a this is bbc news: the biggest rise in gas and electricity prices in living memory has come into effect — with the cost of an average household bill going up by almost £700 a year it's either feed them or heat my house or i don't eat and they eat. the same as everyone else, really, it's going to bite into the budget a lot. what can you do? trapped. plan, council tax, water and... iwaterand... want to do what we can to ameliorate some of that. but, you know, i am also honest with people, we can't ameliorate all of it, sadly.

how are you coping with the rise in the cost of living? get in touch — i'm on twitter @bbcjoannag or you can tweet us using the hashtag bbcyourquestions after a delay — a red cross team now says they have the have clearances they need to begin a fresh attempt to bring relief to people in the besieged ukrainian city of mariupol. the regional governor of belgorod, in western russia, accuses ukraine of attacking an oil depot in the city. in football, england are among the top seeds for the world cup draw that takes place in doha today. wales and scotland are also included in the draw. millions of people will be feeling the impact of an unprecedented rise in the cost of energy this morning,

as bills increase by the largest amount in living memory. ajump in the price cap set by the industry regulator, means 22 million customers across england, scotland and wales will see their gas and electricity bills rise by around £700 a year. higher energy prices are not the only way households and businesses will feel a squeeze on their finances, as the cost of living increases. council tax bills are also on the rise across england, scotland and wales, with the majority of households seeing total hikes of around three percent — an average of £67 a year. to offset energy price rises, the government is offering a £150 rebate for around 20 million households in england, in bands a to d. water bills are also rising by an average of about £7 a year in england 0n the 6th of april, national insurance contributions will go up by 1.25 percent, which the government says will help clear the nhs backlog and contribute

towards social care costs. and for 2.5 million workers on the minimum wage, they'll see their income rise by 59 pence an hour, to £9.50. first, let's look at the unprecedented rise in the cost of energy — 0ur consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has the details. there's more chances of us going into debt with the rises of the electricity and water bill, the council tax, everything is having a rise, plus the petrol. mum of three qurat is making small changes in the house to try and keep those energy bills under control. my washing, i normally do it throughout the week but now i'm doing it over the weekend. so it's a big wash. i've stopped using my hairdryer because it takes about 45 minutes to dry my hair. what the kids do is reach up to the heating, "mummy, we're cold, mummy, we're cold," so where are they supposed to go? at westminster primary on the other side of town, they already give food parcels to some families.

but now they've started collecting blankets, dressing gowns and hot water bottles to give out as well. we are totally expecting that as the energy prices really bite that more of our families will be pushed into a poverty situation and therefore the children will be coming to us having maybe not eaten a warm meal every day, they may be coming from a cold home or not slept properly. and the impact on that then for their education is quite extreme. the uk's biggest supplier is british gas. the boss says they make very little profit from customers, but their oil and gas extraction has made a lot more money. 80% of the additional profits have gone to the government. so i think the profits have gone up byjust over 500 million, and the tax bill has gone up byjust over 400. that is exactly right. i'm looking for no sympathy, that's how the system should work. and i'm very comfortable. the question is how government uses those additional funds. the government have already

announced a couple of things to try and help with those energy price rises. they're taking £150 off most people's council tax bill in england, and from september, there will be £200 available to most households in england, scotland and wales, and that will be through your energy bill, but it's a loan so you have to pay it back. even if you qualify for both of those things, that will still only cover around half of the rise that we are seeing in a typical household's energy bills. it's either feed them or heat my house. or i don't eat and they eat. so, yeah. it's not great, it's over £300 a month now. yeah, yeah, it's ridiculous, isn't it? it's ridiculous, the price of it now. got a text this morning, funnily enough, off british gas, asking me to send my reading in. must be preparing us for the worst. crazy. and with bills going up again in the autumn, people will keep trying to cut back where they can. people are really struggling. they bring their washing in,

they normally leave it for washing and drying, but nowadays, they wash it at home and they leave it for dry, or they get it washed here and they take it home to dry. with qurat�*s energy bills going up by at least £30 a month, she doesn't think the government to help will cover the extra. it's not enough. £200, it won't make up to the months that we will be paying for. it's not going to help. so in this time, their lights are going off to keep the bills down. coletta smith, bbc news, in bradford. 0ur correspondent ben boulos has been to visit one family affected who have been trying to manage the rise in their household bills switching off lights, turning down the heating and filling the kettle up less. just a few of the things the horton family and others around the country are doing to cut down on their energy use. do you know how much your energy bills are going to go up by this year? so i think we've been told between £35 and £40, which...

and that's a month. and over a year, i'm sure it'll be a lot more. so what kind of things are you having to do then to reduce energy use to bring those bills down? well, we only heard today about the cost of a tumble dryer load is going to be about £6, which is a huge amount. so we've got to really consider how often we'll wash things and how we'll dry them. and then we've also got the worry of using dishwashers because we use them quite often so if we can rely more on good old washing the dishes, we're going to be better off that way, but it's going to be hard. really hard. so you've got a smart meter here. yeah. and presumably, you'll be keeping an eye on how much this clocks up each day. yeah. so as you can see, it's already gone past the budget. in the red. so we're already in the red, so we just need to have a good look, especially when we're boiling the kettle. just to double check. it's me with the kettle. it can be. sometimes i will re—boil. so i have to make sure i stop doing that so that we can actually save the money because it costs a lot to re—boil. you notice every time you boil the kettle,

the numberjumps on there. yeah. while the chancellor is serving up measures to try to ease cost of living pressures, and particularly higher energy bills, there's an appetite among many to see the government do even more. ben boulos, bbc news, the wirral. 0ur political correspondent ione wells is at westminster. clear impact on people. people workin: clear impact on people. people working out _ clear impact on people. people working out this _ clear impact on people. people working out this morning, - clear impact on people. people - working out this morning, checking their online statements, they have noticed the steep rise in energy bills, we knew it was coming, but a massive shock for many families today. coupled with other price rises, inflation, the cost of everyday goods like food and key services also going up. some people being hit by rises in council tax, water bills, car taxes as well. all of this coming days before national insurance tax is set to rise. the

government has certainly been under pressure to do more to support people at this time. some saying the support already announced is not enough. to recap where we are at the moment with the government, one thing that is more positive is the national minimum wage is going up, something the government hope will soften the blow for some households. they have already announced council tax —— council tax will be £150 rebate and households will get a £200 energy bill loan which will need to be paid back from 2023. however, when speaking to the podcast, the chancellor rishi sunak said yesterday they would not be able to mitigate against all the price rises we are seeing at the moment. i want to do what we can to ameliorate some of that. but, you know, i am also honest with people, we can't ameliorate all of it, sadly. i know that's difficult for people to hear and the toughest part

of thisjob is not being able to do everything that people would like you to do because we are already borrowing quite a large amount of money and i don't think borrowing lots more would be sensible. how much pressure is there on the government to do more? fix, how much pressure is there on the government to do more? pa. 11th how much pressure is there on the government to do more?— how much pressure is there on the government to do more? a lot at the moment. government to do more? a lot at the moment from _ government to do more? a lot at the moment. from the _ government to do more? a lot at the moment. from the opposition - government to do more? a lot at the moment. from the opposition and i government to do more? a lot at the i moment. from the opposition and from some conservative mps as well who would like to see further measures introduced. some mps called on the government to scrap the rice on national interns —— make national insurance tax on the 6th of april. they have been under with other groups as well saying the energy bill loan scheme at the council tax rebates to be more generous as well. criticism from personal finance experts like martin lewis describing the energy bill loan scheme, criticising the loan aspect of it, having to be repaid at a time when bills are going to be more inflated.

we know the energy price cap is set to rise again in october leading to further rises in bills then as well. labour have been calling for some time for a windfall tax in the north sea oil and gas companies which can raise money to help people further with energy bills. the labour leader reiterated that when he was talking on bbc breakfast this morning. we would lower the bells using the when full tax _ would lower the bells using the when full tax and vat receipts. that is the whole — full tax and vat receipts. that is the whole point of the scheme. that would _ the whole point of the scheme. that would deal _ the whole point of the scheme. that would deal with the crisis today. judy as — would deal with the crisis today. judy as in — would deal with the crisis today. judy as in one month? what about in three months�* time when people�*s bills are still higher? would you still cover it then? this bills are still higher? would you still cover it then?— bills are still higher? would you still cover it then? this covers the ener: still cover it then? this covers the energy cap _ still cover it then? this covers the energy can is _ still cover it then? this covers the energy can is of — still cover it then? this covers the energy can is of us _ still cover it then? this covers the energy cap is of us are _ still cover it then? this covers the energy cap is of us are changing i still cover it then? this covers the | energy cap is of us are changing so that means — energy cap is of us are changing so that means that the six hundred to £700 _ that means that the six hundred to £700 over— that means that the six hundred to £700 over a year. is that means that the six hundred to £700 over a year. is a that means that the six hundred to £700 over a year.— £700 over a year. is a call for a labour party — £700 over a year. is a call for a labour party when _ £700 over a year. is a call for a labour party when full- £700 over a year. is a call for a labour party when full tax - £700 over a year. is a call for a | labour party when full tax north £700 over a year. is a call for a - labour party when full tax north sea oil and gas companies and the

profits they are making from rising gas prices at the moment. the government are not keen on this, they do not want to tax these companies more at a time when they are trying to incentivise investment in north sea oil and gas as the uk and western allies move away from russian oil and gas as well. i think the pressure on the treasury will continue to rise to step in to help people as people are starting to feel the impact of the rises in bills today. when the chancellor outlined his spending plans in the recent spring statement he did not necessarily close the door to further intervention in the future. he said they would have to keep a close eye on how prices develop over the year hinting that perhaps come 0ctober the year hinting that perhaps come october when we see the energy price cap go up again as it expected more intervention could be needed to help people with their bills. thank intervention could be needed to help people with their bills.— people with their bills. thank you very much- _ joining me now is adam scorer the chief executive of national energy action

what is your view on the action the government has taken and whether there is scope for more with people pointing out the huge profits that energy companies are making? government action has been woefully inadequate, to the challenge we had inadequate, to the challenge we had in april and when we get new price rises in october, it has made a very clear political decision to go broad and shallow, a little bit for everybody when what it should have done is go deep and targeted for people injeopardy from done is go deep and targeted for people in jeopardy from the price rises. there is no question, it has to come back and do more. i would like to see the start of some concerted planning for how we avert what is going to be a catastrophe when we get to next winter. when people with skyrocketing prices and cold weather get ill and sad to say, well inevitably, thousands of them, died because they can�*t afford the

cost of a warm home. lets died because they can't afford the cost of a warm home.— died because they can't afford the cost of a warm home. lets look at the actual — cost of a warm home. lets look at the actual picture, _ cost of a warm home. lets look at the actual picture, this _ cost of a warm home. lets look at the actual picture, this is - cost of a warm home. lets look at the actual picture, this is only - the actual picture, this is only half the story with the increase today. the prices are going to go up later on top of that. what can people realistically do other than cut down on yours?— people realistically do other than cut down on yours? they can try and limit the damage. _ cut down on yours? they can try and limit the damage. that _ cut down on yours? they can try and limit the damage. that is _ cut down on yours? they can try and limit the damage. that is pretty - limit the damage. that is pretty much all you can do if you are in danger of going into debt, get in touch with your supplier, make sure your heating and hot water, boiler controls are set properly. try to be as efficient in the us as you can. try to get all the benefits and support you can. we are talking about trying to limit the worst of the damage. this is a colossal, the biggest single energy price shock we have ever had. to be frank, the only way of ameliorating the impact immediately and in the immediate term it�*s down to government. they are the only actor with the weight,

the breadth, with the money that is able to step in. look, this is annoying for everybody, it is challenging for most, it is catastrophic for people on lowest incomes and in the least efficient homes. you will not heat your home, you will not have hot water, you will not cook food, your children will not cook food, your children will go to bed hungry and cold. what will go to bed hungry and cold. what should the government do? immediately, it needs to go into reverse and provide more money or more cash of bills for those people on the lowest incomes and at greatestjeopardy. the need to do it now. they also need to be planning for the impact in winter. 10,000 for the impact in winter.10,000 people every year in the uk die because they live any call home. this can only exacerbate that and make that situation worse. do not leave it till september. rishi sunak says we are going to wait to see what the next price rises going to be in october. do not do that. plan

now and bring everyone together understanding where the gaps are, pull all the levers you can to protect the vulnerable households from the inevitability of a high price cold winter later in the year. thank you very much. people are looking across the piece at what can be done to save on costs. that goes across shopping, fuel use for cars, domestic fuel consumption and also how we can cook in the most economic way possible. with me now is celebrity chef tom kerridge. tom started a campaign with footballer marcus rashford to battle child food poverty which has raised almost £200,000 to pay for some 750,000 meals.the pair launched the full time meals campaign for food redistribution for the charity fareshare last april. as part of the project kerridge designed 52 recipes. thank you forjoining me. as i mentioned, there are so many aspects to this. i was talking to a spice

importer earlier who said in terms of his business, he is doing quite well because more people are cooking at home. but you have to bear in mind how to cook at home efficiently. what are your thoughts on all of these aspects are around what has face currently? it is incredibly — what has face currently? it is incredibly difficult _ what has face currently? it is incredibly difficult for - what has face currently? it 3 incredibly difficult for everybody within the food industry, export and import, price hikes are rising incredibly fast. food costs are... really spiking. in terms of utility bills, energy costs, everything appears to be, vat, it�*s real, real pressure on the food industry. that has a massive knock on effect on everybody who cooks at home, particularly if you have a budget, these costs are making a difference. evenif these costs are making a difference. even if the price of pasta, it is doubling if not trebling. it is not

very much, but people who are really struggling on the poverty breadline, it makes a big difference to things. the full time meals campaign, we launched to try and highlight cooking on a budget to increase the healthy start voucher uptake. if you qualify for it, please use eight, £4 50 towards fruit and vegetables, milk, milk formula, all of these things will make a big difference. 52 recipes, they are all on instagram which has been very supportive in showcasing our recipes. it is about using tend products, frozen fruit and vegetables, reducing waste. it has been quite energy efficient, using one or two pans, the dishes are cooked very quickly, in terms of gas and electricity, you do not have the

oven on, all these things are very much taken into account when we put the recipes together. i am much taken into account when we put the recipes together.— the recipes together. i am thinking that is something _ the recipes together. i am thinking that is something we _ the recipes together. i am thinking that is something we have - the recipes together. i am thinking that is something we have not - that is something we have not considered, perhaps, until now, the use of energy in cooking at home. does that mean slow roast go out? you can still use them, they are a good way of getting things done and to put together, but most things, pasta bakes, things that are simple, stir fries, food waste is something we are conscious of. the use of frozen vegetables, you only take out exactly what you need rather than buying fruit and vegetables and putting in the fridge and not using it. some supermarkets are trying to bring the prices down, liddell said this week they are doing five kilos of fruit and veg for £1 50. they say

it�*s not perfect, it�*s not perfect fruit, but it makes a big difference. you mentioned you are concerned about the hospitality industry. as people tighten their belts, is eating out one of the first thing that people stop doing? can you hear me? i heard a noise and i had a fear that it was our communication, i do not think he can hear us. tom, can you hear me? oh, this is such a shame. tom, ithink, unfortunately, we can see him but he can�*t hear us. we will stick with it for one more moment. no, no, the classic somewhere a microphone has turned all or the sound has gone. we are not going to be able to talk to him.

we have to give up on that. good to hear the tips from tom kerridge on how to be efficient in the kitchen and if you have got any questions around the rising cost of energy, please send them to us because we will try and answer as many questions as we can at half past 11. you can get in touch with the hashtag or e—mail your questions. the ukrainian government says it has recaptured more territory in the north of the country as russian forces continue a partial withdrawal towards the belarus border. but nato has warned that russia is regrouping its troops and doubling down its attacks in the east of the country. meanwhile, dozens of buses are on standby to go to the beseiged ukrainian city of mariupol, in a fresh effort to evacuate civilians and deliver humanitarian aid. the red cross team in ukraine says they have been given the appropriate security guarantees to make a further attempt to bring relief to people in the city

after being prevented from travelling on thursday. earlier we brought you a video from a red cross worker en route to mariupol to get residents out. more than a hundred thousand residents remain trapped in mariupol — which has been under heavy russian bombardment for weeks. dan johnson reports. this is what weeks of shelling had done to mariupol, home to 400,000 people. its pleasant neighbourhoods destroyed, its green avenues scarred. its communities surrounded, bombarded and drained of life. and now more families will scatter to escape a port city that�*s become one of the most dangerous places on earth. a major evacuation stalled yesterday and has been delayed again today. 45 ukrainian buses were held up heating to the city but are now on their way. along with two red cross trucks full

of humanitarian aid destined for the estimated 160,000 people are still trapped, many without food, power or water. where can we go? we are afraid. can you imagine living and walking among the dead bodies? i no longer have a house. and i'm crying. i'm a man, and i have nevercried in my life. ukraine�*s president said last night, the russian invaders had so much evil, so much thirst for destruction, they reminded him of something otherworldly. monsters, vladimir zelensky said, who burn and plunder and are bent on murder. the russian forces are paying a high price, and western intelligence says vladimir putin�*s military is trying to regroup, resupply and reinforce.

