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MORE than half a million households claiming Universal Credit had their payments stopped last year.

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that 602,000 people were hit with sanctions between November 2023 and October 2024.

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Hundreds of thousands of people on Universal Credit were sanctioned last year[/caption]

What’s more, the sanction rate soared to its highest level on record in October last year, leaving 61,527 claimants with their payments slashed or stopped altogether.

The Universal Credit sanction rate fell to 5.6% in October 2024, down by 1.6 percentage points compared to November 2023.

Despite this, 551,790 of the sanctioned households had their payments cut or stopped because they failed to attend a mandatory interview with a work coach in Jobcentres.

Over 24,870 were penalised for choosing not to work and another 15,340 claimants had their payments changed because they failed to go on employment programmes.

Meanwhile, 8,400 were sanctioned for failing to disclose a valid reason for quitting a job.

When you claim Universal Credit or any benefit, you sign yourself up for commitments that you have to meet to get the financial support.

This may be from showing you’re actively looking for a job to being on time for appointments.

But if you fail to do what you promised in that agreement, you could see the benefit money taken away from you.

Exactly how much you’ll have taken off your claim depends on what you’ve done – or not done.

Any penalties you might face will only apply to the standard element of your claim – so extra cash you get through the housing or childcare elements will still be paid.

REASONS YOU CAN BE SANCTIONED

There are several major reasons why you could be sanctioned if you claim Universal Credit.

Here are five mistakes that could see your payments stopped:

Not applying or looking for work

Part of the Claimant Commitment includes spending 35 hours a week looking for work, which you will need to keep a record of to show your work coach.

But if you don’t, you may have your benefits cut.

The same goes if you’re not putting the hours in to look.

If your Jobcentre work coach doesn’t feel you’re doing enough to get back into work, you can be sanctioned.

Refusing a job offer

If you’ve been offered a job, you’re expected to take it – so long as it’s within reason.

This is because the benefits system supports you while you’re out of work but with the goal of helping you find a job again.

Refusing a job offer just because you don’t want it will see you sanctioned at the highest level.

Quitting your job without good reason

Quitting your job without a good reason could see you sanctioned too.

There’s no set definition of what a good reason is, but it might include unaffordable childcare costs.

You might have your benefit payments reduced.

Being late to appointments and interviews

Often, people on Universal Credit are required to attend interviews and appointments with the Jobcentre in order to update them on their search for work, for example.

These are held face to face or can be over the phone or via video chat.

If you’re late for these appointments and interviews, you could see your payments cut.

If you have a good reason why you can’t attend a meeting, then you should let the Jobcentre know immediately.

But if you fail to turn up to a meeting you’ll likely be sanctioned until you visit your next review.

If you’ve repeatedly missed meetings, the sanctions may be stricter and last longer.

Not updating your information

The amount of Universal Credit you are entitled to depends on many factors surrounding your individual circumstances.

That might be how many hours you work or how many children you have.

But failing to report a change in circumstances, like moving house or getting a new job, could see you sanctioned.

In the worst cases, you may be committing benefit fraud and could even face legal action.

HOW TO APPEAL A SANCTION

If you think you’ve been sanctioned unfairly, you can contact the DWP and ask for a “mandatory reconsideration”.

You have one month from when you were notified about the sanction to do so.

If you’ve been sanctioned unfairly, the first thing you must do is check the level of sanction and for how long your money has been reduced.

You’ll then need to contact the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration if you think they’ve made the wrong decision.

Citizens Advice says you should have been told:

• Why you’ve received a sanction
• The level of sanction you’ve been given
• How long the sanction will last
• How much money will be taken away from your Universal Credit payment
• The date the sanction decision was made

It is still worth applying for a mandatory reconsideration if you have missed the one-month deadline for a good reason, such as being in hospital.

You can apply for a mandatory reconsideration in several ways – just remember to include as much supporting evidence as possible.

If you have an online Universal Credit account, you can write a message to the DWP explaining why you disagree with the decision.

You can also print off and fill out the CRMR1 mandatory reconsideration request form on gov.uk, but remember to allow time for your letter to get to the DWP before your deadline window.

You can also call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Letters should be sent to DWP Complaints, Post Handling Site B, Wolverhampton, WV99 2GY.

