Could I get car finance compensation?

1 hour ago Share Save Lucy Hooker Business reporter, BBC News Share Save

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If you used car finance to buy a vehicle any time in the last 18 years, you could be in line for compensation. It follows a recent court ruling on hidden commissions made by lenders to dealers, which opens the door for potential payouts to millions, if they are found to have been mis-sold finance. If you are eligible, you are still in for a bit of a wait, and for now the advice is not to sign up with a claims company promising to help you get redress, because it won't speed things up and they will charge a fee. But there are a few other things to bear in mind, if you are trying to work out whether you are likely to get compensation.

Am I eligible?

Most car buyers use motor finance where they borrow money and pay in instalments over time. In some cases, drivers pay monthly fees before paying a so-called "balloon payment" at the end. Car dealers almost always receive a payment for their part in arranging the loan - a commission. But a Supreme Court ruling on Friday has established that some dealers charged too much, or didn't explain the charges well enough to customers, and that those buyers should be compensated. The key is whether customers were treated "fairly" although the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, is still working on exactly what that will mean. One specific group of buyers who are likely to be eligible are people who took out car loans that included discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs). They were banned in 2021 but prior to that lenders gave car dealers leeway to charge higher interest and earn a percentage of that as commission. If you still have your contract you can check the terms and conditions.

How much is too much?

The Supreme Court ruled in a test case that Marcus Johnson should be entitled to compensation, setting one reference point for future cases. Mr Johnson told the court he was presented with "an enormous amount of paperwork". He didn't read it all and signed, trusting the sales representative to talk him through the deal. But 55% of what he was paying for the car was commission. Anyone paying commission at that level is likely to be eligible for compensation, but it remains to seen how much lower rates would have to be, to count as fair, ruling a customer out of the right to compensation.

If I think I am eligible, what do I do?

The FCA is setting up a compensation scheme. In October it will launch a six week consultation over how it should work, with the first payments expected to come in 2026. So you can just wait until the scheme is available. Alternatively, the charity Consumer Voice suggests writing now to your lender to establish the facts of your own case. Lenders must acknowledge your complaint within eight weeks, and by submitting a complaint at this stage you may get an indication of how likely you are to receive any redress, says co-founder Alex Neill. If you cannot remember the name of the lender involved the car dealership should be able to help you. Consumer groups and the FCA advise against signing up with a claims company. Many are advertising their services online, but they cannot proceed with a claim until the FCA scheme has been set up and if they do manage your case they will take a cut of any compensation.

How much will I get?

Kremlin plays down Trump's nuclear rhetoric as US envoy set to visit Moscow

2 hours ago Share Save Laura Gozzi BBC News Share Save

Bloomberg via Getty Images US President Donald Trump said he would move two nuclear submarines closer to Russia last week but didn't specify if they are nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed. The sub pictured above is a US ballistic missile submarine called the USS Kentucky.

The Kremlin has played down Donald Trump's orders to move two nuclear submarines closer to Russia, saying Moscow did not want to be involved in polemics. In the first official reaction since the US president's comments last Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said American submarines were on combat duty anyway and dismissed the idea that there had been an escalation. "Very complex, very sensitive issues are being discussed, which, of course, many perceive very emotionally," Peskov said - though he added that everyone should be "very cautious" with nuclear rhetoric. US envoy Steve Witkoff is due to visit Russia on Wednesday, according to Russian media.

Last week President Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to "be positioned in the appropriate regions" in response to what he called "highly provocative" comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump did not say whether they were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. Medvedev - who in recent years has espoused increasingly extreme rhetoric online - had accused Trump of "playing the ultimatum game" with Russia after the US president set a new deadline for Vladimir Putin to end the war with Ukraine. Without referencing the Medvedev spat directly, Peskov said on Monday that while "in every country members of the leadership... have different points of view", Russian foreign policy was dictated by Putin alone. Medvedev did not react to Trump's response and has not been active on X since sending the offending post. Relations between the US and Russia improved significantly after Trump took office in January - although in recent months the US president has signalled he suspects Putin may not be truly committed to ending the war in Ukraine, which began when Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Now Trump has brought forward a deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal, threatening Moscow with severe tariffs targeting its oil and other exports if a ceasefire is not agreed by Friday 8 August. Still, Washington and Moscow remain in contact and Peskov welcomed Witkoff's trip later this week.