the uk ministry of defence believes the kremlin is planning to send up to 2000 troops from georgia to ukraine. the head of the british armed forces said the russian leader had already lost. the scenes coming out of mariupol and elsewhere are horrific, and the coming weeks will continue to be very difficult. but in many ways, putin has already lost. far from being the far—sighted manipulator of events that he would have us believe, putin has damaged himself through a series of catastrophic misjudgments. meanwhile, in moscow, president putin has threatened to cut gas supplies from today, unless countries pay in roubles. germany, france and austria rejected his demand, saying it amounts to blackmail. it�*s being seen as a desperate attempt to shore up the russian currency, which has struggled under the weight of western sanctions. in mariupol, there�*s another chance to reach safety. but it�*s been offered before, then snatched away

as evacuation plans collapsed. people here are weary, they are fearful and their main hope is leaving this devastation behind. dan johnson, bbc news. let�*s get the latest now — and go live to lviv in western ukraine, and our correspondent emma vardy. the red cross team are on their way to mariupol but they do not have permission to take food and humanitarian supplies in, only to take people out. is that right? lots of unknowns _ take people out. is that right? lots of unknowns about the progress they can make. there is a convoy of three vehicles we understand that the red rose said have now been able to get on the way to mariupol. that is three vehicles heading towards there are up to 170,000 people in

desperate need of food and medical supplies and in desperate need of evacuation. the other effort in this todayis evacuation. the other effort in this today is there is another convoy of 45 buses hoping to get there and hoping to take many more people out of the city but it seems there�*s progress was stalled last night, we heard from the ukrainian deputy prime minister saying buses had been held up at a russian checkpoint and because there had been a number of failed attempts up to now, it is really difficult to know how far these vehicles can get. if they are able to evacuate people, that could help progress in the peace talks today. the situation has become so desperate on the ground, only a few people have been able to escape the city under their own devices. a few of those stories coming out of people who have managed to escape and speak to the bbc, telling of a city that is reduced to rubble. death and destruction, tragic

stories coming out of there from the experience of these people. i think as the convoy vehicles, if they can reach the city today, the full devastation will become more clear. the focus is on mariupol because it is such a desperate situation and there is hope today that some people can be brought out. what is the latest from elsewhere across ukraine? . , ., latest from elsewhere across ukraine? . , . ., ukraine? there was a statement from moscow that — ukraine? there was a statement from moscow that military _ ukraine? there was a statement from moscow that military activity - ukraine? there was a statement from moscow that military activity would i moscow that military activity would be de—escalated around the northern cities of kyiv and chernihiv, but the indication has been there is no letup in russian aggression around there although the understanding is we expect the russian activity will be focused more towards the east of the ukraine. there is continuing evidence that ukrainian resistance has been successful in that russian troops have not been able to roll into the cities and take them over

into the cities and take them over in the early days of the invasion as they might have hoped. the indication is that vladimir putin�*s aim may be shifting to take great art more expanded areas in the east of ukraine where there is already strong holds and areas that are under control of russian military. it may be the case the russian president is then able to sell this to russian people as more progress and greater success. we heard any late—night address from the ukrainian prime minister last night that look, no, there is no scaling back of russian aggression. they are simply regrouping, moving away from areas they found difficult to take and escalating the activity in the east of ukraine where there is greater russian control already. thank you very much. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with 0wain hello everyone. i hope you�*re doing all right. well, it�*s felt cold, we have had some wintry weather over

the past 24—48—hours, but if we rewind, it�*s actually been a record—breaking march across scotland and northern ireland, the sunniest march on record, plenty of sunshine, but it�*s like we did a handbrake turn and we saw scenes like these, as we introduced that much, much colder air, and that�*s brought us this mixture of rain, sleet and snow. you can see the air mass chart here, we are bathed in blue everyone, and we are hanging on the this cold air for the next couple of days as well. as for the rest of today, then. well, the weather front that has been affecting parts of the south—east of england is on the way out. remaining windy around here, this weather front pushing through scotland into parts of northern ireland. elsewhere, it�*s a good mix of sunny spells and scattered wintry showers. we saw some slippery surfaces this morning. feeling chilly in that brisk wind. top temperatures 10 or 11 celsius. moving through this evening, then. well, the weather front is on the move, moving through northern ireland, into parts of wales and eventually the south—west of england. still breezy, especially across south—eastern parts. some wintry showers will remain and temperatures tonigh tdown to minus four celsius. a sharp frost tomorrow morning,

a cold start to your saturday. but for many, a bright start. we say goodbye to these showers and that weather front. it leaves parts of wales and the south—west. and really, it�*s not a bad looking day. we will still see the showers, you can see them well scattered here, across much of the uk. top temperatures 10, possibly 11 celsius. now high pressure is trying to build through the weekend. here it is off to the west. over the top of this we have this weather front which will eventually tilt down, reaching parts of scotland and northern ireland on sunday. a chilly start to the day, the winds will ease over the weekend, thanks to the presence of that high pressure, the weather front introducing thicker cloud, soem rain into scotland and northern ireland as well, with the strengthening breeze. we could see some hill snow on the leading edge of that feature. top temperatures ten or 11 celsius. temperature—wise, however, there is a change on the way, because as we look towards next week we start to introduce milder airfrom the west. i say from the west, because we are also introducing this atlantic flow,

and with that we will see less settled conditions. more in the way of cloud, some rain en route as well, but if you are not a fan of the cold, we do have a bit of a change as far has the is concerned. temperatures rising, but it will turn less settled. we will keep you posted. stay safe, see you soon. 0/ hello, this is bbc news. the headlines on bbc news... the biggest rise in gas and electricity prices in living memory has come into effect — with the cost of an average household bill going up by almost £700 a year. it's it�*s either feed them or heat my house or i don�*t eat and they eat. same as everyone else, it�*s going to

same as everyone else, it's going to bite into _ same as everyone else, it's going to bite into the — same as everyone else, it's going to bite into the budget a lot like. what — bite into the budget a lot like. what can— bite into the budget a lot like. what can you do? trapped. the rise in energy costs comes at the same time as a host of other bill hikes take effect. council tax, water bills and car tax are also going up for some from today. i want to do what question to ameliorate some of that, but i am honest with people, we can�*t ameliorate all of it, sadly. after a delay, a red cross team now says they have the have clearances they need to begin a fresh attempt to bring relief to people in the besieged ukrainian city of mariupol. the regional governor of belgorod, in western russia, accuses ukraine of attacking an oil depot in the city. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here�*s louisa pilbeam.

good morning, on the day of the world cup draw in qatar, when nations find out in the finals come november. england are one of the seeded teams in pot one, so will avoid the likes of champions france, but could be drawn in the same group as scotland or wales. however, they still have to come through the play—offs, with ukraine involved in that equation injune. but as the spotlight falls on qatar once more, so too will the focus on the country�*s human rights record, for which the country has been heavily criticised. the secretary general of this world cup has told the bbc�*s sports editor, dan roan, that criticism is ill informed, and that his nation shouldn�*t apologise for hosting the tournament. you can watch the draw live this evening on bbc one. 0rganisers will hope that today�*s draw helps shift the focus away from all the controversy that surrounded this event, eversince controversy that surrounded this event, ever since qatar was so unexpectly awarded the right to stage it and moves towards the

competition and football. teams who have qualified will now discovered their route through to the final which is due to take place in december of course, it feels for many surreal that in just a few months�* time, more than one million fans will be in a city state, the first world cup to be staged in the middle east, in the middle of next season and with all eight stadia within a few miles of each other. headingley cricket ground is once again allowed to host test matches, after yorkshire members voted in favour of changesyesterday the club held an �*extraordinary general meeting�*, on the day of the deadline, set by the ecb, and members overwhelmingly passed three special resolutions. the club�*s right to stage england games was suspended, over its handling of the azeem rafiq racism scandal last year. after yesterday�*s thrilling win that saw england get through to the women�*s cricket world cup final, kate cross has been speaking to bbc sport ahead of sunday�*s tough test against an australia team who haven�*t lost a game yet.

definitely been a tournament of two very different stories for two teams, so, i think in the final it�*s anyone�*s game, i think we have definitely made it hard for ourselves, but we have played brilliant cricket to get to this stage. we pushed australia in the group game against them. we have to remember we are a really good cricket team and we play our best cricket and everyone seems to have had a performance at some stage that has given them some confidence. we just want to turn up and enjoy it and i guess keep playing with a smile on our face. that is that we have managed to do throughout the tournament even when our backs are against the wall. bruno fernandez has signed a new contract with manchester united. the portuguese international has contributed 49 goals and 39 assists in just 117 games for manchester united. and this week scored two

goals for portugal on his 42nd international appearance as helped to seal his country�*s place at the 2022 world cup. naomi 0saka is through to the miami 0pen final where she�*ll face new world number one iga swiatek. 0saka fought back to beat belinda bencic 4—6, 6—3, 6—4, and reach herfirst final since she won the 2021 australian open. she is now ranked 77th in the world as she continues her return from a break from the sport. britain�*s georgia hall says she�*s ready to take her career to the next level, as she aims for a second major title at the chevron championship. she finished her opening round four under par, two shots off the lead. that is all the sport for now. thank you. we are going to take you life to delhi where sergei lavrov has been

speaking to the news media while on his diplomatic visit to india. let us take you thrive there now, we believe we have the english translation if he is speaking in russian. translation: ., ., translation: the religion of the russia, translation: the religion of the russia. and _ translation: the religion of the russia, and the _ translation: the religion of the russia, and the european - translation: the religion of the. russia, and the european countries the civilised countries, and this, this conversation, whatever has happened, and, all the people who have been doing all these actions, the un and, and without this conversation, we cannot overcome, because the, the, notjust the relations, international relations but we see that all the decisions,

international decisions of the us, which are related to, that don�*t decide anything, germany completely is the associate of the us, blind as i said, and to the american colleagues. and support of the world, and to create the multiple world, and to create the multiple world, the whole of the fight of, for democracy and when democracy... in this condition, they themselves in, are in the autocratic mode, and

if... if... if you�*re sure the us, what they are done in libya, in syria, then, there are different threats that come up, and of the fake, which are based on the fake news, and then the us can kill hundreds of people, civilians, in syria, and if others, notjust russia, but the mentality which, the low mentality of the, all the activities of the press, we see, the director threat which is incarnated in all the programmes. the military

base straight in the territory, in the neighbouring country, is russia has to, or push to look into their own personal interest. and this question is is for the peace building, which, which, in which all the norms of decency and international law, and the, all the values, which will be chosen, over, it is necessary, the necessity of this is understood by china and india, and it was raised in the discussion, and yesterday... well,

in the discussion yesterday, he had also mentioned about the issues of the present world order, and it should change, and it should become equal, multiple, and without any diktats. we will leave russia�*s foreign minister sergei lavrov there, speaking in delhi, i think the overarching message he was delivering is russia still sees this as a confrontation with what he describes as america, its allies and their vision of a uni polar world, thatis their vision of a uni polar world, that is a message he took to beijing earlier in the week, he is now in delhi, he is hoping the chinese and the indian governments will retain their positions of neutrality, as russia�*s war in ukraine continues, and it shown pointed out when it comes to india, india is pretty

reliant on russian weapons sales and also, is buying a lot of russian oil, and as we understand it from the indian government those two elements are going to continue and india stressed it has no intention of siding with the us and the west, as the ukraine conflict does continue. so, that was sergei lavrov in delhi, we will bring yourfrom that news conference if mr love rove says other significant things. the regional governor of belgorod, in western russia, has accused ukraine of attacking an oil depot in the city. vyacheslav gladkov said on his telegram channel that a fire, which broke out at the depot on friday morning, was caused by missiles from two ukrainian helicopters. this has not been independently verified. this footage from social media shows the moment the oil depot was struck as two helicopters fly overhead. the incident comes two days after explosions were reported at an arms storage facility in the city.

ukraine has not claimed responsibility for any of the blasts. 0ur moscow correspondent jenny hill told us more it is a regional governor who has made an accusation that ukraine has in effect attacked this oil depot. we have not been able to independently verify his claim that two ukrainian military helicopters carried out an air strike on the depot which, according to state media, are still on fire. they were talking about some eight fuel tanks ablaze. residents of the local area having to be moved out of their homes. the governor of the neighbouring region which borders ukraine said on social media he was putting his security forces on high alert. as i say, we have not been able to verify this claim that the fire at the oil terminal was caused by a ukrainian attack. we have not had anything

from the ukrainians themselves. we will have to keep watch on that, it is important to note that the region has been used as a staging post by russian troops carrying out attacks on the kharkiv area of ukraine. it is a very volatile part of the region, of course. let�*s get more now on the steep rise in the cost of living — as we�*ve been hearing, it�*s become very real for many households this morning, waking up to the biggest increase in domestic energy bills in living memory. charities are warning that millions of people could fall into fuel poverty as a consequence of the price hike. 0ur reporter fiona lamdin has been to meet three women who are now facing a severe impact on their quality of life. there�*s three decades between these women. georgina, juliet and sandy lead very different lives, but are all massively affected by the ongoing energy price hikes.

georgina needs 24—hour care and equipment, which uses a lot of electricity. my wheelchair charger on the floor down there, which my wheelchair has to be charged every night, otherwise i won�*t be able to leave the house. already, though, you�*re extremely careful with what you�*re using. i only shower once a week and a lot of disabled people do this and then obviously we have to wash and do hygiene in other ways. prices will go up in april. what will you do then? i�*ll have to try and be careful, not driving around too much in my wheelchair to see if i can maybe get away with charging it every other night. but you know, that�*s a risk you take. and then if you go out and you run out of power, you�*re stuck and you don�*t want to live in that fear, you know of knowing whether you�*re going to be able to go out with enough battery in yourchair. and it�*s a similar story forjuliet, who�*s in her early 50s. she has severe lung disease

and is on oxygen 24 hours a day. her machine uses a lot of electricity. she hasn�*t left her home for two years or been downstairs since january. spring is my favourite time. i love colour and all the colours watching life come... sorry, i�*m going to cry. watching life come back in the spring is a wonderful thing after being shut in through the winter. and i can�*t see that — i�*m not part of it. when the sun was shining last week and the sky was blue, i couldn�*t be part of that, and everyone on facebook — everyone was posting where they were out and about and so if i had a chair to get me down the stairs, i could get myself slowly to the front door. juliet had been saving for a stair lift. now that money is going towards herfuel bills. there�*s swiss chard, rhubarb... sandy spends most of her days outside on her allotment. being out of her home is just one way she�*s reducing herfuel bills.

we should have retired at 60. i was given about three months�* notice that in fact, they�*d actually put the retirement age up to 65, so not a lot i could do. so i was made redundant as well, which was nice, and so i had to use all my savings basically to plug the gap. so there is no fat on the bone any more, it�*sjust bone. sandy�*s oil bill has more than tripled in the last few months. to fill up, it�*s going to cost over £2,000. i would have to talk very, very nicely to my daughter and see if she could help a little bit. that�*s the only thing i�*ve got the option of doing. and how does that feel? not good. not good at all. i should be supporting her. it shouldn�*t be the other way round. with energy bills going up by thousands of pounds a year. by thousands of pounds a year, sandy, georgina and juliet, like so many others, are struggling to know how they�*ll manage. fiona lamdin, bbc news.

and coming up we�*ll be answering your questions on the cost of living just after half past eleven. get in touch with the hashtag #bbcyourquestions — or email yourquestions@bbc.co.uk free universal coronavirus testing has ended in england. from today most people will have to pay for a lateral flow test, with high street pharmacies charging about £2 a test. some free testing will continue during april in scotland and northern ireland. in wales the cut—off isjuly. the government has reversed its decision to scrap plans for a ban on so—called conversion therapy for gay and bi—sexual people in england and wales. the u—turn was announced just hours after downing street said it would drop the plans. it will now push ahead with proposals to make the practice illegal, but the new proposals won�*t cover

people with gender dysphoria. managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging — especially in young children. it often means regular injections and frequent finger prick blood tests. hundreds of patients in england with the condition are testing a potentially life—changing artificial pancreas, a device that automatically delivers the right amount of insulin. 0ur medical editor fergus walsh has more. just going to pull this down. six—year—old charlotte from lancashire is one of 400,000 people in the uk with type one diabetes. her body can�*t make insulin, the hormone which regulates blood sugar levels. you can give my hand a bit of a squeeze on this side. as part of the trial, she has a sensor on her arm which continuously monitors her blood glucose and sends readings to this pump, which automatically delivers the insulin she needs.

it�*s had a massive impact. prior to having the loop, everything was manual. we would be up all night, some nights every hour, every two hours to do finger pricks. whereas now she can be the social child she was before and that makes me so happy. it is known as a hybrid closed loop system, a sort of artificial pancreas. i don't have to do finger pricks and needles any more. and it keeps her blood sugar from going too high or too low. i think it�*s absolutely fantastic. i�*ve been practising for 25 years in children�*s diabetes and it�*s a game changer, to be able to improve the quality—of—life, be able to see that most of the blood glucose readings are within the target range is very exciting. the sensors are on my arm and they loop back to each other. yasmin from south london is astounded how much her blood sugar levels have stabilised using the new technology. so it�*s liberating?

yes, definitely. there�*s no situation now that makes me anxious or scared. i really feel like before i really could have been at risk of some of the long term... especially the heart stuff and things like that, whereas now i don�*t see that happening. good boy! if blood sugar levels are not kept under control, diabetes patients risk long—term damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. that�*s why this trial matters. if successful, it could mean patients like yasmin have longer and healthier lives. fergus walsh, bbc news. an 800—year—old landmark in york —

described by experts as one of the country�*s most important buildings — is reopening to the public this weekend after a multi—million pound refurbishment. clifford�*s tower was once the seat of royal power for northern england. john maguire has more. first built by william the conqueror, there�*s been a castle on this site in york for almost a thousand years. during that time, its story has been touched by tragedy, comedy and royalty. this was, for long periods of history, a place where the north was governed from, certainly where yorkshire was governed from and sometimes where england was governed from. it has a very, very long, very eventful, sometimes tragic history, and that�*s a history that deserves to be remembered and deserves to be told properly. and we hope that that�*s what we�*ve been able to at least start to do in our new work at clifford�*s tower. the stone tower built for henry iii in the 13th century is the largest

remaining part of york castle. hundreds of years in all weathers — sun and snow, just like today — have taken their toll. so to conserve the walls, every single stone has been tested as part of the major conservation works here. you can see the pink stone there, and the pink is actually fire damage from the catastrophic fire that occurred in 1684. and so here we've got the pinkness of the stone, but not only the pink colour, but also the fracturing of the surface of the stone. these walkways, part of the £5 million project, will offer visitors views not seen since the floors were destroyed by that majorfire, when a ceremonial cannon salute for st george�*s day went horribly wrong. and they also allow access to some fascinating stories. welcome to the smallest room in the tower.

