Articles by Georgia Burns

Business

Full list of cars axed from Mobility scheme including some big name brands

A major shake-up to the Motability scheme has been confirmed and it means drivers will no longer be able to choose high-end luxury cars through the programme. At the same time the government says the changes are designed to prioritise UK car makers and boost investment at home. Motability allows eligible disabled people who receive personal independence payments (PIP) to exchange part of their benefit for a rented vehicle. The scheme offers tax exemptions and covers necessary vehicle adaptions, helping many retain independence, mobility and employment. Founded in 1977, Motability has grown in a major force in the UK car market, with over 800,000 Motability vehicles on the road today - with 50,000 of the vehicles leased by the scheme being higher-end vehicles. However recent years have seen growing controversy, particularly around the rising number of people with non-visible disabilities and the increase in volume of individuals receiving PIP. Additionally, there were complaints that some individuals receiving PIP were able to get a luxury vehicle by paying an additional contribution. Critics complained that individuals should not be able to get a "premium" car subsidised by the taxpayer. Motability Operations, the organisation delivering the scheme, has now announced that branded luxury options will be phased out. Popular high-end brands including BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Lexus and Alfa Romeo will no longer be available, with their removal taking effect 'immediately'. The organisation also stated it must concentrate on cars that "meet disabled peoples' needs and represent value and purpose". Additionally, the charity also outlined a major shift towards supporting the British automotive industry. Its long term ambition is for half of all leased vehicles to be built in the UK by 2035, ultimately generating demand for around 150,000 vehicles each year. This will inevitably include models from Nissan, which has one of the UK's largest car factories in Sunderland, as well as car made by Mini and Toyota. An announcement from Motability explained: "In the short term, Motability Operations will work closely with UK-based manufacturers to increase the share of British-built vehicles leased by customers, while maintaining affordability, choice and quality. "This includes doubling the number of Nissan British-built vehicles that the scheme leases to around 40,000. "The intention would be that 25 per cent of cars on the scheme would be UK-built by 2030, up from 7 per cent today." Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who reportedly vowed to axe luxury cars from the scene a few weeks ago, said: "Backing British car manufacturing will support thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs and is exactly the long-term investment our Modern Industrial Strategy delivers. "We are growing the economy to bring down debt, cut NHS waiting lists and cut the cost of living."

Entertainment

'I watched Wicked: For Good and I'm still wondering if the hype was worth it'

Wicked: For Good has finally hit cinemas , continuing the story from the first movie which was released this time last year and i finally got a chance to go and see it. But was it really worth it? I walked into the cinema with high expectations and I still don't know if they were truly met by the whole film. As a fan of the stage show, I know this half of the story is where the stakes rise, relationships fracture and characters are meant to be pushed emotionally in all different directions, so I expected to leave with my jaw on the floor - but I don't think I did. And while there's no denying the film is visually stunning with amazing vocals from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo , I couldn't help but feel that something was missing. For a filmed marketed as the "big emotional conclusion" I wanted more because if you're going to double the runtime, I want double the depth. There is nothing negative to see in regards to Ariana's performance as Glinda and Cynthia's role as Elphaba, i think it was perfect casting, with two people who have amazing singing voices and great chemistry to play the roles of enemies turned besties. Marissa Bode as Nessa Rose delivers an excellent performance, portraying her in a way which makes you genuinely dislike her character a lot - but her arc felt completely rushed. We know that Nessa has become the mayor of Munchkinland following the death of her and Elphaba's father due to 'shame' and she still loves Boq and can't help but notice him wherever she goes. Yet, beyond these key plot points, their lives remain largely unexplored. This really made me question if the film needed to be split into two parts and if separating and making it almost twice as long as the stage performance was just a cash grab. The turning point for Nessa and Boq is when Boq is turned into the Tin Man. Although Ethan Slater turns into the Tin Man from the original Wizard of Oz four - Dorothy, Tin Man, the Lion and the Scarecrow - for a minuscule amount of time in the film, he truly deserves his flowers for the emotional performance. The way he delivered the line: "I have a personal score to settle with Elph... with the Witch," genuinely sent chills down my spine. It's proof that casting true theatre performers in these roles pays off. They understand how to convey emotion with intensity that makes you feel as though you're right there in the front row of a West End performance and not a freezing cold cinema. The final moments of the film when Elphaba and Glinda perform For Good and the story reaches its emotional climax, truly brought everything together for me. It was powerful, beautifully executed and left me sitting there thinking 'wow... that was worth it." I won't give anything away, because it's a moment that deserves to be watched first hand rather than explained. So, despite a few flaws and the mixed reception from some critics (including myself) I would still wholeheartedly recommend this film to everyone. And if audience reactions are anything to go by, it's clear Wicked: For Good struck a chord with audiences - I only had to glance at my friend's tear streaked face as the credits rolled to see that. And in a surprise it has been confirmed that a prequel is in the works. With Gregory Maguire, the mastermind behind the original Wicked novel, announcing a new prequel all about Glinda. The upcoming book, Galinda: A Charmed Childhood, will explore Glinda's backstory before she became the 'Good Witch' we know today. So if that doesn't show that Wicked is a fan favourite, I don't know what else can.

