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UK ministers warned housing crisis puts plans for NHS and economy at risk

Ministers have been warned that efforts to save the NHS and grow the economy will fail unless they tackle the housing crisis, as a damning report reveals millions of people are living in substandard homes that risk worsening their health. In total, 4.5 million people aged 50 or above with an existing health condition in England are living in poor-quality housing with one or more problems such as rising damp, rot or decay that may be making them even sicker, the Centre for Ageing Better analysis found. Of those, 1.7 million are aged 70 or over. Keir Starmer has promised to reduce NHS waiting times and make the UK the fastest-growing major economy by the end of Labour’s first term in government. But ministers have been told that the drive to stabilise the health service and deliver sustained economic growth will flop unless the country’s subpar housing stock is urgently improved. Dr Carole Easton, the chief executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, a charity tackling inequalities in ageing, said its report exposed how the housing crisis was putting millions of older people with health conditions “in harm’s way”. “This is obviously terrible for those individuals who live in homes that carry a very real risk of making them sick, particularly when winter comes around. “But it is also very bad news for the country. Older workers living in homes that are making their health conditions worse are going to be less likely to be able to work and help grow the economy. “Older people whose serious health conditions are made worse by their homes will require treatment, putting additional winter pressures on our health system. All could be averted if we tackled poor-quality housing with the urgency and priority it demands.” The report looked at people aged 50 and above with health conditions affected by substandard living conditions, including respiratory diseases, congestive heart failure, heart disease, neurological disease and lung conditions such as asthma. Housing problems identified included rising damp, water leaks, bad condensation, electrical or plumbing problems, rot and decay, being too cold in the winter, and structural issues. The analysis also uncovered significant inequalities. Almost half (46%) of black, Asian or minority ethnic people aged 50 or above with one of the health conditions specified had at least one problem with their home. This compared with about one in three (32%) white people. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion People aged 50 or over from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background and with a health condition were also twice as likely to have five or more problems with their housing compared with white people. Those aged 50 and above with a health condition negatively affected by poor housing conditions and with a significant issue in their own home were most likely to live in London (52%), followed by the north-east (35%) and the north-west (35%). Holly Holder, the deputy director for homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “No one should have to live in a home that damages their health, yet it is the norm for far too many people in England today. By failing to address poor-quality homes we are limiting the lives of some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people. “We are calling on the government to fix this hidden housing crisis by delivering a national strategy to tackle poor-quality housing across all tenures and committing to halving the number of non-decent homes over the next decade.” A government spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging inheritance faced by this government, through our ‘Plan for Change’ we’re taking action to improve housing conditions across all tenures and ensure homes are decent, safe and warm – especially for the most vulnerable.”

Mega Millions players have the chance to win $1 billion in Tuesday night's Christmas Eve drawing. At Bunny's in Manchester, shoppers were buying tickets ahead of the drawing for what would be the game's seventh largest jackpot of all time. The cash option would add up to $448.8 million before taxes. The last time someone hit the jackpot was on Sept. 10, when a Texas player had the $810 million winning ticket. The largest ever prize was awarded in August 2023. Granite Staters playing the lottery said they were excited about the chance to win big this Christmas. Player Eric Kilbane said he had plans for the money, even though he knew his odds of winning were slim. "I got one for my wife, one daughter, two daughters and three daughters right there. They'll pay for their college with that, hopefully," he said. "Or not. We'll see what happens." Tickets are $2. Because of the holiday, some stores are closing early, so anyone shopping for a ticket was urged to check store hours. The winning numbers can be seen at 11 p.m. Tuesday on WMUR-Channel 9.Mega Millions players have the chance to win $1 billion in Tuesday night's Christmas Eve drawing. At Bunny's in Manchester, shoppers were buying tickets ahead of the drawing for what would be the game's seventh largest jackpot of all time. The cash option would add up to $448.8 million before taxes. The last time someone hit the jackpot was on Sept. 10, when a Texas player had the $810 million winning ticket. The largest ever prize was awarded in August 2023. Granite Staters playing the lottery said they were excited about the chance to win big this Christmas. Player Eric Kilbane said he had plans for the money, even though he knew his odds of winning were slim. "I got one for my wife, one daughter, two daughters and three daughters right there. They'll pay for their college with that, hopefully," he said. "Or not. We'll see what happens." Tickets are $2. Because of the holiday, some stores are closing early, so anyone shopping for a ticket was urged to check store hours. The winning numbers can be seen at 11 p.m. Tuesday on WMUR-Channel 9.

