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Superbugs are set to be the No.1 global killer within the next three decades ... and every one of us could be affected.

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Road trip of rediscovery

We’re in the fight of – and for – our lives. For the past 20 years, a global war has been waged against a medical threat to all mankind. It may not be a war you have heard about but it’s one that is likely to affect every single one of us in some shape or form – and, until now, it’s a war we haven’t been winning.

It’s the battle of the bugs: more specifically, superbugs – bacteria that have adapted to become resistant to attacks from antibiotics and the immune system. MRSA, Streptococcus pneumoniae, E. coli and salmonella are just some of these bacterial infections. Currently, 700,000 people die every year across the globe as a result of antibiotic resistance, and the World Health Organisation predicts this will rise to 10 million deaths by the year 2050 – that’s more than the number of people who will die from cancer and diabetes combined.

Scientists both around the world and in Australia have joined the fight against superbugs, looking for new solutions to conquer this deadly issue. And one possible new solution has been discovered here in Adelaide by Dr Katharina Richter, a CJ Martin Biomedical Research Fellow at the Basil Hetzel Institute for Transitional Health Research (BHI), based at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and supported by The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF).

Dr Richter, who has worked at the Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery department at TQEH for the past three years, has been battling superbugs since she first encountered the deadly bacteria while working in an emergency pharmacy in Zurich, Switzerland.

“I worked with patients on a daily basis who had chronic infectious diseases and came with prescriptions for steroids, antibiotics and painkillers – and that’s all,” says the German-born researcher. “They came back every couple of weeks or months with a new prescription for the same drugs. It was so frustrating to see the patients suffering.”

Her experience sparked in Dr Richter a passion to research ways to combat superbugs. After a brief stint at the University of Copenhagen, she was awarded a PhD scholarship at The University of Adelaide, co-founded by THRF, where she researched new ways to destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Now a post-doctoral researcher, Dr Richter continues to receive vital funding from THRF for her battle with the bugs.

The biggest challenge, she says, is the sheer tenacity of superbugs.

“Bacteria are actually very similar to us humans – they don’t want to live alone,” Dr Richter says. “Who wants to live alone, right? You find your mate, you multiply, you found a family, a home. Bacteria do the same: they multiply and form clusters, or families. These produce a slimy matrix – a biofilm – that covers the entire cluster. This biofilm makes them much more resistant to environmental changes so they can stand attacks from the immune system, from antibiotics. They can also survive UV light, humidity or any kind of hot or low temperatures.”

What makes superbugs even more formidable is their remarkable ability to exchange knowledge within these slimy matrix.

“Biofilms can talk to each other,” Dr Richter says. “Once a certain threshold of bacteria is reached, they start to communicate with each other, to streamline their defence and therefore to survive better. If one bacterium becomes resistant to an antibiotic, it can exchange this knowledge to all the other bacteria in the community; within a very short period of time, the entire biofilm becomes resistant. That’s why biofilms are so difficult to kill.”

Professor Guy Maddern, surgeon and Director of Research at BHI, says the situation has been exacerbated in recent years with our increasing reliance on, and the overprescription of, antibiotics, giving superbugs ample opportunity to strengthen their defence.

“People have been warning us about this for at least 20 years and it has become a commonplace problem over the last 10-15 years,” he says. “If the we don’t win the war against superbugs, we’ll be driving ourselves back to the pre-penicillin days. The things we take for granted now, where a course of antibiotics will lead to a likely resolution for the problem, will disappear.

“We are going to have a whole lot of our options taken away from us over the next decade and we have to find either other ways of managing it or completely different treatments.”

In her lab at the BHI, Dr Richter is doing just this, developing two new antibiotic-free treatments to stop superbugs in their tracks. One treatment, used as a nasal rinse “to flush out all the bad bugs” after sinus surgery, utilises minuscule silver particles (about 1/1000th the width of a human hair); the other, a wound-healing gel implemented in the sinuses after sinus surgery, contains two compounds that delete nutrients and act as a poisonous food, delivering a “double whammy” against superbugs.

The treatments, both currently part of a clinical trial at TQEH, are both delivered topically, giving them more power to combat biofilms.

“If you have a product that delivers your antibiotics or compounds directly to the spot where they are needed without going through the entire body, it’s much more effective,” Dr Richter says. “The drug does not have to travel through the gut, so you can increase the concentration of your drug and deliver it directly where it is needed without having side effects.”

At present, Dr Richter’s treatment is mainly active against Golden Staff but she foresees it becoming a weapon against other superbugs in the future. But, while one battle looks to be almost won, the war against superbugs is far from over.

“Bacteria are smart and they will always adapt and try to survive; therefore it is essential for us to never stop doing research and coming up with new weapons to kill bacteria,” Dr Richter says. “This is why medical research is so much needed and also funding for medical research is needed.”

