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Win a Big Family Getaway with Jet2holidays

Family running in the ocean with Jet2holidays logo above.

BACK for a second year – you could win a Big Family Getaway with Jet2holidays! We have 25 prizes up for grabs, for an all-inclusive, week-long holiday to the stunning Algarve, Portugal.

25 lucky Sun readers and their families will be whisked away to the four-star Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort for a seven-night stay filled with fun family activities from April 5, to April 12.

Girl jumping in ocean with beach ball.

One winner means space for two adults, and two children up to the age of 12. That makes it a great way to spend some family time, while keeping the little ones entertained. After all, nothing beats a Jet2holiday!

This promises to be an Easter to remember, with a fun-in-the-sun games day, resort treasure hunt, family quiz with prizes to be won and an exclusive VIP evening all hosted by TV favourite Jeff Brazier.

There’ll be an exclusive performance from a pop music legend too! So you’ll never want to leave. Grown-ups can also unwind by taking advantage of the hotel’s adult-only pool and spa facilities.

And when you’re not enjoying the planned activities, there’s plenty more to explore at the Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort. From its sleek, stylish design, to the impressive facilities on offer, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take your pick from six heated swimming pools, four restaurants and two bars.

Resort pool and building with palm trees.

For little ones, the resort offers their own corner of the hotel with a colourful children’s club, on-site splash park and mini-golf.

Or why not hop aboard the hotel’s mini-train and head out for a beach day?

Resort pool with palm trees and lounge chairs.

Jet2holidays is the UK’s number one tour operator, providing package holidays you can trust to more than 60 sun-soaked destinations across Europe and beyond.

With decades of expertise and more Customer Helpers in airports and resorts than anyone else, they’re with you every step of the way.

Also, all Jet2holidays include return flights, two to five-star accommodation, return transfers+, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, wrapped up into an ATOL-protected package.

And the best part? You can secure your stay with a low £60pp deposit* and spread the cost with Pay Monthly**.

Add that to a huge choice of boards, budgets, flexible durations and fab flight times, and you’ve found your perfect package. Nothing beats a Jet2holiday!

Click here to read testimonials from last year’s winners!

HOW TO ENTER

Enter with Sun Savers:

  1. Download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk.
  2. Go to the Offers section and click “Start Collecting” on the “Jet2holidays” page.
  3. Collect FIVE Sun Savers codes. We will print one daily in the newspaper from Saturday, March 1 until Thursday, March 13.
  4. Enter or scan your FIVE Sun Savers codes on the app or website by midnight on Friday, March 14 to be automatically entered into the competition.

Or enter with Sun Club:

  1. Sign up to thesun.co.uk/club
  2. Go to the Sun Club hub and find the “Jet2holidays” page.
  3. Hit the “Enter” button before midnight on Friday, March 14 to be entered into the competition.

Terms and Conditions: 18+ UK residents only (exc. NI, Isle of Man & Channel Islands). Multiple code collect 01/03/25 – 13/03/25. Digital Newspaper and Sun Club subscribers enter by 14/03/25. Online access required. Entry closes 23:59pm on 14/03/25. Departure date 05/04/25 – 12/04/25 only. Prize is a place on a group trip. Minimum one adult and one child (up to age 12). T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk. *On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. +Unless otherwise stated. **See jet2holidays.com/part-payment for full details.

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Amazon slashes obscure Android tablet from £180 to £90 – customers are raving about ‘premium feel’

Amazon has slashed the price of an 11-inch Android tablet from lesser-known brand Doogee.

Shoppers are raving about the device, which has been reduced from £179.99 to just £89.99 in a massive 50% price cut.

Doogee Android tablet in blue and black.
Amazon has reduced the cost of the 11-inch Doogee Android tablet to half the usual price

Doogee 11-inch U11 Android
tablet, £89.99 (was £179.99)

Since Amazon reduced this device to half-price, it’s soared in popularity on the site and has become a best-seller.

The Doogee U11 tablet boasts an impressive range of features for its new budget-friendly price tag.

It runs on the newest Android 15 operating system, and has some impressive-looking features like split-screen mode, parental controls, and a low blue light mode to reduce eye strain.

Under the hood, it’s powered by a Unisoc T606 Octa-Core processor, and comes with 16GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

With a powerful 8580mAh battery, this bargain tablet is advertised by the brand to deliver up to 11 hours of video playback, 26 hours of music, or 8 hours of gaming on a single charge.

The 11-inch Full HD IPS display is another highlight, featuring a 90Hz and a crisp 1080p resolution.

