London is set to receive a thick layer of snow. According to forecasters at WXCharts, on February 12 at 6am a massive snow cloud will smother the capital, before heading north by noon.
On the map below, the snow is represented by purple shading, with a darker tone representing heavier snowfall. Where the snow is set to blanket London, WX Charts predicts we will see about 0.6mm of snowfall.
Neither the BBC or the Met Office predict snow in the immediate future, however. London’s full upcoming weather forecast can be found below.
London is due a snow cloud at 6am on February 12 (Image: WX Charts)
London weather
According to the UK’s national forecaster, The Met Office, today (January 30) will be ‘cloudy and dull but largely dry during the morning, with just the odd patch of drizzle. Brighter conditions will gradually spread from the northwest during the afternoon, with cloud perhaps clearing to allow some late sunshine in the west. Maximum temperature 10C’.
And tonight will be ‘a dry night with cloud mostly clearing inland, allowing a fairly widespread frost to develop, along with isolated fog patches. Minimum temperature -2C’.
Whereas tomorrow (January 31) will be ‘dry for most of the day, but rather cloudy, and increasingly breezy during the afternoon. Intermittent rain and drizzle is likely during the evening and overnight, clearing by dawn. Maximum temperature 10C’.
And from Thursday (February 1) through to Saturday (February 3), it will be ‘dry but rather cloudy Thursday, and feeling chilly. Breezier on Friday and Saturday, with some outbreaks of drizzle, but many places will remain largely dry. Feeling mild in sheltered spots’.
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is giving a monthly £691 boost to individuals with any of the 25 listed health conditions. The Personal Independence Payments (PIP) scheme could mean you're entitled to this extra cash if you have a severe breathing issue affecting your daily routine.
PIP amounts can reach up to £172.75 each week. Since the payment is made every four weeks, this totals about £691 per payout - over £8,000 per year. According to the DWP, PIP isn't awarded solely based on your medical condition or disability but also considers how it impacts your day-to-day life and mobility.
For example, those with respiratory issues like bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, empyema and asthma may not be aware they fall under the "respiratory disease" category and can claim additional support due to these specific conditions. Here are some of the conditions that could qualify you for PIP:
Sleep apnoea - obstructive
Upper respiratory tract - other diseases of/type not known
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic bronchitis
Cystic fibrosis
Emphysema
Empyema
Bronchiectasis
Asthma
Asbestosis
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Fibrosing alveolitis
Sarcoidosis
Silicosis
Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration
A health professional will assess you to determine the level of help you can receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you're getting the right support. To qualify for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months, and these difficulties are expected to continue for at least another nine months.
You typically need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. If your condition requires or results in needing help with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP. Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV.UK website.
PIP is made up of two components and the amount you could get from the DWP depends on how your condition affects you. You could get:
A man from Barnet has been sentenced after he made 45 bogus claims for damaged televisions. The man took out 87 home insurance policies and received over £30,000 for all his claims.
Alfred Gallinelli, 36, took out the policies from November 2017 to July 2018, using false names to make the claims. He pocketed £31,590 after 26 of the claims were settled for accidental damage to a flat-screen television.
After Gallinelli took out a home insurance policy in November 2017 he made his first claim in January 2018 to say that he dropped a TV and the insurer gave him a voucher to replace it. Then in March 2018, Gallinelli alleged that his wall-mounted TV set had fallen and broken several shelves, an iPhone and an iPad, which the insurer dealt with again, providing a replacement phone and another voucher.
Gallinelli was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court (Image: Google)
After the second claim, Gallinelli was investigated by a company that the insurer used to validate claims and arrange replacement items since he had already claimed for the same thing. They found that Gallinelli had taken out a total of 82 policies under various names and made 40 claims against them.
They could link the same bank account and IP address to multiple policies, with the TV in many of the photos submitted as evidence of damage having the same serial number. After the fraudulent claims were identified, 19 were denied before they could be paid out.
After these were processed, cross-industry checks led staff at another insurer to suspect they had also been scammed by Gallinelli. In their investigation, they found that Gallinelli had taken out five home insurance policies using various names, taking his total policies to 87, and £6,829 had been paid out against them, with five further claims worth a total of £16,000 in waiting. They were denied before they could be paid out.
