News In Brief

New powers for energy watchdog

ENERGY: The government said today regulator Ofgem will get new powers to force energy companies to compensate customers for mis-selling and overcharging.

Currently energy suppliers voluntarily give cash to consumers following errors and Ofgem has been able to fine companies, but that money has gone to the government.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said he wants to bring Ofgem in line with other regulators such as Ofcom and the Financial Services Authority, which can ensure compensation goes to customers.

Weller speaks out against TV shows

ENTERTAINMENT: Paul Weller has criticised so-called “edgy” aspiring singers who chase success by auditioning on TV talent shows.

The former Jam frontman told the Radio Times: “I’d be too embarrassed to be on those shows. You get some of these kids who think they’re a little bit ‘edgy,’ got a bit of a Pete Doherty haircut.

“You’re not edgy, really, mate. Otherwise you wouldn’t be on an effing talent show, would you?”

Police ask for info on 1st anniversary

MURDER: Police investigating the death of murdered schoolboy Negus McClean are issuing an online plea for information from the public on the first anniversary of his stabbing.

The week-long appeal, on the Metropolitan Police Facebook page, will bolster existing efforts to find the 15-year-old’s killers.

A £20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Negus’s murder has already been offered.

Negus was killed in Edmonton, north London, on April 10 last year.

Track renewal workers strike

INDUSTRIAL: Dozens of railway track renewal workers are to go on strike this week in a row over shifts.

Members of the RMT union employed by Amey Colas will take action for seven hours from 6pm on Wednesday.

The workers are mobile crews working out of various locations across Britain on specialised track renewals contracts.