It should set you up nicely for streaming the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and the rest.

Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite series or multitasking with that split-screen mode, the display delivers a cinema-grade experience.

The tablet also features a 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera for photos, video chats and Zoom meetings.

Looks-wise, the Doogee U11 is a sleek and lightweight piece of kit, weighing 540g and measuring 7.9mm in depth.

Its metallic back cover adds to a general premium vibe that, frankly, makes it looks more expensive than it really is.

It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connectivity and comes with a two-year warranty for added peace of mind.

The tablet has already earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, with rave reviews from satisfied customers.

‘Very surprised at how good this tablet is at the price,’ writes one shopper. ‘Good display, fast and responsive.’

Another customer commented: ‘A VERY pleasant surprise!

‘[I] purchased this as a screen for recipes etc. in the kitchen, and I have to say – it’s not a bad tablet at all.

‘Battery is decent, and is worth the money hands down! This would be great for kids or people who just want a budget-friendly tablet.’

A third reviewer praised its build quality, saying: ‘Solid construction with a premium feel. Android 15 with no bloatware is a joy to use.

‘Screen colour and brightness are very good with a 90Hz refresh rate adding to your viewing pleasure.

‘Performance is very good for such a bargain price too.’

‘Well made, excellent picture, generous storage built in, long-lasting battery, and great adjustable screen display,’ another buzzing buyer added. ‘All in all, a fantastic tablet for the price.’

Amazon has marked this as a limited-time deal, so shoppers won’t have long to grab this tablet at this bargain price.

Shoppers with a bit of extra cash should also take a look at the price cut on an Amazon Fire tablet of the same size – the Fire 11 Max has been reduced from £249.99 to £179.99.

Doogee 11-inch U11 Android
tablet, £89.99 (was £179.99)

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Visit The Sun’s shopping tech hub for more news, explainers and tech deals.

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Man Utd appoint new transfer guru on ‘reduced wage’ just hours after plans announced to slash 200 more jobs

MANCHESTER UNITED have made former Chelsea chief Christopher Vivell their permanent director of recruitment on a REDUCED salary.

The 38-year-old German initially joined on a short-term contract last summer.

Christopher Vivell, Chelsea's new technical director, speaking to a reporter.
PA
Christopher Vivell has been made Man Utd’s director of recruitment on a permanent basis[/caption]

And he played a big role in helping United land several promising youngsters including Sekou Kone.

Vivell’s old deal was set to expire at the end of the season.

But after United sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth in November, Vivell’s role as director of recruitment has been made permanent.

The ex-RB Leipzig man has penned a long-term deal and will report directly to technical director Jason Wilcox.

However, Vivell’s new agreement has seen him take a pay cut a day after United announced they are set to make a further 200 redundancies.

Vivell will oversee club recruitment around the world, while also taking charge of United’s scouting system and young talent operation.

He will be hoping to last longer in the role than his previous job at Chelsea.

Vivell was appointed technical director in December 2022 as a replacement for Marina Granovskaia.

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But he lasted just seven months after Todd Boehly decided to hand all power to co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

Vivell’s sole transfer window at Chelsea came in January 2023 and saw plenty of activity.

Chelsea FC's Paul Winstanley, Benoit Badiashile, and Christopher Vivell at a signing.
Getty
He helped Chelsea sign players like Benoit Badiashile in January 2023[/caption]
Getty
Vivell lasted just seven months before being axed by the Blues[/caption]

A then-record fee of £105million was spent on Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, who had just won the World Cup with Argentina.

Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana were also signed permanently, while Joao Felix arrived on loan.

There were few exits though, with Jorginho the only senior star to depart.

It left then-Chelsea boss Graham Potter with a hugely-bloated squad featuring unwanted misfits including Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic.

The Blues finished the season with Frank Lampard in charge as interim boss.

And Vivell paid the price when Mauricio Pochettino arrived in west London.

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10 most unexpected superstar pairings in NBA history

When teams bring together a pair of superstars, every basketball expert can’t help but think about its championship promise. But while some duos can be anticipated, that isn’t always the case. Here is a look at the 10 most unexpected superstar pairings in NBA history. 1. LeBron James and Luka Doncic View this post on […]

The post 10 most unexpected superstar pairings in NBA history appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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3 Browns cut candidates entering 2025 offseason

For the eighth time in the past ten seasons, the Cleveland Browns missed out on the playoffs once again in 2024. Despite the franchise resurgence Kevin Stefanski led over the past five years, Cleveland’s 3-14 record was their worst since the infamous 0-16 campaign in 2017. The disappointing outing forces the Browns into a difficult […]

The post 3 Browns cut candidates entering 2025 offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Barry Ferguson’s comments on Rangers stars in focus after issue with star who has ‘no pace’ & ace who ‘lacks quality’

BARRY FERGUSON has started work at Rangers after sealing his sensational Ibrox return as head coach.