this is a garderobe, to give it its proper name, a toilet, a latrine built for henry iii. the most extraordinary thing about it, it�*s a flushing toilet. flushed with rainwater down this channel, fed by a tank on the roof, apparently predating other flushing toilets by around three centuries. and again, no—one�*s been here since the 17th century. you could say theyjust haven�*t been privy to it! and what if these wonky walls could talk? what would they tell us? well, as you walk around, you�*re joined by people who lived and worked in the castle and their voices are provided by local actors. so we�*ve got edith, who is a viking woman, or kind of one of the vikings that settled, or that lineage, that settled in york. two years ago, my husband left me. he went off to fight with our other gormless mister and only went and died at stamford bridge. i think that intimate connection with history

where you tell personal story, give testimony, that�*s a brilliant and beautiful way of conveying something more than just sort of blank facts on a page. along with the stories contained inside the tower, you can now walk above it. let�*s show you one of the best bits. come off the suspended walkway, up the original stone stairs, many of which have been restored, these new ones at the top, to bring you onto this incredible roof deck with a panoramic view of york. and look at that! york minster in the distance. really spectacular and stunning. daffodils planted on the mound commemorate one of the tower�*s most tragic events, the massacre of around 150 jewish people who sought refuge here in 1190 at a time of violent anti—semitism. so much history, so

many stories to tell. and once again, there�*s an audience to hear them. it the the first day of april, is the weather getting into the spring spiritsome getting into the spring now it�*s time for a look at the weather with 0wain wynjones. hello everyone. i hope you�*re doing all right. well, it�*s felt cold, we have had some wintry weather over the past 24—48—hours, but if we rewind, it�*s actually been a record—breaking march across scotland and northern ireland, the sunniest march on record, plenty of sunshine, but it�*s like we did a handbrake turn and we saw scenes like these, as we introduced that much, much colder air, and that�*s brought us this mixture of rain, sleet and snow. you can see the air mass chart here, we are bathed in blue everyone, and we are hanging on the this cold

air for the next couple of days as well. as for the rest of today, then. well, the weather front that has been affecting parts of the south—east of england is on the way out. remaining windy around here, this weather front pushing through scotland into parts of northern ireland. elsewhere, it�*s a good mix of sunny spells and scattered wintry showers. we saw some slippery surfaces this morning. feeling chilly in that brisk wind. top temperatures 10 or 11 celsius. moving through this evening, then. well, the weather front is on the move, moving through northern ireland, into parts of wales and eventually the south—west of england. still breezy, especially across south—eastern parts. some wintry showers will remain and temperatures tonigh tdown to minus four celsius. a sharp frost tomorrow morning, a cold start to your saturday. but for many, a bright start. we say goodbye to these showers and that weather front. it leaves parts of wales and the south—west. and really, it�*s not a bad looking day. we will still see the showers, you can see them well scattered here, across much of the uk. top temperatures 10, possibly 11 celsius. now high pressure is trying to build through the weekend.

here it is off to the west. over the top of this we have this weather front which will eventually tilt down, reaching parts of scotland and northern ireland on sunday. a chilly start to the day, the winds will ease over the weekend, thanks to the presence of that high pressure, the weather front introducing thicker cloud, soem rain into scotland and northern ireland as well, with the strengthening breeze. we could see some hill snow on the leading edge of that feature. top temperatures ten or 11 celsius. temperature—wise, however, there is a change on the way, because as we look towards next week we start to introduce milder airfrom the west. i say from the west, because we are also introducing this atlantic flow, and with that we will see less settled conditions. more in the way of cloud, some rain en route as well, but if you are not a fan of the cold, we do have a bit of a change as far has the is concerned. temperatures rising, but it will turn less settled. we will keep you posted. stay safe, see you soon.

this is bbc news. i�*m joanna gosling. the headlines at 11am... the biggest rise in gas and electricity prices in living memory has come into effect — with the cost of an average household bill going up by almost £700 a year. it�*s either feed them or heat my house, or i don�*t eat and they eat. same as everyone else, really, it's going to bite into the budget a lot, like. what can you do? trapped. the rise in energy costs comes at the same time as a host of other bill hikes take effect. council tax, water bills and car tax are also going up for some from today. i want to do what we can to ameliorate some of that. but, you know, i�*m also honest with people that we can�*t ameliorate all of it, sadly.

a red cross vehicle convoy has left for the besieged city of mariupol after being given security guarantees by all sides in the conflict. the governor of russia�*s belgorod region accuses ukraine of attacking an oil depot. the kyiv government has not said it was responsible. in football, england are among the top seeds for the world cup draw that takes place in doha today. wales and scotland are also included in the draw. good morning. millions of people will be feeling the impact of an unprecedented rise in the cost of energy this morning, as bills increase by the largest amount in living memory. ajump in the price cap set by the industry regulator

means 22 million customers across england, scotland and wales will see their gas and electricity bills rise by around £700 a year. higher energy prices are not the only way households and businesses will feel a squeeze on their finances, as the cost of living increases. council tax bills are also on the rise across england, scotland and wales, with the majority of households seeing total hikes of around 3% — an average of £67 a year. to offset energy price rises, the government is offering a £150 rebate for around 20 million households in england in council tax bands a to d. water bills are also rising by an average of about £7 a year in england and wales. 0n the 6th of april, national insurance contributions will go up by1.25%, which the government says will help clear the nhs backlog and contribute towards social care costs. for 2.5 million workers on the minimum wage,

they�*ll see their income rise by 59 pence an hour, to £9.50. first, let�*s look at the unprecedented rise in the cost of energy. 0ur consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has the details. there�*s more chances of us going into debt with the rises of the electricity and water bill, the council tax, everything is having a rise, plus the petrol. mum of three qurat is making small changes in the house to try and keep those energy bills under control. my washing, i normally do it throughout the week but now i�*m doing it over the weekend. so it�*s a big wash. i�*ve stopped using my hairdryer because it takes about 45 minutes to dry my hair. what the kids do is reach up to the heating, "mummy, we�*re cold, mummy, we�*re cold," so where are they supposed to go? at westminster primary on the other side of town, they already give food parcels to some families. but now they�*ve started collecting blankets, dressing gowns and hot water bottles to give out as well. we are totally expecting that as the energy prices really bite

that more of our families will be pushed into a poverty situation, and therefore the children will be coming to us having maybe not eaten a warm meal every day, they may be coming from a cold home or not slept properly. and the impact on that then for their education is quite extreme. the uk�*s biggest supplier is british gas. the boss says they make very little profit from customers, but their oil and gas extraction has made a lot more money. 80% of the additional profits have gone to the government. so i think the profits have gone up byjust over 500 million, and the tax bill has gone up byjust over 400. that is exactly right. i�*m looking for no sympathy, that�*s how the system should work. and i�*m very comfortable. the question is how government uses those additional funds. the government have already announced a couple of things to try and help with those energy price rises. they�*re taking £150 off most people�*s council tax bill in england, and from september, there will be

£200 available to most households in england, scotland and wales, and that will be through your energy bill, but it�*s a loan so you have to pay it back. even if you qualify for both of those things, that will still only cover around half of the rise that we are seeing in a typical household�*s energy bills. it�*s either feed them or heat my house. or i don�*t eat and they eat. so, yeah. it�*s not great, it�*s over £300 a month now. yeah, yeah, it�*s ridiculous, isn�*t it? it's ridiculous, the price of it now. got a text this morning, funnily enough, off british gas, asking me to send my reading in. must be preparing us for the worst. crazy. and with bills going up again in the autumn, people will keep trying to cut back where they can. people are really struggling. they bring their washing in, they normally leave it for washing and drying, but nowadays, they wash it at home

and they leave itjust for drying, or they get it washed here and they take it home to dry. with qurat�*s energy bills going up by at least £30 a month, she doesn�*t think the government to help will cover the extra. it�*s not enough. £200, it won�*t make up to the months that we will be paying for. it�*s not going to help. so in this home, their lights are going off to keep the bills down. coletta smith, bbc news, in bradford. 0ur political correspondent ione wells has more on the impact of the price hike and the political ramifications. i think ithinka i think a lot of people this morning waking up checking their online statements may have noticed this steep rise in energy bills which we have known was coming for some time but i think safe to say still a massive shock for many families up and down the country today. this is coupled with other price rises, as we know at the moment rising inflation means the cost of every day goods like food and some key services also going up. also some people today hit by rises in council

tax, water bills and car taxes as well. this coming days before national insurance tax is set to rise as well so the government has certainly been under pressure to do more to support people at this time with some saying there is a part already announced is not enough. just to recap where we are at the plans, some positive news coming out of today is that the national living wage, the minimum wage is going up, something which the government hopes will soften the blow for some household. they have announced council tax band aid to d will be giving out £150 council tax rebate and that they will also be a £200 energy bill loan but that will need to be paid back from 2023. however, when speaking to the bbc newscast podcast, rishi sunak said they wouldn�*t necessarily be able to mitigate against all the price rises we are seeing at the moment. i want

to do what we _ we are seeing at the moment. i want to do what we can _ we are seeing at the moment. i want to do what we can to _ we are seeing at the moment. i want to do what we can to ameliorate i we are seeing at the moment. i want. to do what we can to ameliorate some of that but i�*m also honest with people that we can�*t ameliorate all of it sadly. i know it is difficult for people to hear and that of this job is not being everything people would like you to do because we are already borrowing quite a large amount of money and i don�*t think borrowing lots more would be sensible. i5 borrowing lots more would be sensible. , , , , ., sensible. is there pressure, i mean how much — sensible. is there pressure, i mean how much pressure _ sensible. is there pressure, i mean how much pressure is _ sensible. is there pressure, i mean how much pressure is there - sensible. is there pressure, i mean how much pressure is there on i sensible. is there pressure, i mean how much pressure is there on the | how much pressure is there on the government though to do more? i think there is a lot at the moment, both from the opposition but also from some conservative mps as well who would like to see further measures introduced. we had some conservative mps calling on the government to scrap that rise to national insurance tax coming in on the 6th of april as well so they have been under pressure with other groups as well saying energy bill loan scheme and the council tax rebate should be more generous as well. we have had criticism from personal finance experts like martin

lewis of describing the energy bill loan scheme or criticising the loan aspect of it with the loan having to be repaid when bills are inflated because we know the price cap will rise again in october. labour have been calling for quite some time for a windfall tax on some of the north sea oil and gas companies which they say could raise money to help people further with energy bills and this is something the labour leader keir starmer reiterated when he was talking to bbc breakfast this morning. we talking to bbc breakfast this morninu. ~ ., ., .,, talking to bbc breakfast this morninu. ~ ., ., , , morning. we would lower those bills usin: the morning. we would lower those bills using the windfall _ morning. we would lower those bills using the windfall tax, _ morning. we would lower those bills using the windfall tax, using - morning. we would lower those bills using the windfall tax, using vat- using the windfall tax, using vat receipts— using the windfall tax, using vat receipts as well, but yes, that's the whole — receipts as well, but yes, that's the whole point of the scheme. for how long? — the whole point of the scheme. for how long? well _ the whole point of the scheme. for how long? well that _ the whole point of the scheme. for how long? well that would - the whole point of the scheme. for how long? well that would deal- the whole point of the scheme. for. how long? well that would deal with the crisis today. _ how long? well that would deal with the crisis today. are _ how long? well that would deal with the crisis today. are you _ how long? well that would deal with the crisis today. are you talking i the crisis today. are you talking about today _ the crisis today. are you talking about today as _ the crisis today. are you talking about today as in _ the crisis today. are you talking about today as in a _ the crisis today. are you talking about today as in a month? i the crisis today. are you talking | about today as in a month? what about today as in a month? what about three months�* time, would you still be covering it then? yes. about three months' time, would you still be covering it then?— still be covering it then? yes, this covers... still be covering it then? yes, this covers -- the _ still be covering it then? yes, this covers... the energy _ still be covering it then? yes, this covers... the energy cap - still be covering it then? yes, this covers... the energy cap is i covers... the energy cap is obviously—

covers... the energy cap is obviously changing today so that means _ obviously changing today so that means the money is over a year. so that means the money is over a year. sc thatis means the money is over a year. that is the call means the money is over a year. sr that is the call from labour for a windfall tax on north sea oil and gas companies. this isn�*t something the government is keen on, their argument is that they don�*t want to tax these companies more at a time when they are trying to incentivise more investment in north sea oil and gas as the uk and western allies try to move away from russian oil and gas as well. but certainly i think the pressure on the treasury will continue to rise to step in as people start to feel the impact of the price rises today. when the chancellor outlined his spending plans in his bank statement, he didn�*t necessarily close the door to further intervention in the future and said we would have to keep a close eye on how prices develop over the year, hinting perhaps that come 0ctober the year, hinting perhaps that come october when we see the energy price cap go up again is expected that more intervention could be needed to help people with their bills.

with me is manpreet kaur from birmingham who has been supported by two not—for—profit organisations who received grants from the british gas energy trust charity. and also i�*m joined byjessica taplin, ceo of british gas energy trust — a charity independent of british gas which focuses on relieving fuel poverty. welcome, both of you. tell us about the difficulties you have been experiencing, manpreet. i had the difficulties you have been experiencing, manpreet. i had a baby about a year— experiencing, manpreet. i had a baby about a year ago. _ experiencing, manpreet. i had a baby about a year ago, i _ experiencing, manpreet. i had a baby about a year ago, i got _ experiencing, manpreet. i had a baby about a year ago, i got in _ experiencing, manpreet. i had a baby about a year ago, i got in touch i about a year ago, i got in touch with a young mum support network. at the time i was really underpaid and if it�*s wise because i didn�*t have any access to maternity, so they actually really helped me out and they put me in touch with income max which did an assessment and i was really underpaid at the time and i didn�*t know i had access to other things as well. from there it�*s been great. i now work on a project with

them as well, supporting other mums getting them the financial help they need. pare getting them the financial help they need. �* , ., getting them the financial help they need. �* ,, _ getting them the financial help they need. �* ., need. are you saying for you the situation was _ need. are you saying for you the situation was you _ need. are you saying for you the situation was you weren't - need. are you saying for you the situation was you weren't coping j situation was you weren�*t coping because you weren�*t accessing basically everything that you had the right to access because you weren�*t aware of it, and now how is your financial situation now that your financial situation now that you presumably have access to everything?— you presumably have access to eve hinu? . �*, . . everything? that's correct. so at the time i _ everything? that's correct. so at the time i wasn't _ everything? that's correct. so at the time i wasn't sure _ everything? that's correct. so at the time i wasn't sure what i i everything? that's correct. so at i the time i wasn't sure what i could the time i wasn�*t sure what i could access. i was always working full—time as well, i was contracting at the time and now my financial situation is much better but at the same time i do have my concern as energy prices have gone up and the cost of living has risen too. so with the bills going up and the energy bills will go up again in october, how are you feeling about 0ctober, how are you feeling about your current situation and where things might go?— your current situation and where things might go? slightly nervous 'ust like things might go? slightly nervous just like everybody _ things might go? slightly nervous just like everybody else, - things might go? slightly nervous just like everybody else, i - things might go? slightly nervous just like everybody else, i would l just like everybody else, i would say. itjust means i would sayjust

try and budget well as much as you can. try and get the support out there, reach out to a young mum support network especially if you are a mother of any age and then you can get the assessment, get help you need, also support with white goods as well so there is support out there, itjust means reaching out. so are you having to make hard choices around use of energy and other purchases?— choices around use of energy and other purchases? yes, i would say so. in other purchases? yes, i would say so- in terms _ other purchases? yes, i would say so. in terms of _ other purchases? yes, i would say so. in terms ofjust _ other purchases? yes, i would say so. in terms ofjust not _ other purchases? yes, i would say so. in terms ofjust not using i other purchases? yes, i would say so. in terms ofjust not using as i so. in terms ofjust not using as much as before, not keeping the heating on for a certain time or period, and just being sensible with it. period, and 'ust being sensible with it. , , , ., ., period, and 'ust being sensible with it. , , ., ., ., ., period, and 'ust being sensible with it. just before we go on to jessica, have ou it. just before we go on to jessica, have you accessed _ it. just before we go on to jessica, have you accessed extra _ it. just before we go on to jessica, have you accessed extra specific . have you accessed extra specific help as a result of the energy prices going up? because obviously if you were in a position that was ok previously, with the bills going 0k previously, with the bills going up 0k previously, with the bills going up it might change. yes. ok previously, with the bills going up it might change.— up it might change. yes, i did get some suoport _ up it might change. yes, i did get some support from _ up it might change. yes, i did get some support from the _ up it might change. yes, i did get| some support from the household support fund which is £150, so i got

access from that and it did really helped me out at the time. jessica, it sounds obviously _ helped me out at the time. jessica, it sounds obviously from _ helped me out at the time. jessica, it sounds obviously from manpreetl it sounds obviously from manpreet that she has found a lot of really great help out there and it has led to her understanding that there is support she wasn�*t previously aware of and being able to access it. how often do you think this is the situation from people who are struggling that might be able to access things they are not aware of? i think it is probably one of the biggest — i think it is probably one of the biggest issues. people need to show they are _ biggest issues. people need to show they are claiming support they are entitled _ they are claiming support they are entitled to. there are free tools online _ entitled to. there are free tools online that can help you work out what _ online that can help you work out what you — online that can help you work out what you should be claiming. the other— what you should be claiming. the other thing i would say is contact your provider and tell them you are struggling — your provider and tell them you are struggling and they should do everything they can to support you. the big _ everything they can to support you. the big thing is talk about it, don't — the big thing is talk about it, don't sit _ the big thing is talk about it, don't sit there struggling, make sure you — don't sit there struggling, make sure you are reaching out. no doubt there will be — sure you are reaching out. no doubt there will be people _ sure you are reaching out. no doubt there will be people as _ sure you are reaching out. no doubt there will be people as well- sure you are reaching out. no doubt

there will be people as well who i there will be people as well who will be saying, actually, i have absolutely scrutinised everything that i am eligible for and i am getting what i can and i still can�*t manage. b. getting what i can and i still can't manaue. �* ., getting what i can and i still can't manaue. ., ., . . , manage. a lot of the charities we fund, we manage. a lot of the charities we fund. we fund — manage. a lot of the charities we fund, we fund over— manage. a lot of the charities we fund, we fund over 49 _ manage. a lot of the charities we fund, we fund over 49 money i manage. a lot of the charities we | fund, we fund over 49 money and energy— fund, we fund over 49 money and energy advice charities and they are reporting _ energy advice charities and they are reporting more that actually we are seeing _ reporting more that actually we are seeing more negative budgets. in that case, — seeing more negative budgets. in that case, if you are struggling with— that case, if you are struggling with debt — that case, if you are struggling with debt and bills, you need to contact — with debt and bills, you need to contact a — with debt and bills, you need to contact a money adviser. there are lots of _ contact a money adviser. there are lots of organisations that can help across _ lots of organisations that can help across the — lots of organisations that can help across the country, either organisations such as incomemax or organisations such as incomemax or organisations such as citizens advice. — organisations such as citizens advice, but there are also national organisations like the money advice service _ organisations like the money advice service and — organisations like the money advice service and national debt line. but what can service and national debt line. pm what can they do in practical terms? people have got coming into the household the limits of what they are able to get, they have cut down their outgoings as much as they can get and still they can�*t manage. i