Reuters "Everyone should be 'very cautious' with nuclear rhetoric," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Policing boss defects from Tories to Reform

18 minutes ago Share Save Pete Saull Political Editor, BBC East Midlands Share Save

Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire Rupert Matthews has been Leicestershire's PCC since 2021

The police and crime commissioner for Leicestershire and Rutland has defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK, giving the party its first PCC. Rupert Matthews has held the position since 2021 and served as an MEP for the East Midlands for the Tories between 2017 and 2019. Speaking at a press conference alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, he said the "dark heart of wokeness" needed to be cut out of the criminal justice system. "The self-serving, self-entitled liberal elite who have let our country down time after time are now on notice their day is almost done," he said.

"Be they Conservative or Labour governments, everyone knows our politicians have failed us all. They have let this country down. They have let the British people down. Enough. Now is the time for Reform."

Analysis

By Henry Zeffman, chief political correspondent, BBC News Rupert Matthews is hardly a big figure in the national Conservative Party. But his defection will still cause some anxiety. It adds to the sense that at the local level – the bedrock of any political party – the institutional Conservative Party is fraying, and that the energy on the right of British politics is with Reform UK instead. For Reform, after they gained control of 10 councils in the local elections in May, gaining their first police and crime commissioner is another local government milestone, and a useful office from which to make arguments about what they claim to be Britain's "lawlessness". That said, there is a risk for Reform in acquiring too many ex-Conservatives that they incorporate too many of the politicians who they claim have left Britain in a mess.

Matthews was re-elected as PCC in May 2024, beating Labour's Rory Palmer by 860 votes. Announcing the defection on Monday, Farage told the conference: "He's twice been elected as a Conservative but today he comes across to us as our first police and crime commissioner." He added: "Welcome on board." The switch could consolidate Reform UK's power base locally, with the party having led Leicestershire County Council since May after forming a minority administration. Labour accused Farage of "swelling the Reform ranks" with "the ghost of Tory past" and said his party offered "anger, but no answers". Additional reporting by Gavin Bevis.

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.

More on this story Rupert Matthews re-elected as Leicestershire PCC

Tesla awards boss Elon Musk $29bn in shares

The award should boost Musk's voting power on the electric car company's board.

Musk has been appealing against the decision made by the Delaware court in 2024 and on Monday Tesla told shareholders it was "confident" that the $29bn of shares "will incentivize Elon to remain at Tesla" especially as "the war for AI talent is intensifying".

The move comes after a US court struck down his 2018 pay package, worth more than $50bn, ruling that it was "unfair to shareholders".

Tesla has granted its chief executive Elon Musk $29bn (£21.7bn) worth of its shares, in an attempt to keep the billionaire at the firm.

"It is imperative to retain and motivate our extraordinary talent, beginning with Elon", Tesla's board wrote on X, a platform owned by Musk, adding that "no one matches Elon's remarkable combination of leadership experience, technical expertise".

The company said the billionaire had a "proven track record" in building "revolutionary and profitable businesses".

Tesla said if the Delware court reinstated Musk's 2018 pay deal, he would forfeit or return the latest share aware to avoid a "double dip".

The carmaker's board said it hoped its chief executive could be awarded the deal worth $56bn, which would be the biggest pay deal in corporate American history.

The deal was structured in such a way that if Mr Musk did not hit certain milestones – such as Tesla's market value, sales and underlying profit – he would not get paid at all.

But he achieved the targets that were laid out.

Musk's appeal to get his pay packet reinstated argues that the lower court made legal errors when rescinding his pay package. He has previously said that it should be company shareholders who decide pay.

Musk's latest pay deal comes as tech firms trying to assert themselves in the AI sector have been offering huge sums to workers at rivals in an effort to persuade them to join them and boost their development.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was said to have recently tried to lure top developers from ChatGPT-creator OpenAI with million-dollar pay deals.

Meanwhile Microsoft's AI division, headed up by former Google DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman, recently gained several new hires from Google's ranks.

Tesla the company was at an "inflection point" and needed Musk's prowess as it pivots from being an electric vehicle firm to an AI and robotics focused company.

The company added that the share award would be attractive for Musk "with other "demands on his time and attention".

Musk's other roles include executive positions at xAI, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, which makes tunnels and other infrastructure in the US.

He recently announced that he was stepping back from politics, after a stint as US President Donald Trump's adviser.

How to stay safe during a storm and what to do in a power cut

12 June 2025 Share Save Jennifer Clarke BBC News Share Save

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The Met Office has issued warnings of unseasonably strong winds as Storm Floris hits parts of the UK. An amber severe weather warning covering much of Scotland is in force until 23:00 BST on Monday. A yellow warning is in place for the northern half of the UK, including north Wales, northern England and Northern Ireland. Live: Events called off as Storm Floris brings wind and rain

How can you prepare and protect your home before a storm hits?