Much of the funding for Dr Richter’s important research has come from THRF and its popular Hospital Research Home Lottery.

“THRF funding is absolutely crucial for me,” she says. “The Foundation is one of the major funding bodies in South Australia – without them, many people would die. Without research there’s no innovation and no health benefit for the entire population.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Prof Maddern.

“The support the Foundation has provided has been fantastic,” he says. “This is an endless fight but I do think this particular problem, given enough time and resources can be fixed.

“It’s likely to be a problem that’s going to affect someone in your family over the next decade. You hope it doesn’t but it’s almost a certainty someone in your immediate circle will be affected.”

FIGHTING FOR THE FUTURE

For younger researchers like Dr Richter, support from THRF is key not just to funding but also to furthering scientific investigations.

“The Foundation is always there for us researchers,” she says. “They help us get the message out if we have a new superbug or cancer treatment or whatever researchers are doing. They are interested in the outcome and they want to see we bring innovations directly to patients in clinical practice. This is what they’re passionate about and it’s what I’m passionate about as well – that’s why it’s a dream team.”

Paul Flynn, CEO of The Hospital Research Foundation, says funding supported by the Hospital Research Home Lottery provides an essential platform which allows inexperienced researchers to progress their studies.

“Younger, less experienced researchers who are only five or so years out of finishing their PhD, and many students and researchers applying to do their PhDs, would struggle without the funding we provide,” Flynn says. “These are the sort of people we have to nurture otherwise the future of Australian medical research won’t be as rosy.”

THRF provides vital medical funding to help save the lives of thousands of South Australians through its donors and annual Hospital Research Home Lottery, which offers a first prize of a luxurious new home plus $1 million in cash, and hundreds of other fantastic prizes.

“It’s a bit of a win-win for the community,” Flynn says. “The community sees the benefit, they feel the benefit because they experience the benefit.”

DREAM COME TRUE

Thanks to the Hospital Research Home Lottery, Gavin Reichelt is now living the dream, with a luxury new home in Brighton and $1 million in the bank.

Reichelt, 57, bought his tickets in the third and final 2018 Home Lottery on the spur of the moment.

“I was sitting watching TV one night and saw the ad for the Home Lottery. I thought I’d just ring up and buy three tickets. The lady on the phone said it was cheaper to buy five so I decided to buy 10,” he says.

Incredibly, the winning ticket was in the second batch of five Reichelt bought.

“I’m never usually stuck for words but I was just flabbergasted – I couldn’t believe it,” says Reichelt, formally from Mount Barker. “It’s life-changing. The first afternoon I moved into the house, I sat on the balcony watching the ocean for three hours – it was just amazing.”

The highlight of winning for Reichelt is the security the money brings to help him support his three grown-up children and two grandchildren.

“My main aim is to look after the kids because things are pretty tough for them,” he says. “To be able to help them is the biggest thing – to know they’ll be looked after.”

Reichelt is deeply grateful to the Hospital Research Home Lottery for giving him this new start in life.

“They’re fantastic people,” he says. “And the lottery helps THRF too, so the money is going to a good cause.”

Lush rainforests meet sapphire seas on the hiking trails of Tropical North Queensland.

Thanks to some resourceful minds, there are many businesses in this great state that have pivoted and are now guiding our state back from hibernation to a bustling economy and a state of wellbeing, for employers and employees alike.

With travel restrictions easing, it’s time for this Cairns-based travel writer to open up the throttle and take a longed-for getaway close to home.

The Hospital Research Foundation Home Lottery | Phenomenal Hyde Park.

Aug 6, 2023 | Reading Time: 3 minutes

YOU COULD CALL ONE OF ADELAIDE’S TOP 3 LUXURIOUS SUBURBS HOME AT 44 PARK STREET, HYDE PARK – OR TAKE HOME $4.5 MILLION CASH.

Are you ready to experience a life of unparalleled luxury in the heart of Adelaide’s prestigious east? Look no further than 44 Park Street, Hyde Park – the crown jewel of The Hospital Research Foundation Home Lottery ‘s grand prizes, worth an astonishing $5 million. This fully-furnished designer residence embodies the art of living at its finest, offering a dream lifestyle for families who cherish the good life.

As you step into this opulent abode, you will be mesmerised by the sheer splendour that awaits you. Boasting four spacious bedrooms, three lavish bathrooms, a four-car garage, underfloor heating, a state-of-the-art home theatre, a dedicated wine room and a sparkling pool in a luxury alfresco living area, this house truly has something for everyone.

Positioned on a valuable corner allotment, this standout residence finds itself in one of Adelaide’s top three luxurious places to live. The location is nothing short of perfect, situated just minutes away from the CBD and with the cosmopolitan hub of King William Road right at your doorstep.