A pastor in a secretive and extreme Pentecostal church has advocated corporal punishment of children as a way to prevent school shootings and gender dysphoria. The leaked recording of the pastor advocating a “rod of correction” policy emerged as Victoria’s child safety watchdog expressed concern about practices at the Geelong Revival Centre. Liana Buchanan, Victoria’s Commissioner for Children and Young People. Credit: Justin McManus Liana Buchanan, principal commissioner for children and young people, said the experiences and allegations recently revealed by former Geelong Revival Centre members were “extremely concerning”, and described some “unacceptable institutional responses”. “Children deserve to be safe and protected by the organisations they participate in,” Buchanan said. “Our recently tabled annual report notes that some religious organisations continue to struggle with identifying and managing risks to children. That risk is certainly amplified where there is a culture of silence and adults and children are afraid to speak out. “We know that ‘closed institutions’ carry more risks of child abuse than other types of institutions. These institutions need to be aware of these heightened risks and have legal responsibilities to take action to keep children safe, prevent child abuse and respond to allegations of child abuse.” The latest annual report from the Commission for Young People and Children, tabled in state parliament last month, included data indicating a higher proportion of sexual offence allegations in religious bodies than any other sector. Buchanan encouraged people with experience or knowledge of abuse within the centre’s network of churches to contact her agency, which has statutory powers to investigate breaches of child safety laws. After decades of operating with minimal external scrutiny, the GRC and its affiliate churches across Australia are examined in a new investigative podcast, LiSTNR’s Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder , and reports by this masthead. This masthead has obtained a recording of a sermon given by a Tasmanian pastor of a GRC-affiliated church in which members are warned that society did not understand the need to physically punish children to ensure obedience. “As far as the world is concerned, well. They would be very critical of us for preaching and teaching these things,” Tasmanian pastor Neil Griggs says in the recording. “Let’s not go over the top about this word ‘beating’. It just means to smack. It doesn’t mean to be brutal. ‘Thou shalt beat him with the rod or smack him and shalt deliver his soul from hell.’ Well, isn’t that worth doing? Deliver his soul from hell. “If we don’t teach children obedience, it won’t be well with them ... if we don’t correct them and chasten them, and reprove them, and rebuke them when they need it, it will not be well with them.” The leaked sermon from Griggs provides an example of how the church leadership persuades adult members that children without discipline could face disastrous outcomes later in life. “And here we are now, the children. The scourge of social media has twisted them all up. Unrestrained. Unchecked. Spoilt ... everything that their heart could desire had wealth lavished upon them, and they’re not happy,” he said. “And they grow up, and they go and get a gun, and they go into a school and they shoot people. And they’re all upset. No, we’re telling them. Well, you’ve got some problems. Not because you weren’t smacked as a child. Is everybody else’s fault? Maybe. Maybe think about it. Maybe you should be a girl instead of a boy or a boy instead of a girl.” As part of the investigation, former members have revealed alleged cover-ups of child sexual abuse, the violent physical punishment of children, pressure on church members to forgo medical treatment, homophobic and racist teachings and harsh restrictions placed on the freedoms of women and girls. There is no suggestion Neil Griggs has been responsible for any abuse or for failing to report child safety issues. Griggs did not respond to requests for comment. The GRC leadership has also repeatedly declined to answer questions from this masthead. Dozens more former members have come forward since the release of the podcast to detail harrowing accounts of their alleged sexual, physical and emotional abuse while growing up inside a church that controls almost every aspect of its members’ lives. Loading In August, 38-year-old GRC member Todd Hubers van Assenraad pleaded guilty to 16 child sexual abuse charges involving nine children aged under 16. The Age is not suggesting his victims were from families associated with the church. The use of corporal punishment on children is legal in Victoria. However, the use of excessive force is illegal. As is the exposure of children to emotional harm through constant abuse or use of threats to frighten them. Griggs, in his sermon, encouraged mothers, who the church prefers to stay at home rather than work, to question their children about what they were taught at school each