The latest figures, released in early 2026, show demand continuing to rise as households face ongoing cost pressures. Around 190,000 new claims were registered in the last quarter alone, with roughly 27,000 awards being made each month.

But while applications remain high, approval rates are falling. Just 46% of claims are now successful – down from a previous peak of 54% – suggesting many applicants could find it harder to access support.

At the same time, significant changes to the PIP system are being introduced this month. These include longer award periods for some claimants, updated payment rates, and a planned increase in face-to-face assessments throughout the year.

For those applying now, the combination of rising demand and tightening criteria may feel uncertain. However, experts say it’s important to understand that PIP can open the door to more than just financial help.

Leighton Roberts explains: “Applying for PIP can feel overwhelming, particularly as the system evolves and demand continues to grow. But support isn’t limited to payments – it can be the first step towards practical help that makes everyday life more manageable.”

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Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may be invited to an assessment to understand how their condition affects daily life.

“Everyone’s situation is different,” Roberts adds. “The goal is to ensure people feel supported and able to live safely and independently in their own homes.”

While the system continues to evolve, the key message for claimants is clear: even as rules tighten, PIP remains an important gateway to wider support beyond monthly payments.

The assault occurred at the end of Lake Street in New Hinksey, Oxford, on Saturday, March 21 at about 7.45pm.

Thames Valley Police said an offender ‘spat at’ the victim, a man in his 40s, next to the river.

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The force has now released a CCTV footage still of a man they want to speak to in connection with the assault.

Police are looking to identify this man in connection with the assault (Image: Thames Valley Police)

An image released by the force shows a white man wearing blue jeans, a blue top and a khaki beanie, wearing no shoes.

A spokesperson for the police said: “Do you recognise this man?

“We are appealing for your help to identify him as we believe he may have vital information about an assault.

“Anyone who can help us should get in touch, quoting the reference number 43260143194.”

The star of Clarkson’s Farm, filmed in Oxfordshire, posted a photograph of the Øresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark on Instagram in April 2024.

Mr Clarkson added the caption “I feel a green Porsche coming on”, which amused fans, given how against Porsche he has been in the past.

The 63-year-old even joked in the past that it may be because fellow Grand Tour presenters and friends James May and Richard Hammond own one.

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In 2010, Mr Clarkson said: “As you may know, I have always loved the Porsche 911, in much the same way that I have always loved Peter Mandelson, mouth ulcers, Greece, marzipan, caravanning holidays, the smoking laws, British Telecom, pointlessly complicated gadgets, tea before four, Piers Morgan, sweet white wine, ramblers, Liberal Democrats, beards, the Boeing 777, global warming scientists, average speed cameras and, I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this before, the feel of a cow. 

“In other words, I have always rather disliked the 911.

“Jokingly, and mainly to make them go away, I always tell fans of the breed that my dislike is based principally on the fact that James May and Richard Hammond both have one.”

Fans were left in disbelief at the caption, with many pointing out Mr Clarkson’s previous disdain for Porsche cars.

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“There was a time when you would rather eat May’s underpants than drive a Porsche, how times have changed,” said one Instagram user.

The caption was likely in jest as Mr Clarkson added in 2019 that even bright green paint was not enough to make him buy a Porsche despite “adoring” the colour.

He responded to the dismayed fan and said: “Not sure you got the reference.”

Yet the former Top Gear presenter does have some liking for Porsche due to a heartbreaking personal story.

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During the Patagonia Special in the show’s 22nd season, Mr Clarkson recounted the story of his father’s passing and his respect for the 928 model.

“I know Hammond and May think my 928 Porsche is a bit dull, but for one very good reason, it isn’t dull to me,” he said in the episode.

“See, back in 1994, I was living in London, and I got a call one evening from my mum to say that my dad was desperately ill in a hospital in Sheffield, and I needed to get there as quickly as possible.”

“And I’d just taken the chicken out of the oven, and I thought, ‘Well, I’ll take that for my mum because she won’t have eaten.’ I ran outside, and I had a 928 on test that week.”

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“When I arrived in Sheffield, the chicken was still warm, and my dad was still alive. In fact, he died half an hour later.

“And the truth is, if I hadn’t been driving a car which could sit quite happily at 170 miles an hour, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to say goodbye to my dad.”

“So as far as I’m concerned, the 928 is alright.”