What if I don’t agree with the decision?

If you disagree with the decision of your mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to a First-Tier tribunal.

Claimants have one month to do this, although this is extended to 13 months for exceptional circumstances.

You’ll need to download and fill in the SSCS1 form from the HM Courts and Tribunals Service website.

The form will ask for you:

• Name and contact details
• National Insurance number
• Reasons for appealing

Send this, along with the outcome of your mandatory reconsideration of which you should have received two copies, to:
HMCTS Appeals Centre, PO Box 1203, Bradford, BD1 9WP.

The DWP will be asked to respond to your appeal within 28 days.

JACQUELINE Jossa has been forced to defend a bizarre moment where her EastEnders character appeared to “smell Sonia’s knickers”.

The Lauren Branning actress, 32, was part of the cast who took part in the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode, and fans were left shocked by a weird moment.

BBC

EastEnders fans were shocked during the live episode after it looked like Lauren ‘smelt’ sonia’s underwear[/caption]

BBC

Lauren pulled the pants up to her face[/caption]

Getty

Actress Jac Jossa has defended the bizarre moment[/caption]

The knicker incident happened when Lauren appeared to lift up Sonia’s pants and “sniff them”, before tossing them to the side.

Bianca had thrown the pants to Lauren as Sonia prepared to give birth during the live episode.

However, Jacqueline has now defended the moment and made it clear to fans what exactly happened.

Taking to social media, she said: “Just to clarify I didn’t sniff them, I was checking what they were and lifting them in shot, no sniffing.

“They hit me in the face so I think I just lifted them up to make sure it was in the shot, this is amazing.”

The star finished her response with lots of laughing face emojis.

FANS REACT

After the knicker incident aired on Thursday, fans immediately took to social media in shock.

One person wrote: “Did Sonia just sniff Sonia’s knickers?!”

Another echoed: “Lauren definitely just sniffed Sonia’s pants.”

But luckily Jac has now put the incident to bed.

MARRIAGE RUMOURS

The EastEnders live episode came after Jac recently addressed split rumours surrounding her marriage with Dan Osborne.

She told The Sun how a traumatic burglary last summer was the catalyst for changing her whole attitude and making her reassess what is important in her life – her family.

It also helped her decide that she’d had enough of explaining what is going on in her marriage to husband of nearly eight years, Dan.

BBC

They’ve been together for more than a decade and have been dogged by split rumours since before they got married.

Recently, the whispers were over news the couple were selling their forever home in Essex, with the former TOWIE star buying a separate property in his name.

But the pair insist they’re still together and are just reassessing their assets.

“People seem to think they know more about my life than I do,” she sighs.

“They were saying: ‘Jacqueline didn’t spend Christmas with Daniel.’ But all I have to do is post pictures of us together with Christmas hats on.

“We lie in bed next to each other, laughing and reading stuff online about us.

“The speculation is ridiculous, but at the same time, I know it comes with the job, so I do understand it. I read things about Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan and go: ‘Really? Is that true?’ But I’m sure they are happy. It’s not my business what other people think or want to read.

“But apart from me being back on EastEnders, I haven’t put myself out there in that space. I haven’t done any reality shows recently and neither has Dan.

“I’m constantly working, and so is he [Dan runs an online competition website and a tattoo studio]. We just crack on with our day jobs and looking after our kids. He is a fantastic dad. I’m done going on to social media trying to explain it.”

THE Premier League is LIVE with five games taking place RIGHT NOW!

Earlier, Everton and Manchester United played at a classic in the pair’s final edition at Goodison Park – the visitors came from two goals down to draw 2-2.

We will have updates from four Premier League matches – as well as a separate live blog from Arsenal vs West Ham – with Tottenham travelling to Ipswich and Fulham and Crystal Palace in a London derby.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Follow our live blog below…

SHOPPERS are raving about a tiny suitcase that is perfected for cabin luggage for your next holiday.

So if you’ve already got a holiday booked and don’t want to fork out for pricey luggage, keep reading.

Amazon

Shoppers are raving about this underseat suitcase[/caption]

Amazon

They say it fits so much inside and is a bargain price[/caption]

These affordable underseat suitcases will make sure you can fit everything you need for your trip.