Designed to cater to those who love to entertain in style, this exquisite lifestyle property has been fully furnished and professionally decorated by the renowned Scott Salisbury Homes. Every corner of this home exudes magazine-worthy styling, elevating the living experience to new heights. And if the sheer grandeur of this property wasn’t enticing enough, the Grand Prize also includes a generous $100,000 in cash.

But here’s the cherry on top – the Grand Prize winner faces an enviable dilemma: choosing between the $5 million Hyde Park residence or a staggering $4.5 million in cash. It’s a decision that promises to turn dreams into reality, whatever path they choose.

But wait, there’s more! The excitement doesn’t end with the $5 million Grand Prize. The Hospital Research Foundation Home Lottery offers more chances to win big, with an astonishing $6.9 million in prizes up for grabs. Over 10,000 prizes await lucky participants, including luxury cars, dream vacations, and substantial cash prizes.

The earlier you get your tickets, the MORE chances you’ll have to win BIG!

Purchase your Home Lottery tickets by Friday, 1 September to be entered into all the Home Lottery draws AND the Early Bird draw to win one of THREE 2023 Lexus RX 350h + $5,000 Prize packages.

Purchase your Home Lottery tickets by Friday, 15 September, and you could be one of FIVE winners of $100,000! PLUS, you’ll still be in all remaining draws to win!

Friday, 29 September, is your LAST CHANCE to get your tickets and be in the draw to win the $5 Million Grand Prize in Hyde Park, including $100,000 in cash OR take $4.5 Million in CASH!

Participating in the Hospital Research Foundation Home Lottery means more than just a shot at winning incredible prizes. The funds raised through this initiative are dedicated to improving treatment and care for the South Australian community. By supporting the Home Lottery, you’re contributing to world-class medical research, enhanced hospital care, and better treatments for those in need. Together, we are making a significant impact and saving lives.

Can you imagine living in this luxurious oasis without the burden of a mortgage? The possibilities are endless, and you can make it a reality. So, don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to view this masterpiece in person. The doors of 44 Park Street are open for viewing every Monday, Wednesday, weekend, and public holidays from 12 pm to 5 pm. Prepare to be enchanted as you step into a world of sophistication and luxury like never before. Visit today and let your dreams take flight.

Visit homelottery.com.au to grab our tickets today.

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Housing | California’s down payment assistance lottery…

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Housing | California’s down payment assistance lottery reopens for first-time homebuyers

Changes to the 1-year-old program are aimed at reaching a more diverse group of borrowers across the state..

By Felicia Mello | CalMatters

California will dole out $250 million more in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers this spring, while making changes to its 1-year-old program aimed at reaching a more diverse group of borrowers across the state.

Last year frenzied homebuyers hoovered up nearly all $300 million budgeted for the California Dream for All loan program in just 11 days. While the new program was wildly popular , some Realtors and lenders reported that clients who received the funds were already far along in the home purchase process, fueling speculation about whether the loans were going to people who already could afford to buy homes.

The program’s next round keeps the same “shared appreciation” lending model : The state will give first-time homebuyers money toward a down payment — up to 20% of the purchase price or $150,000, whichever is lower — then it will get paid back the loan plus a share of the home’s appreciation whenever it sells again.

This time the California Housing Finance Agency, which administers Dream for All, hopes to head off a mad scramble for the loans by replacing its original first-come, first-serve model with a lottery.

Homebuyers will have until April to find a state-approved lender and start working on an application. A lottery opens in early April, and buyers will have a month to submit their applications. Between 1,700 and 2,000 lottery winners will receive vouchers that they’ll then have 60 days to spend on a home.

More time to prepare

The extra time to prepare should help Californians who may not be sure if they could buy a home without state assistance, said CalHFA spokesperson Eric Johnson.

The program is for people for whom homeownership “may be a dream, but they’ve got the steady income, they’ve got the decent credit score of above 660 and they’re thinking, ‘OK, wow, this could really make the difference,’ ” said Johnson. “This gives them time to get motivated, to find a loan officer. If they need to do a little work on their credit score or change their debt-to-income ratio, they’ve got time to work with one of our loan officers or brokers.”

The agency will set aside a number of vouchers for each region of the state based on its share of the state’s households. That’s to avoid the geographic disparities that emerged in the program’s first round, in which Sacramento County homebuyers disproportionately benefited but those in Los Angeles County, which represents 25% of the state’s population, received just 9% of loans.

California Dream for All “was initially conceived of as focusing on higher-cost parts of the state where it’s especially hard to use existing down payment programs, and that was not exactly an unequivocal success,” said Adam Briones, CEO of California Community Builders, which advocates for closing the racial wealth gap through homeownership and helped draft the research that inspired the program.

The state’s red-hot housing market means some Californians who might otherwise be able to afford mortgage payments must struggle to save enough for a down payment. About 55% of Californians own their homes, the second-lowest homeownership rate of any state , behind New York.

