Drivers are being told that harsh acceleration and braking could be contributing to poor fuel efficiency.
Experts at LeaseLoco.com are sharing ways to help cash-strapped Brits minimise fuel waste on the road and save money when travelling this Easter.
As prices continue to fluctuate, adopting more cautious driving habits and reducing unnecessary energy output can lead to significant savings.
Shopping around for the best fuel prices and planning ahead for fuel top ups can make a big difference in cutting costs.
Motorists should plan journeys and try to include well priced petrol stations in their route to prevent unnecessary detours for fuel.
Drivers are also advised to conserve fuel and prevent unnecessary consumption by avoiding excessive engine revs and sudden acceleration.
Other tips like closing windows to reduce drag on a vehicle, and minimising air conditioning use can prevent vehicles from overworking and using fuel unnecessarily.
These tips can also benefit electric vehicles (EVs). EV drivers can extend their driving range and reduce the need for frequent charging by minimising energy consumption, ultimately saving money.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “Fuel costs are continuously rising but there are a few ways to combat this which can help make a difference to your monthly budget.
“Some common bad habits that cause drivers to waste more fuel than they realise include unnecessary engine revs, harsh acceleration, and idling in traffic with the engine running.
“If you have an older car you’ll want to avoid frequently restarting your engine in brief stops. Those with new models however should definitely consider making the most of their stop-start systems to help reduce fuel consumption.
“By thinking ahead and driving smoothly, you can make significant savings on fuel by reducing your vehicle’s consumption.”
TEN FUEL-SAVING TIPS:
Shop around
Checking out where near you has the cheapest fuel, you can use sources such as PetrolPrices.com to help you work this out.
Accelerate and brake smoothly
Driving smoothly, with gentle acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption by minimising sudden spikes in fuel usage.
Reduce engine revs
Revving your engine increases fuel consumption. By reducing revs, you can make your fuel usage more efficient.
Use cruise control
Using cruise control or driving at a steady, consistent pace, particularly on motorways, will help reduce fuel consumption.
Remove unnecessary weight
The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move. Reducing unnecessary weight will decrease fuel consumption and improve efficiency.
Top up tyre pressures
Make sure your tyre pressure is topped up; this will reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can increase fuel consumption.
Combine trips and plan ahead
Plan your trip in advance to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic, especially on unfamiliar journeys. This can help you save time and reduce fuel consumption. If possible, combine trips and car share if you’re taking the same route.
Cut down on air conditioning
Anything that requires energy from your vehicle, such as air conditioning, will consume fuel to operate. To reduce fuel costs, it’s best to minimise the use of air conditioning when possible.
Close windows
Driving with the windows open can increase drag on your vehicle, requiring more acceleration to reach speed. Particularly on fast roads, keeping the windows closed will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Turn engine off
When stopped for a few minutes, turn off your engine. In newer cars, utilise the start/stop function. Reducing idling can help lower fuel consumption and costs.
LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of deals from the UK’s leading car leasing companies to best suit their needs.
Holiday cheer has faded, credit card bills have arrived, and motivation is running low; Blue Monday on 19th January is billed to be the most depressing day of the year.
But what if instead of being something to endure, it marks the start of a powerful reset? GroceryAid – a charity that provides relief in tough times for grocery workers and their families – is urging anyone struggling with money worries and emotional strain to use Blue Monday as a chance to reach out and access the wide range of support available and kickstart a happier and healthier 2026.
Mandi Leonard, Welfare Director at GroceryAid, shares top tips for accessing vital help that could change a negative date into the start of something positive:
Find out if you’re eligible for free money
A quick search on grants-search.turn2us.org.uk will tell you if you could be eligible for a financial grant from a range of sources. Or if you’re one of the 2.6 million people working in the grocery industry, GroceryAid should be your first port of call. Last year the charity provided £4.6m in financial grants to help with everything from priority debts to supporting those on a reduced income due to caring responsibilities. Find out if your eligible to apply at groceryaid.org
Combine quick-impact help with long-term support
If you’ve got money worries and are struggling to make ends meet, see if you’re eligible for a financial grant, but don’t stop there. Underpin it with money management advice and practical support to better equip you for the future.
