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Love Island star slams show and claims ITV2 series ‘had its day a long time ago’
A FORMER Love Island star believes the show has ‘had its day’ and insists she’s never watched a single episode.
Malin Andersson, 31, found fame on the second series of the ITV2 reality show back in 2016, spending 24 days in the villa where she was partnered with Terry Walsh.
Though she’s synonymous with Love Island, Malin certainly isn’t a fan. She told Bobby Norris on Fubar Radio: “I’ve not watched it. I haven’t watched a single episode. I didn’t even watch my own series.
“From what I can see the format is the same and it’s like the luggage belt at the airport arrivals and they’re just spinning out the same characters. It’s the same old bag every time. It sounds really bad.”
She continued: “I think Love Island has had its day a long time ago. And I think for the younger generation, there could be more put out there. I think all we’re seeing now is a lot of dating shows.”
Mum Malin recalled her obsession in the villa with viewers’ perception of her appearance.
She likened the experience to Jim Carrey‘s classic film The Truman Show in which his character is the central figure in a reality construct he has no idea about.
“I remember being in the villa and I kept asking the producers ‘are there any bad comments about my weight?'” she said. “That’s all I cared about. ‘Are there any comments calling me fat?’ That’s all I remember asking them.
“They would say no to everything. You’re in the Truman show in there. It is literally like a bubble. No time, they tell you when to eat, when to sleep. It’s such a different false reality.”
Malin recently confessed to spending thousands on cosmetic procedures after leaving the villa.
She became hooked on Botox and lip filler in a bid to look perfect following her time on the show.
Relying on credit cards and payday loans to fund her addiction, Malin spent hundreds of pounds at a time.
It included flying to Turkey for procedures including veneers, liposuction and breast augmentations – which at times went wrong and needed urgent treatment back in the UK.
Eventually, Malin grew such a debt she was forced to use money left behind by her late mother, Consy-Gloria, in order to pay it off.
Speaking to The Mirror, Malin revealed her regret and said: “You think those types of treatments are minor – a quick £200 or £300. But I took out loans to pay for them and they were like small pockets of debt. I wasn’t worried about the money at the time.
“I didn’t care. It wasn’t like I was spending £10,000 on big surgery. But that’s the dangerous part of getting Botox and filler.”
She added: “If I didn’t have my mum’s money to fall back on, I don’t know what I would have done.”
Eight years on from her time in the villa, Malin said she’s come to terms with the fact she had body dysmorphia.
She called her obsession with lip fillers and Botox “addictive and ridiculous”, and has since become a spokesperson for body positivity.
“I became delusional and kept thinking I needed more and more adjustments,” she said.
“In hindsight, I could have saved money as well as avoided some of the damaging side effects.”
Now, Malin has found joy in life, losing lost six stone in weight and finding love with new Swedish boyfriend, Jim Sundgren, after meeting him at a wellness retreat.
Zoo slammed after visitors realise ‘pandas’ are just painted DOGS – when animals started barking
A CHINA zoo has been slammed after visitors realised the “pandas” in the enclosures are just painted dogs.
Zoo visitors demanded their money back when two pandas in an enclosure bizarrely began panting and barking.
Footage shows two odd looking “pandas” in an enclosure, with one furry animal sticking it’s tongue out towards the sun.
Clips taken by visitors appear to show the pups with black ears, limbs, and dark circles around their eyes, but their canine features still very much apparent.
The footage was shot at a park in Guangyuan that allows visitors to see “rare and exotic animals”.
The zoo claimed it had not misled people as it didn’t declare the animals were pandas, explaining instead that they were, in reality, “panda dogs”.
However, when quizzed by local media, they admitted that they had dyed two Chow Chows, a type of spitz dog that is from northern China and is famous for its very thick coat.
Visitors said they became suspicious of the way the panda panted, and when it barked, they realised it was more dog than it was panda.
Chow chows are a unique breed known for their distinctive lion-like mane.
They are quite popular in China, as they are one of the oldest and most iconic breeds originating from the country.
Chow chows hold a special place in Chinese culture and history, often depicted in art and literature.
While their popularity may have fluctuated over time, they remain a symbol of nobility and prestige in Chinese society.