Who will benefit?

Dream for All’s backers had hoped it would especially benefit members of communities that have experienced redlining or low homeownership rates, such as Black and Latino Californians. A CalMatters analysis of Dream for All’s first round found that its beneficiaries included a higher share of people of color than exists among California’s current homeowners, but they were still whiter than the state’s overall population.

California law prohibits state-sponsored affirmative action, which poses a challenge for officials trying to design a program that tackles historical redlining without explicitly addressing race, Briones said.

Dream for All’s new rules include a requirement that at least one homebuyer in each transaction be a first-generation homebuyer, defined as someone who has never owned a home and whose parents also did not own a home, or someone who grew up in foster care. The state also has lowered the income eligibility threshold from 150% of the area median income to 120%, a number that ranges from about $95,000 a year in Fresno County to about $215,000 in Santa Clara County.

The state plans an outreach campaign beginning in February that will focus especially on Southern California and the Central Coast to let potential homebuyers know about the program, Johnson said. It will include flyers in laundromats, text messages and advertisements on Spanish-language radio and in Black newspapers.

How to apply for Dream for All

So far, Dream for All has survived Gov. Newsom’s budget ax, which fell on some of the state’s other housing programs last week. The governor is proposing several clawbacks of unspent funds to solve a budget deficit his office projects will reach $38 billion in 2024-25.

Created in 2022, Dream for All was originally envisioned as a 10-year, $10 billion investment before lawmakers scaled it back last year.

Californians interested in applying for the program can visit the California Dream for All website for updates or join CalHFA’s homebuyer email list .

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3 Bay Area stores sell 5/5 Powerball tickets worth $448K

The winning tickets were sold in santa clara, san francisco and hayward; jackpot winner sold in l.a., by nbc bay area staff • published july 19, 2023 • updated on july 20, 2023 at 9:52 am.

Three tickets matching the first five numbers in Wednesday's Powerball drawing were sold in the Bay Area -- each worth nearly half a million dollars, according to the California Lottery .

The winning tickets worth $448,750 were sold at the following stores:

• 7-Eleven, 1590 Franklin St. in Santa Clara
• Safeway, 4950 Mission St. in San Francisco
• Steve's Liquors, 583 W. Tennyson Road in Hayward

There were four other 5/5 winners in California, three in Southern California and one in South Lake Tahoe.

Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.

One lucky winner matched all five numbers plus the Powerball at Las Palmitas Mini Market, 1205 Wall St. in Los Angeles -- taking home $1 billion.

The winning numbers in Wednesday night's draw were 7, 10, 11, 13, 24 and the Powerball 24.

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2024-2025 Graduate Housing Lottery Applications Open

Submit Summer Quarter and Autumn Quarter applications by May 1st.

If applying for both Summer Quarter and Autumn Quarter, please submit two applications. 

To submit an application:

-Log into Axess at https://axess.stanford.edu

-Select Housing & Dining from My Information menu

-Select Housing & Dining Login 

-Select Apply for Graduate Housing and follow the prompts.

To submit a renewal application:

-Select Renew Housing Contract

Money latest: 650,000 pensioners facing income tax bill for first time from this week

Some 650,000 state pensioners will be dragged into paying income tax for the first time this week. Read about this and more in the Money blog, your place for consumer and personal finance news. Leave a comment on anything we're covering, or a question for our experts, in the form below.

Tuesday 2 April 2024 06:44, UK

• 650,000 pensioners warned they're being dragged into paying tax this week
• Eight big price hikes this week - and six boosts to Britons' pockets
• Extended free childcare rollout begins - but there are concerns about whether it's achievable
• More young people are pausing pension contributions - this is how much it's costing them
• All the places kids can eat cheap or free this Easter

Ask a question or make a comment

Over half a million state pensioners will be dragged into paying income tax for the first time this week.

Around 8.5 million over-65s will pay tax on their income - up from approximately 4.9 million in 2010 - from 6 April, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. 

This is down to state pensions rising in line with inflation while the tax threshold has been frozen at £12,570 (and will remain so until 2028).

The 8.5% increase in the state pension this week will take it to £11,502. While welcome, it means any pensioner with an additional income over £1,068 per year - for example from a private pension - will trigger a tax bill.

And calculations from the law firm Lane Clarke & Peacock estimate this change will drag around 650,000 pensioners into the taxable income bracket.

Louise Jenkins, tax partner at Alvarez & Marsal, told the Money blog: "It's great we have this triple lock and the pension rate is increasing but we also have to temper that with the fact that personal allowances haven't changed.

"This will result in pensioners becoming liable to pay tax and having the administration complexities that go with that."

HMRC states that pension income exceeding the personal allowance is paid automatically through a PAYE scheme - so pensioners don't need to complete a self-assessment.