mean, there�*s no magic alchemy to fix that formula. ida. mean, there's no magic alchemy to fix that formula.— fix that formula. no, there isn't and the scale _ fix that formula. no, there isn't and the scale of _ fix that formula. no, there isn't and the scale of need _ fix that formula. no, there isn't and the scale of need is - fix that formula. no, there isn't and the scale of need is huge, i and the scale of need is huge, however— and the scale of need is huge, however this is why we are so thankful— however this is why we are so thankful as a trust at british gas they put— thankful as a trust at british gas they put in— thankful as a trust at british gas they put in an additional £2 million to the _ they put in an additional £2 million to the support fund yesterday making it the largest ever support fund at the moment. any customers who are struggling _ the moment. any customers who are struggling to pay those bills can apply— struggling to pay those bills can apply for— struggling to pay those bills can apply for grants of 250 to £750 and that is— apply for grants of 250 to £750 and that is immediate help. they can apply— that is immediate help. they can apply online if they are struggling and the _ apply online if they are struggling and the team at british gas energy trust will— and the team at british gas energy trust will assess the application and hopefully award a grant. | trust will assess the application and hopefully award a grant. i know the british gas _ and hopefully award a grant. i know the british gas energy _ and hopefully award a grant. i know the british gas energy trust - and hopefully award a grant. i know the british gas energy trust is i the british gas energy trust is independent and you are not here to speak on their behalf, but when you say that £2 million donation from british gas to the trust... i can hear people at home saying, and they have been getting in touch on twitter saying what about the energy

profits of these companies. that is a drop in the ocean in terms of assistance. i a drop in the ocean in terms of assistance-— assistance. i obviously cannot comment _ assistance. i obviously cannot comment on _ assistance. i obviously cannot comment on british _ assistance. i obviously cannot comment on british gas i assistance. i obviously cannot comment on british gas and l assistance. i obviously cannot i comment on british gas and their commercial situation. they have supported — commercial situation. they have supported the trust since 2004, so for a _ supported the trust since 2004, so for a very— supported the trust since 2004, so for a very long time with about 6 million _ for a very long time with about 6 million a — for a very long time with about 6 million a year, and this year they really— million a year, and this year they really have — million a year, and this year they really have shown their commitment to supporting vulnerable households, and we _ to supporting vulnerable households, and we are _ to supporting vulnerable households, and we are grateful as a trust to that _ and we are grateful as a trust to that. ., ~ and we are grateful as a trust to that. . ,, , ., and we are grateful as a trust to that. . ,, i. ,., , . and we are grateful as a trust to that. . ,, i. , . ., that. thank you both very much for “oininu that. thank you both very much for joining us- — and coming up we�*ll be answering your questions on the rising cost of living just after 11.30 with two personal finance experts. get in touch with the hashtag #bbcyourquestions or email yourquestions@bbc.co.uk. there are increasing doubts whether a humanitarian operation

for mariupol will go ahead today. a red cross spokesman said three cars and nine staff were heading towards the besieged city in southern ukraine. but an aide to mariupol�*s mayor said it remained closed for anyone trying to enter, and was very dangerous for anyone trying to leave. more than 100,000 residents remain trapped in mariupol. it is estimated may be up to 170,000. it has been under heavy russian bombardment for weeks. dan johnson reports. this is what weeks of shelling has done to mariupol, home to 400,000 people. its pleasant neighbourhoods destroyed, its green avenues scarred. its communities surrounded, bombarded and drained of life. and now more families will scatter to escape a port city that�*s become one of the most dangerous places on earth. a major evacuation stalled yesterday and has been delayed again today. 45 ukrainian buses were held up heading to the city

but are now on their way, along with two red cross trucks full of humanitarian aid destined for the estimated 160,000 people are still trapped, many without food, power or water. where can we go? we are afraid. can you imagine living and walking among the dead bodies? i no longer have a house. and i'm crying. i'm a man, and i have nevercried in my life. ukraine�*s president said last night the russian invaders had so much evil, so much thirst for destruction, they reminded him of something otherworldly. monsters, volodymyr zelensky said, who burn and plunder and are bent on murder. the russian forces are paying a high price, and western intelligence says vladimir putin�*s military is trying

to regroup, resupply and reinforce. the uk ministry of defence believes the kremlin is planning to send up to 2,000 troops from georgia to ukraine. the head of the british armed forces said the russian leader had already lost. the scenes coming out of mariupol and elsewhere are horrific, and the coming weeks will continue to be very difficult. but in many ways, putin has already lost. far from being the far—sighted manipulator of events that he would have us believe, putin has damaged himself through a series of catastrophic misjudgments. meanwhile, in moscow, president putin has threatened to cut gas supplies from today unless countries pay in roubles. germany, france and austria have rejected his demand, saying it amounts to blackmail. it�*s being seen as a desperate attempt to shore up the russian currency, which has struggled under the weight of western sanctions.

in mariupol, there�*s another chance to reach safety. but it�*s been offered before, then snatched away as evacuation plans collapsed. people here are weary, they�*re fearful and their main hope is leaving this devastation behind. dan johnson, bbc news. 0ur correspondent anna fosterjoins us from lviv in western ukraine. is there any update on that team heading to mariupol in hope of being able to bring people out? the international _ able to bring people out? iie: international committee able to bring people out? the: international committee for able to bring people out? ti9: international committee for the able to bring people out? ti9 international committee for the red cross as you heard are people organising that convoy. what we did here just in the last hour or so is they haven�*t had any permission to take in humanitarian aid. there were two parts to this humanitarian corridor, the buses going in to bring residents out but also this aid. rememberthey bring residents out but also this aid. remember they are perilously low on things like food, water and

medical supplies but the icrc say they haven�*t been able to take anything like that in because they didn�*t get the necessary permissions. they have said they are hopeful of reaching mariupol today, that at the highest level in both ukraine and russia they have been assured that both sides will cease fire so they are able to go in. it is worth saying as well we are talking about 45, 50 buses here but we believe more than 150,000 civilians are trapped in mariupol so if the corridor is successful, that will be a wonderful thing and it will be a wonderful thing and it will bring some people out of the besieged city but there will still besieged city but there will still be many more trapped inside in those appalling conditions. you be many more trapped inside in those appalling conditions.— appalling conditions. you wonder how the will appalling conditions. you wonder how they will best — appalling conditions. you wonder how they will best use _ appalling conditions. you wonder how they will best use their _ appalling conditions. you wonder how they will best use their resources. i they will best use their resources. is there any indication on whether they have a strategy to try to ferry people away from mariupol to the closest point of safety and be able to go back and forth to bring as many people as they can out? the roblem many people as they can out? the problem they _ many people as they can out? ti9 problem they have at the moment just problem they have at the momentjust became apparent at the start of the

week, is that because relations obviously diplomatic relations are so poor between these countries, even when you have things like peace talks, when russia says it will do something what actually happens tends to be something else so there is a high level of distrust, even at this level where we are talking about evacuating civilians. at the start of the week ukraine said they weren�*t going to do these humanitarian corridors at all because they had intelligence information if they did would fire on the fleeing civilians. so they are trying to take it carefully day carefully day by day. there�*s never any guarantee these things will work but if we do get one successful large—scale evacuation, that will hopefully set the scene for more to come. :, ~' hopefully set the scene for more to come. :, ~ i. hopefully set the scene for more to come. :, ~ y:. y hopefully set the scene for more to come. :, ~ i. , : the regional governor of belgorod, in western russia, has accused ukraine of attacking an oil depot in the city. the governor said on his telegram channel that a fire,

which broke out at the depot on friday morning, was caused by missiles from two ukrainian helicopters. this has not been independently verified. this footage from social media shows the moment the oil depot was struck as two helicopters fly overhead. the incident comes two days after explosions were reported at an arms storage facility in the city. ukraine has not claimed responsibility for any of the blasts. ukraine has not said it carried out the strikes. the kremlin said today it would hinderfuture peace talks. 0ur moscow correspondent jenny hill told us more. this is a regional governor who has made the accusation that ukraine has, in effect, attacked this oil depot. we have not been able to independently verify his claim that two ukrainian military helicopters carried out an air strike on the depot, which, according to state media, is still on fire. they were talking about some eight fuel tanks ablaze. residents of the local area having to be moved out of their homes. the governor of the neighbouring region, the kursk region, which also borders ukraine, said on social media

that he was putting his security forces on high alert. but as i say, we haven�*t been able to verify this claim that the fire at the oil terminal was caused by a ukrainian attack, and we haven�*t heard anything from the ukrainians themselves, so we�*ll have to keep watch on that. it is, of course, important to note that the belgorod region has been used as a staging post by russian troops carrying out attacks on the kharkiv area of ukraine. it is a very volatile part of the region, of course. meanwhile, russia�*s foreign minister sergei lavrov is in india to shore up support from one of his country�*s few remaining major allies. discussions between mr lavrov and his indian counterpart were expected to focus on the sale of russian crude oil to india. speaking within the last hour mr lavrov said that some progress had been made at peace talks with ukraine and that moscow was preparing its response to ukrainian proposals.

translation: the last round of talks in istanbul, the _ translation: the last round of talks in istanbul, the russian _ translation: the last round of talks in istanbul, the russian side - translation: the last round of talks in istanbul, the russian side has i in istanbul, the russian side has put its points on paper which is necessary to be fulfilled and the agreement should be formed definitely and we are ready, and we are ready to move forward as far as this is concerned. and realisation of ukraine to be a blog country and to find happiness.— the environmental activist group extinction rebellion says it has blocked three oil terminals in a campaign against fossilfuels. two are in southampton and one is near heathrow in london. a spokesperson for the group said protesters have locked themselves to high tripods, while others were using locks and concrete to secure themselves in location. members of thejust stop 0il group

say they are protesting at seven other oil facilities around england. free universal coronavirus testing has ended in england. from today, most people will have to pay for a lateral flow test with high street pharmacies charging about £2 a test. some free testing will continue during april in scotland and northern ireland. in wales the cut—off isjuly. most railway services in scotland will be run by a company owned by the scottish government from today. it�*ll be the first time scotrail has been publicly owned since the 1990s. unions have welcomed the move, but there�*ll be no immediate changes to services. the government has reversed its decision to scrap plans for a ban on so—called conversion therapy for gay and bisexual people in england and wales. the u—turn was announced just hours after downing street said it would drop the plans. it will now push ahead with proposals to make the practice illegal, but the new proposals won�*t cover people presenting with gender dysphoria. now it�*s time for a look

at the weather with 0wain. hello, everyone. we have some wintry showers out there across many parts of the uk, a mixture of rain, sleet and snow, and we are getting used to being in this cold air now, aren�*t we? the air mass chart, here, we are bathed in blue. you can see the little arrows trickling down from the north, it is a cold source region. and it�*s quite windy as well, especially in eastern and south—eastern parts. the weather front that has introduced some heavy spells of rain and some sleet across south—eastern parts is on the way out. this weather front moving into parts of scotland and northern ireland will continue to do so as we head through the rest of today. elsewhere, it�*s a good scattering of sunny spells and showers, some of these wintry. top temperatures there ten or 11 celsius. moving on, then — through this evening, the weather front is on the way down to the south. it will move through wales, eventually reaching the south—west of england. we still hang on to some showers as we head through this evening, with lows of around minus four celsius.

fairly settled for the weekend, turning less cold next week.

hello, you are watching bbc news with joanna gosling. hello, you are watching bbc news withjoanna gosling. the headlines... the biggest rise in gas and electricity prices in living memory has come into effect — with the cost of an average household bill going up by almost £700 a year. it's it�*s either feeding them or heat my house, or i don�*t eat and they eat. the same as everyone else, it�*s the same as everyone else, it's going _ the same as everyone else, it's going to — the same as everyone else, it's going to bite into the budget but what can— going to bite into the budget but what can you do? trapped. the rise in energy costs comes at the same time as a host of other bill hikes take effect. council tax, water bills and car tax are also going up for some from today. i want to do what we can to

ameliorate some of that but we cannot ameliorate all of it sadly. a red cross vehicle convoy has left for the besieged city of mariupol after being given security guarantees by all sides in the conflict. the governor of russia�*s belgorod region accuses ukraine of attacking an oil depot. the kyiv government has not said it was responsible. in football, england are among the top seeds for the world cup draw that takes place in doha today. wales and scotland are also included in the draw. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here�*s louisa. as you�*ve been hearing it�*s the day of the qatar world cup draw. england are one of the seeded teams in pot one, so will avoid the likes of champions france, but could be drawn in the same group as scotland or wales,

however they still have to come through the play offs, with ukraine involved in that equation injune. but as the spotlight falls on qatar once more, so too will the focus on the country�*s human rights record. for which, they have been heavily criticised. bbc�*s sports editor, dan roan, has more from qatar. tournament organisers will no doubt hope today�*s will shift the focus from all the controversy which has a run of the event since qatar was awarded the right to stage it in 2010. and instead to watch the actual competition and football because teams who have qualified will find out their potential route through to the final, due to take place in december. still feeling surreal for many that 1 place in december. still feeling surreal for many that1 million place in december. still feeling surreal for many that 1 million fans will be here in effectively a citystate. the world cup final in the middle of next season. denmark have been vocal in their criticism of qatar�*s human rights record, and speaking earlier to the bbc,

chief executive of the danish fa jakobjensen said they have been engaging in dialogue with other nordic countries, about how to manage to situation. we do not think it was the correct decision to award qatar with the world cup. we do not take part in the vote. we would have voted for someone else if we could have. since it was awarded, we have been doing what we call a critical dialogue with all institutions and organisations who have an impact on the human rights of migrant workers. conducting since 2015 and engaged in a very critical dialogue together with the other nordic football associations. we have been working on this for years in order to use voice where we can use it to improve the human rights of migrant workers. you can watch the world cup draw live from quarter to five on bbc one this evening. now, headingley cricket ground

is once again allowed to host test matches, after yorkshire members voted in favour of changes. yesterday, the club held an "extraordinary general meeting" on the day of the deadline set by ecb and members. they overwhelmingly passed three special resolutions. the club�*s right to stage england games had been suspended over its handling of the azeem rafiq racism scandal, last year. after yesterday�*s thrilling win that saw england get through to the women�*s cricket world cup final, kate cross has been speaking to bbc sport, ahead of sunday�*s tough test, against an australia team who are yet to lose a game. definitely better tournament of two very different stories for two teams. i think in the final it is any�*s game. we have made it hard for ourselves but also played some brilliant cricket to get to the stage as well. pushed really hard in the group stage against them. we are

a really good cricket team, we have to remember, when we play our best cricket. everyone seems to have had a performance at some stage which has given them some confidence. we just want to turn up and enjoy it and i guess keep playing with a smile on ourface and i guess keep playing with a smile on our face because that is what we have managed to do throughout the tournament even when our backs are against the wall. england scrum—half natasha hunt has been named in this weekend�*s england squad it will be her first start for 17 months when they play italy, in the women�*s six nations on sunday. hunt "stepped back" from international rugby in 2021 because she was unhappy in the england camp, and her place this weekend means the 33—year—old can now fight for a place in 0ctober�*s world cup squad. bruno fernandes has signed a new contract with manchester united keeping him at the club until 2026. the portugese international has contributed 49 goals and 39 assists in just 117 games for manchester united, and this week scored two goals

for portugal on his 42nd international appearance as he helped to seal his country�*s place at the 2022 fifa world cup. that�*s all the sport for now. i�*ll have more for you in the next hour. your questions answered, next. with me here is kevin peachey our personal finance correspondent. also i�*m joined by laura suter who is the head of personalfinanace finanace for aj bell. kevin, allen says i am on a fixed tariff due to end in may, scottishpower have given me the option of another fixed tariff,

quoting £153 per month, should i changed to a standard tariff and why has the cost increase a much? sounds as if helen has — has the cost increase a much? sounds as if helen has been _ has the cost increase a much? sounds as if helen has been following - has the cost increase a much? sounds as if helen has been following the i as if helen has been following the advice _ as if helen has been following the advice a _ as if helen has been following the advice a run for years, shop around for the _ advice a run for years, shop around for the best— advice a run for years, shop around for the best deal, problem is best deals— for the best deal, problem is best deals are — for the best deal, problem is best deals are no longer the fixed deals. it is deals are no longer the fixed deals. it is coming — deals are no longer the fixed deals. it is coming to an end at the end of may, _ it is coming to an end at the end of may, i— it is coming to an end at the end of may, ithink— it is coming to an end at the end of may, i think she says, so she will see a _ may, i think she says, so she will see a big — may, i think she says, so she will see a big rise in energy prices. there — see a big rise in energy prices. there is— see a big rise in energy prices. there is not— see a big rise in energy prices. there is not a huge amount she can do about— there is not a huge amount she can do about that, there are lots of people — do about that, there are lots of people in— do about that, there are lots of people in the situation coming to the end _ people in the situation coming to the end of— people in the situation coming to the end of these fixed deals which were on— the end of these fixed deals which were on pretty good race and will be moving _ were on pretty good race and will be moving on— were on pretty good race and will be moving on to a default rate, which is the _ moving on to a default rate, which is the one — moving on to a default rate, which is the one we have been hearing about— is the one we have been hearing about today, big rise for people, £700 _ about today, big rise for people, £700 per— about today, big rise for people, £700 per year or more. and so she is probably— £700 per year or more. and so she is probably thinking, hang on, why have i not probably thinking, hang on, why have i not got _ probably thinking, hang on, why have i not got another good deal around? it is i not got another good deal around? it is simply— i not got another good deal around? it is simply those wholesale prices have gone — it is simply those wholesale prices have gone up so much suppliers are unable _ have gone up so much suppliers are unable to—