Gallinelli was referred to the City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) in August 2018 and was finally sentenced on October 24, 2023, to two counts of fraud by false representation. On January 25, 2024, he was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and pay a victim surcharge.
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The father of a bullied North London schoolgirl said he is a 'victim of a failing system' following her suicide. Mia Janin, 14, took her own life after receiving a torrent of horrendous messages on social media.
The Year 10 pupil at the Jewish Free School (JFS) in Kenton in Harrow, North West London was found dead at her family home in Barnet on March 12, 2021. At an inquest into her death, North London area coroner Tony Murphy concluded that Mia, 14, 'took her life while still a child and while still in the process of maturing into adulthood', at Barnet Coroner's Court on Friday.
Mia's father, Mariano Janin, paid tribute to his daughter, saying: "She was fantastic, she was very bubbly, good sense of humour, she was beautiful, she was very kind, very creative." Mr Murphy, whose wife Marisa has since died as well, said Mia was last seen alive at about 10pm on March 11 2021, when she said good night to her parents in their family home.
She was found hanged by her parents at about 6.50am on March 12 2021. Two undated letters in Mia's handwriting were found on her bed addressed to 'her loving family and friends', which 'explained that Mia decided to end her life'.
Mr Murphy added before his conclusion that Mia had 'close friends including at her secondary school, but she also experienced bullying from some male students'. He added that neither Mia's family or teachers were aware of that before her death.
Mr Murphy said: "Mia's secondary school has introduced systemic changes following her death. Mia is much missed by her loving family, caring friends and the wider community." The area coroner said he would let the legal representatives know at a later time if he would be issuing a prevention of future deaths report.
In a statement after the inquest, Mr Janin said: "Nothing will bring back my wife and my daughter Mia. For almost three years we have sought answers for the loss of Mia, today we found some of those answers and the failure of the people who trust and were meant to keep her safe.
"My daughter experienced prolonged and sustained bullying in various ways in person and online. In a way it's a relief this has now been recognised, however, there does need to be accountability. Another family cannot live what I have lived."
Mr Janin added: "In order to protect our kids I think we need to do a lot of things. I think we need to put some limits on the access of the kids on the internet and how we can recollect the data if something like this has happened. We need to create a safe environment for our kids."
Mariano Janin, father of Mia, says schools need to create a safer environment for children (Image: James Manning)
Asked what he would like to see in a potential prevention of future deaths report, he said: "I'm not a specialist, I have experience with what's happened to Mia. I think the school has to be more vigilant, they need more young people to understand all this social media, all this technology."
He said that 'school is not only for the curricula' but they need to have 'clear values' in order to respect one another and have a better society. Mr Janin added: "It's very simple, it's nothing to do with me. Unfortunately, I'm a victim of this failing system."
Mr Janin said he would not support smart phone bans in schools, but referred to the Online Safety Bill, saying that it's 'something that is right'. He added: "We need to learn from our mistakes in order to avoid this happening again."
Mr Janin said he was glad to hear the school has put changes in place. Statements given by friends of Mia to the Metropolitan Police after her death were read out to the inquest, in which they said Mia was bullied by other pupils at the school, and that their friendship group was nicknamed the 'suicide squad' in the months leading up to her death.
They said that one of Mia's TikToks was shared to a Snapchat group chat run by male pupils at JFS, where they made fun of her. One child said the boys used the group chat to share nude photos of girls.
Rabbi Howard Cohen, former deputy headteacher at JFS, told the inquest that after Mia's death there was 'some talk around the school' of what he described as 'boys-only bravado groups' sharing images of girls, and he was made aware of a boys' WhatsApp group in which members were rating the 'attractiveness' of female pupils.
But there was no reason to believe the groups were related to Mia, Rabbi Cohen said. He told the inquest he held a meeting with members of one of the group chats, who then agreed to disband it.
Mr Janin told the inquest that his daughter asked if she could move school, after coming home on March 11. The inquest heard that his wife Marisa told Mia she could be home-schooled for the rest of the school year, and that they would look into moving her to a new school after.