But experts say that in practice, many pensioners will be forced to because of erroneous tax codes or in order to claim back overpayments.

Ms Jenkins said: "I think that's the issue that will be worrying a lot of pensioners.

"HMRC helplines are notoriously difficult and from a pensioner's perspective it is really time-consuming and frustrating."

Matthew Douglas, an independent financial adviser, said pensioners unaware they're supposed to be paying tax could end up receiving a late penalty notice.

"It could be a complete administrative nightmare and what's the penalty going to be when people don't pay because they simply don't know what they are supposed to do?"

Fixed income pensioners could be stuck - but those with flexibility have options

Clare Moffat, finance expert at Royal London, explained: "If you have a defined benefit pension, like a public sector pension, or you have bought an annuity, then your income will be fixed and this could mean that you could end up paying more tax. 

"If you had a pension pot and moved that into drawdown, where you receive pension income while allowing your pension fund to continue to grow, then there is flexibility about how much money you take out. You could decrease that a little to stay within the personal allowance."

Marriage allowance could drag many into tax bracket

Tax partner Ms Jenkins said a "particular sting in the tail" for many pensioners will be that receipt of marriage allowance takes them over the personal allowance.

She said "pensioners will need to think about this allowance" as  "it could push a lot of people into that tax-paying bracket".

"We want to see the government and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sending out some clear communication to articulate to the 12 million people who receive the state pension what the implications are for them and to date I haven't seen that," she added.

Personal allowances need to be unfrozen - Age UK

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "We know that many who have a small private pension on top of their state pension are concerned at having to pay more tax at a time when essential costs remain high. Age UK believes it's time for the government to revisit this policy and return to indexing personal allowances as soon as possible."

Government response

A government spokesperson told Sky News: "Pensioners do not pay any income tax if their sole income is the new state pension and they've either not deferred or they receive protected payments. This April we are standing by our commitment to maintain the triple lock by raising the basic state pension to almost £170 a week.

"Pensioners don't need to complete a tax return for any tax due on pension income, unless they already have to complete one for a separate reason, such as declaring property income.

"HMRC will always provide support for the vulnerable and those unable to use its online services."

A "do not eat" warning has been issued for a particular Magnum ice cream product sold in supermarkets across the UK.

Unilever said some boxes of three Magnum Classic ice cream sticks (3x100ml) are being recalled as they may contain pieces of metal.

"If you have bought the above product do not eat it," a recall notice on the Food Standards Agency's website said.

Affected products include those with the following batch codes: L3324, L3325, L3326, L3327 and L3328. They also have a best-before date of November 2025.

The sandwich chain is axing its current loyalty points scheme and is urging customers to use their points before it ends. 

Currently, Subway allows customers to collect points by scanning their app or card at the till when they buy a sub.

For every pound spent, they receive 10 loyalty points, as long as it is registered on the app.

If the card is not registered customers only get five points per pound.

These points add up to get diners free food, with 100 points needed for a hot drink, 200 points for a snack, 500 points for a six-inch sub and 1,000 points for a 12-inch.

But the scheme is set to come to an end on 14 May with any points balance being unredeemable, the chain has warned.

In an email to customers, it said the scheme was having a "makeover" with a "new levelling system, bigger rewards and surprise treats".

Drivers in Hammersmith and Fulham have paid £1m in traffic fines a month.

Penalty charge notices have been handed out in their droves after the council made the area a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) in 2022.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council have issued more than 341,000 penalty charge notices in 11 months, according to The Telegraph. 

LTNs see large stretches of road completely pedestrianised and they are becoming more popular with local authorities despite objections from motorists.

Generally roads are redesigned to make them easier for walkers and cyclists.

They can include bollards to stop motor access altogether, one-way streets or filters just for buses and emergency services to travel through.

Cabinet ministers in Switzerland are giving up their free ski passes amid the spike in the cost of living.

Previously members of the Federal Council, as well as former members and their families, were entitled to a free pass that granted them access to all resorts in the country worth around 4,000CHF (£3,500).

However, amid claims that the passes were an "unjustifiable luxury" in the current economic climate, the seven members of the council said last week that taxpayers would no longer pay to fund ski passes for themselves and their families or for former ministers from 2025.

The move comes at a time when the government is seeking to implement cutbacks in public spending, with the passes becoming a focus of criticism by the Swiss public.

Federal councillors and their partners will, however, continue to receive free first class annual train passes, as will former councillors and their partners.

The retailer has issued an apology to customers after many complained of delays to their orders. 

It admitted its service wasn't "good enough" as its move to a new distribution centre hadn't gone "as smoothly as we planned". 

Customers complained on social media of "disappointing" service, with some saying they had waited weeks for their orders to arrive. 

The White Company said it was contacting people impacted and offering refunds. 

It said it had temporarily removed all delayed products from its website and was working "as hard and as quickly as possible to resolve the issues". 