We often stand in the airplane queue filled with dread – hoping the flight attendant doesn’t pull us out to inspect our bag size.

But you won’t have to worry with this mini suitcase that has been approved for EasyJet and Ryanair flights.

The suitcase comes in over 19 colours and three sizes – but the 15inch variety is the one you want to look for.

The LUGG 15 Inch Jetset Lightweight Travel Cabin Bag Carry On Approved Suitcase has a hard shell casing to keep it protected and waterproof.

Inside the suitcase, it has different compartments to make packing easier as well.

The suitcase also comes with a built-in lock to keep your belongings secure.

For easy transportation to and from the airport, the suitcase has four swivel wheels to make it glide effortlessly no matter the weather or road conditions.

LUGG bosses say: “This cabin bag is approved for all major airlines including easyJet, British Airways, RyanAir, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, and many more ensuring stress-free travel at all times!”

The best part is that the suitcase is currently on sale with 29% off at the time this article has gone live.

Instead of it being the usual price of £34.99 it is currently down to £24.99.

Customers who have already purchased the suitcase for their travels have consistently raved about the luggage.

One person wrote: “This is the perfect size to buy if you are taking a wheely case into the cabin of one of the so-called ‘budget’ airlines.

“They seem to be getting more strict about the sizes that can be taken onto the plane without paying the extra charge, so it’s worth being totally aware of that, rather than paying an extra charge as you go to board the plane.”

Another commented: “This little suitcase (which is perfect for an EasyJet “add-on” cabin bag) has amazing packing capacity.”

“I bought this little suitcase for a 3 day trip as one of my flights was via easyJet and I had to take something that would fit under the seat. I don’t like carrying heavy bags or wearing backpacks so I found this wheeled suitcase extremely useful,” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “Perfect size for EasyJet and spacious enough for a four night break away!”

“Perfect for a cabin case,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Lovely hand luggage case and so easy to manoeuvre!”

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: [email protected] and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

ARSENAL are taking on West Ham in a huge London derby RIGHT NOW!

The second-placed Gunners look to make up ground on leaders Liverpool as they host Graham Potter’s struggling side.

The Gunners were handed a title boost when rivals from Merseyside dropped points midweek at Villa Park.

The gap remains at sizeable at eight points, but a win would see it close by three ahead of Liverpool’s blockbuster clash against Manchester City.

As for the Hammers, their form under new-year appointment Potter has remained stale – with one win in six, and though face little threat of relegation will look to kick-start the new managerial era with a big win.

• TV/Stream: Not available in the UK
• Arsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, Merino
• West Ham team: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Scarles, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Alvarez, Bowen, Kudus

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Follow our live blog below…

WE all have “problem areas” when it comes to our bodies, and for many of us, this is our middles.

Whether we’ve got a beer belly, love handles or a spare tyre, thousands of us are self-conscious when it comes to our stomachs.

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An ‘apron belly’ is excess fat and skin that hangs down at the bottom of your stomach[/caption]

If you have excess fat and skin that hangs down at the very bottom of your tummy, you could have what’s known as “apron belly“.

Usually caused by weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes or poor lifestyle choices, people with this little, or sometimes big, flap often feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.

It also carries serious health risks that could even shorten your life.

Unfortunately, like most types of fat around the abdomen, it can be very difficult to shift.

Thankfully though, the right approach to diet and exercise can quickly help you burn fat and tighten muscles in the area, and improve your overall core composition.

I’m Jenny Francis-Townson, a personal trainer, expert in women’s physical health and someone who has seen my fair share of clients desperate to shift the excess fat around their middles once and for all.

Here’s everything I’ve learned about the dreaded apron belly – and how to get rid of it, the easy way.

The dangers of apron belly

For many people, the lower tummy region is a stubborn area of fat that seems impossible to shift.

Many of my clients have come to me with varying degrees of apron belly, desperate for a flatter tummy and to be able to fit much more comfortably into their clothes.

But while this is often for aesthetic reasons, losing your apron belly could also do wonders for your health.

1. Fungal infections

When your skin layers over itself, it is extremely likely to cause hygiene issues.

