Southern discomfort: Train operator only delivered 70 per cent of services on time August 9, 2016 The train operator at the centre of what is set to be the longest strike on the railways since the 1960s has seen the punctuality of its services plunge to just 70 per cent, new figures show. During July, Southern's operator Govia Thameslink only delivered 70 per cent of services on time across its franchises according [...]
Government won’t shale out on fracking payments for a while August 8, 2016 Government won't have to fork out cash to those living near a shale gas exploration site for some time to come, a consultation document into the matter has revealed. The Shale Wealth Fund consultation, which was launched today by the Treasury, revealed, because the Fund would be financed using tax revenues from sites developed for gas production, [...]
Donald Trump announces plans for tax change and axe to regulation during economic renewal speech August 8, 2016 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has announced an official change in his top rate tax proposal, lifting it in line with the House Republicans proposals. The billionaire said he would change the top rate tax proposal to 33 per cent from 25 per cent during a speech in Detroit about “economic renewal”. Promising a tax overhaul, [...]
Theresa May has issued a cautious defence of the national living wage after businesses called on the government to moderate increases August 8, 2016 Downing Street has issued a cautious response to business demands for a delay in the implementation of the national living wage. Business groups including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) wrote to business and energy secretary Greg Clark to call for targets for the programme to be pushed back. The national living wage is aimed at [...]
Theresa May has blasted Southern Rail strikers for heaping fresh misery on commuters August 8, 2016 Prime Minister Theresa May has condemned Southern Rail strikers for heaping “misery” on commuters, while also insisting she wants to work with the franchise's owner to improve service. Southern Rail RMT members began a five day strike earlier today, arguing that passenger safety is being compromised by plans for train drivers, rather than guards, to [...]
Uber just renewed its feud with London’s regulators August 8, 2016 Uber is turning to its customers to help it fight "bureaucratic" new rules imposed by Transport for London, including an English exam "harder than the test for British citizenship", renewing its feud with regulators in the capital. The billion-dollar company said the rules would "threaten the livelihood of thousands of drivers", reducing their numbers and thus increasing the [...]
Row between unions and EDF over Hinkley delay ramps up August 8, 2016 French unions have said that the EDF's approval of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant isn’t valid, dealing another blow to the firm in their battle over the project's affordability. They said all of the French utility giant’s board members should have been made aware of the UK government’s intention to delay its decision on Hinkley, after [...]
Owen Smith says that under the Conservatives Britain is the “sick man leaving Europe” August 8, 2016 Labour leadership contender Owen Smith has said that under the Conservatives Britain is the "sick man leaving Europe", adding that the country is too dependent on the City and financial services. Speaking in Newcastle, Smith said that action taken by the Bank of England last week shows the British economy is on a cliff edge, requiring an urgent [...]
Jeremy Corbyn given boost after Labour members win court case meaning new members now eligible to vote in leadership election August 8, 2016 Five Labour members have won a court case against the party over new members' right to vote in the leadership election. The Labour party has been given permission to appeal to the court of appeal, which will hear the case at 10:30 on Thursday. The case was sparked after Labour's National Executive Committee decided that [...]
Work and Pensions committee takes next step in inquiry into state of play of pensions August 8, 2016 MPs have today issued a call for evidence for an inquiry on the state of defined benefit (DB) pensions, with the roles of the pensions watchdog and lifeboat in particular thrust under the microscope. The inquiry by the Work and Pensions committee was sparked by its recent investigation into the pensions situation at BHS. The retailer had [...]