But it’s fair to say he’s already familiar with his new players from his previous role.

Barry Ferguson at a press conference.
Willie Vass
Barry Ferguson has held his first press conference as Rangers manager[/caption]
Rangers player clapping during a match.
Kenny Ramsay
Ferguson has previously highlighted Robin Propper’s lack of pace[/caption]
James Tavernier of Rangers during a Scottish Cup match.
Tavernier will stay as captain under Ferguson
Getty

Ferguson, 47, has been placed in charge of the Rangers first team until the end of the season.

Assisted by fellow ex-Gers Allan McGregor, Billy Dodds and Neil McCann, Ferguson has taken over following the dramatic sacking of Philippe Clement on Sunday.

It’s a shock return to Ibrox for Ferguson whose last managerial role came more than three years ago.

The former Rangers captain’s last gig was in charge of Alloa between 2021 and 2022.

While he’s also worked as a Gers ambassador, Ferguson’s most prominent role since leaving Alloa has been as a pundit.

The former midfielder has appeared regularly on the radio and in newspapers over the past few years.

And as you might expect, it means he’s had plenty to say about the players who are now working under him.

For the most part, Ferguson has tended to err on the side of caution when commenting on the Rangers players but that doesn’t mean they’ve escaped his criticism.

Ferguson, as he has regularly done, appeared on the Go Radio Football Show back in December in the lead-up to Rangers’ huge Europa League clash with Tottenham at Ibrox.

And his comments back then highlight a concern Ferguson has with one of his players.

Assessing how the Gers should line up against the English giants, Ferguson called for Leon Balogun to start.

Why? Because he declared that Robin Popper has “NO PACE.”

Speaking before the game, Ferguson said: “I would play Balogun, but he is 36 and it’s a quick turnaround. If he’s 26, 28, 30, I wouldn’t have an issue. It might be a change they’ll look to.

“I like the Souttar and Balogun partnership. I’ve always liked Balogun – I think he’s experienced, reads the game really well and he’s still quick for his age.

“They’re coming up against a team who attack you very quickly. That could be an issue with Propper as he’s blessed with no pace whatsoever. But he has played Propper in the European games.”

Could those comments perhaps mean Ferguson won’t opt for Propper in upcoming matches?

That remains to be seen.

In terms of Cyriel Dessers, Ferguson has often defended the much-maligned striker.

He’s described flak received by the No9 as over the top – but he HAS at times questioned him.

Ferguson has often hailed Dessers’ attitude and refused to directly criticism – but he has commented on his quality previously.

Speaking last summer when Dessers was being linked with a move away from Rangers, Ferguson warned the club against selling him on.

However, he stated that the Light Blues needed to sign another striker and admitted Dessers’ quality didn’t always hit the desired heights.

Last August, Ferguson said: “I know he comes in for a lot of critcism but one think the big man gives you is 100 per-cent. He’s scored two goals in two games, 22 goals last year, and I don’t think you can get rid of him.

“I know Rangers still need in my eyes another number nine to come in for competition but I like the big man’s attitude.

“Sometimes he lacks that bit of quality, but if he had that quality he’d be playing somewhere else in a different league.”

Speaking at his first press conference as Rangers boss, Ferguson revealed that James Tavernier will retain the captaincy.

Tavernier has come under heavy criticism from sections of the Gers support over the course of the season.

Ferguson has regularly backed Tavernier publicly but he did take issue with the right-back following Rangers 3-0 defeat to Celtic back in September.

Speaking at the time, Ferguson said he felt Tavernier should have been more vocal on the pitch – and called for more leadership in the Rangers team as a whole.

Ferguson said: “I was captain of the team but I also had four or five teammates who wouldn’t shut up on the pitch. I’m being serious and it’s so important.

“You need communication, you need to sometimes give people a kick up the backside, you need to let them know ‘listen we need to get our finger out here, this is not good enough’.”

Ferguson also stated that Tavernier shouldn’t “expect to be bombproof” just because he’s captain.

That comment came after Tavernier had dramatically been dropped to the bench by former boss Clement.

As mentioned, Ferguson has often publicly defended and backed Rangers players.

And one player who could stand to benefit from his arrival is young midfielder Bailey Rice.