have gone up so much suppliers are unable to give you a really good fixed _ unable to give you a really good fixed rate — unable to give you a really good fixed rate deal. the general advice is sit _ fixed rate deal. the general advice is sit tight. — fixed rate deal. the general advice is sit tight, go on automatically to the default or variable tariff, that is the _ the default or variable tariff, that is the cheapest around at the moment _ is the cheapest around at the moment. clearly it is a bill shock for people. — moment. clearly it is a bill shock for people, whether they are coming to the _ for people, whether they are coming to the end _ for people, whether they are coming to the end of a fixed—rate deal or already— to the end of a fixed—rate deal or already on— to the end of a fixed—rate deal or already on these variable or default tariffs _ already on these variable or default tariffs. , :, , , :, :, tariffs. generally the standard tariffs. generally the standard tariff is the — tariffs. generally the standard tariff is the one? _ tariffs. generally the standard tariff is the one? it _ tariffs. generally the standard tariff is the one? it is - tariffs. generally the standard tariff is the one? it is the i tariff is the one? it is the cheapest _ tariff is the one? it is the cheapest at _ tariff is the one? it is the cheapest at the - tariff is the one? it is the j cheapest at the moment. tariff is the one? it is the - cheapest at the moment. laura, tariff is the one? it is the _ cheapest at the moment. laura, gary and southport — cheapest at the moment. laura, gary and southport asks, _ cheapest at the moment. laura, gary and southport asks, why _ cheapest at the moment. laura, gary and southport asks, why can't - and southport asks, why can�*t france�*s government influence energy prices and cap rises at 4% whereas in the uk we just absorb the entire hit? don�*t forget the national insurance rise and various other increases, the lack of government action over this he says are staggering. i action over this he says are staggering-— action over this he says are stanerina. ~ ,:_ : :, , staggering. i think gary echoes uuite a staggering. i think gary echoes quite a few _ staggering. i think gary echoes quite a few people, _ staggering. i think gary echoes quite a few people, how- staggering. i think gary echoes quite a few people, how they l staggering. i think gary echoes i quite a few people, how they are filling at the moment with the energy price rise coming at the same time as tax increases but also council tax rises, mobile phone and

broadband bills. it is a crunch month for everyone. different governments are doing with the energy price cap in different ways and energy price rises in different ways, obviously the uk government has announced this £200 energy loan scheme, applying to anyone with an electricity tariff, and £150 council tax rebate for anyone in a— t properties. and some support —— a— letter d. and communities seen some support but people hope for more from the government. another increase in the price cap and a cobra. it might be the government is waiting to give out more help specifically for energy price issues at that point in october. it might

be a we see more help later in the year. be a we see more help later in the ear. :, , :, :, :, :, year. kevin, a question, a lot of --eole year. kevin, a question, a lot of people might — year. kevin, a question, a lot of people might not _ year. kevin, a question, a lot of people might not be _ year. kevin, a question, a lot of people might not be aware, i year. kevin, a question, a lot of| people might not be aware, why year. kevin, a question, a lot of- people might not be aware, why does london have the lowest cap standing charge for electricity when the rest of the uk is paying much higher prices? how did the standard charges affect by cost of living across the uk? :, , , :, , :, :, uk? your bill is made up of two arts, uk? your bill is made up of two parts. standing _ uk? your bill is made up of two parts, standing charge, - uk? your bill is made up of two parts, standing charge, fixed i uk? your bill is made up of two l parts, standing charge, fixed cost if you _ parts, standing charge, fixed cost if you like. — parts, standing charge, fixed cost if you like, daily charge. and then how much— if you like, daily charge. and then how much energy you use, that standing — how much energy you use, that standing charge has been going up, one key— standing charge has been going up, one key reason is because of all the suppliers— one key reason is because of all the suppliers who have been collapsing, going _ suppliers who have been collapsing, going out— suppliers who have been collapsing, going out of business. more than 20 in recent— going out of business. more than 20 in recent months. the cost of that has been — in recent months. the cost of that has been picked up elsewhere and the cost is _ has been picked up elsewhere and the cost is being passed on to consumers through— cost is being passed on to consumers through those standing charges. there _ through those standing charges. there are — through those standing charges. there are different standing charges

in different areas. many areas are putting _ in different areas. many areas are putting up— in different areas. many areas are putting up their standing charges to the maximum, if you like. suppliers are doing _ the maximum, if you like. suppliers are doing that. south scotland, merseyside, north wales, south—west england. _ merseyside, north wales, south—west england, all seeing the standing charge _ england, all seeing the standing charge doubled. it is a bit of a postcode _ charge doubled. it is a bit of a postcode lottery, frankly. it is not the biggest bit of your bill and there — the biggest bit of your bill and there isn't a huge amount you can do about— there isn't a huge amount you can do about it _ there isn't a huge amount you can do about it. probably about £70 or so of your— about it. probably about £70 or so of your bill — about it. probably about £70 or so of your bill. but it is still something where you can turn the thermostat down, use less energy but no impact _ thermostat down, use less energy but no impact on your standing charge. thank— no impact on your standing charge. thank you — no impact on your standing charge. thank you. laura. anonymous question. _ thank you. laura. anonymous question, why are the poorest people always— question, why are the poorest people always hit— question, why are the poorest people always hit the most? that question, why are the poorest people always hit the most?— always hit the most? that is a very broad question _ always hit the most? that is a very broad question but _ always hit the most? that is a very broad question but i _ always hit the most? that is a very broad question but i think- always hit the most? that is a very broad question but i think one i always hit the most? that is a very| broad question but i think one thing that we can look at here, going back to the spring statement, people were expecting more help. people on state pension and benefits were expecting or hoping maybe for a slightly

larger in their payment. from this month, they are going to say about a 3% increase to benefits and state pension, based on information that is pretty outdated now, what we are looking at now the cost of living rising by about 7% almost, even more later this year. i think a lot of those people on the lowest income, relying on benefits or on state pension were hoping for either a larger increase in the payout or some additional support. some of that has come in the form of that 500 million support fund i mentioned before and some of the hand—outs the government is doing. 0therwise before and some of the hand—outs the government is doing. otherwise it will be a struggle for a lot of people. will be a struggle for a lot of --eole. �* :, , :, will be a struggle for a lot of neale, �* :, , :, :, people. before the next question for kevin, i people. before the next question for kevin. l spoke _ people. before the next question for kevin. l spoke to _ people. before the next question for kevin, i spoke to somebody - people. before the next question for kevin, i spoke to somebody earlier, | kevin, i spoke to somebody earlier, she was really struggling and hadn�*t realised there was help out there as she could access. how much of an issueis

she could access. how much of an issue is that, that people are not aware of what they could get? i think that is a big issue. the £500 million fund that i mentioned is given from central government down to local councils but people need to know it exists and think they might be eligible under pay for it. hagar be eligible under pay for it. how eas is it be eligible under pay for it. how easy is it to _ be eligible under pay for it. how easy is it to find _ be eligible under pay for it. how easy is it to find it _ be eligible under pay for it. how easy is it to find it out? it i be eligible under pay for it. how easy is it to find it out? it varies j easy is it to find it out? it varies b local easy is it to find it out? it varies by local councils. _ easy is it to find it out? it varies by local councils. there - easy is it to find it out? it varies by local councils. there should i easy is it to find it out? it varies i by local councils. there should be two ports of call, first go to your local council, that fund might be able to help, or things like council tax reduction. second, i would go to somewhere like citizens advice, they will be able to do more of an overall look at your finances and see if there is support available in the form of benefits help or if you are in debt, help with that. they will check around and make sure you are getting everything you are

eligible for, that is really important for people at the moment because the last thing you want is them struggling when there is help there. , :, :, :, there. kevin, this one, are all countries _ there. kevin, this one, are all countries being _ there. kevin, this one, are all countries being affected i there. kevin, this one, are all countries being affected by i there. kevin, this one, are all| countries being affected by the there. kevin, this one, are all- countries being affected by the huge rise in energy prices orjust the uk? mine are dublin, where is the 54% rise coming from? people are saying the reality for them doesn�*t reflect the typical rise we are talking about.— reflect the typical rise we are talkin: about. , , , talking about. the first part, yes, those of countries _ talking about. the first part, yes, those of countries are _ talking about. the first part, yes, those of countries are feeling i talking about. the first part, yes, those of countries are feeling the | those of countries are feeling the same _ those of countries are feeling the same impact. the wholesale price of a-s same impact. the wholesale price of gas is _ same impact. the wholesale price of gas is an— same impact. the wholesale price of gas is an international price, if you like — gas is an international price, if you like. that is feeding through to consumers — you like. that is feeding through to consumers across europe. obviously, there _ consumers across europe. obviously, there are _ consumers across europe. obviously, there are tensions as a result of there are tensions as a result of the war— there are tensions as a result of the war in— there are tensions as a result of the war in ukraine as well affecting the war in ukraine as well affecting the wholesale price. yes, there are pressures— the wholesale price. yes, there are pressures there being dealt with in different— pressures there being dealt with in different ways by different governments. specifically to where

is this— governments. specifically to where is this rise — governments. specifically to where is this rise coming from, well, the way the _ is this rise coming from, well, the way the price cap is calculated, effectively that wholesale price which _ effectively that wholesale price which fluctuates, quite volatile, we are protected from it for a period of time _ are protected from it for a period of time as— are protected from it for a period of time as consumers. every six months. — of time as consumers. every six months, the price cap changes and so this is— months, the price cap changes and so this is the _ months, the price cap changes and so this is the point at which the price cap is— this is the point at which the price cap is changing, the wholesale price. — cap is changing, the wholesale price, unavoidable for suppliers, -et price, unavoidable for suppliers, get passed onto consumers. that is why we _ get passed onto consumers. that is why we have had a big increase, 50%. it is important to say, that is for someone — it is important to say, that is for someone using a typical month of energy _ someone using a typical month of energy. the £2000 or so annual bill we have _ energy. the £2000 or so annual bill we have been talking about is someone _ we have been talking about is someone who is using a typical amount— someone who is using a typical amount of— someone who is using a typical amount of energy. if you use less then— amount of energy. if you use less then your— amount of energy. if you use less then your annual bill is likely to be less. — then your annual bill is likely to be less, more it is likely to be more — be less, more it is likely to be more we _ be less, more it is likely to be more. we are working on averages, typical— more. we are working on averages, typical usage but for many people the bills— typical usage but for many people the bills are probably higher and they may— the bills are probably higher and they may well have been paying by direct _ they may well have been paying by direct debit and they have got that

horrible _ direct debit and they have got that horrible e—mail from their supplier saying _ horrible e—mail from their supplier saying we — horrible e—mail from their supplier saying we are going to put your direct— saying we are going to put your direct debit up because of the situation _ direct debit up because of the situation. you can challenge that but it _ situation. you can challenge that but it is— situation. you can challenge that but it is inevitable that your direct — but it is inevitable that your direct debit, your bills are going to be _ direct debit, your bills are going to be going up. direct debit, your bills are going to be going op— direct debit, your bills are going tobemoinu, ., ., ., ,, . . to be going up. laura, what specific government — to be going up. laura, what specific government assistance _ to be going up. laura, what specific government assistance is _ to be going up. laura, what specific government assistance is available | government assistance is available for pensioners, this person wants to know. �* ,:, for pensioners, this person wants to know. �* , know. but some people were hoping for more help _ know. but some people were hoping for more help for— know. but some people were hoping for more help for pensioners. i know. but some people were hoping for more help for pensioners. there | for more help for pensioners. there is not a lot of specific new government support analyst for pensioners. the perennial things, pensioners. the perennial things, pensioners are entitled to some help with their energy bills each winter. they will see the 3% increase into their state pension. and also certain pages entitled to some benefits, pension credits. there has been talk of the £500 million fund i keep talking about, talk that more

of that should go to watch pensioners this time around. a previous iteration of the fund ended yesterday and the government is set the kind of balance of which type of households it wants to be helped by that. there has been some more unofficial talk about the fact more of that should be funnelled towards pensioners to recognise the fact that they are being particularly hits. it is a tough time, a group of people who spend more money on energy because they tend to be in their home more. so they are feeling their home more. so they are feeling the brunt of the rising prices. kevin, a question here from dave flying, you have effectively already answered it, iwill flying, you have effectively already answered it, i will read it out. you keep saying £700 per year increase, mine are going from £90 per month to £271 per month, that is way above £700, 2760. how is it worked out?

the other part i thought it would be helpful to bring in at this point, several viewers are getting in touch on twitter talking about the profits of the same time, big profit for the big six energy companies. that is how a lot of people are looking at it as well, in that context. truths; how a lot of people are looking at it as well, in that context.- it as well, in that context. why is m bill it as well, in that context. why is my bill going _ it as well, in that context. why is my bill going up _ it as well, in that context. why is my bill going up by _ it as well, in that context. why is my bill going up by huge - it as well, in that context. why is i my bill going up by huge amounts. to unpick— my bill going up by huge amounts. to unpick his— my bill going up by huge amounts. to unpick his situation, it sounds like dave _ unpick his situation, it sounds like dave is— unpick his situation, it sounds like dave is looking for the cheapest fixed—rate deal, that is probably higher— fixed—rate deal, that is probably higher than the variable default deal he — higher than the variable default deal he will go on to. remember, suppliers. — deal he will go on to. remember, suppliers, they set your direct debit. — suppliers, they set your direct debit, monthly direct debit, on what they expect you to use. to heat and power _ they expect you to use. to heat and power your— they expect you to use. to heat and power your homes. it is really important _ power your homes. it is really important that you pertain ten metre readings, _ important that you pertain ten metre readings, for example, in that situation _ readings, for example, in that

situation. we saw yesterday people trying _ situation. we saw yesterday people trying to _ situation. we saw yesterday people trying to submit their metre readings _ trying to submit their metre readings before this price rise brought— readings before this price rise brought down a lot of suppliers' websites — brought down a lot of suppliers' websites. it is important to make sure they— websites. it is important to make sure they are accurate in their estimations of what you are going to use and _ estimations of what you are going to use and you — estimations of what you are going to use and you can always challenge that if— use and you can always challenge that if you — use and you can always challenge that if you are paying much more and your credit _ that if you are paying much more and your credit is — that if you are paying much more and your credit is building up, you can claim— your credit is building up, you can claim the— your credit is building up, you can claim the credit back. in terms of whether— claim the credit back. in terms of whether suppliers are profiteering on this, _ whether suppliers are profiteering on this, a — whether suppliers are profiteering on this, a lot of them have gone under— on this, a lot of them have gone under because of the pressure of having _ under because of the pressure of having to — under because of the pressure of having to deal with picking up the rising _ having to deal with picking up the rising wholesale price and for six months — rising wholesale price and for six months not being able to pass that on to— months not being able to pass that on to their— months not being able to pass that on to their consumers. british gas boss _ on to their consumers. british gas boss chris— on to their consumers. british gas boss chris o'shea saying on the bbc today— boss chris o'shea saying on the bbc today that _ boss chris o'shea saying on the bbc today that they are making a tiny profit _ today that they are making a tiny profit on — today that they are making a tiny profit on the retail side of things, where _ profit on the retail side of things, where the — profit on the retail side of things, where the big profits are coming in is on _ where the big profits are coming in is on the _ where the big profits are coming in is on the generation side, that is where _ is on the generation side, that is where some of the political debate is lying. _ where some of the political debate is lying, whether those arms of the

energy— is lying, whether those arms of the energy companies should be taxed higher— energy companies should be taxed higher or— energy companies should be taxed higher or not. just energy companies should be taxed higher or not-— higher or not. just a quick thought on the thing _ higher or not. just a quick thought on the thing of — higher or not. just a quick thought on the thing of recording - higher or not. just a quick thought on the thing of recording the i higher or not. just a quick thoughtl on the thing of recording the metre readings. that rush to record readings. that rush to record readings yesterday. does it make much of a difference? the readings obviously that our input from today are reflective of where things were so they are not currently going to give you the whole new metre reading, are they? you give you the whole new metre reading, are they?— give you the whole new metre reading, are they? you do not want them to estimate. _ reading, are they? you do not want them to estimate. it _ reading, are they? you do not want them to estimate. it is _ reading, are they? you do not want them to estimate. it is always i them to estimate. it is always better— them to estimate. it is always better to _ them to estimate. it is always better to keep them updated with the amount— better to keep them updated with the amount you have used with them if you never— amount you have used with them if you never put any meter reading they cannot _ you never put any meter reading they cannot overestimate when you use that on _ cannot overestimate when you use that on the — cannot overestimate when you use that on the old price and when you use it _ that on the old price and when you use it on _ that on the old price and when you use it on the new much higher price. just keeping — use it on the new much higher price. just keeping them updated, even if it is today, — just keeping them updated, even if it is today, it is a good move, i think — it is today, it is a good move, i think. according to all the experts i think. according to all the experts i have _ think. according to all the experts i have spoken to.— i have spoken to. octopus energy have said for _ i have spoken to. octopus energy have said for the _ i have spoken to. octopus energy have said for the next _ i have spoken to. octopus energy have said for the next week i i have spoken to. octopus energy have said for the next week is i i have spoken to. octopus energy i have said for the next week is fine. laura, leslie cox in cornwall, we

are giving up netflix, alcohol, prime, mobile phone to offset the rising cost. i am kind of assuming thatis rising cost. i am kind of assuming that is tongue in cheek or maybe not. people are obviously looking at all expenditure and what can be given up. all expenditure and what can be uiven u. , ~ all expenditure and what can be u-ivenu. , an all expenditure and what can be u-ivenu. , «a, :, :, given up. yes, i think a lot of --eole given up. yes, i think a lot of people are — given up. yes, i think a lot of people are having _ given up. yes, i think a lot of people are having to - given up. yes, i think a lot of people are having to have i given up. yes, i think a lot of people are having to have a l given up. yes, i think a lot of i people are having to have a tough look at the finances looking at what is going to be coming in from this month after the tax increases and what is going to be going out after of the price increases and of looking at what they can afford. though some people will be having to make those difficult cuts around things that they think they definitely need to pay for and are worth the money and something things where the think actually i can say that £10 per month i am paying for that £10 per month i am paying for that subscription service, or i can get a much cheaper phone deal. and so i think lots of people will have to do that, working out budgets, trying to stick to them, working out how they will go forward, these higher prices almost across the