Check out groceryaid.org for handy budgeting tools and help managing bills or turn to StepChange and MoneyHelper for free debt advice.
Don’t wait until you are at crisis point
Many people assume support is only available in extreme circumstances but it’s available long before crisis hits. If you’re experiencing an unexpected bump in the road which is affecting your financial and emotional wellbeing, it’s time to seek help now – don’t wait for a blip to turn into an emergency.
Contact your mortgage company or energy provider to discuss payment plans when bills start to get on top of you, and look into mental health hints and tips to tackle niggles before they get bigger.
Talk to your friends and family
Let’s make suffering in silence a thing of the past. Opening up to friends and family can be the first step in making a change and by being a good listener yourself, you could be the catalyst to helping someone get back on their feet.
Most people know someone who works in the grocery industry and could potentially benefit from GroceryAid support, whether now or in the future. Be ready to spread the word about the support available.
Don’t see help as a handout
There is zero shame in asking for help and it isn’t a handout. GroceryAid, for example, provides free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support to grocery workers, from shop workers to factory operators, because they help feed the nation – it is the help they have earned.
Mandi adds: “Blue Monday doesn’t have to be something people simply get through. It can be a moment to pause, reset and take that first step towards feeling more in control.
“At GroceryAid we see time and again how reaching out early – whether for financial help, emotional support or practical advice – can make a real difference. If things feel tough right now, you’re not alone, and support is there to help you start 2026 in a stronger, more positive place.”
For more information on the free and confidential support available, visit: groceryaid.org.uk/get-help/ or call 08088 021 122.
As food waste often increases over Christmas, the risk of infestations rises.
To help homeowners, Angelika Zaber, a Lawn Care Specialist and Gardening Expert for Online Turf, has provided expert insight and essential tips for preventing infestations, and how gardens are a key entry point for rodents this winter:
“The best way to keep your rodents from entering your property is to keep them from entering your garden. There are many ways in which this can be done, but for best results, a hybrid approach of mixing different methods together is best.
“Rodents are looking for gardens that they deem to be a food source. If you’ve got a compost pile or unsecured bins, they’re going to want to keep coming back because they know they can get a steady supply of food easily.
“To avoid this, invest in secure, lockable bin lids, don’t leave any rubbish out overnight, and invest in a compost bin so the pile is sealed and can’t be accessed.
“Even if a rodent can smell it, if they can’t access it, it will deter them from returning. However, the bin itself must be made from good-quality materials, and should be placed on a solid base, such as concrete, to block burrowing rats.
“You should also seal your garden as best as you can. To do this, invest in high, smooth fences with no gaps in between and install netted mesh on the ground so that it’s harder for them to get in. If you have quite an open garden and can’t seal entry points, there are a few humane ways to try and deter them from entering.
“Strong scents like garlic or mint are unpleasant for rodents. You can use these to make a mixture by adding some plants into a spray bottle, filling it with water and letting it sit for a while, then spray any entry points in your garden.”
Travelling home for Christmas or out and about visiting family can be a hectic and dangerous time on our roads.
Around Christmas, conditions are normally challenging with cold and wet weather making roads treacherous.
The evenings are also darker, with a larger volume of cars. Traffic experts estimate nearly 30 million journeys take place in the UK over the Christmas holidays, as people hunt for gifts, enjoy festive nights out and celebrate with friends and family.
Experts from Tiger.co.uk have named six important steps for drivers to take when travelling over the festive period, particularly if they have kids in the car.
The calendar is normally packed full of festivities that children often need to be driven to, from visiting Santa, to pantomimes, town Christmas light switch-ons and carol services – often driving long distances or through turbulent winter weather conditions.