day and to remind them what the Bible says. “Find out what happened at school today when they’re amongst all those unsaved people, or with all those perhaps well-meaning, unsaved teachers, with all their worldly ideas ... parents are the ones who say what’s going to happen and when it’s going to happen.” Despite the pastor’s call for moderate physical punishment, more than a dozen former church members have given accounts of their violent childhood beatings with belts, fists and rods. The Geelong Revival Centre. Credit: Simon Schluter A single mother described a male member of the church repeatedly hitting her autistic toddler son, causing what she claimed were life-changing injuries. The woman has sought legal advice over this incident, which allegedly happened a few years ago. A former pastor at a GRC-linked overseas assembly also detailed his knowledge of deafness in one boy growing up in the church due to repeated blows to his head by his father. Former members also claimed the church’s empowerment of men led to domestic violence within households and situations where children were physically punished by adults who were not their parents or guardians. Former church members said the “cult-like” nature of the GRC and the constant “doomsday” predictions had children constantly in fear about the end of their world and the possibility that they and their families could burn in hell if they had fallen out with their pastor. If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (see lifeline.org.au ), Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (see beyondblue.org.au ) or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Investigations For subscribers Richard Baker is a former multi-award winning investigative reporter for The Age. Most Viewed in National Loading

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'Bolton's biggest yet': Developments that have shaped and continue to transform townIn an era where health and wellness are at the forefront of global priorities, the industry is witnessing unprecedented growth driven by innovation, ancient wisdom, and a shift toward preventive care. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness economy now exceeds $4.5 trillion, spurred by advancements in health technologies, nutrition, and natural remedies. Among the pioneers leading this transformation is Dr. G. Shunmuga Raja, a visionary blending ancestral knowledge with modern marketing strategies to revolutionize health and wellness. Dr. G. Shunmuga Raja, an English Literature graduate with a Doctorate in Network Marketing, embarked on a mission to create a disease-free society. With over two decades of intensive research into the ancient texts of Siddhars and ancestral traditions, he unlocked the secrets of a powerful natural source identified by his guru. 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Consumers can become distributors, building businesses that promote health products while achieving personal financial goals. Dr. Shunmuga Raja’s dual mission—to address health challenges and provide economic opportunities—has positioned Rightway Health International as a transformative force in the global wellness industry. Rightway Health International’s contributions have earned widespread recognition, with accolades such as: by by by by by by the at Oxford University, London These prestigious awards highlight the company’s innovative contributions and its potential for further growth. Dr. Shunmuga Raja envisions making a global leader in health and wellness over the next decade. His strategy includes expanding the reach of health supplements and creating a worldwide community committed to holistic wellness and financial freedom. “The future of wellness lies in combining ancient wisdom with modern science,” says Dr. Shunmuga Raja. “Our mission is to impact global health, alleviate financial struggles, and create the largest health-and-wellness company in the world.” By bridging the gap between ancestral knowledge and contemporary health needs, Dr. Shunmuga Raja is reshaping the wellness industry. His work demonstrates that holistic health solutions can be both effective and accessible, empowering individuals physically and financially.The long sports-filled Thanksgiving weekend is a time when many Americans enjoy gathering with friends and family for good food, good company and hopefully not too much political conversation. Also on the menu — all the NFL and college sports you can handle. Here's a roadmap to one of the biggest sports weekends of the year, with a look at marquee games over the holiday and how to watch. All times are in EST. All odds are by BetMGM Sportsbook. What to watch Thursday —NFL: There is a triple-header lined up for pro football fans. Chicago at Detroit, 12:30 p.m., CBS: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears go against the Lions, who are one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl in February. Lions favored by 10. People are also reading... New York at Dallas, 4:30 p.m., Fox: The Giants and Cowboys