board. , , :, i. higher prices almost across the board. , :, i. , :, higher prices almost across the board. , :, , :, :, board. just in that, you start to see how the — board. just in that, you start to see how the sort _ board. just in that, you start to see how the sort of _ board. just in that, you start to see how the sort of domino i board. just in that, you start to i see how the sort of domino effect through the economy has had its change as a result —— as habits and choices change as a result of one particular aspect.— particular aspect. definitely, if --eole particular aspect. definitely, if people have — particular aspect. definitely, if people have less _ particular aspect. definitely, if people have less money i particular aspect. definitely, if people have less money they l particular aspect. definitely, if. people have less money they will particular aspect. definitely, if- people have less money they will not be out shopping, buying things, paying for luxury items, buying new cars, for example. one big issue we have started this already, more people will be forced to take on debt. lots to pay for their monthly bills. we saw in the latest figures that came out from the bank of england, big increase in the amount of money we are all putting into credit cards. in february we would expect that to continue to increase as the year goes on and people feel that benchmark or people go through their savings and then have to resort to putting things on debt. barbara says we live on £8,000, a

fuel bill increase of £700, how will we afford it?— fuel bill increase of £700, how will we afford it? this gets to the heart of it. aril we afford it? this gets to the heart of it- april is _ we afford it? this gets to the heart of it. april is the _ we afford it? this gets to the heart of it. april is the cruellest - we afford it? this gets to the heart of it. april is the cruellest month i of it. april is the cruellest month for your— of it. april is the cruellest month for your finances because as lauren mentions _ for your finances because as lauren mentions this is when so many of these _ mentions this is when so many of these bill— mentions this is when so many of these bill increases can then, chief among _ these bill increases can then, chief among them the energy price rise. the practicalities are that obviously people are going to be looking — obviously people are going to be looking through the budgets trying to save _ looking through the budgets trying to save where they can. the wider political _ to save where they can. the wider political debate i think is often centred — political debate i think is often centred around where the support is being _ centred around where the support is being targeted or not. charities, for example, have been calling for much _ for example, have been calling for much more — for example, have been calling for much more targeted support for those like barbara who are on the lower inconres— like barbara who are on the lower incomes and for whom a rise like this is_ incomes and for whom a rise like this is going to obviously have a much _ this is going to obviously have a much bigger impact. the government has decided to make a more general, decisive _ has decided to make a more general,

decisive action they say, general focus _ decisive action they say, general focus. come october when we anticipate there will be another price _ anticipate there will be another price rise — anticipate there will be another price rise for energy, there may well_ price rise for energy, there may well be — price rise for energy, there may well be some thoughts then on whether— well be some thoughts then on whether that should be more focused, whether— whether that should be more focused, whether they should be any more support— whether they should be any more sopport or— whether they should be any more support or whether we are alljust going _ support or whether we are alljust going to _ support or whether we are alljust going to have to grin and bear it. last _ going to have to grin and bear it. last question, laura, from dave, when interviewing ministers about energy bills, fuel prices etc, will somebody please ask about how the so—called assistance being provided is going to help pensioners who have been robbed of a promised triple lock increase? how can increasing national insurance threshold or minimum wage be of benefit to a struggling 75—year—old who lives only on the state pension? the baxter here. — only on the state pension? the baxter here, this _ only on the state pension? the baxter here, this is _ only on the state pension? the baxter here, this is the triple lock on the _ baxter here, this is the triple lock on the amount the state pension increases — on the amount the state pension increases by last year —— each year. it was _ increases by last year —— each year. it was scrapped this year because the early— it was scrapped this year because the early figures would have been 8%. the early figures would have been 8%~ at— the early figures would have been

8%. at the time the decision was made _ 8%. at the time the decision was made that— 8%. at the time the decision was made that seem like a really high amount— made that seem like a really high amount of— made that seem like a really high amount of money. now when we are looking _ amount of money. now when we are looking at— amount of money. now when we are looking at 7% inflation almost, that looks _ looking at 7% inflation almost, that looks more — looking at 7% inflation almost, that looks more realistic. the reality is that instead of the state pension increasing by 8%, it is 3%, much smaller— increasing by 8%, it is 3%, much smaller for— increasing by 8%, it is 3%, much smaller for state pensions. the changes— smaller for state pensions. the changes announced last week in the spring _ changes announced last week in the spring statement were helping working — spring statement were helping working people, people were paying nationat— working people, people were paying national insurance and so that is not much — national insurance and so that is not much support for pensioners. lots of— not much support for pensioners. lots of pensioners will feel like they have been forgotten in some of they have been forgotten in some of the government support an ounce, other— the government support an ounce, other than— the government support an ounce, other than the broader measure like the £200 _ other than the broader measure like the £200 energy loan which applies to lots— the £200 energy loan which applies to lots of— the £200 energy loan which applies to lots of people, no specific sopport _ to lots of people, no specific support for pensioners. lots of people — support for pensioners. lots of people have been calling for it. | people have been calling for it. i am people have been calling for it. am going people have been calling for it. i am going to be speaking a little bit later to the former pensions minister, a good time to find out more, if you have questions for

that, stay with us for that in the next hour. thank you, both, forgetting through as many as you can and thank you for sending in the questions. hello everyone. i hope you're doing all right. well, it's felt cold, we have had some wintry weather over the past 24—48—hours, but if we rewind, it's actually been a record—breaking march across scotland and northern ireland, the sunniest march on record, plenty of sunshine, but it's like we did a handbrake turn and we saw scenes like these, as we introduced that much, much colder air, and that's brought us this mixture of rain, sleet and snow. you can see the air mass chart here, we are bathed in blue everyone, and we are hanging on the this cold air for the next couple of days as well. as for the rest of today, then. well, the weather front that has been affecting parts

of the south east of england is on the way out. remaining windy around here, this weather front pushing through scotland into parts of northern ireland. elsewhere, it's a good mix of sunny spells and scattered wintry showers. we saw some slippery surfaces this morning. feeling chilly in that brisk wind. top temperatures ten or ii celsius. moving through this evening, then. well, the weather front is on the move, moving through northern ireland, into parts of wales and eventually the south—west of england. still breezy, especially across south—eastern parts. some wintry showers will remain and temperatures tonigh tdown and temperatures tonight down to minus four celsius. a sharp frost tomorrow morning, a cold start to your saturday. but for many, a bright start. we say goodbye to these showers and that weather front. it leaves parts of wales and the south—west. and really, it's not a bad looking day. we will still see the showers, you can see them well scattered here, across much of the uk. top temperatures ten, possibly ii celsius. now high pressure is trying to build through the weekend. here it is off to the west. over the top of this we have this weather front

which will eventually tilt down, reaching parts of scotland and northern ireland on sunday. a chilly start to the day, the winds will ease over the weekend, thanks to the presence of that high pressure, the weather front introducing thicker cloud, soem rain into scotland some rain into scotland and northern ireland as well, with the strengthening breeze. we could see some hill snow on the leading edge of that feature. top temperatures ten or ii celsius. temperature—wise, however, there is a change on the way, because as we look towards next week we start to introduce milder airfrom the west. i say from the west, because we are also introducing this atlantic flow, and with that we will see less settled conditions. more in the way of cloud, some rain en route as well, but if you are not a fan of the cold, we do have a bit of a change as far has the is concerned. as that is concerned. temperatures rising, but it will turn less settled. we will keep you posted. stay safe, see you soon.

this is bbc news. the headlines... the biggest rise in gas and electricity prices in living memory has come into effect with the cost of an average household bill going up by almost £700 a year. it's either feed them or heat my house, or i don't eat and they eat. same as everyone else, really, it's going to bite into the budget a lot, like. what can you do? trapped. the rise in energy costs comes at the same time as a host of other bill hikes take effect. council tax, water bills and car tax are also going up for some from today. i want to do what we can to ameliorate some of that. but, you know, i'm also honest with people that we can't ameliorate all of it, sadly.

how are you coping with the rise in the cost of living? get in touch — i'm on twitter @bbcjoannag or you can tweet us using the hashtag bbcyourquestions. a red cross vehicle convoy has left for the besieged city of mariupol after being given security guarantees by all sides in the conflict. an oil depot is on fire in a russian cityjust north of ukraine after what the local governor said was an attack by two ukrainian helicopters. the government has reversed its decision to scrap plans for a ban on so—called conversion therapy for gay and bisexual people in england and wales, but the ban won't cover trans people. in football, england are among the top seeds for the world cup draw that takes place in doha today. wales and scotland are also included in the draw.

good afternoon. millions of people are feeling the impact of an unprecedented rise in the cost of energy this morning, as bills increase by the largest amount in living memory. ajump in the price cap set by the industry regulator, by the industry regulator means 22 million customers across england, scotland and wales will see their gas and electricity bills rise by around £700 a year. higher energy prices are not the only way households and businesses will feel a squeeze on their finances, as the cost of living increases. council tax bills are also on the rise across england, scotland and wales, with the majority of households seeing total hikes of around 3% — an average of £67 a year. to offset energy price rises, the government is offering a £150 rebate for around 20 million households in england, in bands a to d. water bills are also rising by an average of about £7 a year in england and wales.

on the 6th of april, national insurance contributions will go up by1.25%, which the government says will help clear the nhs backlog and contribute towards social care costs. and for 2.5 million workers on the minimum wage, they'll see their income rise by 59 pence an hour, to £9.50 first, let's look at the unprecedented rise in the cost of energy — our consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has the details. there's more chances of us going into debt with the rises of the electricity and water bill, the council tax, everything is having a rise, plus the petrol. mum of three qurat is making small changes in the house to try and keep those energy bills under control. my washing, i normally do it throughout the week but now i'm doing it over the weekend. so it's a big wash. i've stopped using my hairdryer because it takes about 45 minutes to dry my hair.

what the kids do is reach up to the heating, "mummy, we're cold, mummy, we're cold," so where are they supposed to go? at westminster primary on the other side of town, they already give food parcels to some families. but now they've started collecting blankets, dressing gowns and hot water bottles to give out as well. we are totally expecting that as the energy prices really bite that more of our families will be pushed into a poverty situation, and therefore the children will be coming to us having maybe not eaten a warm meal every day, they may be coming from a cold home or not slept properly. and the impact on that then for their education is quite extreme. the uk's biggest supplier is british gas. the boss says they make very little profit from customers, but their oil and gas extraction has made a lot more money. 80% of the additional profits have gone to the government. so i think the profits have gone up byjust over 500 million, and the tax bill has gone up byjust over 400. that is exactly right. i'm looking for no sympathy,

that's how the system should work. and i'm very comfortable. the question is how government uses those additional funds. the government have already announced a couple of things to try and help with those energy price rises. they're taking £150 off most people's council tax bill in england, and from september, there will be £200 available to most households in england, scotland and wales, and that will be through your energy bill, but it's a loan so you have to pay it back. even if you qualify for both of those things, that will still only cover around half of the rise that we are seeing in a typical household's energy bills. it's either feed them or heat my house. or i don't eat and they eat. so, yeah. it's not great, it's over £300 a month now. yeah, yeah, it's ridiculous, isn't it? it's ridiculous, the price of it now. got a text this morning, funnily enough, off british gas, asking me to send my reading in. must be preparing us for the worst.

crazy~ _ and with bills going up again in the autumn, people will keep trying to cut back where they can. people are really struggling. they bring their washing in, they normally leave it for washing and drying, but nowadays, they wash it at home and they leave itjust for drying, or they get it washed here and they take it home to dry. with qurat�*s energy bills going up by at least £30 a month, she doesn't think the government to help will cover the extra. it's not enough. £200, it won't make up to the months that we will be paying for. it's not going to help. so in this home, their lights are going off to keep the bills down. coletta smith, bbc news, in bradford. our political correspondent lone wells has more on the impact of the price hike and the political ramifications. i think a lot of people this morning waking up checking their online statements may have noticed this steep rise in energy bills which we have known was coming

for some time, but i think safe to say still a massive shock for many families up and down the country really today. this is coupled with other price rises, as we know at the moment rising inflation means the costs of everyday goods like food and some key services also going up. also some people today being hit by rises in council tax, water bills and car taxes as well. all of this coming days before national insurance tax is set to rise as well, so the government has certainly been under pressure to do more to support people at this time with some saying the support already announced is not enough. just to recap where we are with the government plans, some positive news coming out of today is that the national living wage, the minimum wage is going up, something which the government hopes will soften the blow for some household. for some households. they have announced council tax

bands a to d will be giving out a £150 council tax rebate and that there will also be a £200 energy bill loan but that will need to be paid back from 2023. however, when speaking to the bbc newscast podcast, rishi sunak said they wouldn't necessarily be able to mitigate against all the price rises we are seeing at the moment. i want to do what we can to ameliorate some of that but i'm also honest with people that we can't ameliorate all of it sadly. i know it's difficult for people to hear and the toughest part of this job is not being able to do everything people would like you to do because we are already borrowing quite a large amount of money and i don't think borrowing lots more would be sensible. is there pressure... i mean how much pressure is there on the government though to do more? i think there is a lot at the moment, both from the opposition but also from some conservative mps as well

who would like to see further measures introduced. we had some conservative mps calling on the government to scrap that rise to national insurance tax coming in on the 6th of april as well, so they have been under pressure with other groups as well saying that the energy bill loan scheme and the council tax rebate should be more generous as well. we have had some criticism too from personalfinance experts like martin lewis describing the energy bill loan scheme or criticising the loan aspect of it with the loan having to be repaid when bills are inflated because we know the price cap will rise again in october. labour have been calling for quite some time for a windfall tax on some of these north sea oil and gas companies, which they say could raise money to help people further with energy bills and this is something the labour leader keir starmer reiterated when he was talking to bbc breakfast this morning. we would lower those bills using the windfall tax, using vat receipts as well, but yes, that's the whole point of the scheme. for how long? well, that would deal

with the crisis today. are you talking about today as in a month? what about in three months' time when bills are still higher, would you still be covering it then? yes, this covers... the energy cap is obviously changing today so that means the £700 is over a year. so that is the call from labour for a windfall tax on north sea oil and gas companies. this isn't something the government is particularly keen on, their argument is that they don't want to tax these companies more at a time when they are trying to incentivise more investment in north sea oil and gas as the uk and its western allies try to move away from russian oil and gas as well. but certainly i think the pressure on the treasury will continue to rise to step in to help people

as they start to feel the impact of the price rises today. when the chancellor outlined his spending plans in his bank statement, he didn't necessarily close the door to further intervention in the future and said we would have to keep a close eye on how prices develop over the year, hinting perhaps that come october when we see the energy price cap go up again as is expected, that more intervention could be needed to help people with their bills. just got the latest covid figures through from the office of national statistics and a record 4.9 million people in the uk are estimated to have had covid—i9 in the week ending the 26th of march. that was up from 4.3 million in the previous week. the office for national statistics also says it is estimated in the number of people testing positive for covid—i9 in that week was 113. more from our correspondent shortly. let's go back to the cost of living. katie schmeucker is the deputy director of policy & partnerships at thejoseph rowntree foundation, an independent organisation

which campaigns to solve poverty in the uk. shejoins me now. we have heard so many examples today of how people are really worried this will impact on their lives. what are your thoughts?— on their lives. what are your thourhts? , . ., , thoughts? sadly what you have been heanna thoughts? sadly what you have been hearina on thoughts? sadly what you have been hearing on your _ thoughts? sadly what you have been hearing on your programme - thoughts? sadly what you have been hearing on your programme is - thoughts? sadly what you have been l hearing on your programme is exactly the things we have been hearing as well. this is a time of intense anxiety for so many people as the costs of so many essentials, obviously energy is the big one going up in price today, the price of food is going up for many people, water, council tax. the cost of so many essentials they have to pay is going up, yet what we saw last week from the chancellor in his spring statement, quite recklessly actually, cut the real level of benefits that those who are on the lowest incomes rely on to top up their incomes, or if they are unable to work the money they rely on to live on. what we are seeing is the

rate of benefits going up byjust 3% whilst the cost of essentials and inflation generally in the economy is going to be averaging about 8% this year. that gap is equivalent to about £500 less money this year for 9 million people. haifa about £500 less money this year for 9 million people.— 9 million people. how much will cuttin: 9 million people. how much will cutting expenditure _ 9 million people. how much will cutting expenditure and - 9 million people. how much will cutting expenditure and limiting| 9 million people. how much will- cutting expenditure and limiting use help? because we are talking about the fundamentals of life here, aren't we?— the fundamentals of life here, aren't we? , . ., ., the fundamentals of life here, aren'twe? , . ., ., ., aren't we? exactly. what we have to remember is — aren't we? exactly. what we have to remember is when _ aren't we? exactly. what we have to remember is when you _ aren't we? exactly. what we have to remember is when you are - aren't we? exactly. what we have to remember is when you are talking i remember is when you are talking about people who are already on the lowest income, if you are on a more comfortable income you might be thinking about substituting branded goods for shops�* own. but actually those choices, when you are already at the margins of your budget, you are already perhaps in arrears. we are already perhaps in arrears. we are in the foothills of this crisis and people are saying they are disconnecting themselves from their gas and electric. they are already using their bus pass to stay warm

instead of turning on heating at home. ., instead of turning on heating at home. . , , , ., instead of turning on heating at home. . , ,, ., .,, , home. katie... desperate measures, we hear it clearly _ home. katie... desperate measures, we hear it clearly from _ home. katie... desperate measures, we hear it clearly from you. - home. katie... desperate measures, we hear it clearly from you. thank. we hear it clearly from you. thank you. you are watching bbc news. so thatis you. you are watching bbc news. so that is obviously the situation with the cost of living, and do get in touch with us if you have got questions you would like us to put two experts. we had two experts earlier on answering questions and so many coming in. there is obviously the rising cost of energy for domestic bills today and other areas of life that are getting more expensive as well so do get in touch here at bbc news and tell us your experiences. now to ukraine. there are increasing doubts whether a humanitarian operation for mariupol will go ahead today.

