Focus On Pimlico: Twenty per cent cheaper than its neighbours and still central, house prices are increasing in SW1P November 23, 2017 Pimlico must be pretty quiet at the weekends. It’s been London’s pied a terre hotspot since the mid-Noughties, meaning many of its inhabitants escape the area for their country retreats every Friday night. “A third of homes sold in SW1V so far this year have been bought by a second home owner, more than anywhere [...]
Economists nervous as consumer spending continues to fuel UK GDP growth November 23, 2017 A strong increase in consumer spending drove UK GDP growth in the third quarter, but economists warned the British economy’s reliance on consumption will not last. Consumer spending grew by 0.6 per cent in the three months to September as GDP expanded by 0.4 per cent, according to more detailed estimates of economic activity from [...]
Autumn Budget: Philip Hammond glosses over gloomy growth November 23, 2017 There’s a wonderful clip doing the rounds of Australian MP Bob Katter answering a question on the country’s new equal marriage law. He’s all in favour of it – “let a thousand blossoms bloom,” he grins and chuckles, before his facial expression changes into one of fury as he quickly adds “but I ain’t spending [...]
Autumn Budget 2017: From cough sweets to Jeremy Clarkson – six of the chancellor’s best budget jokes November 22, 2017 Today’s Autumn Budget speech was injected with usual levity by Chancellor Philip Hammond. Perhaps in an attempt to shake off the image of a bland Spreadsheet Phil, the 61-year-old chucked a refreshingly high number of japes during his 7,781-word monologue. Here’s a selection of Phil’s jokes that caught our attention. 1 – Boozing and cough [...]
Autumn Budget 2017: Chancellor bows to pressure to freeze alcohol duties November 22, 2017 Philip Hammond has bowed to industry pressure to freeze alcohol duties, except on some cheap high-strength drinks. The chancellor announced the move today in his Budget statement, saying that the freeze was in recognition of the role that pubs play in British society as well as the squeeze on household budgets. It comes after repeated [...]
Autumn Budget 2017: Chancellor Philip Hammond’s speech in full November 22, 2017 You can read the chancellor's Budget speech in full here: Mr Deputy Speaker I report today on an economy that continues to grow, continues to create more jobs than ever before and continues to confound those who seek to talk it down. An economy set on a path to a new relationship with our European [...]
Royal Mail share price rises after getting a £106m profit boost from the taxman from decision to close its pension scheme November 16, 2017 Royal Mail profits today received a £106m boost from the taxman as a result of the postal giant’s controversial decision to close its mammoth pension scheme. Revenue for the first half of the year rose two per cent, with profit after tax almost doubling to £168m. Chief executive Moya Greene said the results capped “a [...]
Minimum alcohol pricing: Scottish government plans 50p per unit alcohol price after Supreme Court backs minimum pricing proposal November 15, 2017 The Scottish government has said it will set minimum alcohol prices “as quickly as possible” after the UK’s Supreme Court ruled in its favour. The measure, passed by the Scottish parliament in 2012, was appealed by the Scotch Whisky Association and others. But this morning’s ruling decided that the policy, in which a price will [...]
Battle of the sarnies: From Tesco to Benugo, which Christmas sandwich will come top of our list this year, and which one was literally inedible? November 15, 2017 We set off into the City to gather festive sandwiches from supermarkets and fast food chains far and wide to see which of them is worthy of Santa himself, and which were a nightmare before Christmas. Eat Turkey and cranberry sandwich ★★★☆☆ Tastes alright, but nothing to write to Santa about. Solid fillings, pleasantly sweet [...]
Theresa May is meeting Angela Merkel ally Manfred Weber this week – but he’s already said Brexit deal unlikely this year November 14, 2017 Theresa May is meeting a key ally of Angela Merkel this week, as the Prime Minister attempts to break the impasse on Brexit ahead of December’s crunch meeting with EU leaders. Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), told reporters in a press conference in Strasbourg that May had requested the meeting, [...]