It’s crucial for parents or guardians to be aware of potential issues to ensure a safe and responsible driving environment for little ones.
Crucially, parents should use an appropriate car seat or seat belt for their child’s age, height, and weight and make sure it’s installed properly, regularly cleaned and is compatible with the vehicle.
According to the Highway Code, children must use a car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 cm tall, and toddlers under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat.
Failing to comply with these rules can result in a fine of up to £500 and penalty points.
The Highway Code Rule 98 also warns drivers to make sure objects are secure when loading a car. Christmas presents, juice bottles and toys need to be stored properly before setting off, to reduce the risk of them hurting people inside the car in the event of an accident.
Busy parents or caregivers are also reminded to avoid multitasking while driving and avoid driving altogether if they are too tired over the festive break.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Driving over the holiday season can bring a whole new set of challenges given the unpredictable weather, busy roads and hectic Christmas calendar.
“It also brings unfamiliar situations as more people do late night runs as designated drivers, usual routes can suffer additional congestion due to festive events and Christmas lights and festive spectacles can make for distractions.
“It’s important for drivers to be aware of these additional hazards and safety tips in the build up to Christmas, leaving time to prepare the car, the passengers and ensure they’re not too tired to drive.
“Careless driving can see motorists handed an unlimited fine with three to nine penalty points so it’s best to be aware of the dangers and plan ahead.”
Tiger’s tips for staying safe on the roads this Christmas:
1. Avoid distractions and ensure visibility
It’s important that the driver can see out of the vehicle properly at all times, so presents need to be packed and stored safely in the boot – and not on the parcel shelf. If the car is decorated for Christmas, you need to be careful that it’s not a distraction to the driver and they can see clearly out of all of the windows.
2. Check you’re not too tired
The Christmas period can put a lot of stress on drivers. Organising, packing, wrapping and spending time visiting lots of family members can be exhausting but you should never drive when tired. Anyone experiencing festive fatigue should swap drivers, take a rest stop to recharge or consider public transport.
3. Beware of bulky clothes
Although the winter chill means children are likely wrapped up warm before getting into the car, bulky coats should not be worn in car seats. They leave extra space under the harness, which could lead them to slip through the straps during an accident. To keep kids warm in the car, dress them in thin layers and use a blanket over the harness.
4. Double-check child lock
When driving with children, child locks should also be in use. Children may open the door accidentally while moving – which is incredibly dangerous and could be seen as careless driving and result in a hefty fine and points on your licence. Without a child lock, children can also try to leave the vehicle in busy areas before the parents are ready to help.
5. Car seats are a priority
When driving with young children under 12 years or 135 cm tall, it is crucial to follow guidelines provided by car seat manufacturers and the law, to ensure children are properly restrained. Babies under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat. Refit and clean the seats regularly to ensure they are secure and free from debris that could hinder the buckles.
6. Be wary of multitasking
Passengers, especially children, can be very excitable when travelling at Christmas time, but it is important for drivers not to get distracted. Whether you are tending to their needs or trying to calm them down in the car, these distractions could lead to accidents. It is important to stay focused on the road in order to remain in control of the vehicle. If children in the car are becoming fussy on long journeys, it is better to pull over and take a break in a safe spot before taking to the road again.
It’s also sensible to add breakdown cover to car insurance policies this Christmas or purchase a standalone product – drivers should check with their insurer to see if they have it already as standard, to avoid paying extra.
Research shows UK’s growing trend towards batch cooking with a third of us embracing the ‘Meal Prep’ revolution
TV personality and chef Matt Tebbutt has joined forces with ScottishPower to help families enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals this winter while saving money on their energy bills as more and more of us embrace weekend ‘meal prep’.
The partnership with the celebrity chef comes as new research commissioned by ScottishPower reveals that more than a third of us (39%) now prefer to batch cook at weekends rather than to traditionally prepare meals from scratch every evening.
This ‘Weekend Kitchen’ research commissioned by ScottishPower through Censuswide comes as more than 500,000 ScottishPower customers sign up for Half Price Weekends to pay less for their weekend electricity.