Meanwhile in a similar tale, another China zoo has been slammed for painting dogs to look like pandas in a bid to draw in crowds.
The rubbish dye job was quickly spotted before the Taizhou Zoo forced to admit the animals were chow chows instead.
A picture of a ticket shared on social media included a snap of the “new species” as the zoo charged £2.25 to see them during China‘s Labour Day holiday.
Tens of thousands of people visited the “panda dogs” every day from May 1 to May 5, Chinese media Jiupai News reports.
Clips taken by visitors appeared to show the pups with black ears, limbs, and dark circles around their eyes, but their canine features were still very much apparent.
The dyed pets sparked a wave of complaints against Taizhou Zoo as furious visitors claimed they were mislead into believing they would see real pandas.
They also questioned whether painting the pups would constitute animal abuse as some dyes might contain harmful chemicals.
Taizhou Zoo later admitted that the “fake pandas” were in fact dyed chow chow pups who debuted their new look for the national holiday.
But despite the the confusing name, the zoo didn’t seem to be trying to fool guests into thinking the dogs were real pandas.
A signboard with pictures of “panda dogs” was put up at the zoo, indicating that the name is typically used to describe little dogs that, either naturally or by grooming, can resemble pandas.
A staff member said the zoo got the idea of dyeing the dogs into pandas online.
Experts warn 850,000 are missing out on benefits worth £9,665 & pension credit is key to unlocking cash – can you claim?
HARD-PRESSED households are missing out on thousands of pounds in support – and pension credit is the key to unlocking the help.
Around 850,000 older households on low incomes are missing out on an average of £9,665 a year in pension top-ups.
Pension credit is worth around £3,900 a year on average and unlocks many other benefits, such as council tax reductions and help with energy costs.
There are other bonuses available too, such as cold weather payments, free NHS dental treatment and a free TV licence.
But recent figures from Policy in Practice revealed that thousands of eligible pensioners are missing out.
The founder of Policy in Practice, Deven Ghelani, is warning it’s more important that ever that households check if they are eligible following the changes to the winter fuel payment.
The payment is now limited to retirees on pension credit or those receiving other means-tested benefits including Universal Credit.
Deven said: “There really is no excuse for the shockingly low levels of Pension Credit take up as many older people continue to struggle with the cost of living.”
How much can you get on pension credit?
Pension Credit is worth £218.15 if you’re single or for couples it’s £332.95.
If your income is lower than this, you should be eligible for the benefit.
You could get the “Savings Credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:
- You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
- You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or for couples, £19.04.
You may also get additional pension credit if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or have to pay certain housing costs such as mortgage interest payments.
You can find out more about Pension Credit including how to apply in our guide.
What other help can I get on pension credit?
Pension Credit also unlocks other support such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax support.
It opens up eligibility for social tariffs and the warm home discount, cheaper broadband, free TV licenses, lower water bills and the Winter Fuel Payment.
Below we outline how much each element of the extra support is worth:
- Housing Benefit – £4,338
- Council Tax support – £1,670
- Winter Fuel Payment – £300
- Broadband – £200
- Free TV licence – £170
- Water – £160
- Warm Home Discount – £150
Who is eligible for pension credit?
Anyone over the state pension age living in England, Scotland, or Wales is eligible for pension credit.
The state pension age is currently 66 for both men and women.
To qualify, you must have a weekly income of less than £218.15 for single people or £332.95 for couples.
Your estimated income could include:
- Your state pension
- Any other pensions you have saved, for instance, workplace or private pension savings
- Most social security benefits, for example, carer’s allowance
- Any savings or investments worth over £10,000
- Earnings from a job
The calculation does not include:
- Attendance allowance
- Christmas bonus
- Disability living allowance
- Personal independence payment
- Housing benefit
- Council tax reduction
If your income is too high to get pension credit, you may still get some savings pension credit, so it’s worth checking.
It used to be the case that couples, where one person was over state pension age, could claim, but new rules now mean that both people in a couple must be over retirement age to apply.
This means if you’re single and move in with a partner who is younger than the state pension age, you will stop being eligible.
