Campaigners warn hiking rail fares could push people away from train travel December 21, 2022 Even a below inflation increase in rail fares could put people off travelling by train altogether, according to campaigners. Norman Baker, director of external affairs at advocacy group Campaign for Better Transport, told City A.M. that any increase to ticket prices will come “as a further blow to long-suffering passengers” after months “of cancellations and [...]
Best London areas to live: From schools to roads and care, this is where council tax takes you the furthest December 21, 2022 As the cost of living crisis rages, energy bills are rising and inflation is biting harder than ever, the council tax rebate scheme was introduced to lift some burden off Brits’ shoulders. However, with it still a significant cost, where in London and across the UK are residents getting the most in return for their council tax? [...]
Government borrows record amount in November as debt bill swells December 21, 2022 Growing public sector expenditure in November prompted a £22.0 billion borrowing frenzy.
Ambulance workers strike TODAY as Health Sec says unions ‘inflicting harm on patients’ December 21, 2022 Ambulance workers across a number of unions are walking out today over pay and conditions, as health secretary Steve Barclay condemned the strike as “inflicting harm on patients”. The emergency workers in the Unison, Unite and GMB unions will down tools across the country, with the government calling in the Army to ensure the country doesn’t [...]
Hopes of Christmas spending splurge nudges UK business confidence higher December 21, 2022 UK businesses are hoping the Christmas spending splurge will give them a welcome boost before a long recession sets in, a new survey out today shows. According to Lloyds Bank’s business barometer index, every UK region notched a positive business confidence reading for the first time since July. Eight out of the 11 areas recorded [...]
Car premiums increase 17.4 per cent after FCA price walking ban December 20, 2022 The average car premium has soared 17.4 per cent in the past year, according to recent research. Data published today by market researcher Consumer Intelligence shows that average premiums now cost £877, surpassing by 6.7 per cent current inflation rates. According to senior insight analyst Georgia Day, the unsurprising surge has been driven by the [...]
FTSE 100 nudges higher after BoJ tightening boosts UK banks December 20, 2022 London’s FTSE 100 nudged higher today after banks were boosted by yet more signals from the global central banking community that policy will keep tightening next year. The capital’s premier index added 0.13 per cent to close at 7,370.62 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of [...]
Strikes: Sunak says public sector pay process doesn’t need reform December 20, 2022 Rishi Sunak has thrown his backing behind the government’s independent pay review process for public sector workers, despite this month’s widespread strikes. The Prime Minister told MPs on a Westminster committee today that pay offers to striking NHS staff members were “fair” as Number 10 today said Sunak would not intervene to negotiate with unions. [...]
Government must outline support for businesses, urges leading energy supplier December 20, 2022 One of the UK’s leading energy suppliers has criticised the delay in outlining future support for businesses beyond next spring.
Shop ’till you drop: Christmas spending up despite rampant inflation December 20, 2022 Shopping habits die hard as Brits continue to spend across the board in the run-up to Christmas and the holiday season despite historic levels of inflation raising prices. Spending on essentials is up by an average of 43.5 per cent compared to the same time last year, with non-essential expenditure also rising by an average [...]