"I am truly sorry that this has happened and I want to thank all of you for bearing with us while we get back to the levels of service that you, our customers, expect and deserve," said chief executive Mary Homer. 

As we've been reporting, numerous household bills are going up in price today.

People are set to see increases in prices for TV packages, broadband, council tax, TV licences, water and rent for social housing - as well as car tax, train fares and stamps. 

With many households already feeling the pinch, is there anything you can do to cut costs? 

Check if you're out of contract

When it comes to TV and broadband packages, major providers BT, EE, Plusnet and Vodafone are charging customers 7.9% more from this month, while Virgin Media and O2 are upping prices by 8.8% (although some O2 customers will see smaller rises than this). 

Sky is also implementing price rises, meaning most Sky TV and broadband customers will pay an average of 6.7% more from today.

This is because these services usually have price increases baked into the contract that are linked to the RPI measure of inflation. 

You might be able to avoid the rises by switching provider as cheaper deals are often available to new customers. 

You should check to see if you're out of contract first, or what the exit penalty may be. 

Research by Which? shows switching providers when you're out of contract could cut bills by up to £187. 

If you don't want to leave your provider, you could also call them and try to haggle down your monthly cost. 

Check if you can get council tax support

With the majority of councils increasing their council tax by the maximum amount this month, some households could see their bills jump significantly.

Analysis by AJ Bell suggests the maximum 4.99% increase for an average Band D property in the UK would raise bills by £103 - although those in bigger properties or more expensive areas for council tax could see larger increases. 

You may qualify for extra support or a reduction in your council tax bill, for example if you're on a low income, are a student, are living alone or are disabled. 

Another option is to have your council tax bill spread over 12 months instead of the usual 10 - this won't save you money but could help you to budget, if your council offers this option.

You could also get your home's council tax band reviewed, which may entitle you to a refund if you're in the wrong band. However, you should be aware the review could lead to your property being put in a higher band. 

See if you're eligible for a free or discounted TV licence

If you're 75 or over and you get pension credit, or you live with a partner who does, you qualify for a free TV licence. 

You can apply for it here  or call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071. 

Those in residential care or sheltered accommodation can get a licence for £7.50, while those registered blind or living with someone who is can get a 50% discount. 

Use these tips for cheaper train fares

Rail fares will rise by 8.7% this month for those in Scotland, after the Scottish government argued previous fare freezes were not sustainable. 

For those in England and Wales, fares rose by 4.9% on 3 March. 

One of the best ways of saving on your train fare is to buy in advance. 

Tickets are usually released up to 12 weeks before travel, although some may be earlier. 

Another way to travel cheaper is by splitting your fare, meaning you split your journey into multiple tickets between stations. 

You can use sites like Split My Fare and Split Train Tickets to work out whether this will be cheaper for you. 

If you are eligible for a railcard, this can be another way of saving on ticket purchases. 

People who live in poorly insulated homes could end up with gas bills about 50% higher than those whose properties have met government targets as the new price cap comes into force. 

The average annual gas bill will be about £340 higher per year for homes with an energy performance certificate (EPC) score of F, according to analysis by the Energy and Climate Change Intelligence Unit (ECIU).

This extra cost is compared with homes with EPC ratings of C, which are considered reasonably well-insulated. 

Homes with a D rating will face annual bills about 15% higher. 

In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scrapped plans that would have forced private landlords to ensure their properties had a minimum level of insulation.

ECIU energy analyst Jess Ralston said: "Government insulation schemes are not delivering at target levels and fixing them does not seem to be a priority, despite the bill and energy security benefits."

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said nearly half of all homes in England have an EPC rating of C or above. 

Drivers have seen their insurance premiums increase dramatically in the past two years - but some positive signs suggest costs are starting to fall. 

Comparison site Compare the Market said the average fully comprehensive premium was £892 in February, down from a peak of £951 in November, according to The Times. 

However, this is still up 46% on February last year. 

Meanwhile, market researcher Consumer Intelligence said premium prices had flattened out. 

Premiums for new customers rose by 59.7% between February last year and December but have fallen slightly since. 

It follows comments from two of the UK's largest insurers last month, who suggested the pace of premium rises had peaked. 

Admiral said the easing of cost pressures recently meant the company had been able to slightly reduce premiums. 

Its competitor Direct Line said the rate by which it increased vehicle premiums would fall from 24% last year to an estimated 20% this year. 

Vodka alcopop Reef is back on shelves after being discontinued in the early 2000s. 

The fruity drink had been popular among ravers and clubbers in the 1990s. 

It follows the return of Hooch in 2012. 

Recent months have seen a 90s revival in popular culture, and the brand told the Sun its return would help Britons "remember the days before responsibilities". 