But if you’re already receiving pension credit under the old system it won’t stop unless your circumstances change.
How do I apply and how will I be paid?
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age.
You can make an application on the Government website or by ringing the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you’ll need to be with them when they do.
You’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually 3 months ago or the date you reached State Pension age)
You can also get help with the application process through charities and non-profit organisations such as Independent Age and Age UK.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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I’m a supermarket worker – these four secrets will save you cash on your shop & why you should ALWAYS ignore the deals
A MAN who worked in a supermarket has lifted the lid on the staff ‘secrets’ that can save customers money while shopping.
Alasdair Baker worked at his local Morrisons store from 2020 until recently, and over the years has accrued helpful tips to cut back on the weekly shop.
The 50-year-old has previously made headlines after sharing how he lived on yellow sticker bargains after his £300,000 debt forced him into bankruptcy.
From the best times to shop to bag a bargain to sneaky tricks to beware of, the dad-of-two is now sharing his top tips to ensure you don’t overspend needlessly.
Alasdair, from Aldershot, Hampshire, said: “Shopping in a supermarket is a very different world to working in one, and I learned a great deal about the supermarket’s inner workings during my time as an employee.”
Time your trip
While many of us are excited when we spot a yellow sticker – signalling a price cut – Alasdair says there is actually a way to time your trip to increase your chances of scoring a bargain.
He said: “Most supermarkets will discount a product twice – once in the morning, at between 10 per cent and 25 per cent off, and then again in the evening.
“They will then be priced at up to 90 per cent off off, depending on the supermarket’s reduction policy.
“The supermarket I worked at, Morrisons, would make the first reduction on products dated the next day, the night before, around 9 or 10pm.
“They would either be put out that night for customers to buy at a reduced price, depending on how much was left on the shelf from that’s days reductions, or they would go out the next morning.
“The next evening, from 5pm, the store would then start the ‘finals’, which is up to 90 per cent off off a product to clear what’s leftover.
“Products such as ready meals, fresh meats, dairy, dips and products such as coleslaw, pies and pastries will generally be 90 per cent off.
“The produce department typically reduces down to 90 per cent off as this is usually the department with the highest number of reductions and the greatest chance of having items not sell, so they want to get it sold.
“Bread and cakes usually are 80 per cent off, apart from ‘free from’ or speciality bread, which usually goes to 90 per cent off to clear, as they tend to be less popular and need to reduce as far as possible, or they will likely have to be thrown away.
“The butchery, delicatessen and instore bakery departments typically reduce to 80 per cent off at around 7pm but can be a little earlier depending on staffing numbers and the number of goods that need to be reduced.”
Supermarket sweep – with your eyes
Alasdair also recommends scanning the aisles top-to-bottom to ensure you aren’t missing any good deals.
He explained: “Supermarkets are a bit crafty, and you will generally find that products on the shelf, at eye level, are generally the higher-margin products that the supermarkets want you to buy.
“You will find that if you look down a few shelves, you will find similar products, only cheaper.
“They may not be the big brands, but generally of a decent enough quality, and every penny not spent is a penny saved.”
Online deliveries
If you are prone to ordering your groceries to your home, Alasdair shared his advice for picking the best time slot.
He said: “If you place a supermarket delivery order, avoid the early morning delivery time slots.
“This is because the stores will have pickers come in to grab your order off the shelves very early in the morning.
“The issue is that they are generally trying to pick your order before that night’s delivery has been put on the shelves, meaning that many of the shorter life products may not be on the shelf yet, so the picker may not be able to find what you ordered.
“Therefore, you are far more likely to get a substituted item or an out of stock on your order.
“Book a later delivery slot if you can, as generally, the products are then available on the shelf, and you shouldn’t get as many substitutions or out of stock issues.”
Ignore deals
Finally, Alasdair – who runs a money-saving blog, The Penny Pincher – recommends resisting the deals unless you had already planned to buy the item in question.
He explained: “A saving is only a saving if you actually needed it in the first place, otherwise it’s an expense!
“The BOGOF, 50 per cent off, 2 For £X type deals are only great if you actually need those products.
“The manufacturers pay the supermarket an eye-watering amount of money to have their products on the end of an aisle or a promotion shelf because the manufacturer wants to boost their sales.