Mia then went to bed. Hours later, she was dead. The area coroner previously said that there was no evidence that any images or videos involving Mia had been shared in the group chat, except for the TikTok.
For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org.
Londoners are preparing for two significant closures of parts of the capital's transport network in the coming weeks. Transport for London's (TfL) has said that its Tram network will be partly shut for 14 days in a row between February 10 and 23.
The authority's calendar has also denoted that sections of the Overground will be shut for eight days. Between Saturday, Febraury 10, and Friday, February 23, there will be no Tram service between Reeves Corner and Sandilands. Bosses say a replacement bus service - the TL1 - will operate.
Sections of the London Overground will be closed for eight days (Image: Peter Zelei/Getty)
Meanwhile, closures on the Overground will vary. Here is a full breakdown of what is planned:
On February 3 and 4, there will be no service between Willesden Junction and Stratford. Replacement buses operate between Willesden Junction and Camden Road only. Customers are urged to use alternative London Buses and London Underground services
On February 5, 6, 7, and 8 Monday 5, 10.45pm each evening, there will be no service between Hackney Downs and Chingford. Replacement buses will operate between Hackney Downs and Chingford
On February 10, there will be no service between Camden Road and Stratford. Replacement buses will operate instead
On February 11, there will be no service between Gospel Oak and Stratford. Replacement buses will operate
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It comes as TfL is working to replace most of its tram fleet amid dwindling reliability. The authority’s commissioner, Andy Lord, told the London Assembly’s budget and performance committee on December 19 that the procurement of the new stock will begin soon.
The commissioner said: “Our intention this year is that we will start procurement for the new tram fleet. The vast majority of our trams are coming up to 25 years old. We hope to start the procurement process for that imminently."
In June, the TfL board was told in a report: "The majority of our trams fleet is reaching the end of its initial design life and, as a result, is experiencing declining reliability, with one of the lowest states of good repair categorisations across our fleets."
A woman uninvited her brother's long term girlfriend to her wedding after she made her pay £1,000 for a swanky London dinner. Sarah shared the story on TikTok, where she explains that the girlfriend often made 'digs' at her and making her pay for this meal, that her brother previously agreed to pay for, was the final straw.
Sarah explains that the girlfriend had previously asked her to come to a party at her South Kensington flat, and do her friends makeup. Nobody offered her any money but as this was when she was starting out as a makeup artist she didn't mind.
That night, Sarah returned before the others and went to sleep on the sofa. When everyone got back the girlfriend began shouting at her for being on the couch and said "that sofa was more expensive than my car".
Sarah says that her brother was unimpressed with how she spoke to me and she felt like "a seven year old child being banished". A few days later she received a text apologising and blaming it on the alcohol.
The TikToker adds: "I'm willing to let it go. I'm not that fussed."
Then, at a later date her brother invited her to Heston Blumenthal's restaurant as the friends he and his girlfriend were meant to go with pulled out. Sarah said: "My first reaction is absolutely not, I do not have that sort of money."
But, Sarah's brother offered to pay for her and her partner as a birthday treat so they eventually agree to go. She revealed: "The meal is out of this world but this girl is really grating on me."
She explains that she continued to make digs throughout the meal and as she gets drunker is getting meaner. The girlfriend then asks for the bill when both the men are outside smoking and splits it.
Sarah felt really awkward and ended up paying the £1000 bill as she didn't want to appear as a freeloader. But after this, she stops talking to her brother as she doesn't "want anything to do with this toxic relationship".
Sarah later gets engaged and despite not talking to her brother her parents invite all of her siblings. She wasn't aware that they had also said they could bring plus ones.
Twelve days before her big day she finds out and uninvited the girlfriend. Sarah said: "It causes a massive fuss because she's already bought her shoes and her hat... I really hope that she ended up wearing those Jimmy shoes somewhere nice."
Sarah concluded that it was the best thing she'd ever done as it led to her brother and his girlfriend to end the relationship and he is now happily married.
