours of introducing means-testing of PIP have only increased the furor. Although the government denies this possibility, such action might radically change the entire structure of this benefit differentiating between payments that would be based on the earning but not disability which many find frightening.

Economic and Social Implication

The reforms form a larger agenda of cutting welfare expenditure in general with the government insisting that savings will reinforce financial stability. Its critics, however, argue that reducing the support of disability is a violation of social equity and does not overcome the reasons why people are poor.

Claimants Voices

More people depend on PIP, as it is the only source of funding on care and mobility. The cuts in question pose risk to their independence as personal stories show the practical effects of such changes due to policy in everyday lives and mental health.

Reforms Rationalized by Government

The DWP demands that nine out of ten existing claimants are to keep PIP by 2029/30, highlighting the sustainability nature of the reforms. They say the changes affect the people who have the capacity to work, the idea being to put things on an even keel between support and the fiscal conservation.

Charities Require More Equitable Mechanism

Institutions such as Scope, Disability Rights UK amongst others have pleaded a reconsideration asking the government to avoid focusing on the cost-cutting but make the needs of the claimants of the people. They are in favor of a system that does not victimise but accommodates disables.

There is an Escalation of Political Tensions

Reforms have not only caused friction along the political lines, but also accusations that the government gives priority to budgets as opposed to vulnerable lives. The changes in labour have not helped in curbing the criticism, where the MPs are calling transparency and compassion.

Future of Disability Benefits

The situation is similarly vague on whether PIP will have a future as November 2026 emerges. Fiscal prudence and social responsibility are at a delicate equilibrium and the disabled claimants are in the line of fire on the one side of the policy debate.

Promotion of Public Participation

Reform opponents are pressuring their claimants and supporters to oppose these reforms. Campaigns and social engagements are becoming more popular such that the government is starting to take a second look at how disability must be handled.

An Indecisive Reaction

Some people consider the reforms as the basis of economic wellbeing, whereas some think it as betrayal of disabled people. The split represents greater disagreements about welfare policy, which has no foreseeable resolution.

Long-Term Outlook

The complete effects of reforms will be realized by 2029/30. At the moment, the discussion is still heated, and the disabled communities, varying charities, and policymakers argue about the future of PIP and how it helps as a means of supporting vulnerable life.

Glasgow, May 29, 2025 – A significant water main break on Shettleston Road in Glasgow’s East End has led to widespread flooding, road closures, and water supply disruptions for residents in the G32 postcode area. The incident, which occurred near the junction with St Mark Street, has prompted an urgent response from Scottish Water, with teams working to isolate the burst and minimize its impact on the local community.

Details of the Incident

The burst water main was reported on the morning of May 29, 2025, causing immediate flooding along Shettleston Road and surrounding areas. The affected section of the road, a major thoroughfare known for its bustling mix of local businesses and proximity to Shettleston Train Station, has been closed between Old Shettleston Road to Fernan Street and from Westmuir to Hart Street. This closure has disrupted traffic, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes and follow on-site signage. Local bus services have also been diverted to accommodate the emergency repairs.

Scottish Water confirmed that the burst has led to a loss of water supply or low/intermittent water pressure for residents in the G32 postcode area. Some households may also experience discoloured water due to sediment disturbance in the pipes. The utility company has advised affected customers to run their cold-water kitchen tap at a reduced pressure until the water clears, avoiding the use of other taps or water appliances during this process. For white or cloudy water, caused by trapped air in the supply, Scottish Water noted that the issue should resolve within 24 to 48 hours.

A Scottish Water spokesperson stated, “Our teams are now on-site to assess the required repair and carry out works to isolate the burst as quickly as possible to minimise the impact of flooding in the area. We are investigating options for valve operations on our water network to restore and maintain supplies for as many affected customers as possible this morning.” The spokesperson also highlighted that traffic management measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of both the public and repair crews during the operation.

Impact on the Community

The water main break has caused significant inconvenience for residents and businesses in Glasgow’s East End. Shettleston Road, a vibrant hub with proximity to landmarks like Shettleston Public Park and The Forge Shopping Centre, is a key commuter route with high footfall. The flooding and subsequent road closures have disrupted daily routines, with local businesses potentially facing reduced customer access due to the diversions.

Residents in the G32 postcode area have reported a range of issues, from complete loss of water supply to low pressure, making tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene challenging. Scottish Water has urged customers who experience flooding or require additional support to contact their customer services helpline at 0800 0778 778. The company also emphasized its Priority Services Register, a confidential service for customers with additional needs, such as the elderly, those with young children, or individuals with medical conditions requiring a constant water supply.

Response and Repair Efforts

Scottish Water’s response has been swift, with engineers on-site assessing the damage and working to isolate the burst. The company is conducting complex valve operations to reroute water through the network, aiming to restore supply to as many affected customers as possible. However, no specific timeline for the completion of repairs has been provided, leaving residents uncertain about when normal service will resume.

The incident follows a pattern of water main breaks in Glasgow, with a notable event earlier in 2025 on Pollokshaws Road affecting thousands of properties in the G41, G42, G43, and G44 postcode areas. That burst, involving a 27-inch strategic water main, caused severe flooding and led to subsequent smaller bursts due to pressure changes in the network. Scottish Water has acknowledged that such incidents can trigger additional bursts, as seen in areas like Rutherglen and Pollokshields, highlighting the challenges of managing an aging water infrastructure.

Broader Context and Challenges

The Shettleston Road water main break underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Scottish Water in maintaining Scotland’s extensive water network. Unplanned interruptions, often caused by bursts in aging pipes, can vary in scale and complexity. Factors such as the location of the burst, traffic management requirements, and the elevation of properties on the network can affect repair times. Properties at higher elevations or farther from the burst site may experience delayed restoration of full water pressure.

Scottish Water has been proactive in addressing such incidents, with initiatives like the Priority Services Register and text alert systems for service interruptions. The company also encourages residents to report discoloured water or other issues promptly to help identify and resolve problems quickly. In cases of prolonged disruption, Scottish Water is prepared to provide alternative water supplies, such as bottled water, to affected customers.

Advice for Affected Residents

Scottish Water has provided the following guidance for residents impacted by the Shettleston Road water main break:

• Discoloured Water: Run the cold-water kitchen tap at a trickle until the water clears. Avoid using other taps or water appliances during this process.

• White/Cloudy Water: This is caused by trapped air and should clear within 24 to 48 hours without intervention.

• Flooding Support: Contact the customer services helpline at 0800 0778 778 for assistance with flooding or other urgent issues.

• Priority Services: Register for additional support if you have specific needs due to age, disability, or medical conditions.

Residents can also check for updates on Scottish Water’s website by entering their postcode to track the status of supply in their area.

Looking Ahead

As repairs continue, Scottish Water has apologized for the inconvenience caused and thanked affected customers for their patience. The company is working to restore normal water supply and clear the flooding on Shettleston Road as quickly as possible. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of aging water infrastructure and the importance of ongoing investment in maintenance and upgrades to prevent future disruptions.

For the latest updates on the Shettleston Road water main break, residents are encouraged to visit Scottish Water’s website or follow their official social media channels. The community’s resilience and cooperation will be key as Glasgow navigates this challenging disruption.