There are a number of steps you can take: secure any loose objects outside your property such as bins, ladders, trampolines and outdoor games, garden furniture and tools

check fences and roof tiles are secure

clear guttering of debris such as moss and leaves

if possible, remove any loose or overhanging branches

close and fasten external doors and windows

secure storm shutters, if they are fitted to your home or business

park vehicles in a garage, if you have one; otherwise ensure they are as far away as possible from buildings, trees and fences

close and secure loft trapdoors

make sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water in case you have to leave your home, for example because of flooding

charge mobile phones and any other critical devices including battery packs

gather essential documents such as passports and driving licences, and make sure you have contact and policy details for your insurance company

if you take medication, make sure you have a few days' supply If you are in a flood-risk area, try to move valuable or essential items upstairs or store them as high as you can on the ground floor. Check the UK weather warnings in place

What should you do during a storm?

Strong winds can cause damage to buildings, such as tiles coming off roofs, and heavy rain can lead to flooding. Public transport may be disrupted. People are advised to stay inside as much as possible and keep internal doors closed. Unplug any non-essential electrical items in case of power surges. If you do have to go out, you should avoid walking next to buildings, trees and the sheltered side of walls or fences, in case of collapse. You should not attempt to repair any damage to your property or possessions while a storm is in progress. The RSPCA advises bringing all animals inside and ensuring you have sufficient food, bedding and fresh water. Listen out for bad weather warnings on local radio and TV, and check government and news websites for the latest updates. In you become trapped by floodwater, you should go to the highest level of the building you are in. Avoid attic spaces due to the risk of being trapped by rising water, and only go onto the roof if absolutely necessary. Call 999 and wait for help.

What should you do if there is a power cut?

If you lose electricity you make sure all non-essential appliances are switched off, but leave a light on so you know when the supply returns. You can report a power cut online or by calling 105, which is a free service in England, Scotland and Wales. Alternatively, you can find the details of your energy network operator by using this postcode search tool. It may put you on a priority list for assistance if you have medical equipment in your home that needs electricity. If you can smell gas and suspect there is a leak in your home, you can report it by ringing 0800 111 999.

Can you drive during weather warnings?

Do not drive unless your journey is unavoidable. You should steer clear of flooded or exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads.

Martin Giles/BBC Flood water can be deceptively deep

If you do have to drive, make sure you have essential supplies such as warm clothing, food, drink, blankets and a torch, and carry a fully-charged phone. Drive slowly, and be especially cautious around high-sided vehicles and when overtaking. Give other vehicles extra room. Turn on your headlights or use fog lights if visibility is especially poor. AA: How to drive through deep water, heavy rain and floods Driving during a weather warning - including the most serious category, red - does not automatically invalidate your car insurance but it may make a claim more difficult. An insurer might try to prove negligence, such as driving on a road when advised not to, and refuse the claim.

What should you do after a storm?

Most home building, contents and commercial business policies cover storm damage. If you have suffered damage to your property or possessions you should: not do anything that puts you or your household at risk

be especially careful around any exposed electrical or telephone cables

only return to your home or business after a storm when it is safe to do so

contact your insurance company as soon as possible: most have 24-hour emergency helplines, which can advise on next steps and arrange repairs

if necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse. Tell your insurer and keep receipts, as this will form part of your claim

unless they are dangerous, don't throw away damaged items without discussing it with your insurer, in case they can be repaired

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South African farm worker says he was forced to feed women to pigs

Adrian de Wet (L) will take the stand against his boss Zachariah Johannes Olivier (R)

Mr De Wet, 20, turned state witness when the trial started on Monday and says farm owner Zachariah Johannes Olivier shot and killed the two women.

Their bodies were then alleged to have been given to pigs in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence.

Adrian de Wet is one of three men facing murder charges after Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were killed while allegedly looking for food on a farm near Polokwane in South Africa's northern Limpopo province last year.

A white South African farm worker accused of killing two black women says he was forced to feed their bodies to pigs, according to lawyers.

Ms Makgato and Ms Ndlovu were searching for soon-to-expire dairy products which had been left for pigs when they were killed.

Mr De Wet, a supervisor on the farm, will testify that he was under duress when he was forced to throw their bodies into the pig enclosure, according to both the prosecution and his lawyer.

If the court accepts his testimony, all charges against him will be dropped.

The case has sparked outrage across South Africa, exacerbating racial tensions in the country.

Such tension is especially rife in rural areas, despite the end of the racist system of apartheid more than 30 years ago. Most private farmland remains in the hands of the white minority, while most farm workers are black and poorly paid, fuelling resentment among the black population, while many white farmers complain of high crime rates.

William Musora, 50, another farm worker, is the third accused. He and Mr Olivier, 60, are yet to enter a plea and remain behind bars after their bail applications failed.