are both suffering through miserable seasons and are now using backup quarterbacks for different reasons. But if Dallas can figure out a way to win, it will still be on the fringe of the playoff race. Cowboys favored by 3 1/2. Miami at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m., NBC/Peacock: The Packers stumbled slightly out of the gate but have won six of their past seven games. They'll need a win against Miami to try to keep pace in the NFC North. Packers favored by 3. —College Football: Memphis at No. 18 Tulane, 7:30 p.m., ESPN. If college football is your jam, this is a good warmup for a big weekend. The Tigers try to ruin the Green Wave’s perfect record in the American Athletic Conference. Tulane is favored by 14. What to watch Friday —NFL: A rare Friday showdown features the league-leading Chiefs. Las Vegas at Kansas City, 3 p.m. Prime Video: The Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are 12-point favorites over the Raiders. —College Basketball: Some of the top programs meet in holiday tournaments around the country. Battle 4 Atlantis championship, 5:30 p.m., ESPN: One of the premier early season tournaments, the eight-team field includes No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 14 Indiana and No. 24 Arizona. Rady Children's Invitational, 6 p.m., Fox: It's the championship game for a four-team field that includes No. 13 Purdue and No. 23 Mississippi. —College Football: There is a full slate of college games to dig into. Oregon State at No. 11 Boise State, noon, Fox: The Broncos try to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt when they host the Beavers. Boise State favored by 19 1/2. Oklahoma State at No. 23 Colorado, noon, ABC: The Buffaloes and Coach Prime are still in the hunt for the Big 12 championship game when they host the Cowboys. Colorado favored by 16 1/2. Georgia Tech at No. 6 Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ABC: The Bulldogs are on pace for a spot in the CFP but host what could be a tricky game against rival Georgia Tech. Georgia favored by 19 1/2. —NBA. After taking Thanksgiving off, pro basketball returns. Oklahoma City at Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m., ESPN: The Thunder look like one of the best teams in the NBA's Western Conference. They'll host Anthony Davis, LeBron James and the Lakers. What to watch Saturday —College Football. There are more matchups with playoff implications. Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State, noon, Fox: The Wolverines are struggling one season after winning the national title. They could make their fan base a whole lot happier with an upset of the Buckeyes. Ohio State favored by 21. No. 7 Tennessee at Vanderbilt, noon, ABC: The Volunteers are a fairly big favorite and have dominated this series, but the Commodores have been a tough team this season and already have achieved a monumental upset over Alabama. Tennessee favored by 11. No. 16 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson, noon, ESPN: The Palmetto State rivals are both hanging on the edge of the CFP playoff race. A win — particularly for Clemson — would go a long way toward clinching its spot in the field. Clemson favored by 2 1/2. No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m. ABC: The Aggies host their in-state rival for the first time since 2011 after the Longhorns joined the SEC. Texas favored by 5 1/2. Washington at No. 1 Oregon, 7:30 p.m., NBC: The top-ranked Ducks have been one of the nation’s best teams all season. They’ll face the Huskies, who would love a marquee win in coach Jedd Fisch’s first season. Oregon favored by 19 1/2. —NBA: A star-studded clash is part of the league's lineup. Golden State at Phoenix, 9 p.m., NBA TV: Steph Curry and the Warriors are set to face the Suns' Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. What to watch Sunday —NFL: It's Sunday, that says it all. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m., CBS: Joe Burrow is having a great season for the Bengals, who are struggling in other areas. They need a win to stay in the playoff race, hosting a Steelers team that's 8-3 and won five of their past six. Bengals favored by 3. Arizona at Minnesota, 1 p.m., Fox: The Cardinals are tied for the top of the NFC West while the Vikings are 9-2 and have been one of the biggest surprises of the season with journeyman Sam Darnold under center. Vikings favored by 3 1/2. Philadelphia at Baltimore, 4:25 p.m., CBS: Two of the league's most electric players will be on the field when Saquon Barkley and the Eagles travel to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Ravens favored by 3. San Francisco at Buffalo, 8:20 p.m. NBC/Peacock: The 49ers try to get back to .500 against the Bills, who have won six straight. Bills favored by 7. —NBA. The best teams in the Eastern Conference meet in a statement game. Boston at Cleveland, 6 p.m., NBA TV: The defending champion Celtics travel to face the Cavs, who won their first 15 games to start the season. —Premier League: English soccer fans have a marquee matchup. Manchester City at Liverpool, 11 a.m., USA Network/Telemundo. The two top teams meet with Manchester City trying to shake off recent struggles. —Auto Racing: The F1 season nears its conclusion. F1 Qatar Grand Prix, 11 a.m., ESPN2 – It's the penultimate race of the season. Max Verstappen already has clinched his fourth consecutive season championship. AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports Be the first to know

Why Grocers Need to Adopt Strategies for a Seamless Customer ExperienceHIGHLANDERS’ 18-year wait for the league title can only be ended by improving the quality of players in the squad, according to two-time league championship winner, Noah Muvindi. Muvindi had exciting moments in his career, especially with the Bulawayo giants, which saw him lifting two consecutive Premiership championships and many other trophies in 2001 and 2002. Muvindi is now a keen observer of the local football scene and attributes Bosso’s struggles to lack of quality players. “To be honest, Bosso have not had the quality players needed to compete for the league title. When you look at the starting 11 and then the bench, there is a clear lack of depth that can win you a league title. During our days you had two quality players battling for each position, which is not the case now. For example, I personally had Gift Lunga (Jnr) as my competition for the left-back position and sometimes the coach would have a headache on who should start and would ask us to agree on who was to start. I don’t think the players the team has now are the quality which can win you a championship,” said Muvindi. He believes that a strong and balanced squad is essential for winning the league and unfortunately, Bosso have been lacking in that department. Muvindi’s comments come at a time when Bosso fans are eagerly waiting for the team to reclaim its former glory. With the team’s rich history and passionate fan base, there is no doubt that Bosso has the potential to dominate the local football scene once again. However, according to Muvindi, this will require significant investment to get quality players. “Bosso needs to attract and retain top talent if they want to compete with the best teams in the league,” said Muvindi who started his career at Giants in Division One before moving to Buffaloes two years later. He believes Bosso’s player exodus in 2003 disrupted their dominance in the league and Caf Champions League. “The team lost Adam Ndlovu (late) and Stewart Murisa, who both joined South African clubs. The following season, it was worse because the team lost Dazzy Kapenya, Thabani Masawi, Siza Khoza, Charles Chilufya, Blessing Gumiso and myself,” he said. Highlanders’ quest for league glory is set to suffer a major setback before the start of the next campaign as they are set to lose key players to newly-promoted Scottland FC. Peter Muduhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, Lynoth Chikuhwa and Marvelous Chigumira are reportedly bound for Scottland FC, leaving Bosso with a daunting task of finding suitable replacements. This development comes at a time when Highlanders were showing signs of improvement, particularly in their attacking play. In the 2024 season, they scored 43 goals, the third-highest tally in the league. The team’s attacking prowess was further emphasised by their player, Chikuhwa, winning the Golden Boot award after scoring 17 goals. However, defensive frailties remain a major concern, with Highlanders boasting the 11th-best defence in the league. The loss of key players will undoubtedly exacerbate this problem, and Bosso will need to spend money on the transfer market or promote from their development sides to beef up their defence. The club leadership is on record stating that they will be beefing up their squad ahead of next season. —@innocentskizoe Brandon Moyo, ZIMBABWE Test captain Craig Ervine is confident that his side will be able to put in a good shift against Afghanistan when the two sides face off in the first Test match at Queens Sports Club tomorrow. The forthcoming game is Zimbabwe’s first Boxing Day Test match on home soil in 28 [...] THE 2024 Castle Lager, PSL and Zifa Leagues have ended and all soccer players are taking a well-deserved break. Money games must not feature on the agenda of professional soccer players. Pre-season rest and recovery are a vital aspect of a soccer player’s training regime. It is crucial for soccer players for several reasons: Physical [...] Langton Nyakwenda Zifa Electoral Committee chairperson, Lincoln Mutasa, says his committee is not inventing new rules but is merely “trying to stick to the book.” This comes after the committee announced that four candidates vying for the Zifa presidency had failed an integrity test conducted by the Ethics and Integrity Committee that was chaired by [...]Maypharm Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Filler, Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome: The Future of Skin Hydration and Regeneration

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