Dozens of Croydon motorists have been hit with PCN letters ordering them to pay £195 immediately. Many claim they did not receive the letters offering them a chance to pay the standard reduced £65 figure if paid within a certain amount of time.
Croydon Council is investigating whether a software failure is to blame for this fault, which targeted motorists who drove through prohibited roads during November and December of 2023. While most acknowledge they drove through these zones and would pay the initial fine, they believe the order for a £195 fine without the chance to contest is ‘unfair.’
Sel Sharpe, an elderly motorist who was caught driving back from Croydon University Hospital told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I just think that it’s kind of heartwrenching to get something like that when you’re a pensioner. They just need to get it right.”
Residents have been told Royal Mail delays may have compounded the issue (Image: Harrison Galliven/LDRS)
Sel, of Shirley, also commented how this fine has come at the worst possible time for Croydon residents, who are facing the dual pressures of a cold winter and cost of living crisis. She said: “I’m incensed. It's cold at this time of year, do we have to now cut down on food because we are being made to pay £195.”
After reaching out, Sel discovered she was not the only pensioner who had experienced this. She discovered an elderly driver drove through the same car-restricted section of Lodge Road and received a similar letter demanding £195 instead of the initial £65.
Others have told the LDRS how they have paid the initial fine, but have still received letters from Croydon Council, saying they must pay the full amount or face enforcement action. Many have expressed their frustrations with trying to contact the council to correct this issue.
Speaking to the LDRS, South Norwood resident Jeanette Goddard said: “The problem is that you can’t question it as there are no phone lines you can get hold of. You can send them an email but more often than not they don’t bother to respond. I did try Croydon Council, but I waited half an hour one day and fourty-five minutes the next. They only told me the same thing, which was that I had to send an email.”
Some residents have admitted they don't have the money to pay the increased £195 fine (Image: Harrison Galliven/LDRS)
She added: “I was parking on the street, waiting to get my tyre changed. As I moved off the camera caught me going down that road. I paid on November 21, but they did not acknowledge it and the next letter said it had now gone up to £195.”
“I’ve already sent them all the proof, so I don’t know what the problem is. There is obviously something going on with their computer system. It’s like Mr Bates vs The Post Office.”
On Nextdoor, one resident said: “Right now I do not have the funds for the full increased amount and feel very upset. I have never received the PCN and its already escalated to the charge certificate. I fear it will affect my credit score if I don’t pay and it is causing a lot of tension.”
Ian Marvin, a Croydon local, also commented: “I had a notice dated November 21, needless to say it arrived too late to pay within the 10 days or whatever as I’m sure it didn’t actually leave until the New Year and then we only seem like most others to get one delivery every week. I’ve contested it, which is another story.
Councillors have acknowledged the distress this software failure may have caused residents, in what is considered one of the most financially challenging times of the year. They also noted the failure may have been compounded by Royal Mail delays over the festive period.
Residents admit driving through traffic-restricted roads, but say were not allowed to pay the lower fee (Image: Harrison Galliven/LDRS)
Tory Councillor Alasdair Stewart, who represents Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown, said: “It’s clear from the residents I’ve spoken to, both in person this weekend and on online platforms, that there is an issue – possibly compounded by delays and issues with Royal Mail deliveries.
“I’m sorry for the added stress this will be causing residents, especially at what is typically an expensive time of year. The Mayor and relevant cabinet members are aware, and I’m sure will do everything they can to fix any issues and ensure residents don’t lose out. If anyone didn’t receive the original Penalty Charge Notice notification letter, they should contact the council directly or via their local councillors.”
While they await the Council’s official response to the issue, residents have also discussed the possibility of filing a statutory declaration with the Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC). This option could provide them with an alternate means of redress.
Claims taken through the TEC require residents to go to County Court and get a declaration signed officially. Once the claim is received by the TEC, it will prevent any further action from the local authority. The TEC will then asses the claim before making a decision.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson from Croydon Council said: “We are investigating a potential software problem that may have impacted some PCNs issued in the borough late last year. We are currently looking into this further and apologise for any inconvenience or distress that may have been caused.
“We will be in direct contact with anyone affected if our investigation does uncover a fault in the system. There will be a further update this week.”
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