Rice, 18, made a handful of appearances under Clement, most recently being hooked at half-time of the humiliating Scottish Cup defeat to Queen’s Park.

Ferguson rates the former Motherwell kid highly and reckons he could be a Rangers mainstay for years to come.

He said: “I don’t see him day in, day out. But what I have seen of him, he has the capabilities to play in the Rangers first-team. At 18 years of age I have seen enough to say he has a chance to be a Rangers player for the next 10-15 years.”

Cyriel Dessers looking dejected after missing a scoring opportunity.
PA
Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers rues a missed chance during the William Hill Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday February 22, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Rangers. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.[/caption]

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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Aldi’s bargain Stanley cup dupe is back in stores this week and costs £40 less than the original

ALDI’S Stanley Cup dupe is back on shelves this week saving shoppers up to £40.

The supermarket’s flask now comes in two sizes and is available from Sunday, March 2.

Two insulated mugs with straws and lids.
Aldi’s Stanley dupes come in two sizes
stanley-quencher-black-friday
Stanley’s viral Quencher Cups cost £45
Stanley

A ringer for Stanley’s viral Quencher Tumbler, the supermarket’s version saves shoppers £39.

Aldi has brought back its sell-out Crofton Travel Flask with Handle in its regular size of 1.15L for £5.99.

The cup sold out in just one day when it first went on sale in the UK and continues to sell out with each drop thanks to its huge popularity.

The flask also now comes in a new smaller size of 0.58L – a budget-friendly, mini dupe of the viral Stanley Cup.

The Mini Flask is £4.99, a great option for those looking for a smaller alternative.

The original Stanley Cup is 1.2L and retails for £45—an 87% increase in price.

Stanley travel cups are available to buy directly from Stanley’s website and other stockists including AmazonJohn LewisUrban OutfittersFruugo and Foot Asylum for a huge £42-£48.

Both flasks have a stainless-steel design, double-wall insulation and multi-function sipper suitable to be used with or without a straw.

Available in four colours—Cream, Pink, Orange and Teal—Aldi’s flask keeps drinks hot or cold for up to four hours.

This week’s drop is the second of Aldi’s Stanley flask dupes released in recent weeks.

A limited edition lookalike for Stanley’s Ice Flow Flip Flow landed in-store at the beginning of February.

The new flask is part of Aldi’s Specialbuys, which are unique products sold in the discounter’s middle aisle from Thursday to Sunday.

Don’t wait too long – as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Aldi’s Easter deals

Aldi’s water flasks aren’t the only deals from the supermarket this week.

The store has cut the price of many of its Cadbury Easter chocolates including Mini Eggs and Creme Eggs to as little as £1.45.

The budget supermarket has slashed its price for the giant 232g Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter egg.

With two Mini Eggs hidden inside the enormous egg, the sweet treat comes with an even sweeter deal as it now costs just £4.95, reduced from £5.99.

This near 20 per cent saving is the best of the lot, but many others have still seen savings greater than 10 per cent.

If 232g is too much for you, you can opt for the more compact 97g Cadbury Mini Eggs Chocolate Egg, which has had its price cut down to just £1.45.

How to save money at Aldi

Unlike other major grocers, Aldi does not have a rewards or point card system but that does not mean you cannot save on your shop. 

Every week the store releases a list of special buys , which are unique bargain products you find online at Aldi and in store. 

The store releases a fresh range of deals every Thursday and Sunday, so be sure to check regularly to see what’s new. 

Meanwhile, the store also regularly sells fruit and vegetables at highly discounted prices, as part of its ‘super six’ deal.

It also does weekly saving offers on typically pricey items such as meat and fish.

Aldi’s most famous dupes

BY Laura McGuire, Consumer Reporter, for The Sun: Aldi has become famous for replicating pricey products and selling them for a fraction of the price – helping customers save some dosh. 

Here is a list of some of the grocers best dupes to help you look out for the best deals the next time you hit the aisles.

Snacksters Big Stack 204g

This microwavable burger has become a fan favourite thanks to its likeness to McDondal’s signature Big Mac. It costs just £1.49, compared to the £4.00 the fast food chain is charging. 

Nutoka Hazelnut Chocolate Spread 400g. 

Nutella chocolate spread is a staple in many households, but it retails for a pricey £3.45. Adli’s Nutoka costs just £1.69 and is claimed to taste identical to the chocolatey classic. 

Belmont Caramelised Biscuit 200g

These sweet treats often leave shoppers doing a double take thanks to its similarity to Lotus biscuits. Aldi’s version costs just £0.69p compared to £1.20 other supermarkets chage. 