The area between the two pieces of skin can get very warm and moist – the perfect environment for infections to occur.

The combination of trapped moisture and friction can make you uncomfortable and leave you very prone to developing fungal infections that can get nasty pretty quickly if left untreated.

To avoid this, try to keep the area as clean and dry as you can, especially in warmer weather.

And wear loose-fitting clothes where possible until you are able to lose the fat.

2. Back pain

Carrying extra weight around the lower belly often shifts your centre of gravity and causes postural adjustments that put a lot of pressure on your lower back.

This not only results in back pain, but can also weaken your pelvic floor, causing further back issues, pelvic weakness and incontinence.

3. Disease and lower life expectancy

Over the last decade, studies have highlighted the dangers of holding excess body fat around the tummy area.

This includes an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and even death, according to research by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

Separate research has found links between lower belly fat and type 2 diabetes, as well as heart attacks and dementia.

4. Self confidence and mood

Those who carry excess body fat around their tummies are much more likely to admit they suffer from low self esteem and self confidence than other areas of the body, research shows.

Finding clothing that fits well and is comfortable can also be difficult, which can negatively impact mood and lead to social anxiety and depression.

@jennyfrancis23

Personal trainer Jenny Francis-Townson[/caption]

The apron belly workout

It’s not all doom and gloom. You can actually massively improve your apron belly with exercise.

But you need to pick the right moves!

The biggest mistake people make is attempting core exercises that are too advanced and put too much downward pressure on an already weak core.

Even personal trainers are guilty when they’re not specialists in this area.

The secret is to really slow things down and opt for deep core movements that target that stubborn area and build strength and stability from the inside out.

Plus, adding in a short, sharp burst of cardio at the end will help elevate your heart rate and burn those extra calories needed for fat loss.

Here’s my ultimate at-home circuit you can do in 10 minutes to bring those deep core muscles together, tighten your abdominal region and connect your core to your pelvic floor to overhaul your lower abs.

1. Bear hover

Jenny Francis-Townson

Start your bear hover on all fours with your toes tucked under[/caption]

Jenny Francis-Townson

Tuck your pelvis under and lift your knees a few inches off the floor[/caption]

Start on all fours with your toes tucked under and your hands underneath your shoulders.

Take a deep breath in and focus on filling your belly with air, letting it expand.

Breathe out with control and as you do, tuck your pelvis under, push into your hands and feet, and squeeze your core and pelvic floor as you lift your knees a few inches off the floor and hold them there.

Hold for five to 1- seconds, then as you control your exhale out, let your core muscles relax, also relaxing your pelvic floor and allowing your knees to return to the floor.

Perform 10 of these.

2. Tucked knee side plank 

Jenny Francis-Townson

Target your core with a tucked knee side plank[/caption]

Jenny Francis-Townson

Hold for five seconds at the top, then slower lower yourself back down[/caption]

Start lying on your side with your legs bent, knees stacked on top of each other and your upper body resting on your forearm.

Take a deep breath in and focus on filling your belly with air, letting it expand.

Breathe out with control and as you do, tuck your pelvis under, and squeeze your core and pelvic floor.

Push into your forearm and feet and lift your hips off the floor. 

Hold for five seconds as you continue to exhale, then as you control your exhale out, let your hips return slowly to the floor.

Relax your pelvic floor and allow your belly to expand.

Perform 60 seconds on each side. Twice through.

3. Leg extensions

Jenny Francis-Townson

Lying on your back, slowly alternate legs[/caption]

Jenny Francis-Townson

Do this for 60 seconds in total[/caption]

Start lying on your back.

Bend your knees and lift your legs off the ground so they are in a table-top position.

Tuck your pelvis under and lift your pelvic floor in to push your lower back into the floor and keep it here the whole time.

Take a deep inhale and extend one leg slowly out straight while keeping your lower back pushed into the floor.

As you exhale, slowly draw your leg back to table top and squeeze your core. Repeat on the other side.

Do this for 60 seconds on each side, twice through.

4. Standing marches 

Jenny Francis-Townson

Lift your arms directly above your head for standing marches[/caption]

Jenny Francis-Townson

As you bring your arms down, lift your knee directly in front of you[/caption]

Start standing and lift your arms directly above your head.