To help households make the most of the savings, Tebbutt has created a series of winter warmers and family favourites – including a rich Vegetable Tagine, spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos, and Turkey Wontons – all designed for batch cooking during the cheaper weekend energy window.
“As someone who’s often juggling a busy schedule, I know how valuable it is to meal prep,” said Matt Tebbutt.“These recipes for ScottishPower’s Half-Price Weekends are perfect for batch cooking, meaning families can enjoy delicious, comforting meals through the week while making the most of the discounted weekend hours.”
But it’s not just cooking habits that are changing. The same research found that weekend chores split opinion across the UK:
Two-thirds (66%) of Brits surveyed said that they would prefer to complete their weekend to-do list for half the price than drag chores into the next week and pay full price.
One in three (35%) Brits would rather spend an hour ironing rather than having lunch with their in‑laws.
Over half (55%) even said they’d prefer tackling the laundry to dealing with surprise guests.
Andrew Ward, Chief Executive of ScottishPower’s Customer Business, added: “Our new research shows just how much people value getting household jobs done at the weekend. That’s why Half‑Price Weekends, part of our Power Saver initiative, make it easier and cheaper for customers to cook and clean – at half the usual electricity cost.
“With these delicious recipes from Matt Tebbutt, we’re going one step further to provide batch cooking and meal prep inspiration for the week ahead. Taking the pressure off during the week, at the weekend our customers are rewarded with time and savings on their electricity while helping us balance demands on the grid.”
Best known for hosting several TV cookery shows, Matt’s approachable style and love of hearty, seasonal dishes make him the perfect partner for ScottishPower’s ‘Weekend Kitchen’ winter energy-saving push, featuring a range of recipes and top tips to help households maximise their time and money.
By signing up to ScottishPower’s Half-Price Weekends, households can tackle weekend tasks while paying just half the standard electricity unit rate every Saturday and Sunday, between 11am and 4pm.
By encouraging households to shift more of their energy use to off-peak hours, the Half-Price Weekends initiative helps balance demand on ScottishPower’s electricity grid and reduce household bills. More than 500,000 ScottishPower customers have already signed up to pay less for their weekend electricity with over £10 million collectively saved.
As Halloween fast approaches, many are preparing for the spooky season, with a 5,000% increase in UK searches over the past month for “Halloween costumes” and a 400% increase in searches for “pumpkin carving ideas”.
However, councils across the UK are warning of levels of waste caused by discarded pumpkins, plastic costumes, and decorations.
The experts at Rainbow Rubbish Removals therefore urge households to think green this Halloween, revealing exactly how much food and plastic waste occurs during this season and tips on how to to reduce waste this year.
The True Cost of Halloween: Equivalent of 83 million plastic bottles
An estimated 42% of UK consumers buy a pumpkin for carving, equivalent to roughly 30 million pumpkins purchased.
This results in more than 18,000 tonnes of edible pumpkins ending up in the bin. Since it can take up to 20 years for a pumpkin to break down in a landfill, the environmental impact is far greater than what most people realise.
As they decompose, pumpkins release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Every year, around seven million Halloween costumes are thrown away in the UK, which is an estimated 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste. About 83% of these outfits are made from polyester, a material that can take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to decompose. When these synthetic fabrics break down, they release microplastics and greenhouse gases, polluting the environment and harming wildlife.
Miroslav Radov, waste expert at Rainbow Rubbish Removals commented:“Much of Halloween waste can easily be avoided. Most carved pumpkins are perfectly edible, yet millions are discarded instead of being cooked or composted.
“The popularity of single-use costumes and decorations also means tonnes of plastic end up in landfill after just one night’s use.
“With Halloween celebrations growing every year, the environmental impact is increasing, creating what councils are calling a ‘frightening trend’ of seasonal waste that puts further strain on local recycling and collection services.”