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

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Quaint Welsh seaside town named one of the cheapest places for a UK beach break – with hotels under £20 a night

LLANDUDNO has been named one of the most affordable places for a beach holiday in the UK.

The Victorian seaside resort is a gem for anyone looking for a UK break on a budget thanks to its affordability, highly rated beaches and activities.

View of Llandudno, Wales, with the Great Orme in the background.
Alamy
The promedade along the Llandudno beach is lined with palm trees[/caption]
Great Orme Tramway car on tracks overlooking a coastal town.
Getty
The tram goes all the way up to Great Orme – a limestone headland in Wales[/caption]

According to Which? Llandudno is rated as one of the top 10 seaside towns in the country.

Up against the likes of Salcombe, Whitley Bay and Newcastle, Llandudno came out on top for being budget-friendly and having incredible beaches.

It also has highly rated beaches with the North Shore Beach and West Shore Beach being known as the “Queen of Welsh Resorts”.

It fell short of being Which?’s cheapest beach break in the UK because of its average hotel price of £93 (although this was half the price of the more expensive Salcombe, at £208).

It was beaten by Whitley Bay (£69) and Southport (£66) although they were not rated as highly as a destination.

And we found some accommodation for as little as £18.50 per night.

Through Hotels.uk.com, we found The Elsinore Hotel on the main promenade in Llandudno offered a one night stay for £18.50.

The Astonwood Hotel came in at £20 per night and was called by some visitors their “go to place” to stay in Llandudno.

But there is more than enough to do while there.

There is the pier on the Llandudno North Shore Beach, which is the most popular, is open all year around.

It has shops, stalls, and arcades as well as a Ferris wheel, funfair and quite often, live music.

On the North Shore Beach, you’ll find the long promenade which is that of a classic British seaside town.

The only exception is that it’s lined with palm trees, which gives the impression of being abroad, particularly on a hot day.

From the West Shore Beach, on the other side of town, you can see the Snowdonian mountainside and even Puffin Island on a clear day.

The beaches are a must-see for anyone visiting Llandudno with one visitor on TripAdvisor expressing it’s the “very best of British coastal resorts”.

Another added it’s a “very grand old seaside town” with a third loving the prom, they wrote “it’s the best seaside promenade in the UK”.

Llandudno Pier in Wales with many people walking along it.
Alamy
The pier is open all year found and has arcade games and a Ferris wheel[/caption]
Two cable cars carrying passengers over a coastal landscape.
Alamy
The cable car journey up to the peak of Great Orme only takes nine minutes[/caption]

Just along from North Shore Beach is the Great Orme cliffside and for anyone wanting to head into the hills, there’s a Great Orme Tramway that will take you up there.

A return ticket on the Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno, Wales costs £11.85 for adults and £8.95 for children aged 3–16.

For anyone wanting a more varied view of the hills and seascape, you can always head up on the cable cars, which are the longest in Britain.

Catch them from Happy Valley where they travel 679 feet up into the air all the way up to the summit of Great Orme.

The journey only takes nine minutes and costs £14 for an adult return and £11.50 for a children’s return ticket.

Thirty minutes along the coast is the popular Sun Centre, or SC2, waterpark, in Rhyl, which will be reopening this year.

There’s also a soft play and ninja tag at the centre, so it’s sure to be top of the tourist list this year.

Three of the warmest UK beaches

These three UK beaches have the longest sunshine hours and highest sea temperatures...

Camber Sands near the town of Rye is one of the mildest beach spots in the UK. July is the warmest month to visit as temperatures reach an average of 17 degrees. They also have an average of 195 hours of sunshine per month.

The 250-metre sandy beach of Ramsgate is a gem. The hottest month is August with again, temperatures reaching 17 degrees and the annual water temperature off the Thames Estuary is 12.2 degrees.

Soutend-On-Sea in Essex has highs of 18 degrees in summer, but sadly around five degrees in February. And for anyone fancying a dip, the water at the moment only around eight degrees compares to that of 12 in the summer.

Llandudno promenade and the Grand Hotel in Conwy, Wales.
Alamy
Llandudno is one of the cheapest places for a break in the UK[/caption]

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Map reveals postcode lottery of ‘sneaky’ energy charge with some areas paying up to £91 more

A MAP reveals a postcode lottery of a ‘sneaky’ energy charge that means some areas pay up to £91 more than others.

Energy bills will rise from £1,738 to £1,849 per year under the new price cap from April 1, announced today by Ofgem.