From here, lift your left knee directly up in front of you, hold for a second at the top, then slowly lower back down to the floor.

Alternate legs for 60 seconds. Rest, then repeat twice more.

5. Sprint on the spot

Jenny Francis-Townson

Finally, sprint on the spot for 40 seconds[/caption]

Standing upright, sprint on the spot for 40 seconds non stop.

Go as fast as you can!

The apron belly diet

But you can’t get rid of your apron belly with exercise alone.

You also need to make some changes to your diet too, nutritionist according to diet coach Sarah Bockhart, from weight loss app RWL.

“There are two main things you want to do with your diet to get rid of apron belly,” she says.

“The first is to get yourself into a simple calorie deficit.

“This just means you need to start looking at your daily calorie intake, and make sure you are not consuming more than you are using up.

“The best guide is to aim for 1,500 as a woman and 1,750 as a man to lose weight.

“Use a weight loss app that allows you to track your daily calories  – RWL has one built in that allows you to scan barcodes of supermarket food – or just use Google and keep track of how many you are eating.

“This is effective because it’s going to get your body burning fat that it doesn’t need, eventually taking that fat away from the lower tummy area.”

Apron belly dos and don’ts

Once you’re on top of your calorie deficit, you can take things a step further.

“These other nutrition hacks are going to seriously help you lose weight from this lower abdominal region,” Sarah says.

1. Drop the sugar

Sarah says: “Sugar is terrible for our gut and can actually hinder our ability to burn fat.

“Cut out refined sugar as much as possible.

“If you have a seriously sweet tooth and this is a weakness for you, here are some swaps:

• “Swap ice cream for greek yogurt. You’ll get rid of the sugar and fill yourself up with a good hit of protein.
• “Swap milk chocolate for 70 to 80 per cent dark chocolate. You’ll still get the chocolate hit but with less sugar and calories.”

2. Up your protein and fibre

“A great way to make a calorie deficit easier is to not let yourself feel hungry,” Sarah says.

“Upping your protein and fibre intake will really fill you up and prevent those hunger pangs that often see you reaching for snacks.

“Add lean fish and meat to your meals and try to get lentils, beans or chickpeas into at least one meal a day.”

3. Cut out ultra processed

Ultra processed foods are those that have been industrially processed and contain ingredients we wouldn’t have at home.

Think bacon, crisps, cereals, energy drinks and microwave ready meals.

“They have a very low nutritional value and tend to be full of chemicals that make you want to eat more and more of them – exactly the opposite of what you need to burn fat in their lower belly region,” Sarah says.

“Cut out supermarket-bought biscuits, crisps, pastries and sweets and try to cook your favourite takeaway meals at home.”

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

“To help you out, I’ve complied my favourite three recipes that will get you in a calorie deficit while hitting your nutrition goals,” Sarah says.

Try not to eat snacks in between, and stick to water or herbal tea for drinks.

Breakfast: Almond croissant baked oats

Jenny Francis-Townson

For breakfast, try almond croissant baked oats[/caption]

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 50g almond butter
• 2 tsp sweetener
• 2 medium bananas
• 200g oats
• 60g vanilla protein powder
• 400ml unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 25g flaked almonds
• 1/2 tsp icing sugar

Method:

1. Preheat the fan oven to 180C
2. Mix together the egg, almond butter and sweetener to a creamy consistency and set side.
3. Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl then add the oats, protein powder and almond milk and combine. Stir through the baking powder and pour into a baking dish (or 4 individuals baking dishes).
4. Drizzle the creamy almond mixture over the top then sprinkle over the flaked almonds
5. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
6. Once cooked, sprinkle over the icing sugar and serve.

If you baked it in one dish, cut the baked oats into four and leave to cool then individually wrap each portion.

If you baked it in four dishes, leave to cool entirely then store with foil or lids over the top.