Councils calling for increased Halloween recycling
Local councils across the UK are urging residents to think twice before throwing away pumpkins, costumes, and decorations this Halloween.
Many are running pumpkin collection and composting schemes, while others are hosting costume swap events or providing dedicated recycling drop-offs for decorations. Before purchasing a brand new costume this year, check if your city offers a ‘swap shop’, as it’s a great initiative aimed at encouraging sustainable living, reducing single-use waste and helping families save money.
Emma Stokes, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, warns:“People might think leaving pumpkins out for wildlife is a good idea, but rotting pumpkins can actually harm animals, especially hedgehogs.
“We encourage everyone to enjoy their pumpkins to the fullest so try out some new recipes, or dispose of pumpkins responsibly by composting or repurposing.”
Giles Hughes, Chief Executive at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Switching from new shop bought costumes to making something from old clothing or buying second-hand is another way to be more sustainable.
“Charity shops, apps such as Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace will all have lots of options in the weeks leading up to Halloween.”
How to make a difference at home:
Reducing Halloween waste doesn’t have to be difficult, as just a few simple swaps can make a far less damaging impact on the environment:
Compost your pumpkins – Cook the edible parts for soup or alternative recipes such as pumpkin pie, and compost the leftovers instead of binning them.
Reuse or swap costumes – Trade with friends or shop second-hand to cut down on single-use plastics.
Choose sustainable decorations – Opt for recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable materials instead of plastic-heavy decor.
Recycle right – Separate recyclable items like cardboard and bottles, and check your local council’s Halloween recycling guidance.
Plan your purchases – Buy only what you need and avoid excessive packaging or disposable partyware.
Get creative – Upcycle old clothes and household materials into unique DIY costumes and decorations.
Dog lovers preparing to adopt or rescue are receiving expert advice on how to effectively welcome their new furry companions and ensure a smooth transition into their home.
ON International Dog Day (26 August), the dog training experts at ACME Kennels have shared essential tips for those planning to adopt a dog, ensuring they’re fully prepared to provide their new companion with everything needed to thrive.
Image credit: ACME Kennels
With an estimated 100,000 homeless dogs in the UK*, international Dog Day, created by Colleen Paige in 2004, encourages adoption, raises awareness of animal welfare and promotes responsible pet ownership.
Adopting or rescuing a dog is a deeply rewarding but huge commitment, requiring an owner to educate themselves, understand the dog’s unique needs and be honest with both themselves and the rescue organisation about their ability to handle potential training or behavioural challenges.
In addition to learning about the dog’s temperament, key tips for a smooth transition include having the right gear, establishing consistent household rules and teaching basic training depending on their specific needs.
Ben Mcfarlane, dog expert from ACME Kennels , said: “Adopting or rescuing a dog comes with its own unique challenges, requiring careful preparation and knowledge, with key considerations both before adoption and once the dog is home, to ensure a smooth transition and support their well-being.
“A well-prepared home and owner are crucial for the dog’s happiness and development, so research which breed is right for you, prepare your space, gather equipment, set house rules and consider their personality when making training decisions.”
Five top tips to help welcome an adopted dog to the home:
Understand the dog’s breed, temperament and needs
Before adopting, it’s important to consider the dog’s specific requirements. Whether young or old, rehoming a dog can present unique challenges- such as house training a puppy or managing behavioural issues in a fearful dog, which may require time, patience and professional support.
To be fair to both owner and dog, thorough research is essential before bringing them home.
Make critical decisions before the dog arrives home
It’s essential to make key decisions before bringing a new dog home to avoid confusion and establish clear boundaries from day one and ensure a smoother transition.
This could include rules like whether they’ll be allowed on the couch, or if crate training will be considered and setting up a consistent schedule for feeding and walks.
Consistent house rules
Ensure everyone in the family understands the ground rules because this will make training so much easier.
Dogs need consistency to learn how to behave correctly, and if someone is going against the rules and feeding the dog scraps from the table or letting them on the couch when no one else is looking it could cause confusion and unwanted behaviour in the dog.