“Try not to be drawn into these types of deals, as you didn’t intend to buy that item more often than not, so you have now spent money you didn’t need to spend.”
Alasdair also recommends buying frozen goods wherever possible to cut costs, and to not be lured in by items like grated cheese – which are often pricier than blocks.
How to save money on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Borno flooding: More donations load in as FG moves against hazardous chemicals, disease outbreak
The federal government has deployed a team of experts to help mitigate the effects of the flooding that hit Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, during which not less than 30 people reportedly died, and about two million displaced. To this end, the government said the team of experts will carry out continuous water sampling and tests and also …
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Watch wholesome moment Andy Murray gives Rory McIlroy pep talk after difficult year as fans say ‘game meets game’
ANDY MURRAY gave Rory McIlroy words of encouragement after bumping into him at the Wentworth celebrity Pro-Am this week.
The British sporting icon, 37, has played plenty of golf since retiring from tennis at the Olympics last month.
In the curtain raiser for the BMW PGA Championship, Murray played alongside fellow Scot Bob MacIntyre in Surrey.
While at the event, the three-time Major winner appeared delighted to bump into old pal McIlroy.
Beaming as the golfer approached him, Murray asked: “How are you?”
After the pair exchanged pleasantries, Murray revealed that he’s been playing a lot of golf since his tennis retirement.
He then offered heartfelt words of encouragement for McIlroy, who has had to endure a turbulent year both on and off the golf course.
The 35-year-old filed for divorce from wife Erica back in May, before performing a dramatic U-turn the following month.
He then missed out on US Open glory in agonising fashion, having led with just a few holes remaining.
McIlroy also endured a similar outcome at the Irish Open earlier this month.
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Speaking to his friend, Murray said: “Great job this year. It’s been tough but you’ve done super well.”
The two-time former Wimbledon champion later took to social media to cheekily respond to those pointing out the flaws in his golf game.
He wrote: “Huge thanks to all the amateur golfers on social media for their constructive criticism of my golf swing.
“Much appreciated.”
Among those to respond was former world No7 Mardy Fish, who lost five of his nine meetings with Murray.
He wrote: “Hey Andy, Mardy Fish here…
“I’ll play you for all the prize money I lost when you beat me on the tennis court. Deal?”
Fish, 42, plays off a handicap of around 3, while Murray played off 7 at Wentworth.
Ex-Emmerdale director who bragged about seeing Harry Styles naked as he groomed teen boy avoids jail despite sick crimes
A FORMER soap director who bragged about seeing Harry Styles naked while grooming a teen boy has avoided jail.
Three-time British Soap Award winner Lee Salisbury, 46, met the victim during a film course.
Salisbury, who has worked on Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Holby City and EastEnders, began messaging him on Instagram.
He told the teen: “Well done mate, you were great.”
BAFTA-nominated Salisbury then bragged about having “previously worked” with pop star Harry Styles.
The fiend told him he had “seen him naked on several occasions”, Bradford Crown Court heard.
He then began asking the teen sexually explicit messages and phoned him on several occasions.
Salisbury pleaded guilty to one count of sexual communication with a child but avoided prison.
He was instead handed a 12 month sentence suspended for 18 months.
The court was told the boy felt he needed to stay in contact with Salisbury due to his industry expertise and contacts.
He told the predator how old he was as Salisbury attempted to move the vile chats to the encrypted Telegram app.
The fiend also messaged him on Snapchat as he asked him about his sexuality and whether he slept naked before – before urging the teen to “keep that information to himself”.
When police recovered his phone, they discovered searches relating to how to recover Telegram messages and how to get texts thrown out of court.
In his victim impact statement, the boy said: “Since this investigation, I have been reluctant to attend certain holiday or weekend courses relating to film, drama or dance.
“I really struggle to trust adults in the industry and look differently at adults I know…I struggle to trust what they say or do.
“I felt withdrawn at home and school and would feel confused about the situation and how it started and what he said to me. It has made my anxiety worse.
“None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for Lee. It’s made me angry.”
In mitigation, the court was told Salisbury was battling a cocaine addiction at the time following the end of his marriage.