Lunch: Creamy tomato and basil chicken pasta

Jenny Francis-Townson

This delicious creamy tomato and basil chicken pasta makes a great lunch[/caption]

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts 
• 200g cherry tomatoes 
• 50g sun-dried tomatoes 
• 1/2 white onion, diced 
• 2 garlic cloves 
• 60g spinach 
• 2 tbsp creme fraiche 
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika 
• 1 vegetable stock cube 
• 1 lemon 
• 100g wholewheat tagliatelle 
• Pinch of black pepper 
• Handful fresh basil 
• 1 tbsp dried oregano 

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. 
2. Place the chicken breasts into a baking tray, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sprinkle over the dried oregano. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Boil the pasta as per the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain away the water (reserving a mug full).
4. Place the cherry tomatoes along with a splash of water into a large pan over a medium to high heat. Cook down for 5 minutes; they should start to blister. Then using the back of a spoon, crush the tomatoes. 
5. Add in the onion, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Fry over a medium heat for a further 8 minutes.
6. Add in the paprika, crumbled stock cube, lots of black pepper, spinach and a few tbsp of water. Cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes before then taking off the heat and stirring through the fresh basil, creme fraiche, lemon juice and zest. 
7. Add the pasta to the sauce – here you may need to add a splash of the pasta water to loosen the sauce a little. Then serve up alongside the chicken, and enjoy!

Dinner: Sesame chicken rice bowl

Jenny Francis-Townson

Try a sesame rice bowl with chicken, pork, beef or tofu[/caption]

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts 
• 2 tbsp cornflour 
• Pinch of salt and pepper 
• 1 tbsp soy sauce 
• 1 tbsp sesame oil 
• 2 tbsp honey 
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds 
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil 
• 100g broccoli 
• 80g kale 
• 1 fresh chilli, sliced 
• 80g wholegrain rice

Method:

1. Cook the rice as per the packet instructions. 
2. Place the cornflour into a large bowl. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then toss in the cornflour to coat. Set aside. 
3. For the sauce, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey and garlic powder. 
4. Heat a little olive oil in a large frying pan. Once hot, add in the broccoli, kale and chilli. Fry for 5 to 6 mins, until the broccoli has softened and the kale has wilted. Once cooked, remove from the pan, cover and set aside to keep warm. 
5. Place the pan back on the heat, then add in the chicken and fry for 6 to 8 mins until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Then pour over the sauce and fry for a further 1 to 2 mins until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. 
6. Once the chicken is ready, serve with the rice, veg and sprinkle over the sesame seeds. 

Tip: This recipe also works well with pork, beef, or tofu for a veggie alternative.

A DESPERATE mum says her son has been caught up in a bizarre legal situation after receiving dozens of Ulez fines – claiming the number plate on his van had been cloned.

Kay Russell, 64, says her son Joe, 28, who is also on the autism spectrum, has been left too worried to work and travel around London after being bombarded by penalties, sent to court, and even visited by bailiffs.

Supplied

Kay says her son Joe’s van, a Peugeot Partner, had had its number plate cloned last year[/caption]

Supplied

The family grew suspicious after receiving Ulez fines showing a slightly older model of the van with the same number plate[/caption]

Getty

But the family struggled to convey the issue to TfL – who sent dozens of additional fines[/caption]

Speaking to Sun Motors, Kay revealed the ordeal started back in April, when TfL first sent fines along with photographs supposedly of Joe’s Peugeot van driving through a low-emission zone.

However, Kay says her family soon realised the vehicle in the pictures was different from her son’s – but had the same number plate.

According to Kay, Joe’s van, a Peugeot Partner, is a newer model compared to the one that can be seen in the TfL photographs.

Kay explained: “It is similar to my son’s van; his is a Peugeot, but the one in the pictures was an older model, with the badge on the bonnet, whereas the Peugeot badge on my son’s van is on the grille.”

Despite providing photographic evidence to TfL, the family says they were asked for further proof, such as detailed records of Joe’s whereabouts on the dates of the alleged offences – something he found difficult to provide.

Kay added: “When I spoke to somebody at TfL, they said, ‘Well, anyone can stick a badge on anywhere.’

“I said, ‘But it is the Peugeot badge, it is clear where it is. And if my son had removed it, you’d see where it was.’”

Kay admits that some of the Ulez fines do belong to her son, which actually helped her and her husband realise that the van in some of the pictures wasn’t the one driven by Joe.

She said: “When you see two vehicles next to each other, you can clearly see that the front of the cloned van is completely different to my son’s – like where the badge is.”