The three men also face charges of attempted murder for shooting at Ms Ndlovu's husband, who was with the women at the farm - as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and defeating the ends of justice.

Mr Musora, a Zimbabwean national, faces an additional charge under South Africa's Immigration Act over his status as an illegal immigrant.

The Limpopo High Court was packed with supporters and relatives of the victims ahead of proceedings.

Members of opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters, which has previously called for the farm to be shut down, were also present in the courtroom.

The trial was postponed to next week.

A feisty alligator was rescued from a swimming pool by a police officer in St Augustine, Florida.

Bodycam footage shows the police officer calmly reach into the water, using just his bare hands, to wrangle the "super mad" animal onto the poolside.

The residents were in awe of Deputy Richardson's confident handling of the creature.

St Johns County Sheriff's Office say the gator was "safely relocated to a nearby pond", after taking it there in the back of a police car.

F1 tycoon pleads guilty to abetting the obstruction of justice

8 hours ago Share Save Koh Ewe BBC News, Singapore Joel Guinto BBC News, Singapore Share Save

Watch: Ong Beng Seng arrives in court for corruption case on Monday

A Singapore-based billionaire hotelier has pleaded guilty to a charge connected to a rare corruption scandal that shocked the country last year. Ong Beng Seng has admitted to abetting the obstruction of justice by helping ex-transportation minister Subramaniam Iswaran cover up evidence while he was being investigated for corruption. Ong gave expensive gifts, including an all-expenses paid trip which included a private jet ride, to Iswaran while they were engaged in official business. Ministers in Singapore cannot keep gifts unless they pay the market value of the gift to the government, and they must declare anything they receive from people they have business dealings with.

Ong will be sentenced on 15 August.

Getty Images Ong Beng Seng is accused of giving expensive gifts to Singapore's former transport minister

He originally faced up to two years in jail for abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts, while the maximum jail term he faced for the abetment of obstruction of justice is seven years. However, both prosecutors and Ong's lawyers agreed that given his poor health, a fine should be imposed instead of a jail term, with the prosecution saying "judicial mercy" should be exercised. Ong has a rare bone marrow cancer, and the court previously allowed him to travel abroad for medical and work purposes. Prosecutors argued that while Ong was pivotal in Iswaran's attempt to cover his tracks, he was much less culpable than Iswaran, who had been a sitting minister. Ong's lawyers argued that he had "simply complied" with the plan thought up by Iswaran.

Getty Images Ong Beng Seng helped bring the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Singapore

Celtic will meet Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off round.

If Scottish Premiership runners-up Rangers get past Viktoria Plzen in the third round of qualifying, they take on either RB Salzburg or Club Brugge.

The play-off ties will take place over 19/20 August and 26/27 August, with the winners progressing to the league phase of the tournament.

The losers over two legs will drop into the Europa League at the league phase stage.

If Rangers lose out to Czech side Viktoria Plzen, that also secures a place in the league phase of the Europa League.

Celtic hammered Slovan Bratislava 5-1 in Glasgow last season on their way to a 21st-place finish in the Champions League table.

Brendan Rodgers' side won three and drew three of their league phase matches, going on to lose narrowly to Bayern Munich in the play-offs for the last 16.

Celtic have never played Kairat Almaty before but have beaten Shakhter Karagandy and Astana from Kazakhstan in 2013 and 2017.

Rangers last reached the group stage of the tournament in 2022.

Mohammed Siraj takes five wickets as India bowl England out for 367 to secure a six run win on the final morning of the final day at The Oval, with the victory also guaranteeing India draw the five match series 2-2.

MATCH REPORT: India win all-time Test despite Woakes heroics

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This series between England and India has definitely been the best that I have been involved in since the Ashes in 2005.

Winning in Australia in 2010-11 was also special, but this has had all the ingredients that makes Test match cricket so special - the intensity, the combative nature at times, the immense skill.

It has had everything, it has been every bit as competitive and compelling as any Ashes series.

Of course, England supporters would have loved Gus Atkinson to have scored those runs, even just six more for a tie, but to get a finish like that - regardless of who wins - is absolutely great for Test cricket.

I've enjoyed the competitive nature throughout, it is what Test cricket is all about.

You don't see it in T20 or franchise cricket. It shows how much people and the players care about Test cricket and playing for your country, you can tell the difference.

The 7,187 runs scored is the most in a five-Test series, and it is just the second time in the past 20 years that every game in a series of that length has gone to a final day.

If any administrator in the world game looks at this series and is considering four-day Tests as the way to go, they shouldn't be an administrator in cricket. That's all that needs to be said.