It’s a blow to 22million households on standard variable tariffs which are subject to the price cap, with average bills rising £111 a year.

The exact amount more you pay will depend on usage though, as the cap applies the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas and electricity,

Another factor affecting how much you pay is the area you live.

All households are billed a standing charge – a fixed daily fee simply for being connected to the energy grid – and this rate is different across the country.

The average daily standing charge is falling for the majority of people and will drop on average from 92.62p to 86.47p.

This fee covers operational costs, such as maintaining the network of wires, pipes, and cables needed to deliver power to your home. It also includes staffing and office maintenance expenses.

But in the small print of Ofgem’s announcement it’s revealed that in three of 14 areas this charge will rise.

These regional differences reflect the varying costs of transporting energy to and within each area.

Higher standing charges disproportionately impact lower-usage households.

That’s because they pay a larger percentage of their total bill for the fixed daily fee, and this amount can’t be reduced through cutting back on energy usage.

Households in London will see their annual standing charge rise from £268.49 to £299.93 a year – up by £20.44 (7.61%), and the biggest increase of any area.

In North Wales and Merseyside, the annual standing charge will increase from £364.23 to £373.87 – a rise of £9.64 (2.65%).

Meanwhile, households in North West England will experience a more modest increase, with their combined standing charge rising by just £1.02 per year

Standing charges will decrease in eleven other regions from April 1.

This means a proportion of their bill will fall regardless of usage.

Cut your standing charge

FIVE million households opt to settle their energy bills through bank card, standing order or cheque — and they shoulder higher costs for standing charges.

It costs more because energy suppliers need to recoup the administrative costs associated with these types of payments.

These households will face an annual standing charge of £354.67, compared to £315.62 for those paying via direct debit.

Switching to direct debit will reduce your standing charge — and unit rates, too.

Where are standing charges falling?

The largest saving will be felt by households in the Southern England region, where the total annual standing charge will fall from £348.83 to £282.84.

This represents a substantial saving of £65.99 a year, or a 18.92% reduction.

This means that Southern England now has the lowest annual standing charge,

It’s a £91 difference between that and the most expensive charge of £337.88 per year in Northern England.

Similarly, households in the South Western Region will enjoy a notable reduction, with their annual standing charge dropping from £363.18 to £316.53 – a saving of £46.65 a year, or a 12.84% reduction. 

In South Wales, households will benefit from an annual saving of £41.32, as the total standing charge falls from £350.11 to £308.79 a year, equating to an 11.8% reduction.

Meanwhile, residents in the Northern England region will experience a similarly significant decrease, with their total annual standing charge reduced from £378.94 to £337.88.

This change translates to a saving of £41.06 a year, or 10.84% reduction.

The Midlands will also see a considerable drop in costs, with the total annual standing charge falling from £347.74 to £313.24, resulting in a saving of £34.49 a year, or a 9.92% reduction.

In the Eastern Region, households will see the most modest reduction, with the total annual standing charge decreasing from £300.29 to £296.09 a year.

This equates to a saving of £4.20 a year, or a 1.4% reduction, offering only minimal relief.

Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.com, said: “Standing charges cover fixed costs suppliers face, including metering and the infrastructure to get energy to homes including pylons and cables. 

“These costs can vary across regions, and so this is reflected in the standing charges set by the price cap. 

“Because of how different tariffs balance between standing charges and unit rates, it’s important to run a comparison because different tariffs can be better for you depending on where you live and how much energy you use.”

Can I avoid the standing charge?

MOST suppliers slap you with the charge, but there is one exception.

Utilita, which only serves prepayment meter customers, has ditched it altogether.

Instead, the company integrates the cost into its gas and electricity rates.

Utilita operates a two-rate system. The first rate, which is slightly higher, covers standing charge costs.

Once 2kWh is consumed (and standing charge costs are covered), customers automatically switch to a cheaper rate for the rest of the day.

But this alternative might not suit everyone, particularly those who do not want to prepay for their energy.

According to industry association Energy UK and watchdog Ofgem, eliminating the standing charge altogether isn’t a straightforward solution.

A spokesperson for Energy UK said: “If you were to switch these costs to the ‘per unit’ charges, then those customers disadvantaged by the current system, such as low usage households, would benefit.

“But other customers, who might be more reliant on energy or have a less well-insulated home, could end up paying significantly more.”

CHANGE ON THE HORIZON

Millions of households will be able to access “no standing charge” energy tariffs at all suppliers from this winter.

Low energy users, those with prepayment meters and those with second homes who don’t use their heating or electricity very often are most likely to benefit from the new tariffs. 