Technology

Boost your car's resale value by thousands using these simple recommended steps

Selling a car can be a relatively big deal and take up a lot of time and effort. However many sellers are loosing out on hundreds, even thousands of pounds simply by rushing the process. While factors such as mileage, age and make affect the value of the car, presentation and preparation can often make just as much of a difference to the final sale price. Now an expert has shared five tips to boost the value of your car , ensuring your not loosing out on any money in the process. According to Charlie Rei, Company Director at Riverside Car Sales , a little preparation before listing your car can dramatically increase both its appeal and final sale price. "The difference between an average sale and an excellent one often comes down to preparation," the expert reveals. "There are five simple things sellers can do to boost their car’s resale value by thousands of pounds." He continues: "These five steps work because they address reliability, transparency and condition, which are all important buyer concerns." Charlie has put together five tips that can turn a good sale into a great one. One of the simplest ways to increase a vehicle's value is by ensuring it comes with a full 12 month MOT. While it's legal to sell a car without one, most buyers are cautious about motors with expired or soon-to-be expired certificates. The expert explains: " A full 12-month MOT instantly adds value because it removes uncertainty for the buyer. They know the car has recently passed safety and emissions standards. "This peace of mind typically translates to several hundred pounds more in the sale price." According to Charlie, spending £40 to £55 on a test before selling can yield returns of £300-£500 or more, particularly on vehicles worth over £5,000. For electric car owners, the battery is the heart of the car and its condition can heavily influence resale value. Charlie advises selling to obtain an official battery health reports from an authorised service centre before listing the car for sale. "Battery degradation is the main concern for anyone buying a used EV," Charlie notes. "An official report showing the battery retains 85–90 percent or more of its original capacity can justify a premium of £1,000–£2,000. On the other hand, the absence of a battery health report raises red flags and can significantly reduce what buyers are willing to pay." Battery diagnostics can start at around £50, ranging up to £200 depending on the vehicle and depth of testing - a small price for a significant return. Scratched alloy wheels, chipped paintwork and scuffed bumpers may seem minor, but the expert reveals that these can seriously harm the buyers impression of the car. "First impressions matter enormously," says Charlie. "A buyer who notices multiple minor defects will often assume there are hidden problems too. Addressing these issues shows that you cared about the vehicle, which is a positive sign for prospective buyers." Professional repairs are often affordable. Alloy wheel refurbishment costs £50–£90 per wheel, and minor paintwork corrections start at £40–£60. These quick fixes can return three to five times their cost by improving the car's perceived value. A complete service history remains one of the most valuable assets when selling a used car. It helps to show that the vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer standards, helping reassure buyers about its mechanically condition. The expert explains: " Cars with full service history routinely command £500–£1,500 more than identical models with incomplete records. “If you've missed a service, it's worth having the car serviced before sale. The cost of a service, which is typically £150–£300, is far less than the value you'll lose without that documentation." Whether digital or paper-based, make sure your records are neatly organised and available for buyers to review. Missing spare keys can raise eyebrows among buyers and can cost you money. Charlie says: "Having two fully functional keys signals that the car has been properly looked after. "If you’ve lost the spare, it’s almost always worth having a replacement programmed before selling. The investment typically pays for itself and increases buyer confidence."