Wholesale Gas prices have fallen yet UK electricity prices rising again in January, then a lot more in April
Proving the twaddle spouted by Labour that gas is the problem & that renewables would bring bills down
Net Stupid Zero is the cause. Scrap it https://t.co/SZMJwuYxsB
The headline is @Ofgem's energy Price Cap for the 3mths starting 1 Jan is to RISE 0.2% but that's only part of the story, elec costs are to rise a real amount while gas falls, and yet again the hated standing charges are rising. Here's the average UK direct debit rates:
- Elec unit rates 27.69p/kwh (was 26.35p) up +5.1%
- Elec standing charges 54.75p/day (was 53.68p) up2.0%
- Gas unit rates 5.93p/kwH (was 6.29p) down 5.7%
- Gas standing charges 35.09p/day (was 34.03p) up 3.1%
So those on the Price Cap (all those on standard tariffs, ie if you've not fixed or got a special deal) with high electricity use and low or no gas use will see their bills rise by three or four percent come 1 Jan.
These changes are not caused by an increase in wholesale costs, as normal (which is why the prediction had been down 0.5%ish) as they went down over the three month assessment period, but by a mix of policy and network costs ie cost for nuclear, costs for linking up networks, cost of warm home discount.
Electricity is seen as more universal so when they want to add policy costs to bills, they do it there, yet that is somewhat perverse as it means we see a relative increase in electricity costs compared to gas, when the whole policy driver is to move people off gas.
The best move for most people is to get onto a comparison site like https://t.co/SzyAOfDcdh and find yourself a cheap fix (though im hearing a couple of cheaper tariffs may launch next week so you may want to hold until then) which are currently 10% less than price cap (especially as april cap predicted to rise 4 to 5%). Also some good time of use and EV tariffs too.
EXPOSED: 'Worst offender' councils splurging on yoga and PlayStations for asylum seekers while increasing YOUR taxes by hundreds
https://t.co/0hYxVZXIkM
Bad news. The predictions for what'll happen to the energy price cap in April keep rising. EDF now predicted Ofgem will increase it by 3.3% rise, British Gas predicts 5%, Eon Next predicts 5.7%.
We're only a couple of weeks from the end of the assessment period. So that means this is getting pretty firm. Its now nearly unthinkable that it'll drop, it's going to rise, the big question is how much.
@GBNEWS The guarantee these schemes are under is not worth the paper it is written on. Please look into it all. Some people were mis-sold CWI who didn't even qualify under the schemes T&Cs for these companies to profit and are now left with huge issues.
The fourth @OSCE Moscow Mechanism report on Ukraine has uncovered evidence of widespread arbitrary detention and torture of thousands of Ukrainian civilians by Russian forces.
Russia must immediately release these detainees and respect its obligations under international law.
🌿Your Journey Matters to Us🌿
@iambilly we believe in the power of stories to educate, inspire, and guide us. Whether you've found relief, faced challenges, or are still on the fence about medical cannabis, your journey is important 💚
We're calling on our community to share their experiences with medical cannabis — the good, the bad, and everything in between. Your story could be the beacon of hope someone needs or the cautionary tale that guides them towards making informed decisions.
📢 **How to Share?** 📢
- **Send Us a Message** Directly through our social media or email [email protected]
🤝 **Let's Learn Together**
Every story shared is a step forward in understanding the true impact of medical cannabis on diverse health journeys. Whether you're a long-time advocate or someone who's just beginning to explore the possibilities, we want to hear from you.
🔍 **Your Privacy Matters**
We understand the sensitivity around personal health stories. You have the option to share your story anonymously or choose how much you wish to disclose publicly.
Together, let's build a community of support, knowledge, and understanding. Your experience, whether it's filled with triumphs or trials, can make a difference.
#journeywithIamBilly 💚
Lack of Progress on Prescription Cannabis Disheartening, Says Law-Changing Mum
• Despite changing the law, Charlotte reveals the persisting challenges in medical education and research, which hinder patient access to life-changing treatments.