a red cross spokesman said three cars and nine staff were heading towards the besieged city in southern ukraine. but an aide to mariupol�*s mayor said it remained closed for anyone trying to enter, and was very dangerous for anyone trying to leave. more than 100,000 residents remain trapped in mariupol, which has been under heavy russian bombardment for weeks. our correspondentjoins us from zaporizhzhia, where the red cross convoyis zaporizhzhia, where the red cross convoy is leaving from? yes. zaporizhzhia, where the red cross convoy is leaving from?— zaporizhzhia, where the red cross convoy is leaving from? yes, this is a reception — convoy is leaving from? yes, this is a reception centre _ convoy is leaving from? yes, this is a reception centre in _ convoy is leaving from? yes, this is a reception centre in the _ convoy is leaving from? yes, this is a reception centre in the town - convoy is leaving from? yes, this is a reception centre in the town of i a reception centre in the town of zaporizhzhia. it�*s important to say in recent weeks and days, people have been making their way out from the russian —controlled areas like mariupol on their own and in bomb damaged cars, sometimes in large numbers, but today is the first real mass evacuation of mariupol itself. this morning, a very small red cross convoy left here bound for mariupol

with the intended aim of getting into the city and facilitating the evacuation on government provided buses of hundreds of people. but it was interesting that even though there�*s been a and the red cross vehicles are being allowed in, two trucks in the red cross wanted to take in, laden with medical aid and food was not permitted to travel by the russians. so those three red cross vehicles with the staff on—board are trying to facilitate the evacuation of the city but in the evacuation of the city but in the last couple of hours we have heard from the mayors office in mariupol that the city itself still too dangerous for anybody to enter or to leave. there is a real expectation perhaps that red cross convoy won�*t make it to mariupol. having said that, there are areas in the russian —controlled south where there are still a lot of refugees and where the red cross and the government buses should be able to get to, so at points throughout the

day today, there are towns along the coast where those vehicles, those buses should be accepting refugees and coming here to this reception centre in zaporizhzhia. it�*s centre in zaporizhzhia. it's obviously _ centre in zaporizhzhia. it's obviously really _ centre in zaporizhzhia. it's obviously really confusing situation because it is a war zone and a besieged city but to hear from governor that they don�*t think the red cross will be able to get in is so disappointing when we were hearing from the red cross a little earlier saying they did have the relevant permissions from ukraine and from russia to enable that to happen, albeit not to take in a disapplies but to at least get people out. disapplies but to at least get people out-— disapplies but to at least get --eole out. �* ., �* ~ ., ., people out. and we don't know what the final situation _ people out. and we don't know what the final situation will _ people out. and we don't know what the final situation will be _ people out. and we don't know what the final situation will be but - people out. and we don't know what the final situation will be but this - the final situation will be but this isn�*t the first attempt to establish a humanitarian corridor into and out of mariupol. every time it�*s been tried in the past, the cease fire or the agreement to stop firing has collapsed and people have been attacked on the roads around mariupol so it has proved far too

dangerous in the past and may prove so again today. i think as long as the fight for mariupol continues, most of the city now is controlled by russian troops but there is a part in the centre of the city which is still being defended by ukrainian troops. they are completely surrounded by land and sea by russian forces and i don�*t think the russians are going to give ground too much on ceasefires and accepting aid in until they fully control the city. aid in until they fully control the ci . ~ ., aid in until they fully control the ci . . . ., aid in until they fully control the ci . ~ ., ., aid in until they fully control the ci .~ ., ., aid in until they fully control the city. what do you hear there from those aid workers _ city. what do you hear there from those aid workers about - city. what do you hear there from those aid workers about what - city. what do you hear there from those aid workers about what the | those aid workers about what the situation is for those people who are stuck in mariupol, what, about 150,000 people? we are stuck in mariupol, what, about 150.000 people?— 150,000 people? we don't know exactly how _ 150,000 people? we don't know exactly how many _ 150,000 people? we don't know exactly how many people - 150,000 people? we don't know exactly how many people there l 150,000 people? we don't know i exactly how many people there are, thatis exactly how many people there are, that is why it is so terrible. we know people inside mariupol don�*t have food or water. they are drinking water from the pipes that feed radiators, they are drinking waste water. the are terrible inside

mariupol with dead bodies lining the streets and people trying to bury their neighbours by road verges. it is a humanitarian crisis inside mariupol, there is no question about what is happening, but until aid agencies can get in and assess the situation, you can really imagine only what the situation is like. we have all seen the aerial photographs, the drone shots that show how much the city has been devastated by this russian bombardment.— devastated by this russian bombardment. ., ,, , ., , . bombardment. thank you very much. re davis bombardment. thank you very much. wyre davis reporting _ bombardment. thank you very much. wyre davis reporting from _ wyre davis reporting from zaporizhzhia. i can joining me now is bill bullen, founder and chief executive of energy supplier, utilita energy. tell us more thoughts about your customers because your customers are predominantly people with prepaid metres, is that right? yes.

predominantly people with prepaid metres, is that right?— predominantly people with prepaid metres, is that right? yes, over the last winter. — metres, is that right? yes, over the last winter. we _ metres, is that right? yes, over the last winter, we obviously _ metres, is that right? yes, over the last winter, we obviously had - metres, is that right? yes, over the last winter, we obviously had what i last winter, we obviously had what was historically quite high energy price rises last october but the winterjust gone was a relatively mild winter. but we have been helping something like 2000 households every day are already experiencing financial stress. so obviously with prices rising again now, and realistically we expect another very significant price rise in october, the price rise now is obviously being offset by lower consumption and we are going into the summer period, but it is going to hit home next october and that is the point which is really the biggest concern to us and to consumers. biggest concern to us and to consumers-— biggest concern to us and to consumers. ~ i. i. ., consumers. when you say you have already been _ consumers. when you say you have already been helping _ consumers. when you say you have already been helping 2000 - consumers. when you say you have i already been helping 2000 customers per day who are facing financial difficulties, is it fair to assume that because most of your customers are on prepaid metres, they are already some of the worst off in society anyway, and so i�*m just

wondering if it is possible to kind of add up the figures in terms of the total number that you have been helping each day dealing with their concerns in terms of a proportion of your overall customer base? yes. concerns in terms of a proportion of your overall customer base? yes, our overall customer _ your overall customer base? yes, our overall customer base _ your overall customer base? yes, our overall customer base is _ your overall customer base? yes, our overall customer base is just - your overall customer base? yes, our overall customer base is just over - overall customer base is just over 800,000 customers sol overall customer base is just over 800,000 customers so i guess on a daily basis it might seem like a relatively low proportion, but generally the help we do is to advance people some credit, obviously provide them with energy efficiency advice and help them try to reduce their bills so it�*s a wide range of things we do, including getting them into our eco programme where we can install measures at no cost to consumers. so there�*s a variety of things we do for households, and obviously some households, and obviously some households come back many times. but for others it mightjust be a one—off event. however it plays out

going into next winter, it is going to be a lot worse and that is what concerns us. i to be a lot worse and that is what concerns us— to be a lot worse and that is what concerns us. ., , ., ., . ., , concerns us. i mean, you are clearly talkin: concerns us. i mean, you are clearly talking about _ concerns us. i mean, you are clearly talking about concern _ concerns us. i mean, you are clearly talking about concern for _ concerns us. i mean, you are clearly talking about concern for your- talking about concern for your customers as well and i�*m wondering from a business perspective, does it make your business vulnerable? i think the chief concern from a business perspective is around the cost of energy because even if you have hedged going forward the daily variations in electricity consumption for example, becoming increasingly more expensive to match, and if we have anything like a colder than average winter next winter, that will also cause some significant problems for some suppliers. as i say, one of the saving graces of this last winter was that it was a relatively mild winter, but we know that that doesn�*t necessarily happen every time. so there are definitely some future clouds on the horizon for

energy businesses even still. what energy businesses even still. what are our energy businesses even still. what are your thoughts _ energy businesses even still. what are your thoughts on _ energy businesses even still. what are your thoughts on what would be the way that you would like the government to deal with this? i think what we said about the last package of measures that the chancellor announced was about £9 billion in total. it was a good number but it wasn�*t targeted enough. and i think what has to happen now... enough. and i think what has to happen now- - -— enough. and i think what has to happen now... that is the loan is basically. — happen now... that is the loan is basically. the _ happen now... that is the loan is basically, the rebates, _ happen now... that is the loan is basically, the rebates, and - happen now... that is the loan is basically, the rebates, and they. happen now... that is the loan is i basically, the rebates, and they get paid back over time. basically, the rebates, and they get paid back overtime. i basically, the rebates, and they get paid back over time.— paid back over time. i guess there is reall a paid back over time. i guess there is really a couple _ paid back over time. i guess there is really a couple of _ paid back over time. i guess there is really a couple of problems - is really a couple of problems there, one is that it is not targeted enough, and the other is expecting people to pay it back and i don�*t see that that is realistic. we are looking at the next couple of years of high energy prices. even if the problem in ukraine gets resolved relatively quickly, i don�*t think europe is about to embrace russia as a major energy supplier again, so we are going to have an energy

constrained in europe for a good couple of years now. so i really doubt the prospects of being able to pay that money back. as i say, for low income households it is nowhere near enough and what the chancellor is going to have to find a way of doing is to fully fund any further increase in energy prices for this coming winter. so if we are expecting another may be 25% increase, that is 500 quid for low income homes he needs to fund that income homes he needs to fund that in its entirety. there is no way those households can absorb any more pressure. when we talk casually about inflation rate going up to seven or 8%, we need to remember thatis seven or 8%, we need to remember that is based on a basket of average expenditure. for low income households, they don�*t have average expenditure, their expenditure is focused on basics like energy, fuel

and food. there are effective inflation rate now is probably well into double figures already. and although benefits are going up and the minimum wage is going up, it hasn�*t gone up anywhere near as the effective inflation rate so there is a massive squeeze on incomes in that sector of households. what a massive squeeze on incomes in that sector of households.— sector of households. what some are sa inc sector of households. what some are sa in: is sector of households. what some are saying is what — sector of households. what some are saying is what about _ sector of households. what some are saying is what about the _ sector of households. what some are saying is what about the energy - saying is what about the energy companies actually reducing their profits and making a contribution in that regard to ease the pressure on consumers? what are your thoughts on that? , ., ., ., , ., that? first of all we operate under a rice that? first of all we operate under a price cap — that? first of all we operate under a price cap and — that? first of all we operate under a price cap and that _ that? first of all we operate under a price cap and that has _ that? first of all we operate under. a price cap and that has constrained profits on average to —i% which means energy companies on average are losing money. that has been our experience for the last few years, so the idea they have any scope to help with this problem in any

significant way is i�*m afraid not true. significant way is i'm afraid not true. ~ , ., significant way is i'm afraid not true. , true. why do you stay in it then if ou are true. why do you stay in it then if you are losing — true. why do you stay in it then if you are losing money _ true. why do you stay in it then if you are losing money like - true. why do you stay in it then if you are losing money like that i true. why do you stay in it then if. you are losing money like that every year? you are losing money like that every ear? . . , , you are losing money like that every ear? . , you are losing money like that every ear? . year? one always hopes as an entrepreneur _ year? one always hopes as an entrepreneur you _ year? one always hopes as an entrepreneur you looked i year? one always hopes as an entrepreneur you looked at i year? one always hopes as an| entrepreneur you looked at the future and take an optimistic view at some point that that situation has to change. i do think ofgem recognises that that situation has to change. but obviously we are all i get swamped by the current rise in energy prices. it is not something anybody predicted a year ago, sol think we all recognise we are in exceptional circumstances at the moment but we need to get through it one way or another. the moment but we need to get through it one way or another.— one way or another. the market expanded _ one way or another. the market expanded with _ one way or another. the market expanded with the _ one way or another. the market expanded with the idea - one way or another. the market expanded with the idea that i one way or another. the market expanded with the idea that it i one way or another. the market i expanded with the idea that it would give consumers more choice and bring down prices, and that worked really well for a long time, but is that model now defunct? ida. well for a long time, but is that model now defunct?— well for a long time, but is that model now defunct? no, i don't believe it is. _ model now defunct? no, i don't believe it is. there _ model now defunct? no, i don't believe it is. there is _ model now defunct? no, i don't believe it is. there is still- model now defunct? no, i don't believe it is. there is still an i believe it is. there is still an awful lot of competition out there,

and i think energy companies that introduce genuine innovation into the energy sector and our smart prepaid product i believe is a market leading product, as is our app... market leading product, as is our a- �* ., market leading product, as is our a n n i i i a ., ., market leading product, as is our a... �* ., ., market leading product, as is our app... but no one can offer particularly — app... but no one can offer particularly cheaper - app... but no one can offer particularly cheaper prices | app... but no one can offer- particularly cheaper prices than anyone else right now. iklat particularly cheaper prices than anyone else right now. not right now, no, because _ anyone else right now. not right now, no, because the _ anyone else right now. not right now, no, because the energy i anyone else right now. not right i now, no, because the energy price cap manages prices down to 0% profit. the big change in prices is all to do with the rising cost of gas so there�*s very little we can do in that respect, but what we can do is help people manage their energy use and that is where a big amount of innovation is going on, certainly for us. we have a —— an app that can help people to determine where they can target their behaviour change our investment in energy efficiency so there are ways people can change their energy bills. it�*s not all

about price, it is price times consumption, and we can reduce consumption. that is the only thing people will be able to do between now and october. we have six months to significantly move the dial and it is going to be for people to make their own decisions where they can. where they can�*t necessarily make a change in their behaviour or afford to invest in their house, that�*s why we need extra measures coming from the chancellor to fund that extra cost, but also energy companies have an obligation to help low income households, particularly pensioners, to reduce their energy consumption by doing those basic measures of energy efficiency and other relatively simple straightforward measures. ., ~' relatively simple straightforward measures. . ~ , ., , relatively simple straightforward measures. . ~ y . relatively simple straightforward measures. . ~ , . ., measures. thank you very much for 'oinin: measures. thank you very much for joining us- — bill bullen, founder and chief executive

of energy supplier utilita energy. the regional governor of belgorod, in western russia, has accused ukraine of attacking an oil depot in the city. vyacheslav gladkov said on his telegram channel that a fire, which broke out at the depot on friday morning, was caused by missiles from two ukrainian helicopters. this has not been independently verified. this footage from social media shows the moment the oil depot was struck as two helicopters fly overhead. the incident comes two days after explosions were reported at an arms storage facility in the city. ukraine has not claimed responsibility for any of the blasts. the kremlin said today it will hinder future peace talks. the environmental activist group extinction rebellion says it has blocked three oil terminals in a campaign against fossilfuels. two are in southampton and one is near heathrow in london. a spokesperson for the group said protesters have locked themselves to high tripods, while others were using locks and concrete to secure themselves in location. members of thejust stop oil group say they are protesting at seven other oil facilities around england.

the government has reversed its decision to scrap plans for a ban on so—called conversion therapy for gay and bi—sexual people in england and wales. the u—turn was announced just hours after downing street said it would drop the plans. it will now push ahead with proposals to make the practice illegal, but the new ban would not cover transgender people. with me now is jane fae, chair of trans media watch, and director of transactual, one of the leading trans—led trans advocacy organisations in the uk. what is your reaction to the decision by the government? gutted, not decision by the government? gutted, rrot surprised — decision by the government? gutted, not surprised had _ decision by the government? gutted, not surprised had a _ decision by the government? gutted, not surprised had a very _ decision by the government? gutted, not surprised had a very worried i not surprised had a very worried about the community. we are talking about the community. we are talking about people who have spent the last three years watching an absolutely concerted attacked almost unique across the world on trans people in the uk. to the media, from a degree

to the bbc —— from the bbc, you might not want to hear that. supposedly government is having a conference this summer, it is safe to be me, that is a joke. liz truss was having a go at pronouns used by trans people thought might i want the specifics of where your concerns lie. and on conversion therapy. how would you define where conversion therapy is used. ., , you define where conversion therapy is used. . _ , , ., you define where conversion therapy isused. , , ., _ is used. therapy is used word by those who _ is used. therapy is used word by those who defend _ is used. therapy is used word by those who defend it. _ is used. therapy is used word by those who defend it. we - is used. therapy is used word by those who defend it. we are i is used. therapy is used word by those who defend it. we are not| those who defend it. we are not talking about therapy, there is a disingenuous view being pushed by government... 50 if disingenuous view being pushed by government. . ._ disingenuous view being pushed by government. . .— disingenuous view being pushed by government... so if we don't use the word therapy — government... so if we don't use the word therapy but _ government... so if we don't use the word therapy but the _ government... so if we don't use the word therapy but the idea _ government... so if we don't use the word therapy but the idea of - government... so if we don't use the

word therapy but the idea of trying i word therapy but the idea of trying to persuade somebody to change their orientation, how widely do you hear about it being used within the transgender community, and in what sort of context?— sort of context? significantly widel . sort of context? significantly widely- it — sort of context? significantly widely- it is _ sort of context? significantly widely. it is not _ sort of context? significantly widely. it is not about - sort of context? significantly l widely. it is not about therapy sort of context? significantly i widely. it is not about therapy or talking, it is about a mistreatment, abuse and in some cases torture. i was reading just last week of a child of about 16 who had not been out of the bedroom, well, i am presuming to the bathroom, but not being allowed out for three or four months, denied access to the phone, internet. locked up at home, basically imprisoned at home by parents afraid they were going to turn trance. that is not therapy, thatis turn trance. that is not therapy, that is something else. —— turn trans. this has to stop, it is not

therapy, it is torture.— trans. this has to stop, it is not therapy, it is torture. that example ou rive therapy, it is torture. that example you give there _ therapy, it is torture. that example you give there is — therapy, it is torture. that example you give there is shocking - therapy, it is torture. that example you give there is shocking and i you give there is shocking and extreme. do you think it is, how many other cases would you suggest are out there, and is that a particular extreme that you are concerned about?— particular extreme that you are concerned about? there are groups, oruanised concerned about? there are groups, organised anti-trans _ concerned about? there are groups, organised anti-trans groups - concerned about? there are groups, organised anti-trans groups on i concerned about? there are groups, organised anti-trans groups on the l organised anti—trans groups on the internet swapping hints and tips, this is how you stop your child from being trans. there is an organised campaign out there. the idea of government saying we have only found evidence of 2%, it is i think much higher. bear in mind that the area this is most likely to come into play is around trans kids. therefore the actual numbers will be small. the percentage will behave. we are told there is growth in this area, there is growth because it comes from a low number and the natural

number is maybe a couple of thousand trans kids a year in the uk. maybe not even that, maybe 1000. and within that, might be 5%,10% not even that, maybe 1000. and within that, might be 5%, 10% who are subject to this sort of treatment. in which case you are talking 50—100. if we were talking about anything else and saying 50-100 about anything else and saying 50—100 people being tortured by their parents ok? i think the answer would be absolutely not. so what the government says in terms of why trans people are excluded from this legislation is because of fears that it could have the impact of criminalising people who are working with children in particular. children who have body dysphoria, and normal therapy, normal talking

