Civil Servants Offered Emergency Loans Amid Pension Payment Delays
Civil servants experiencing financial hardship due to delays in receiving their pensions are being offered interest-free loans of up to £10,000. The government announced the emergency measure after acknowledging significant issues with the Civil Service Pension Scheme administration since Capita took over in December, according to BBC Business.
Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds addressed Members of Parliament, stating that the delays faced by retired civil servants were "completely and utterly unacceptable," as reported by BBC Business. The government estimates that approximately 8,500 individuals have been affected by the pension payment issues.
Capita has issued an apology to those impacted, explaining that the company inherited a backlog of 86,000 cases. Company representatives appeared before Parliament's Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on Wednesday, according to BBC Business.
Santander Announces Branch Closures, Putting Jobs at Risk
In other business news, Santander is set to close 44 branches, potentially impacting 291 jobs. BBC Business reported that this is the latest in a series of closures by the Spanish-owned bank, mirroring a trend among high street banks as customers increasingly transition to online banking.
Last year, Santander revealed plans to close 95 branches, a quarter of its total, affecting 750 employees. Lloyds Bank is also planning to shut more than 100 branches by March, according to BBC Business. Ministers have voiced concerns about the closure of bank branches, arguing that it restricts access to cash for elderly and vulnerable individuals. Santander stated that 96% of its transactions are now conducted digitally, according to BBC Business.
Water Bills Set to Rise Again in England and Wales
Meanwhile, water bills in England and Wales are poised to increase by an average of £2.70 per month starting in April. BBC Business reported that this follows previous increases for households in many regions. The average annual bill is expected to rise by £33 to £639.
The industry trade body, Water UK, stated that the bill increases are necessary to fund essential upgrades to the system and address spillages that have caused public concern, according to BBC Business. Calls for a "stronger safety net" for those unable to afford the increases have emerged.
Heavy Security Deployed at Niger Airport After Explosions
Internationally, heavy security has been deployed around the main airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, following overnight gunfire and explosions. The Guardian reported that the shooting and detonations began shortly after midnight on Wednesday, according to residents living near the airport.
A source indicated that two aircraft on the ground at Niamey airport were destroyed by gunfire, although authorities have yet to comment on the situation, according to The Guardian. The airport is located next to Base Aérienne 101, a military base previously used by French and American forces.
Starmer Meets Xi in China
Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. According to The Guardian, the meeting was viewed as an opportunity for Starmer to engage with China on key issues. The Guardian noted that Starmer had been eager to visit China.
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