The energy regulator Ofgem plans to keep the option of having a standing charge, which is good for low-income families in poorly insulated homes or those who rely on medical equipment.

Charlotte Friel, from Ofgem, said last week: “We’re looking closely at how these tariffs will work in practice, but everyone will need to carefully consider which option best suits their needs. 

“The costs included in the standing charge ultimately have to be paid. But while they may not save everyone money, they will give people a choice, and greater control over their bills.”

The regulator first announced the shake-up to energy rules in December last year but today it confirmed firms will have to offer the tariffs to customers in time for winter.

It also announced a consultation on how the new tariffs would work.

Martin Lewis said the plans were “progress”.

He added: “Standing charges are by far the most complained-about part of an energy bill.

“They’re a moral hazard that disincentivises lower users from cutting their bills, and leaves many older people, who only use gas for heating in the winter, still paying for it every day in summer.”

However, he pointed out that there is a “big hole” under the current plan as customers will have to opt in.

Richard Neudegg from Uswitch.com welcomed the change but said “the devil will be in the detail”.

He added: “Consumers can take action now to reduce what they pay for their energy. 

“There are a range of fixed deals on the market, which can help households beat the January cap and the predicted price rise in April, and often come with lower standing charges than the cap.”

What energy bill help is available?

There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.

If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.

This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.

If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.

But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.

Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).

The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.

Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.

Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.

 

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Playmate rich list shows why it’s the world’s most powerful photoshoot as cover stars have £17 BILLION in the bank

FOR decades, Playboy has been a springboard for many women seeking fame, fortune, and influence.

While some have used their spotlight to become best-selling authors, others have managed to build a business empire.

Black and white photo of Hugh Hefner with two women on a private jet.
PA:Press Association
Playboy of the front cover of their January 2005 edition featuring Jenny McCarthy[/caption]
Hugh Hefner kissing Pamela Anderson at a party.
Rex Features
Hugh Hefner kissing Pamela Anderson at a party in 2003[/caption]
Hugh Hefner with Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt kissing him on the cheeks.
AFP or licensors
Hugh Hefner with Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt kissing him on the cheeks in 2007[/caption]

From self-made billionaire Diane Hendricks to entertainment powerhouse Jenny McCarthy and cultural icon Pamela Anderson, these women have transformed their early experiences with Playboy into lasting success – earning millions.

Here, YASMIN HARISHA takes a look at how they turned their moments in the magazine into multimillion-dollar fortunes.

Diane Hendricks

£17.8 billion

Before becoming a billionaire businesswoman, Diane Hendricks worked as a Playboy Bunny.  

In the late 1960s, she took on the role to support herself and her child after becoming a mother at just 17 years old.  

While Diane did work as a Playboy Bunny during her younger years to make ends meet, her role was primarily within the Playboy Clubs rather than being directly involved with Hugh Hefner himself.  

Her time as a Bunny served as a stepping stone before she transitioned into real estate.

Later, she co-founded ABC Supply – a wholesale distributor of building products such as roofing, siding, windows, and doors.  

Today, Diane, 77, is recognised as one of America’s wealthiest self-made women.  

Jenny McCarthy

£16.6 million 

Jenny McCarthy first rose to fame as a Playboy model in the early nineties, earning the title of Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in October 1993.  

A year later, at the age of 21, she was named Playmate of the Year, a milestone that catapulted her into the spotlight.  

From there, she began building her wealth, with the exposure from Playboy opening doors to television hosting opportunities, including her own programme, The Jenny McCarthy Show.  

Now 52, Jenny also ventured into acting, appearing in popular films and shows such as Scary Movie 3, BASEketball, and Two and a Half Men.  

The former Playboy Bunny has further expanded her earnings by authoring several bestselling books and, in 2019, joining The Masked Singer as a panellist.  

Holly Madison 

£12.65 million

Holly Madison Playboy cover.
Playboy
Holly Madison playboy cover[/caption]
Hugh Hefner with several women at a party.
Getty
Bridget Marquardt, Sara Jean Underwood, Hugh Hefner, Christi Shake, Shauna Sand, Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson attend the 2007 Playmate of the Year[/caption]

She rose to fame as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends and a prominent figure in the Playboy Mansion, having moved in during the early 2000s at the age of 21.  

Holly, now 45, became widely recognised through the reality TV show The Girls Next Door, which focused on Hugh’s girlfriends, including Kendra Wilkinson and Bridget Marquardt.  

She also boosted her earnings by starring in the Las Vegas burlesque production Peepshow for three and a half years, ending her run on October 21, 2012, which became a significant source of income.  