His lawyer also said he is “appalled” and “embarrassed” by his vile actions.
As well as a suspended sentence, Salisbury will be on the sex offenders register for ten years and is barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.
He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid community work, pay £2,000 compensation and £1,000 court costs.
Jamie Carragher knew his England career was over in car home from match and told Three Lions boss not to pick him
LIVERPOOL icon Jamie Carragher has recalled the moment he knew his England career was over.
The 46-year-old stepped back from international duty in 2007 to focus on his club career.
Carragher had earned over 30 caps for the Three Lions but decided to quit after being moved from centre-back to right-back prior to a match against Brazil.
The ex-defender opened up about his experience in the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet and recalled the moment he told then-manager Steve McClaren.
He said: “The first game that England played in the new Wembley was against Brazil. All week in training I was in centre-back.
“Rio must’ve been out, so I was thinking to myself that I just played in the Champions League final, Liverpool’s player of the year.
“However, they get to the Friday and then I’m playing right-back suddenly and someone else was in centre-back. They played the game and, on the way, home in the car, I knew that I was done with England.
“We still had another game midweek, so we went home for the night and came back. But I knew I didn’t want to play anymore on that journey back.
“I came back for the second game, and then I wasn’t even right-back, it was Wes Brown instead which was fine but that’s when I was done.
“Steve McClaren came to me and said that he would play me the next game. I told him not to because it would feel fake, and I didn’t want that. If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t love being away.
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“I was probably aged 29 then and I thought that if I’m not going away with England and I get myself ready for Liverpool, I can win that fight and finish my career at Liverpool. That was the biggest thing for me, to just stay at Liverpool.”
Carragher also admitted he was considered too small to be a centre-back throughout his career, which hindered his England hopes.
He added: “The problem that I think I have is that when people look at me, they don’t think centre-back. I’m quite small for a centre-back. Some people might have looked at me and thought otherwise.
“But if you look at England, Rio [Ferdinand] is 6’3 and lightning quick. Sol Campbell is massive. Even though I was playing well for Liverpool, my own stature and physicality probably didn’t help me in terms of picking me instead of someone else.
“I was always seen as the squad man at England. I could be a right-back, come in at centre-back or they could take an extra striker to fill in. I get that but my problem was when John Terry and Rio weren’t playing.
“I won the Champions League in 2005, in 2006 we kept 33 clean sheets. We [Liverpool] were tough to play against and were good defensively.
“I will never forget this. There’s four of us, and I remember either Rio or John Terry went down. There was panic on the bench, and someone shouted, “Sol get ready!” I was like, ‘F***ing hell’.”
Despite announcing his retirement in 2007, Carragher returned to the England set-up three years later due to injuries in the squad.
He appeared for the Three Lions at the 2010 World Cup but permanently retired after the tournament.
Full list of energy firms offering help after Winter Fuel Payment is axed for millions – you could get £100s off bills
THE Winter Fuel Payment has been scrapped for millions of pensioners – but other help is at hand if you’re set to miss out.
Ministers have made the up to £300 payment means-tested with only those on certain benefits qualifying this year.
The decision, branded “harmful” by the Conservative Party chairman, means around 10million previously eligible will not be this winter.
But if you are part of the cohort who won’t be getting the top up, there is other help on offer from energy firms.
From grants if you’re struggling to cover the cost of your bills, to free electric blankets here is all the help you can get over the new few months from each of the energy firms.
British Gas
British Gas has set aside £200million to support customers facing financial hardship through its Energy Support Fund.
Customers qualify for grants worth up to £2,000.
To be eligible, customers must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account relating to their main residence.
The debt to be cleared must be between £50 and £1,700.
Customers will only be eligible for one grant in a 12 month period and must be in, or facing, fuel poverty.
You must also have received help from a money advice agency within the last six months.
ScottishPower
ScottishPower customers can get help via its Hardship Fund.
You may qualify for help if you receive support from one of the following benefits:
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
You could be in line for help if you are on a low income or suffering from an illness that has impacted your earnings.
If your application is successful the fund will wipe all or part of your debt.
To apply contact a recognised debt advice agency such as Step Change online or via phone on 0800 138 1111.
