10 h. ago Forget Jomo, gezellig and hygge – this winter, let’s get a grip and go out | Emma Beddington

The dark nights are here and staying in is more appealing than ever. But there’s a very real cost to not venturing outSince the clocks changed, a damp, dark blanket settles over York from about 5pm – and it’s brilliant; the perfect excuse to stay in. I love every quiet corner of home: my armchair, angled for a perfect view of bird goings-on and bleak skies outside; my marshmallowy bed; the sofa, stacked with blankets; the kitchen (I don’t cook, but it’s where snacks live). What could be nicer than sinking into the stifling embrace of multiple heated throws as a jacket potato crisps up in the oven and I succumb to a smorgasbord of good winter telly? Why would I ever move?Me and everyone else. Right? We’re sleepmaxxing and soup-making in our slippers, sparking up fairy lights and enthusiastically appropriating hygge and gezellig (Dutch for cosy). We’re sharing memes on the thrill of someone else cancelling social plans before we’re forced to and proclaiming our Jomo. It’s natural to r...

Politics

14 h. ago How scientists are shining light on the biology behind seasonal affective disorder

Researchers tracking large cohorts are discovering the effects of sleep, light and therapy on people impacted by winter’s arrivalFor some, the darkening days of autumn bring more than the annual ritual of reviving woolly jumpers and turning on the central heating. As the evenings close in and the mornings grow murky, energy ebbs and a heavy sadness settles in.Although seasonal affective disorder (Sad) was only formally recognised by psychiatrists in the 1980s, the link between the seasons, mood and vitality has long been observed. Continue reading...

Science

17 h. ago Sleigh rides, spas and snowshoeing: 10 of the best winter holidays in Europe

Ditch the skis – these winter breaks are all about stunning mountain scenery, cosy places to stay and fun activitiesSaddle up for sleigh rides, strap in for a 220-metre illuminated toboggan run, and prepare to get lost in an ice-carved maze at the Snowland theme park in Zakopane, as Poland’s winter capital sparkles up for the season. Pair a snowy walk through the Chochołowska valley with a visit to the Chochołowskie thermal baths, with outdoor pools, sauna, balneotherapy and massage treatments. Stay at the Hotel Aries, which mixes classic Alpine design with Zakopane touches (local wine and traditional dishes in the Halka restaurant, furniture and rugs by local craftspeople), and don’t miss the world’s largest snow maze and the Palace of the Snow Queen in the Snowlandia theme park, which has individual chambers sculpted from snow and ice by local artists.Doubles at Hotel Aries from £165 B&B. Zakopane is around two hours from Krakow by bus; the hotel is a 1km taxi ride from the st...

Politics

22 h. ago DWP Winter Fuel Payment 2025 date when you'll receive up to £300 in your account

The DWP pays out the Winter Fuel Payment to help pensioners with the cost of heating their home in winter months. Here's everything you need to know about the payment

Economics

36 h. ago What to do if you don’t receive Winter Fuel Payment or letter this month

Around nine million households can expect to receive money from the Winter Fuel Payment scheme

Politics

37 h. ago Who is eligible for winter fuel payment as millions to receive boost from today

The government made a U-turn on eligibility criteria earlier this year

Economics

40 h. ago Tax department issues rules for pensioners who must pay £300 Winter Fuel Payment back

Pensioners with a taxable income over £35,000 will have the payment clawed back in one of two ways

Economics

46 h. ago DWP state pension rules change in 2026 with people born in these years affected

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the state pension age will increase from 2026

Politics

55 h. ago Bizarre DWP loophole that means households could get £600 in Winter Fuel Payments instead of £300

LIVING together but claiming benefits separately could see your household bag two Winter Fuel Payments this year. The payment, which is worth up to £300 to help with rising heating bills is hitting more than nine bank accounts from next week. Last year the rules changed and only people on certain benefits got the Winter Fuel Payment, which caused a lot of anger....

Economics

59 h. ago Two million state pensioners set to lose £300 Winter Fuel Payment

Winter Fuel Payments are worth up to £300 and are paid to people who were born before September 22, 1959

Economics

60 h. ago Winter Fuel Payment 2025: pension move keeps pensioners' HMRC fuel, heating allowance payments safe from tax

A smart pension tweak could mean hundreds more in your pocket this winter 🔥

Economics

61 h. ago DWP confirms full scope of PIP review to ensure benefit is ‘fair and fit’ for the future

The daily living and mobility components will be under review, but there are no plans to means-test the benefit.

Politics

65 h. ago ‘You don’t have to hurtle down slopes or dance like crazy at après parties’: readers’ favourite winter mountain holidays in Europe

The Alps, Spain’s Sierra Nevada and the national parks of Sweden and Albania feature among our readers’ treasured winter mountain breaks• Tell us about a stay in a historic building – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherInnsbruck offers lots of options for a winter holiday. I found it’s a place where you don’t have to hurtle down ski slopes or dance like crazy at après-ski parties. In fact I was amazed when I took the 20-minute cable car from the city centre up 2,000 metres to an area where locals were sitting in deckchairs on the snow reading books and sipping hot chocolate in the strong Tirolean sunshine. You can ski to your heart’s content on slopes just half an hour from the famous Imperial Palace in the city centre. The city authorities provide some guided free walks and winter activities, including a cross-country skiing taster if you have a Welcome Card provided by your hotel. Then again, you can just sit and sample strong Austrian coffee or Gerschtnsuppe (soup with barle...

Politics

3 d. ago The simple ‘pension trick’ that lets you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payments despite earning more than £35,000

MILLIONS of pensioners will receive help with energy bills this winter after a government U-turn restored the Winter Fuel Payment to most older people. The payment, worth up to £300, is meant to help with rising heating bills and will begin arriving in bank accounts from next week. Most people won't need to apply, but...

Economics

3 d. ago DWP confirms exact date you must be born to get 2025 winter fuel payment 'from tomorrow'

The DWP has announced who will be eligible for the 2025 to 2026 winter fuel payment, with millions of Brits set to receive the £200 to £300 benefit

Economics

3 d. ago DWP confirms exact date you must be born to get 2025 winter fuel payment 'from Friday'

The Department for Work and Pensions has refreshed its guidance and has announced that everyone is eligible to receive the winter fuel payment but advised that people earning more than certain amounts would have it recovered through taxation

Economics

3 d. ago DWP pays winter fuel payment from Friday but confirms five groups 'will miss out'

The DWP has confirmed that four groups of people will not be eligible to receive the winter fuel payment, even if they meet the primary age criteria - and it will start from tomorrow

Economics

4 d. ago DWP PIP payment rates for and when increase will take effect

DWP has confirmed PIP payments will rise

Politics

4 d. ago DWP confirms PIP mobility under review as part of plans for welfare reforms

Over three million PIP claimants receive either the standard or higher rate of the mobility component.

Economics

5 d. ago Millions of pensioners due DWP letter with crucial winter payment details

Pensioners in England and Wales will find out exactly how much they will receive from this year's Winter Fuel Payment.

Economics