A spokeswoman added: "Reef is back on shelves, ready to transport the UK back to a time when life was simpler, with its nostalgic taste and still chill vibes."

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Lottery winner? Now is the time to buy your dream home

Lottery winners sometimes choose to invest in real estate.

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Supersized lottery jackpots may have some people fantasizing about what they would do with the funds if they won, whether that would be buying a home, paying off debt or saving.

It is, however, an even more important question for those who actually do win the lottery , like the lucky person in New Jersey who just scored a nearly $1.13 billion windfall from Mega Millions on Tuesday. Lottery winners are faced with many options.

Some winners of past jackpots or even smaller prizes have said they planned to go the homebuying route . For example, a North Carolina man who landed $1 million from a Mega Millions ticket in 2023 indicated he had plans to use it on getting a home.

MEGA MILLIONS ANNOUNCES WINNER OF $1.13 BILLION JACKPOT

That has also happened for lottery-winning participants that appear on the HGTV series "My Lottery Dream Home" and, according to a recent Realtor.com report , the show offers insight on what houses they purchase. They reportedly often defy preconceived notions some may hold of lottery winners.

The home features 18 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms. (2016 Beverly House)

The properties that many "My Lottery Dream Home" participants with lottery prizes wind up purchasing tend to be on par with and at times below the $406,700 national median, according to the real estate-focused site.

In a statement to FOX Business, Realtor.com Executive Editor Judy Dutton said home purchases by those who win the lottery are typically not extravagant, something she said stems from it being "much more common for lotto winners to win much less money" than the "rare mega-winners."  

Lottery tickets are pictured as the Powerball lottery jackpot hits $1 billion in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, U.S. October 31, 2022.  (REUTERS/Hannah Beier / Reuters Photos)

"And even in cases where people do win a lot, even in the millions, they don’t necessarily want to blow it all on a huge house," Dutton said.

Plenty make home purchases that afford them the room to easily host their families, according to Realtor.com.

POWERBALL JACKPOT HITS $1.4B AS PRIZE CONTINUES TO GROW – AND SO DO THE TAXES THE WINNER WILL OWE

"The majority of lotto winners on ‘My Lottery Dream Home’ shop for homes with plenty of extra bedrooms, or even entire guest suites, where their grown kids and grandkids can sleep over comfortably," Dutton said, noting it pushed back on the idea lottery winners want to keep their success to themselves.

Others have financially helped loved ones with acquiring a house, Realtor.com reported.

"My Lottery Dream Home" participants also tend to relocate within their area and to forgo exotic new places when they spend winnings on homes, according to the site.

They go with older homes instead of luxury ones in many instances "proving that cutting-edge style and upgrades aren’t always big priorities," Dutton said.

Using funds from a lottery price to acquire a home can be a "great idea," Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor Andrea Williams told FOX Business.

House, Residential Building, Building Exterior, Real Estate, Luxury (iStock / iStock)

"Buying property gives you a place to live without sending your money to someone else, which you do when renting," she said. "You get to own an asset that will typically increase in value overtime."

MEGA MILLIONS LOTTERY $1 BILLION JACKPOT: ANNUITY OR LUMP SUM?

She recommended lottery winners looking to buy real estate consult a financial professional and keep in mind yearly expenses a person encounters with a house.

The ballroom on the second level of the Iowa school-turned-mansion. (VHT Studios / Fox News)

"When buying a home and budgeting, there’s an additional 2-4% of the house value going toward annual expenses such as homeowners’ insurance, property taxes, utility bills and general maintenance," Williams said. "So, a $500,000 home can have anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 of annual expenses. And what we don’t want to do in this situation is become house poor."

The next opportunity people have to nab a massive lottery grand prize is Saturday, when Powerball next draws for its $935 million jackpot.

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Woman Wins $25K a Year for Life Prize Months After Having a Dream That She’d Win the Lottery 

Patricia Harris won $25,000 a year for life, but opted to receive a one-time payment of $390,000 instead, according to lottery officials

Abigail Adams is a Human Interest Writer and Reporter for PEOPLE. She has been working in journalism for seven years.

Massachusetts State Lottery

A Massachusetts woman’s dream of winning the lottery has literally come true.

Patricia Harris, of Holliston, won $25,000 a year for life on a Quick Pic ticket for the multi-state “Lucky for Life” game on Sept. 24, 2023, according to a press release from the Massachusetts State Lottery .

Harris purchased the winning ticket at Country Farm on Washington Street in Holliston, which will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the ticket.

The woman claimed her prize on March 14 at the state lottery headquarters in Dorchester, lottery officials said.

During her visit, the woman said she had a dream about winning the lottery about six months before she actually won.

Harris opted to receive the cash option, a one-time payment of $390,000 (before taxes), according to lottery officials.

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Now, she plans to invest her winnings in addition to doing “some nice things for her family.”