Buy the right equipment
Proper preparation with the right equipment is very important when welcoming an adopted dog home. A comfortable bed offers security, while familiar food helps prevent digestive upset.
Other essential items like toys, safety measures, training tools, and appropriate walking equipment support the dog’s well-being and assist in establishing good habits from the start.
Training
Training an adopted dog requires careful consideration of their specific needs, as rehoming can present different challenges. Expect an adjustment period and start training once they’ve settled, focusing on housetraining and teaching their name for puppies, and positive reinforcement with high value treats and praise, keeping sessions short and enjoyable for older dogs.
Whistle training with a reliable whistle like the Alpha is also recommended to maintain consistency and strengthen the bond between pet and owner, offering adopted dogs a neutral, stress-free way to learn. Most importantly, build trust, maintain consistency and seek professional advice for the best unique training approach.
For more information on how to prepare the home for an adopted dog, please see here:
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to flock to the Tall Ships when they dock in Aberdeen this weekend, NHS Grampian is encouraging people to enjoy themselves safely.
With quayside concerts every night and a packed daytime programme it is set to be an extremely busy few days. As such, the health board is issuing the following top tips:
Slap on the SPF. With much of the event focused on outdoor activities, protecting the skin is vital. At least SPF30, but preferably SPF50, suncream should be applied generously and regularly topped up.
It might be Yo-Ho-Ho, but is the bottle of rum necessary? Pacing yourself, alternating non-alcoholic drinks, and having something to eat means you won’t feel like walking the plank the morning after.
If a salty sea dog, or marvellous mermaid, should catch your eye, make smart decisions about your sexual health and use a condom. This isn’t just about preventing an unwanted pregnancy, it’s also about stopping the spread of STIs. Condoms are available for free at locations across Grampian, check out our (treasure) map here: www.nhsgrampian.org/service-hub/sexualhealth/free-condoms
There will be several first aid posts and a larger medical facility on site, at which staff from Scotia Medical Group will be on hand to provide immediate support. These facilities should be your first port of call for any non-urgent incidents at the event.
Dr Kirsty Smith, a consultant in the emergency department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, said: “In an ideal world, we would love it if not a single person taking part in – or coming to see – the Tall Ships needed our care. However, if they do, it is vital they use NHS services correctly, especially if they aren’t familiar with the way we work.
“For minor ailments, the NHS Inform website is packed with useful self-care guides. If over the counter medicines or simple supplies like bandages are required, Aberdeen City Centre is well stocked with pharmacies, and you can get additional expert advice from the pharmacists if you need it.
“For minor injuries, call NHS 24 on 111. You’ll be able to speak to trained professionals and if you need further treatment or an X-Ray, they can arrange an appointment for this.
“I cannot stress enough, calling 999 or coming direct to the emergency departments at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital or Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, should be for medical emergencies only.”
Emma Wadee, project manager for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen said: “Everyone at the Tall Ships Aberdeen want every single one of our visitors to have the best time possible, while staying safe and well during this brilliant event.
“We would urge people to follow the simple and sensible top health tips the NHS Grampian experts have provided. But if anyone does need assistance, please head towards one of our well-signposted first aid posts or alert any of the Tall Ships team who will be on hand to help visitors.”
Anyone requiring healthcare who does not normally live in the UK may have to pay for some or all their treatment, depending on their country of origin.
More information on this is on the NHS Inform website:
How personal playlists can help someone live well with dementia
Tips for finding music that sparks memories, conversation, and connection
Simple ways to listen – no technology experience is needed to enjoy playlists!
An opportunity to share songs from your own playlist and connect with others
Book here: https://sbee.link/n4xyvw86hc
Don’t go overboard during Tall Ships 2025
Slap on the SPF. With much of the event focused on outdoor activities, protecting the skin is vital. At least SPF30, but preferably SPF50, suncream should be applied generously and regularly topped up.