BLACKPINK star LISA is set to release her debut solo album, 'Alter Ego', next February.
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BLACKPINK star LISA unveils debut solo album Alter Ego
All under 16s face social media BAN over ‘grotesque impacts’ on kids’ wellbeing
A SOCIAL media ban for under-16s is being considered by ministers because of the possible “grotesque impacts” on their wellbeing.
Tech Secretary Peter Kyle said he was keeping “all options open” when pressed on Britain copying an Australia-style crackdown.
He has commissioned government research on the impact of online platforms on youngsters and warned companies were not doing enough to protect them.
The Cabinet Minister told Sky News: “I’m keeping all options open. The problem is, at the moment, there’s very little evidence.”
Warning of how the harms kids are exposed to online can “lead to loss of life in certain circumstances”, he said he was “frustrated” tech giants are not doing enough.
He said: “So I’m trying to do what I can do to find out what the where the evidence is behind the impact that social media has on children, young people and people with vulnerabilities so that I can build I can build policies that sometimes might be strident policies.
“But they need to be built on firm evidence, because the evidence just simply isn’t there at the moment.
“And I’m open minded as to what that means going forward.”
Teenager Molly Russell took her own life aged 14 in 2017 after viewing harmful content on social media.
Her death sparked campaigning to clean up the internet, leading to the Online Safety Act that will force firms to take down damaging posts from their platforms.
Ofcom will be able to fine firms up to £18million for failing to remove harmful content from their sites.
Mr Kyle said he had been speaking to politicians from Australia, which recently imposed a social media ban for under-16s.
Santander poised to pay £1,100 compensation to ‘thousands of customers’ – will you get it?
SANTANDER is poised to compensate “thousands of customers” after a landmark ruling.
The banking giant announced this morning that it had allocated £295 million to cover potential payouts for those who were missold car finance.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) began an investigation earlier this year into whether motorists were unknowingly overcharged when they took out car loans.
The investigation focuses on past practices where banks allowed car dealerships and brokers to set their own interest rates on loans.
Under this discretionary commission arrangement (DCA), the higher the interest rate charged, the more commission the dealer or broker earned.
However, many customers were unaware of this practice.
As a result, people who financed the purchase of a car, motorbike, or van before January 28, 2021 (when DCA was banned), may be owed significant sums of money.
Santander had already decided to allocate funds for compensation despite disagreeing with a pivotal Court of Appeal ruling last month.
The judgment set a precedent for the wider motor finance industry by ruling that any dealers receiving commission from lenders must ensure their customers are fully informed about the arrangement.
Santander said the ruling “set a higher bar for the disclosure of and consent to the existence, nature, and amount of commission paid to dealers than that required by current FCA rules, or regulatory requirements in force at the time of the cases in question”.
Santander’s third-quarter profits have plummeted following the bank’s decision to allocate substantial funds for customer compensation.
The high street lender reported pre-tax profits of £143 million for the three months ending in September.
This is a nearly 75% decrease from the £558 million earned during the same period last year and a significant drop from the £413 million posted in the previous three months.
The FCA estimates that on a typical £10,000 motor finance agreement, higher broker commissions DCA could result in customers paying an additional £1,100 in interest charges over the four-year term of their loan.
Martin Lewis suggests payouts of around this figure could be given to customers if it is decided that they are due compensation.
Lloyds Banking Group has already set aside £450million to cover the cost of potential fines.
Meanwhile, Close Brothers decided not to pay investors dividends and took action to “shore up” its balance sheet by up to £ 400 million.
What is the FCA investigating and who is eligible for compensation?
What is being investigated?
The FCA announced in January that it would investigate allegations of “widespread misconduct” related to discretionary commission agreements (DCAs) on car loans.
When you buy a car on finance, you are effectively loaned the value of the car while you pay it off.
These loans have interest payments charged on top of them and are often organised on behalf of lenders by brokers – usually the finance arm of a dealership.
These brokers earn money in the form of commission – a percentage of the interest payments on the loan.