Joe first realised something was wrong when money started disappearing from his TfL account, followed by a series of fines arriving from various authorities, including Southwark and Walthamstow councils.

He immediately reported the issue to the police and obtained a crime reference number.

The situation then escalated when the case went to court, although Kay and her family were not notified in time to defend themselves.

Kay said: “TfL responded to my email on 8 January, but the case had already gone to court before they even opened the email.

“We weren’t even advised about the court date.

“We didn’t get the chance to defend ourselves or explain anything. It just went to court, and they decided it was our fault.”

She also said the family have tried to appeal the fines, but this has simply added to their expenses.

“To appeal, we’d have to pay per fine, and we’ve got about ten fines here. Why should we pay for something that isn’t our fault?” she added.

Bailiffs have also visited their home, adding to their stress.

Kay said: “I don’t know where I stand. Every time I try to phone a solicitor, they tell me it’s going to cost me more money than the fines are.”

Joe, who works as a plumber but can only work on sites and not in people’s homes due to his autism, has even started to avoid driving into London due to the worry of picking up more fines.

Kay added: “He’s taken a job further away, earning less, but he just can’t deal with this stress.

“This shouldn’t be a battle for us as a family. We shouldn’t even be going through this.

“I’ve phoned hundreds of people, but no one wants to go into detail or help us. They just say, ‘Send everything in.’”

Sun Motors later got in contact with TfL, who said: “We are very sorry that Mr Russell has been a victim of vehicle cloning.

“In this case there were eight open penalty charge notices (PCNs), one of which had representations made against it.

“Having reviewed the images, five PCNs were incurred by Mr Russell’s vehicle and three by a cloned vehicle.

“We have cancelled any outstanding fines and the remaining balance.”

Kay also revealed TfL contacted her and her family to resolve the matter – much to her relief.

TfL have reminded drivers that vehicle cloning is a criminal matter, which the police enforce and prosecute.

They also state that every image is checked by two members of staff before any penalty charge notice is issued.

Any customer who believes their vehicle has been cloned can provide evidence demonstrating the PCN has been issued incorrectly.

This includes proof of a vehicle at a different location for the date and time of the contravention, such as a tracker report, statement from a colleague or neighbour.

They also accept a witness statement affirming vehicle was not at location but elsewhere, photos showing differences between their vehicle and the vehicle captured, and a crime reference number.

This comes Sun Motors recently spoke to a man who’d been issued with nearly £25,000 in Ulez fines for a vehicle he hadn’t owned for nearly a year.

Bilal Yousaf, 44, from Glasgow, Scotland, had his Renault Master repossessed in February 2024 after he was forced to give up work.

However, his details were seemingly still linked to the van.

Then, in March, Bilal – who says he hasn’t been to London in around 10 years – began receiving penalty notices from TfL, claiming he received on average “five fines a day” at their peak.

He says TfL even passed his details to a collection agency, which also began to send him letters.

THE PREMIER LEAGUE addressed VAR’s controversial decision to deny Everton a late penalty against Manchester United.

The Toffees thought they got a last-gasp spot kick at the death of stoppage time when the score was 2-2 at Goodison Park.

The Merseysiders saw themselves leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

However, United fought back in the second half and levelled the score with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.

But David Moyes’ men thought they would redeem themselves in the third minute of stoppage time after throwing away a two-goal lead.

That was when Man Utd star Harry Maguire appeared to have pulled down Ashley Young in the area.

The referee pointed straight at the spot but VAR felt differently and advised him to check the pitchside monitor.

After a lengthy review, the hosts were denied a late penalty and the Red Devils found themselves breathing a sigh of relief.

The Premier League addressed the situation at full-time with a statement on social media.

It read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review.

“The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”

Man Utd also had a penalty kick denied in the closing stages of the match.

Joshua Zirkzee’s header hit Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the face and then possibly his arm in the 83rd minute.

But VAR concluded there was no handball and the ref waived play on.

Nevertheless, it could have been worse for Man Utd if the referee’s penalty decision stood.

Sir Alex Ferguson attended the match and was spotted at the stands looking disgusted before half-time when Everton were 2-0 up, but appeared happier when his former club hit back.

Red flood warnings have also been issued.

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