therapy, other medical conversations, maybe even conversations, maybe even conversations with parents, could be caught under this umbrella. what conversations with parents, could be caught under this umbrella.- caught under this umbrella. what is our view caught under this umbrella. what is your view of— caught under this umbrella. what is your view of that? _ caught under this umbrella. what is your view of that? that _ caught under this umbrella. what is your view of that? that is _ caught under this umbrella. what is your view of that? that is absolute l your view of that? that is absolute nonsense. standard therapy, and the main therapeutic organisation, sorry my cat is interrupting. the main therapeutic organisations in the uk have no problem with this. any therapy which is trying to challenge your sexual orientation or gender identity is therapy that is trying to change. no, this is the what if such and such happens is an extreme, i am sorry, and this is not the case, this is not the sort of thing which should be happening. obviously no therapy which _ which should be happening. obviously no therapy which tries _ which should be happening. obviously no therapy which tries to _ which should be happening. obviously no therapy which tries to change i no therapy which tries to change someone�*s gender orientation is effective, falls under another

category. where would you draw a line, if a child is confused, sort of thinking, you know wondering about their gender, wanting to have conversations, how should those conversations, how should those conversations happen in a way that is right? conversations happen in a way that is rirht? ., ., ., ~' ., is right? joanna, i do not know if ou have is right? joanna, i do not know if you have done — is right? joanna, i do not know if you have done therapy _ is right? joanna, i do not know if you have done therapy of - is right? joanna, i do not know if you have done therapy of any i is right? joanna, i do not know if. you have done therapy of any sort, i have done therapy in the not too distant past, just to do with general stuff. the thing which actually annoys the hell out of me, apologies, is that you cannot get a therapist to give any point of view. it is always how does this make you feel, what do you conclude from this? you have told me this is where does that take you? therapy is about getting people to explore and understand what they are feeling. there is this complete misrepresentation that therapy for trans children is about telling them

yes, they are right, it is not, it is about not telling them they are wrong. giving them space to explore. and we move forward from that. bear in mind, but sure we have seen canada, france and new zealand all opt for a ban on the sort of practice for the sort of therapy. this is just pure practice for the sort of therapy. this isjust pure british exceptionalism again, we can fix problems no one else can. when you talk about the _ problems no one else can. when you talk about the space _ problems no one else can. when you talk about the space to _ problems no one else can. when you talk about the space to explore, i problems no one else can. when you talk about the space to explore, howj talk about the space to explore, how wide does that space extend? with something like transitioning and interventions coming into play in this situation, they are not completely reversible. at some point they effectively are. that completely reversible. at some point they effectively are.— they effectively are. that is totally separate _ they effectively are. that is totally separate from i they effectively are. that is i totally separate from therapy, they effectively are. that is - totally separate from therapy, ok? the point at which an intervention happens, there is a very specific

assessment of the needs of the individual at that point. i think what is going on here, you say... if you had a government person here i hope you would be grilling them just as hard as to what exactly is the issue. therapist don�*t see it as an issue. a small minority of people are making a lot of noise saying it is an issue and the government is using that as a fig leaf.— using that as a fig leaf. when you sa aaivin using that as a fig leaf. when you say giving the _ using that as a fig leaf. when you say giving the other— using that as a fig leaf. when you say giving the other side - using that as a fig leaf. when you say giving the other side as i using that as a fig leaf. when you say giving the other side as hard l using that as a fig leaf. when you | say giving the other side as hard a time, it is about understanding, isn�*t it? there is a lot of confusion and perhaps fear around that lack of understanding. do you think there has been a proper debate? s, think there has been a proper debate? �* , .,, think there has been a proper debate? ~ , ., , debate? a proper conversation. yes, i am sorry. — debate? a proper conversation. yes, i am sorry. how _ debate? a proper conversation. yes, i am sorry, how much _ debate? a proper conversation. yes, i am sorry, how much conversation i debate? a proper conversation. yes, | i am sorry, how much conversation do you want? wejust i am sorry, how much conversation do you want? we just keep going i am sorry, how much conversation do you want? wejust keep going on and on. first of all, it is not a debate. my life is not a debate. i object very strongly when journalists go, what about the trans

debate, as if it is an abstract concept. this is about the lives of people. there are protocols. i am seeing people with zero expertise, i am not answering part of your question because i am not a therapist, and the other part you have a therapist in the studio. for the rest of it, no, these sort of thing is very real tragedy right now. there is a second part going on, things have been going on for decades. the trans child things more recent but that i suspect are simply picking up a demand, it is not more recent internationally. what is going on here is, people who are not in the field, know nothing about it are suddenly going, i don�*t know anything about it so i am worried. frankly, keep your nose out, because if you don�*t know something about something, sit back and listen,

don�*t come bustling in and say, i am concerned, i am worried. because that concern and worry is destroying the lives of young people. the government _ the lives of young people. the government also _ the lives of young people. the government also says in its decision to exclude trans people from this legislation that there is existing legislation that there is existing legislation that there is existing legislation that covers the sort of example that you gave earlier. and they will be looking at non—legislative ways to protect trans people. non-legislative ways to protect trans people-— non-legislative ways to protect trans people. that is always the excuse. trans people. that is always the excuse- they — trans people. that is always the excuse. they are _ trans people. that is always the excuse. they are about - trans people. that is always the excuse. they are about to i trans people. that is always the excuse. they are about to run i trans people. that is always the | excuse. they are about to run an online safety bill, massive in scope, 225 pages, 80,000 words, they have lots of time for that. existing legislation covers issues, they have time for that. where we are at right now, you might say rape in marriage is not allowed. but at one time it was. it took a legal ruling to change that. beating your child is

not allowed, and it took a re—examination, re—evaluation of the legislation to change that. where we are right now is, there is a battle going on i think between a set of parents who think that children exist to be owned and created in the image and who cannot stand the idea that some of their children are not going down the road they want. and parents who say let the children explore the world and become who they need to be. the steps the first parents are taking amount to torture. at present the way society�*s rules work, that torture is sort of acceptable, it is within these grounds that if i did something to you as a stranger, the police would be straight round banging on my door saying right, jane, come to the station with us. if i did something to a child as apparent, it becomes grey area. what

is absolutely needed now is some sort of legislation and clarity for is that they are saying they need these protections for lgbt people, what is the difference? —— for lgb people, what is the difference? second, thank you. let�*s get more now covid because we broke the news earlier that a record 4.9 million people in the uk are estimated to have had covid—19 in the week ending march 26, in the previous week. it works out about one in every 13 people last week we think had the virus, the highest level ever recorded by this ons survey, were saying they didn�*t actually run this survey right at the beginning of the pandemic around march 2020 time, so it might have been higher then but all the same this is another

significant increase and it comes on the same day that the government is stopping free testing for coronavirus in england. the timing around this is quite interesting. breaking down some of this by geographical area, breaking down some of this by geographicalarea, roughly the breaking down some of this by geographical area, roughly the same actually across every nation of the uk, slightly higher in scotland. some better news, even though it is higher it has come down slightly in the last week. up strongly in wales and england, also northern ireland it is increasing again after a period of falling. when you look originally within englan, quite a wide variation, highest in the south—west, the south east and the east of england. lowest actually in the north now, north—east and north—west have lower rates according to the latest survey. 50 according to the latest survey. so this is obviously the day that in england the free testing ends. at this time when cases are going up. what is being said about that? we have what is being said about that? , have had some new guidance about that this morning, now in

black—and—white on the government website, if you have symptoms of coronavirus in england, you should try, and they use the word try in the guidance, to stay at home for five days. those testing centres we have all been really used to in the past couple of years, now they are not going to exist any more. it will still be possible to buy flow tests but they will not be free, used to be able to pick them up from the pharmacist or go online, today from around £2 at a pharmacy or supermarket. this comes at a time where there has been criticism of the government by some scientists of making the decision to stop retesting, also on the day that we are seeing record rates of infections.— are seeing record rates of infections. ., . , ., infections. the new guidance, try to sta at infections. the new guidance, try to stay at home _ infections. the new guidance, try to stay at home with _ infections. the new guidance, try to stay at home with symptoms, i infections. the new guidance, try to stay at home with symptoms, no i stay at home with symptoms, no obligation on anyone, or to wear masks, has the guidance also changed on that a bit? but in times of where things go, is the government pretty

confident of sticking to this position? confident of sticking to this osition? ,, , ., confident of sticking to this position?— confident of sticking to this osition? ,, , ., , ., position? seems to be. the legal requirement— position? seems to be. the legal requirement of _ position? seems to be. the legal requirement of staying _ position? seems to be. the legal requirement of staying at - position? seems to be. the legal requirement of staying at home | position? seems to be. the legal- requirement of staying at home ended before christmas. this is now guidance. the phrasing of it is different. before you are advised to stay at home, now it says try to stay at home, now it says try to stay at home, now it says try to stay at home. slightly splitting hairs but the language has changed with the probably with pointing out why we have seen the big rise. the ending of restrictions england which we saw further recently. perhaps more importantly, the increase in the prevalence of the sort of offshoot of the omicron variant called ba two. proving even more transmissible than the previous version we saw over christmas also leading to a large increase of infections and other parts of the world, in particular parts of europe. part of this probably due to the relaxation of restrictions, may be a larger part of the way the

virus is acting.— be a larger part of the way the virus is acting. millions of people are counting the cost of unprecedented hikes in their energy bills. from today, the price cap goes up by more than 50%. with council tax, water bills and car tax rising too it�*s thought many people may struggle. joining me now is baroness ros altmann who was a former pensions minister. concerns coming through from some pensioners that there is no specific help for them, what are your thoughts? i help for them, what are your thoughts?— help for them, what are your thourhts? ., , _ , thoughts? i can only sympathise with them. i thoughts? i can only sympathise with them- i think — thoughts? i can only sympathise with them. i think the _ thoughts? i can only sympathise with them. i think the government - thoughts? i can only sympathise with them. i think the government has i them. i think the government has missed an opportunity to demonstrate that it understands there are many very poor pensioners in our country, the lowest state pension in the developed world. we need to look

after them through this cost of living crisis because so many of them, especially the elderly and widows, olderwomen, have no them, especially the elderly and widows, older women, have no other way of increasing the income or finding more money. to pay these essential bills. they can cut down on heating without risking their lives because heating usually important, health—wise, for older people. and they cannot necessarily cut back further on their food because already pensioners are the group that tries to make ends meet most, buys cheap food, tries to live on a very restricted budget. i am very concerned about the ability of pensioners and the rise in pensioner poverty that is inevitably going to come. ~ ., ., ~ come. what do you think could, should be _ come. what do you think could, should be done? _

come. what do you think could, should be done? well, - come. what do you think could, should be done? well, we i come. what do you think could, should be done? well, we did i come. what do you think could, l should be done? well, we did try come. what do you think could, i should be done? well, we did try in the house of _ should be done? well, we did try in the house of lords _ should be done? well, we did try in the house of lords to _ should be done? well, we did try in the house of lords to help - should be done? well, we did try in the house of lords to help the i the house of lords to help the government see that the proposed removal of the earnings link in the state pension triple lock and the pension credit top up was going to cause a problem. the 3.1% increase, which is coming from this month, is nowhere near enough to compensate for the we try to encourage the government to be more generous with the increase in pension and stick with a manifesto commitment that pensions would rise at least in line with earnings. having not done that, i think we do need more specific help for pensioners. one, to make sure that all those who are entitled to the pension credit, however little it is it is a lot more than many of the pensioners are living on because they are not claiming it, to make sure they do claim. and specific help, for example there are mechanisms like the winter fuel

payments. they are lower now than they were in 2009, cold weather payments, especially with the cold weather as it is now, they need to be much more generous. they need some extra help with heating bills and council tax. water rates are going up by more than 10%. fuel, for many people the cost is almost 50-100% many people the cost is almost 50—100% home. as we know, food costs have shot up even for the basics like bread. —— almost 50—100% higher. there is a mechanism through the benefit system which can deliver more to pensioners. even the council tax hasn�*t yet been distributed. there is an urgency that i think it is incumbent upon any decent society, and a government that has promised to protect pensioners, to make sure the poorest are not thrown even deeper into extreme poverty.

and you said about the help on offer, just making sure that pensioners are getting what they are entitled to. presumably of any constituency they are the least likely to be proactive in finding out what they can get and actually making that happen. that out what they can get and actually making that happen.— out what they can get and actually making that happen. that is another issue that government _ making that happen. that is another issue that government and - issue that government and policymakers in government seem to have been unable to grasp. i have been trying to explain that, several of us in the house of lords have been talking about this. pensioners had a terrible time during the pandemic millions of them, i am not saying all, there are some pensioners with the perhaps younger ones are not as badly affected. but we have millions of really elderly people who are not necessarily online, who cannot even get out of the home is now with covid and the

pandemic, they have had to isolate, they have health issues. they cannot access all of the help that is needed. we need to find more creative ways of reaching out. they watch television all the time, more adverts on television helping people understand what they can claim. and what help is available to them. i would encourage anyone who is watching this now, if you have elderly neighbours and you know that they may have been isolating, knock on the door or give them a ring and say, are you claiming everything that you are entitled to? have you found out about pension credits? help for heating? all of us in society need to look after those who are so vulnerable and living alone, not necessarily all up to speed with the latest developments in

technology and how to access help. baroness ros altmann, thank you very much forjoining us. an 800—year—old landmark in york — described by experts as one of the country�*s most important buildings — is reopening to the public this weekend after a multi—million pound refurbishment. clifford�*s tower was once the seat of royal power for northern england. john maguire has more. first built by william the conqueror, there�*s been a castle on this site in york for almost 1000 years. during that time, its story has been touched by tragedy, comedy and royalty. this was, for long periods of history, a place where the north was governed from, certainly where yorkshire was governed from and sometimes where england was governed from. it has a very, very long, very eventful, sometimes tragic history, and that�*s a history that deserves to be remembered and deserves to be told properly. and we hope that that�*s what we�*ve been able to at least start to do

in our new work at clifford�*s tower. the stone tower built for henry iii in the 13th century is the largest remaining part of york castle. hundreds of years in all weathers — sun and snow, just like today — have taken their toll. so to conserve the walls, every single stone has been tested as part of the major conservation works here. you can see the pink stone there, and the pink is actually fire damage from the catastrophic fire that occurred in 1684. and so here we've got the pinkness of the stone, but not only the pink colour, but also the fracturing of the surface of the stone. these walkways, part of the £5 million project, will offer visitors views not seen since the floors were destroyed by that majorfire, when a ceremonial cannon salute for st george�*s day went horribly wrong. and they also allow access to some fascinating stories. welcome to the smallest

room in the tower. this is a garderobe, to give it its proper name, a toilet, a latrine built for henry iii. the most extraordinary thing about it, it�*s a flushing toilet. flushed with rainwater down this channel, fed by a tank on the roof, apparently predating other flushing toilets by around three centuries. and again, no—one�*s been here since the 17th century. you could say theyjust haven�*t been privy to it! and what if these wonky walls could talk? what would they tell us? well, as you walk around, you�*re joined by people who lived and worked in the castle and their voices are provided by local actors. so we�*ve got edith, who is a viking woman, or kind of one of the vikings that settled, or that lineage, that settled in york. two years ago, my husband left me. he went off to fight with our other

gormless mister and only went and died at stamford bridge. i think that intimate connection with history where you tell personal story, give testimony, that�*s a brilliant and beautiful way of conveying something more than just sort of blank facts on a page. along with the stories contained inside the tower, you can now walk above it. let�*s show you one of the best bits. come off the suspended walkway, up the original stone stairs, many of which have been restored, these new ones at the top, to bring you onto this incredible roof deck with a panoramic view of york. and look at that! york minster in the distance. really spectacular and stunning. daffodils planted on the mound commemorate one of the tower�*s most tragic events, the massacre

of around 150 jewish people who sought refuge here in 1190 at a time of violent anti—semitism. so much history, so many stories to tell. and once again, there�*s an audience to hear them. john maguire, bbc news. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with darren. the weekend not quite as cold. still some wintry showers coming in mainly feeding off the north sea into eastern parts of england. cloudy and windy weather in the south east should tend to move away, this cloud moving into northern ireland, bringing some rain and snow to the hills of western parts of scotland. elsewhere sunshine, scattering of showers even developing in line for a while, this will tend to fade away

this evening, the wetter weather clearing away from northern ireland pushing down into wales and the south—west, where we will see some snow of the hills of wales and immersed as well. otherwise clear skies, fewer showers, continuing around the eastern coast of eglin, icy patches. prostate for much of england and scotland but nowhere nearas england and scotland but nowhere near as cold as last night for northern ireland and wales. the back of the wet weather for wales and south—west of england. sunny spells, cloud, scattering of showers coming in. particularly across england and wales. fewer showers for scotland... temperatures creeping up to nine or ten. seeing fewer showers this weekend because this area of high pressure is building towards the uk. this weather system pushing down from the north, increasing the cloud on sunday for scotland and northern ireland, bringing some outbreaks of rain later. england and wales star

cold and frosty, plenty of sunshine, cloud will build, spread out a bit and one or two showers. for many places, drierthink. and one or two showers. for many places, drier think. temperatures creeping up a little bit more, 10—11 in the afternoon. heading into the start of next week, this weather front continues to push down from the north, bringing some rain. in between the two weather fronts, a warm sector, warmer air, cloudy air, you can see on monday there will be lots of cart around, some rain from time to time, stronger wind as well, perhaps touching gale—force in some parts of scotland. but there�*s temperatures are going to be higher and we could start monday without a frost, probably making a nice change but temperatures getting up to 13-14. the but temperatures getting up to 13—14. the rest of the week looks unsettled, rain at times but away from northern scotland it should not be as cold.

the biggest rise in energy prices in living memory has come into force. charities say millions of families across the country will struggle to cope with the cost of gas and electricity. it�*s either feed them or heat my house, or i don�*t eat and they eat. so, yeah. it�*s not great, it�*s over £300 a month now. we�*ll explain what�*s happening and why. also this lunchtime: efforts continue to try to get people out of the besieged ukrainian city of mariupol — where tens of thousands are still trapped. the artificial pancreas which it�*s hoped will improve the lives of people living with type one diabetes. another record level of covid infections — nearly five million people

across the uk are believed to have had the virus last week.