DCAs allowed brokers to, to a certain extent, increase the interest rate on a loan, which in turn increased the amount of commission they received.
The practice was banned by the FCA in 2021.
Who is eligible for compensation?
The FCA estimates that around 40% of car deals may have been affected before 2021.
There are two criteria you must meet to have a chance at receiving compensation.
First, you must be complaining about a finance deal on a motor vehicle (including cars, vans, motorbikes, and motorhomes) that was agreed upon before January 28, 2021.
Second, you must have bought the vehicle through a mechanism like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP), which make up the majority of finance deals and mean you own the vehicle at the end of the agreement.
Drivers who leased a car through a Personal Contract Hire, where you give the car back at the end of the lease, are not eligible.
PROGRESS OF FCA INVESTIGATION
The FCA had initially planned to publish the results of its investigation in September, but this has now been postponed to May next year.
Additionally, firms now have until December 4, 2025, to respond to customer complaints.
It’s important to note that the December 4 deadline is specifically for firms to respond to complaints.
Customers are still encouraged to file their complaints before this date, and in some cases, there are specific time limits for doing so.
You can find more information about any time limits the regulator sets by visiting fca.org.uk/consumers/car-finance-complaints.
HOW TO CLAIM
Consumer finance website MoneySavingExpert.com offers an email template to help you complain to your finance provider.
You can download this by visiting moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/reclaim-car-finance.
Alternatively, you can complain directly without using the template.
It’s crucial for anyone who took out car finance to file a claim, even if a previous claim was denied.
In your complaint, ask whether you were overcharged due to your broker receiving a commission and request the company to rectify this if it occurred.
If you’re unsatisfied with the company’s response, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) at no cost.
You have until July 29, 2026, or up to 15 months from the date of the company’s final response letter, whichever is longer.
Avoid using a claims management firm, as they will take a portion of any successful claim.
USING THE FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN SERVICE
IF your lender does not respond to your complaint within eight weeks, or if you are unhappy with their response or do not hear back, contact the Financial Ombudsman Service immediately.
It is an independent body that will consider the evidence you present and make a fair decision about the action a financial service provider should take.
The FOS can usually get involved 15 days after you’ve raised concerns with a lender.
To get in touch, you need to fill out a form, which you can find by visiting financial-ombudsman.org.uk/make-complaint.
If you’d prefer to talk it through with someone, the FOS can help you do this by calling 0800 023 4567.
When you get in touch, you need to have the following details to hand:
- Some basic information, including your name and address
- What the problem is, and how you want things put right
- Details such as the policy number or account number that your complaint relates to
The FOS will then look at the evidence provided by both sides, and it may contact you for more information.
Once it’s made a decision, it’ll write to you, and if it agrees with your complaint, it’ll say what your lender must do to make things right.
Win a Crimbo hamper on Sun Bingo’s wheels – there’s a prize with every spin
SUN BINGO players can spin the Free and Mega wheels for the chance to win Christmas hampers.
Christmas comes early at Sun Bingo thanks to the Every Spinner is a Winner Crimbo wheels.
JOIN SUN BINGO NOW AND GET A £60 BINGO BUNDLE*
Eligible players will get one spin a day for the chance to bag all of the Christmas day essentials.
As it’s the season for giving, we’ve removed the “Lose” segment from the wheels, meaning every spin ends in a win.
Ho, ho, how about that?
THIS WEEK IS SAFER GAMBLING WEEK – HERE’S HOW WE HELP TO KEEP OUR PLAYERS SAFE
Free Wheel
To take a spin on the Free Wheel, Sun Bingo players must first meet the eligibility criteria.
That means being a Sunbingo.co.uk registered player, UK and ROI resident and aged at least 18+ years old (registration and ID verification are required).
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Players must also either have joined the site in the past 30 days or be a pre-existing player that has deposited and staked £10 on site in the past 30 days.
Once you meet those criteria, you can claim your free spin!
Sun Bingo players may spin the wheel once per day between midday and midnight.
The wheels start whirling and the prizes start being won on Monday 18th November.
THESE ARE THE TOP CITIES FOR BINGO PLAYING
We’ll be closing up this gift workshop on Wednesday 3rd January 2025.
The prizes to be won are:
- Cash
- Bingo tickets (three-day expiry from issue)
- Free bingo (in the Lounge Bingo Room from 10pm on the day of the win)
- Free spins (three-day expiry from issue)
- Slingo bonus (three-day expiry from issue)
- Slots bonus (three-day expiry from issue)
- Tangible prizes (including Crimbo hampers)
None of the prizes carry wagering requirements!
To play, simply press “SPIN” on the wheel, then press “CLAIM” to get your prize.
WOULD YOU SURVIVE A SHARKNADO?
Please be aware that the Crimbo hampers with all of your Christmas day eating and drinking essentials can only be won until Wednesday 18th December, so that we can work with the elves to get your prize in time for the big day.
How do I get my hamper?
Our lucky winners who find a Crimbo day hamper in their stocking will be sent a code and link for the Sun Bingo prize website within seven working days.
They must enter the code and select their hamper.
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Winners will need to enter the name and address of where they’d like the hamper to be delivered.
The name and address of the winner will be shared with our 3rd party hamper company, Brand Matters.
This enables the fulfilment of the prizes won in this promotion.
To get your hamper on or before 23rd December, the prize must be claimed by midnight 20th December.
WE HAVE 25 SPONTANEOUS PLANS FOR YOU THIS WEEKEND
The hampers can still be claimed up until the 5th January 2025.
Mega Wheel
For your chance to win BIGGER prizes, but with the “Lose” segment still removed, check out our Mega Wheel.
The terms and conditions are the same for the Mega Wheel as the Free Wheel. However, the eligibility criteria differs.
CHECK OUT OUR TWO WEEKLY LIVE TRIVIA QUIZZES
For the Mega Wheel, players must be Sunbingo.co.uk registered players, UK and ROI residents, and aged 18+ years old (registration and ID verification are required).
In addition, players must have deposited and staked £10 on the previous day.
YOU GET A £20 BINGO SIDE GAME BONUS AND £40 BINGO BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN SUN BINGO
Most read in Bingo
Terms and Conditions
*New customers only. Register, deposit £10 and spend £10 on bingo tickets to receive £40 bingo bonus (accept within 72 hours and wager 4x within seven days) and £20 side games bonus (accept within 72 hours and wager 20x within 30 days) on Rainbow Riches in the bingo lobby. Both bonuses must be accepted in the bingo lobby. Only completed games are credited. Debit cards only. Deposits made with Neteller/Skrill/PayPal are not valid for this promotion. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Free Wheel: Free game is open to new and existing players who have deposited and staked £10 in previous 30 days between 12pm and 12am daily from 18.11.24. Prizes include free spins, cash and bonuses with no wagering. Players may also win a Christmas hamper. One prize per player per day. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Mega Wheel: The enhanced game will replace the free game for players who have deposited and staked £10 the previous day between 12pm and 12am daily from 18.11.24. Prizes include free spins, cash and bonuses with no wagering. Players may also win a Christmas hamper. One prize per player per day. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Punters ‘gutted’ as ‘Britain’s Most Scenic Racecourse’ forced to abandon fixture as bad weather continues to strike
PUNTERS were ‘gutted’ after a day out at ‘Britain’s most scenic racecourse’ was ruled off the cards due to terrible weather.
Fans were looking forward to a Wednesday afternoon spent watching and betting on the six jumps races across the card at Hexham racecourse in the heart of Northumberland.
But across the country weather warnings have been issued as the temperature drops to sub zero and snow and sleet fall in certain areas of the country.
Racing fans were hopeful after an initial statement was put out by the racecourse on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.
It read: “A bright afternoon at Hexham races and direct sunlight helping.
“An INSPECTION is planned for 8am tomorrow given another night of forecast prolonged low temps. Updates in the morning.”
The notice was accompanied by optimistic screenshots of the weather forecast, which read 0 degrees and later, a shocking -1 degrees.
Alongside, there was a photograph of the straight bathed in sunlight.
However, all hopes were dashed in the morning when another statement was released on X.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
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This one read: “Sadly given a long night of subzero temperatures at Hexham races (-1c since 6pm last night till now 8am/wind chill -6c) we are frozen in places and given that temperatures are not set to rise fast enough racing has had to be ABANDONED on 20th Nov.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience and will be contacting everyone who has pre-booked tickets or hospitality to arrange a refund or transfer to a future meeting.
One fan commented below, saying : “Gutted for everyone.”
The course then put up a fixture list which was met by an outpouring of support from fans of the racecourse.
One fan said: “Unbelieveable value from one of the better run courses in the UK. Always a pleasure to visit.”
Another added: “A fantastic course with the friendliest of staff can’t recommend a day here highly enough!”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
‘You couldn’t’ – Ice cold Cole Palmer shuts down Amelia Dimoldenberg in viral interview at GQ’s Men of the Year awards
COLE PALMER quickly shut down Amelia Dimoldenberg in a cheeky interview.
The pair met on the red carpet at GQ’s Men of the Year awards.
And Palmer put his interviewer on the spot with some clever retorts, comfortably dealing with Amelia’s trademark awkward style.
He was asked a string of questions from his potential to be a pundit to whether he would rather score an own goal or be substituted in the first half.
Palmer, 22, manoeuvred each question with composure before turning things back around on Amelia after she asked whether he would score a bicycle kick or a goal from his own half.
The Chelsea star replied saying: “It’s tough I don’t know. I feel a bicycle kick is harder.”
Amelia interjected, saying: “I could probably do both.”
“You couldn’t”, Palmer hit back immediately, before adding: “I can’t really do a bicycle kick though.”
Fans loved the reaction with some suggesting it is another example of ‘Cold Palmer’ in action.
One fan said: “You couldn’t”
”
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Another added: “Haha classic Cole Palmer response 
”
A third wrote: “Did cole palmer kinda keep up with Amelia… whaaat.”
Dunnes Stores shoppers set to go wild over over silky satin jacket for just €35 – and it will dress up any party look
DUNNES Stores fans are rushing to buy a stunning satin short sleeve jacket after it landed on racks this week.
The Gallery Satin Short Sleeve Jacket is ideal for a Christmas party.
Dunnes Stores said: “Crafted with soft, voluminous puff sleeves and a round neckline, this silky satin jacket from Gallery complements both casual and formal attire.”
“Lightweight and breathable, it is a perfect outerwear choice for any season.
“Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
The jacket is priced at €35.
It comes in sizes 8 to 20, but size 8 is currently sold out on the Dunnes Stores website.
The retailer paired the top with a pair of simple black trousers.
On their website, Dunnes is selling a pair of straight trousers for just €10.
They come in black and navy blue, and both would look great with the satin jacket.
Dunnes Stores said: “Perfect for the office, these smart polyester trousers will keep their shape throughout the day.
“They have a sleek design with creases down the centre and an overlap button fastening.”
For the perfect pair of shoes to go with the jacket, the retailer is selling a pair of square-toe chunky Chelsea boots.
Dunnes said: “Designed in a Chelsea boot style, these square-toed boots with a chunky heel are made from a sturdy leather material.”
“Featuring an elastic panel on each side and a pull tab, they can be slipped on and off with ease.
“Ideal for everyday wear as they can be paired with anything from jeans to dresses.”
The boots are versatile and would pair well with any outfit you choose.
To accessorize, Dunnes is selling a stunning pearl headband.
It retails for just €8 and is sure to spice up your Christmas look.
Dunnes Stores says: “With a structured design, this headband is completely covered in pretty faux pearls.
“A timeless classic, pearls never go out of style.”
THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
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Patna: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar attends an event for newly appointed teachers – #Gallery
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Dhanbad: An elderly voter is assisted to the polling booth as she arrives to cast her vote in the second phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections #Gallery