Over 45,000 Yorkshire Water customers are set to receive a £70 payment to help them with their bills this winter, the company has revealed.
Whilst UK water bills have not increased, other household utilities have risen by eye-watering amounts this year leaving many on low incomes struggling more than ever.
In response, Yorkshire Water has revealed it will credit its worst off customers with a one-off payment this winter.
Customers on Yorkshire Water's social tariffs WaterSure and WaterSupport can expect to recieve an automatic credit of £70 to their account.
They do not to contact the company in order to get the payment.
Yorkshire Water has five different financial support schemes to support those who are struggling.
Angie Markham–Nock, customer support manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We know a lot of customers are worried about money at the moment and we’re seeing more people than ever benefit from our financial support schemes.
"We hope this £70 payment will provide some relief to households across Yorkshire this year.
“We don’t want our customers to worry about paying their next bill – our financial support schemes are there to help and can provide some relief to those who need it.”
The announcement follows a new 'mini-budget' announcement by Chancellor on Kwasi Kwarteng that saw the top rate of income tax scrapped, spooking markets and leading to a run on the pound.
As a result, the Bank of England is expected to put up interest rates which will only make the cost of living more expensive for working people this winter.
Earlier this month, new Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss announced that the government would be stepping in to help people pay their bills - revealing that household energy bills would be capped at £2,500 a year.
However, further analysis of this reveals that that figure is only based on an average energy bill and in fact households will still pay more if they do not conserve their energy.
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
Leeds country house, Lotherton Hall, welcomes six adorable baby wallabies
Clementine Hall
Spring has well and truly arrived, and so have six baby joeys to Lotherton's Wildlife World.
If you're looking for something so inexplicably cute that it might bring you to the verge of tears, then look no further.
Lotherton Wildlife World, the dedicated zoo of Lotherton country house in Leeds, recently announced the news that all of their wallabies have given birth to their very own joeys.
Posting on Instagram, Lotherton said: "Exciting news! All 6 of our Wallabies have Joeys in their pouch.
"If you look closely you can see the pouch moving. In the next few weeks and months, all the Joeys will start peeking out. They'll continue to grow until they can't fit in the pouch anymore.
"When they leave the pouch they'll still be relying on mum for milk but will start eating solids too like grass, hay and veg! Pop by and see if you can spot a Joey having a wriggle."
And trust us, the pictures don't do these cuties justice.
If you'd like to see them for yourselves, then you can visit Lotherton Hall and its Wildlife World where you'll see a whole host of animals which tell the tale of Lotherton's rich heritage.
From penguins and flamingos to wallabies and capybaras, you can wander through the grounds and learn about the majestic animals and what Lotherton do to protect their future.
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall and their Wildlife World here.
Georgina Pellant -
29th September 2022 