EDF
EDF’s Consumer Support Fund provides grants to support vulnerable customers struggling with energy debt.
Grants are given to help clear debt as well as to provide essential white goods, such as fridges or cookers.
You can apply to the scheme through EDF’s Let’s Talk website.
However, you need to have taken independent advice before you can apply for funding.
You will also need to provide your EDF account number, current debt balance and details of your household finances and vulnerability.
Utilita
Utilita Giving is the charity partner of Utilita offering vulnerable customers grants to help clear energy debt.
The charity operates a number of schemes with its Helping Hand Fund curently open for applications.
The fund provides grants to wipe or reduced energy debts.
You apply via the charity’s website and have to provide details of your gas or electricity debt, as well as your household finances, including benefits and pensions.
Utility Warehouse
Utility Warehouse offers financial assistance payments of up to £140 to customers about to go into debt, or those who have run out of credit on their prepayment meter.
The scheme is operated by Citizens Advice Plymouth, which also helps Utility Warehouse customers with budgeting advice and benefits assessments.
Details of how to access support can be found on its site.
Octopus
Octopus Energy customers can apply to its Octo Assist fund for support.
The fund offers pensioners discretionary credit worth between £50 and £200 and also benefit checks to make sure customers are getting the payments they are entitled to.
The energy firm also supports customers with free electric blankets, thermal imaging cameras and advice on cutting energy bills and budgeting.
The Octo Assist Fund has already helped 80,000 customers who were struggling financially.
You can apply online on the Octopus website.
E.ON
E.ON’s Next Energy Fund provides grants to customers struggling with energy debts and replaces appliances that are broken or in poor condition.
Applicants will be asked to supply proof of household income, including evidence of your entitlement to benefits, pension details and confirmation of any medical conditions.
Before you receive help, you’ll also need to show that you’re committed to being financially stable by making regular payments over a three-month period.
Customers can apply online on the provider’s site.
OVO Energy
OVO Energy is giving out £50million worth of support to customers from October 1.
The energy firms’ package of support includes payment holidays for prepayment meter customers, free energy-saving products and direct financial support.
The support each customer will receive depends on their specific circumstances.
Customers can check on OVO’s website now to see if they qualify for support.
Make sure you have your monthly disposable income and up-to-date meter reading to hand beforehand.
Other help you can get with energy bills
Priority Service Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service offered by energy firms to help customers who need extra help with their energy and water bills.
Some of the help you can get includes priority support in the case of an emergency, advanced notice of scheduled power cuts and regular meter reading services to ensure you are paying the correct amount.
You can also get help moving your prepayment meter if it is located in a place that’s not safely get to and account information and bills in braille or large print.
You qualify for the register if you are of state pension age, pregnant or with young children, or if you struggle speaking or reading English.
More information about the register can be found on the Ofgem website.
Prepayment meter vouchers and credit
You can get temporary credit from your supplier, although it has to be paid back.
In many cases, suppliers offer around £10 to £20 if you run out and can’t top up straight away to ensure that you don’t go without heat or lights.
You may also be able to get a fuel voucher.
This is a code given to you in a letter, text message or email which you can use to add credit to your gas card or electricity key.
Exactly how much it is can vary, but in many cases it’s £49, and you won’t have to pay it back.
Speak to your local Citizens Advice branch or local council about getting one of the vouchers.
What to do if you can't pay your bills
FALLING behind on your energy bills can be extremely stressful.
If you’re struggling to pay what you owe, contact your supplier as soon as possible.
Your provider has to help you come up with a solution, and you should be able to negotiate a deal that works for you both.
One option is to agree a payment plan where you pay off your debts in affordable instalments.
You may be able to pay off your debts directly from your benefits through the Fuel Direct Scheme.
A fixed amount will automatically be taken to cover what you owe plus your usage.
To be eligible, you must be getting one of the following benefits:
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income support
- income-related employment and support allowance
- Pension credit
- Universal Credit (but only if you’re not working)
If you cannot come to an agreement with your supplier, they may try to force you to get a prepayment meter installed.
In very rare cases, where you refuse to negotiate, your supplier might threaten you with disconnection.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories