The fate of a potential trade agreement between the European Union and the United States now lies largely in the hands of President Donald Trump, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen prepares for high-stakes negotiations this Sunday in Scotland.
With a Friday deadline looming, failure to reach a deal could trigger 30% tariffs on EU exports to the US, escalating trade tensions between the two economic powerhouses.
Last-Minute Negotiations Underway
According to BBC News, intensive discussions have been ongoing at both technical and political levels. A spokesperson for von der Leyen stated, “Leaders will now assess the progress and explore the possibility of a balanced agreement that ensures stability for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.”
However, EU officials remain cautious, acknowledging that Trump’s unpredictable negotiating style could sway the final outcome. The US president recently demonstrated this in talks with Japan, where last-minute changes were made before a deal was finalized.
Proposed Tariff Structure and Key Exemptions
The draft agreement under discussion would impose a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US, with limited exceptions for sectors such as:
Aviation
Medical devices and generic medicines
Certain spirits
Specialized manufacturing equipment
Steel and aluminum imports would face a 50% tariff if they exceed agreed quotas. Additionally, Trump has already imposed a 25% levy on cars and auto parts, along with a 50% tariff on copper.
As reported by Reuters, the EU is pushing for a 15% cap on future tariffs in sensitive industries like pharmaceuticals—a sticking point where Trump’s stance will be decisive.
Trump’s Take: “50-50 Chance” of a Deal
Speaking to reporters upon arriving in Scotland, Trump remarked, “We’ll see if we make a deal. Ursula [von der Leyen] is highly respected, and we look forward to the discussion.” He estimated only a *”50-50 chance”* of success, citing unresolved issues on “maybe 20 different things.”
Despite the uncertainty, Trump suggested the EU had a “pretty good chance” of securing an agreement. If successful, he called it “the biggest deal of them all.”
Potential Fallout: EU Prepares Retaliatory Measures
Should negotiations collapse, the EU is ready to impose counter-tariffs on $100 billion worth of US goods, targeting:
Boeing aircraft
American-made cars
Bourbon whiskey
Scrap metal exports
The bloc may also deploy its anti-coercion instrument, a powerful trade tool that could restrict US access to EU markets in services, public contracts, and other sectors.
Broader Implications: Trade, Security, and Immigration
Beyond tariffs, the deal could include provisions on:
Non-tariff trade barriers
Economic security cooperation
Strategic EU purchases in energy and AI chips
Trump also hinted at linking trade discussions to immigration concerns, stating, “You have to stop this horrible invasion happening in Europe—it’s killing many countries.”
What’s Next?
If an agreement is reached, it will likely take the form of a brief joint statement, paving the way for more detailed negotiations. However, with Trump’s history of last-minute demands, the outcome remains uncertain.
For the latest updates on this developing story, follow Financial Times.
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rewrite this article to 100% unique aricle with back link with other good traffic web in the article : Labour urged to overhaul crucial pension-age benefit claimed by millions
Issues around the benefit were described as a ‘scandal’ by one senior Labour MP
The government has been told it needs to make major changes to a pension-age benefit claimed by millions if it is to effectively tackle pensioner poverty in the UK.
Claimed by 1.3 million individuals, Pension Credit is designed to bring low-income pensioners’ funds up to a liveable level. Under current entitlement, claimants will see their incomes topped up to at least
Labour Faces Calls for Urgent Pension Credit Reform to Tackle Growing Pensioner Poverty Crisis
The Labour government is under mounting pressure to overhaul Pension Credit, a vital but underclaimed benefit designed to support low-income retirees, as concerns grow about rising pensioner poverty across the UK.
The Pension Credit Crisis: A “Scandal” in Plain Sight
Currently claimed by 1.3 million pensioners, Pension Credit acts as a financial lifeline, topping up incomes to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single retirees and £306.85 for couples. However, experts estimate that up to 850,000 eligible households are still missing out—a situation one senior Labour MP has branded a “national scandal.”
According to The Guardian, the benefit’s complex application process and lack of awareness have contributed to shockingly low take-up rates, leaving many vulnerable pensioners struggling to afford basics like food, heating, and healthcare.
Why Reform Is Urgently Needed
Campaigners argue that the current system fails to address key issues:
✅ Low Awareness – Many retirees don’t know they qualify.
✅ Bureaucratic Barriers – The application process is needlessly complicated.
✅ Stigma – Some pensioners avoid claiming due to perceived shame.
A recent report by Age UK revealed that one in six UK pensioners live in poverty, with numbers rising as inflation squeezes fixed incomes. Without urgent reform, critics warn the crisis will deepen.
Labour’s Next Steps: Will They Act?
While Labour has pledged to “review the welfare system,” campaigners demand concrete action, including:
🔹 Automatic enrollment for eligible pensioners (a system already used for State Pensions).
🔹 Simplified applications via online portals and community outreach.
🔹 A nationwide awareness campaign to boost take-up.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Ashworth has called the current situation “unacceptable in a modern welfare state,” but the government has yet to confirm specific reforms.
The Wider Impact of Inaction
If changes aren’t made, experts warn of:
📉 Increased reliance on food banks among older people.
🏥 Worsening health inequalities as pensioners skip meals or heating.
💰 Higher long-term costs for social care and NHS services.
For more insights on pensioner poverty trends, see BBC News.
What Happens Next?
With pressure building from charities, MPs, and the public, Labour must decide whether to prioritise Pension Credit reform in its upcoming budget. Failure to act could leave millions of pensioners at risk—a political and moral challenge the new government cannot afford to ignore.
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rewrite this article to 100% unique aricle with back link with other good traffic web in the article :Council tax alert as five types of households could cut bill by 25%
Council tax bills are based on some assumptions about your home, so if you’re household doesn’t match this you could be due a discount
Council tax bills are automatically assigned to households based on assumptions including as property value and occupancy. However, depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a discounted rate.
Those who think they may be eligible for a discount will need to use the Gov.uk checker to locate their local council’s application portal. Age UK stated: “There are some circumstances where you may get a discount on your council tax. The amount of discount varies depending on your circumstances.
Council Tax Shock: 5 Households That Could Slash Bills by 25%
Millions of Britons could be overpaying on council tax without realizing it, as experts reveal five common household situations that qualify for significant discounts—potentially cutting bills by 25% or more.
Why You Might Be Paying Too Much
Council tax bills are automatically calculated based on property value bands and occupancy assumptions, but many households don’t match these standard criteria. If your living situation falls into certain categories, you could be legally entitled to a discount—yet thousands miss out due to lack of awareness.
According to MoneySavingExpert, one in three eligible households fails to claim council tax reductions they’re owed.
5 Households That Could Qualify for Big Discounts
1. Single-Person Households
If you live alone, you’re automatically entitled to a 25% discount—yet many forget to apply.
2. Homes with ‘Severely Mentally Impaired’ Residents
If someone in your household has a severe cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia), you could get a 25-50% reduction, depending on circumstances.
3. Students & Apprentice-Only Households
Full-time students and apprentices living together don’t pay council tax at all, but must apply for an exemption.
4. Low-Income or Benefit Recipients
Those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other benefits may qualify for a 100% discount via Council Tax Support.
5. Uninhabitable or Under-Construction Properties
If your home is being renovated, empty due to repairs, or legally deemed uninhabitable, you could get a 50-100% discount for up to 12 months.
How to Claim Your Discount
Age UK advises: “Many people don’t realize they’re eligible—always check with your local council.” Steps to claim:
1️⃣ Use the GOV.UK Council Tax checker
2️⃣ Contact your local council directly (discounts aren’t automatic)
3️⃣ Provide evidence (e.g., tenancy agreements, medical letters, student status)
Why Thousands Miss Out
Lack of awareness – Many assume bills are fixed.
Complex rules – Criteria vary by council.
No automatic refunds – You must apply proactively.
For a full breakdown of eligibility, see Citizens Advice.
Act Now—Before Bills Rise Again
With council tax hikes expected in 2025, experts urge households to check eligibility immediately. Even a 25% discount could save hundreds per year—money that could ease the cost-of-living squeeze.
“Don’t assume your bill is correct,” warns MoneySavingExpert’s Martin Lewis. “If your situation doesn’t fit the ‘standard’ household model, you’re likely overpaying.”
🔹 Have you successfully claimed a council tax discount? Share your experience in the comments!
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