In addition, Holly has authored bestselling memoirs, including Down the Rabbit Hole and The Vegas Diaries, where she detailed her experiences in the Playboy Mansion and her life beyond it.  

Now a mother of two, the model has amassed 1.2 million Instagram followers, enabling her to earn through sponsored posts and brand collaborations, including partnerships with FashionNova.  

Kendra Wilkinson

£4.75 million

February 2009 Playboy magazine cover featuring Kendra Wilkinson.
Playboy
February 2009 Playboy magazine cover featuring Kendra Wilkinson[/caption]

Joining Holly on the rich list is another of Hugh Hefner’s ex-girlfriends, Kendra Wilkinson, who made a name for herself as one of the main figures in the Playboy Mansion after moving in back in 2004 at just 18 years old.  

She quickly became a fan favourite on the reality show The Girls Next Door, which ran from 2005 to 2010.

During that time, she was also named Playmate of the Year in 2008.  

Now 39, Kendra used her fame to launch her own reality shows, including Kendra (2009–2011) and Kendra on Top (2012–2017), which gave viewers a glimpse into her married life with former NFL player Hank Baskett.  

The pair, who are now divorced, share two kids – 14-year-old Hank Baskett Jr. and 10-year-old Alijah Baskett. 

Crystal Hefner 

£3.9 million

Crystal Hefner and Hugh Hefner at a Halloween party.
Getty
Crystal Hefner and Hugh Hefner at a Halloween party in 2015[/caption]

Crystal Hefner first rose to fame as a Playboy Playmate, earning the title of Playmate of the Month in December 2009, which launched her career in the spotlight.  

Her profile grew even more after she married Hugh Hefner in December 2012, becoming his third wife at the age of 26, while Hugh was 86 – marking an age gap of 60 years.  

Although much of her early fame was tied to her relationship with Hugh, Crystal continued to make a name for herself after The Girls Next Door.  

Now 38, Crystal has focused on healing and starting a new chapter in her life. 

In January 2024, she released her memoir, Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, which offers a candid look at her childhood and her time at the Playboy Mansion.  

Pamela Anderson 

£15.8 million

Playboy magazine cover featuring Pamela Anderson.
PA:Press Association
Playboy magazine cover featuring Pamela Anderson in 2017[/caption]

The Canadian-American actress first gained fame as a Playboy Playmate, making her debut as Playmate of the Month in February 1989 at the age of 22.

Her popularity soared, and she was named Playmate of the Year in 1990.  

Over the years, Pamela graced the cover of Playboy 14 times, cementing her status as one of the brand’s most iconic figures.  

While Playboy launched her career, her success extended far beyond modelling.

Facts you didn't know about the Playboy Mansion

Girlfriends vs Playmates

Rumour has it that Hugh Hefner would have two to a dozen “girlfriends” living with him at a time. These girlfriends are not to be confused with Playmates. Each girlfriend had their own room, but one “special lady” was named as girlfriend number one and stayed with Hef in his room. Each girlfriend received a $1,000 (£760) weekly bonus “allowance.”

Hef’s Wild side

The Playboy mansion was home to a private zoo. It was one of very few private residences that actually has a zoo license. Hefner was a fan of birds. Among his collection – many of which roamed the grounds – were peacocks, macaws, flamingos, toucans and ducks.

The Elvis Legend

Within the mansion was a secret room, called “The Elvis Room.” Legend has it that the King himself, Elvis Presley, had a little slumber party in the room with up to eight eager bunnies.

She achieved global fame portraying C.J. Parker on Baywatch (1992–1997), one of the most-watched television shows of the decade.  

Her image as a sex symbol, combined with her Playboy exposure, opened the door to acting roles, brand endorsements, and public appearances.  

Now 57, Pamela has ventured into various fields, including launching her own fragrances, participating in television specials, and becoming a vocal animal rights advocate, working closely with PETA.  

Her high-profile relationships, such as her marriage to Tommy Lee, along with later pursuits like writing, have also kept her firmly in the public eye.  

Hugh Hefner and Holly Madison outside The Standard Hotel.
Getty
Hugh Hefner and Holly Madison outside The Standard Hotel in 2003[/caption]
Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris at their wedding with their dog.
Reuters
Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris at their wedding with their dog in 2012[/caption]
Diane Hendricks, CEO of ABC Supply Co., smiling at a company meeting.
Getty
Diane Hendricks, CEO of ABC Supply Co., smiling at a company meeting in 2015[/caption]

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