Another $25,000 a year for life prize was set to expire on May 17 after going unclaimed in Massachusetts for a year, lottery officials said.

The winning ticket for the Lucky for Life was purchased at J Convenience Store & Laundromat on North Main Street in Natick.

The “Lucky for Life” game requires players to match five numbers out of 48 to win $25,000 a year for life, according to the game’s website .

Those who also match one Lucky Ball, out of 18 numbers, win $7,000 a week for life — or $364,000 a year, before taxes. The odds of matching at least one ball is 1 in 7.8.

Related Articles

Stark couple hits big lottery win. Now will appear on HGTV's 'My Lottery Dream Home'

• HGTV and "My Lottery Dream Home" host David Bromstad visited Stark County recently to finish filming a future episode of the popular show.
• A Stark County couple, who won hundreds of thousands of dollars in an Ohio Lottery scratch-off game, will be featured on the show.
• The couple settled on a "dream home" in Bethlehem Township in the Bolivar area.

BETHLEHEM TWP. − Bad things kept happening to Chandra Potschner.

The Stark County native battled breast cancer, undergoing more than 30 radiation treatments before the disease went into remission. Her 27-year-old daughter, Maegan Motter, was murdered in 2018 in the Middletown area. And she lost her job of 14 years due to outsourcing.

Then, something good finally happened last year. Potschner won $500,000 in an Ohio Lottery scratch-off game.

"I was in disbelief," she said.

Winning lottery cash led to even more excitement when Potschner and her husband, William, were selected to be on the popular HGTV television show, " My Lottery Dream Home ." Host David Bromstad takes recent lottery winners such as the Potschners on house hunts to find their dream homes, chronicling the search on the show.

"I've watched the show in the past, and I just thought, 'Wow, people really win the lottery and stuff,'" Potschner said. "I thought it was neat."

More reality TV: Stark County resident competes on "Cabin Wars"

Finding a dream home in the wilderness of Bethlehem Township

In recent months, Bromstad and a film crew visited Stark County to join the Potschners on a search for a new home. The couple had a windfall of money won in the Billion scratch-off game, which paid a $1 million annuity prize − $50,000 a year for 20 years before taxes.

Potschner chose the $500,000 cash option instead and will receive about $360,000 after federal and state tax withholdings.

Bromstad and HGTV returned to the Canton area earlier this month to wrap up filming for the future episode of "My Lottery Dream Home." Potschner said she expects it to be broadcast in the spring or fall.

Moving from a home the couple rented in Wilmot, the Potschners found their dream home in Bethlehem Township in the Bolivar area.

Chandra Potschner, 51, is enthusiastic about her new digs.

"It's beautiful out here," she said of the secluded area, which includes a pond and wilderness. "You see deer and turkey in the yard."

Potschner was already familiar with the home. She had grown up fishing in the area.

"We've driven by the house probably a thousand times since we were kids," said Potschner, who has two adult sons who live in area.

"It's our dream home," she said. "We lucked out; it's everything we wanted and more. David did a fantastic job."

Winning big: HGTV chronicles Upper Arlington couple's dream-home journey after lottery win

The house wasn't move-in ready, however. Some cleanup was required after it was purchased at an auction, Potschner said.

"We worked our butts off to get it done," said Potschner, who retired after most recently working at Hendrickson, a local manufacturer of suspensions for heavy trucks. "My husband worked from 7 a.m. to late at night to get it done (before the final filming)."

'My Lottery Dream Home' has filmed in the Akron-Canton area before

This isn't the first time "My Lottery Dream Home" has visited the Canton area. In 2021, Bromstad filmed an episode locally after a Minerva couple won $1 million with a lottery scratch-off ticket. Scenes included Bromstad meeting with the couple at Gervasi Vineyards in Canton.

Ohio Road Trips | Happen to be at 1 of our Favorite places yesterday for lunch Table 6 in Canton we drive close to an hour it's that good | Facebook

In 2022, an Akron couple won $150,000 and was featured on the show.

A representative of HGTV confirmed this week that a future episode was being filmed in the Canton area, but declined to reveal more details.

Searching for homes with Bromstad was a blast

Potschner sounded just as excited to meet Bromstad as she was about her new home.

Known for his high-energy vibe and outgoing personality, the celebrity didn't disappoint, she assured.

When the final round of filming occurred recently, Bromstad surprised Potschner and her husband with a rhubarb pie from the Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot; it was dessert when they ate and filmed at Table Six Kitchen + Bar in Jackson Township.

"He was such a blast," she said of Bromstad, noting that he worked with Realtors. "We were with him for (multiple) days, and we filmed in Minerva and we filmed in Beach City (searching for homes).

"He cracks jokes, he's real down to earth and he's just blunt, he's straightforward," she added. "And he cares about your story and all that because we had some pretty bad things happen."

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and [email protected] .

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