• Billy’s prescription cannabis was confiscated upon their return from Canada, the Caldwell’s’ ordeal spotlighted the urgent need for reform within the UK’s prescription cannabis policies.
• In eight days flat, one little boy called Billy from the foothills of Castlederg, changed the UK cannabis law so as cannabis could be prescribed by specialist clinicians on the GMC registry
• The subsequent battle culminated in Billy retrieving his medication, owing to persistent efforts and a late-night negotiation with the Home Office.
• He was granted the first-ever UK license and subsequently obtained the first-ever NHS prescription for whole-plant cannabis.
• This moment marked the turning point, leading to the then-Home Secretary announcing an investigation into prescription cannabis and ultimately changing the law
• Charlotte expresses deep disheartenment over the lack of progress in making prescription cannabis widely accessible.
• The situation has forced many to incur hefty monthly expenses as they seek medication from the private sector, far from the anticipated improvement in healthcare professionals’ education and the overall prescription framework
• Billy Caldwell’s life has been transformed by prescription cannabis
• Charlotte Caldwell remains hopeful that with increased research and collaboration, more patients can experience the transformative impact of prescription cannabis, just like Billy
https://t.co/3GtPceuOUT
The Story of Michael Fisher and the Teesside Cannabis Club: A journey of self healing and advocacy
• As the founder of the Teesside Cannabis Club and the Exhale Harm Reduction Centre, Michael’s journey over the last decade is not just a testament to his resilience but also a compelling argument for the medical use of cannabis
• Diagnosed with IBS at 17, Michael spent over two decades navigating a challenging healthcare path - prescribed a myriad of medications ranging from muscle relaxants & opioid painkillers to anti-sickness drugs, some of which were later deemed dangerous. This cocktail of prescriptions led to dependency, low mood, and various other side effects, without offering real relief
• In 2016, a significant turning point occurred when Michael’s specialist endorsed his use of cannabis flower and oil for his complex stomach issues
• Driven by his experiences and the desire to shield his family from legal troubles associated with cannabis, Michael founded the Teesside Cannabis Club in 2013
• As we reflect on his journey, let us join in the effort to ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for access to the life-changing benefits of cannabis and applaud our very own legend Michael Fisher
https://t.co/SuanY0p6m4
We owe it to patients to learn the lessons of history:
• As healthcare professionals and advocates, understanding and acknowledging this journey is crucial
• By learning from history, we can navigate the complexities of medical cannabis with wisdom and empathy, ensuring patients receive the care they deserve
• Propaganda, political agendas, and lack of scientific understanding led to its prohibition in numerous countries
• This era not only marginalized cannabis but also hampered scientific research and silenced advocates
• The repercussions were felt deeply in medicine, where patients lost access to a historically significant treatment option
• Legal restrictions, societal skepticism, and a lack of comprehensive clinical trials have made it difficult for medical cannabis to be fully integrated into healthcare systems
• Despite these hurdles, stories of its efficacy in treating chronic pain, epilepsy, and other conditions have reignited the conversation about its potential
• The story of medical cannabis is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning from history
• By embracing evidence-based practices and shedding the stigmas of yesteryears, we can unlock the full potential of medical cannabis in patient care
https://t.co/QZbutfN33J
For those asking what I mean by financial education in schools. The chapters of the free financial education textbook are a good guide...
1. Savings – ways to save, interest, money and mental health.
2. Making the most of your money – budgeting, keeping track of your budget, ways to pay, value for money, spending.
3. Borrowing – debt, APR, borrowing products, unmanageable debt.
4. After school, the world of work – student finance, apprenticeships, earnings, tax, pensions, benefits.
5. Risk and reward – investments, gambling, insurance
6. Security and fraud – identity theft, online fraud, money mules.
PS It's available free for each UK nation details here https://t.co/jV9I2edWUD
Absolute farce at St Pancras with @EastMidRailway they've taken the 1402 train off the info boards because "people already queuing" no guarantee to get on it even for people with booked tickets. The UKs infrastructure at its best.