Go-Ahead in bullish mood as defies cuts October 26, 2010 TRANSPORT group Go-Ahead reported a good performance in rail despite economic woes and indicated fare hikes and cost cuts should protect it from public spending reductions. Go-Ahead, which runs the Southeastern, Southern and London Midland rail franchises and buses in the UK, said train passengers and revenue increased despite the tough economy between July and [...]
The Malay paradise where the world’s A-list comes to relax October 24, 2010 THERE’s a moment, when I step in to the glistening emerald Malaysian waters of my own secluded cove, next to my private “Estate”, when I can see just why this place is so popular with celebrities. The sun is shining. Hornbills are squawking in the air. There’s no-one to take in my pasty white bikini-clad [...]
Watch sterling for the market’s view on cuts October 21, 2010 AFTER all the millions and billions of pounds that were tossed around by chancellor George Osborne on Wednesday, many Brits will be left wondering what impact the coalition government’s spending review has on them. Some measures, such as the removal of child tax benefit for families with at least one higher earner, were widely expected. [...]
Reality bites October 20, 2010 Axe falls as Britain gears up for biggest cuts since 1976 Chancellor slashes welfare bill by £18bn to shield departments Middle class child benefit cut will affect 300,000 more families Businesses furious at plans for new £1bn carbon stealth tax Police and prisons hit hard but hospitals and schools protected Rail fares to soar by [...]
At a glance: George Osborne’s first comprehensive spending review October 20, 2010 SPENDING FIGURES This fiscal year current expenditure will be £637.3bn. In 2011-12, current spending will be £651.1bn, followed by £664.5bn in 2012-13, £678.6bn in 2013-14 and then £692.7bn in 2014-15. The government will pay £43.3bn of gross government debt interest this fiscal year followed by £46.5bn in 2011-12, £52.4bn in 2012-13, £57.8bn in 2013-14 and [...]
The cabinet’s winners and losers October 20, 2010 WINNER | MICHAEL GOVE WINNER | ANDREW LANSLEY LOSER | VINCE CABLE LOSER | THERESA MAY ANALYSIS Education: After Health and Overseas Aid, Education has got the best settlement, with cuts of just three per cent. The schools budget will increase in real terms from £35bn to £39bn. The capital budget, which was allocated to [...]
Crossrail and Tube spared from savings October 20, 2010 MAYOR of London Boris Johnson yesterday painted the chancellor’s decision to protect the capital’s major transport funding as a triumph, upholding London’s competitiveness as a major economic hub at a time when tax and regulatory changes are hammering the city. Johnson, who has fought a long campaign over the importance of investment in London’s infrastructure, [...]
Rail prices to rise by up to 30pc by 2015 October 20, 2010 COMMUTERS will face more misery as the price of rail fares rockets over the coming years. The capped regulated price of train tickets will rise by three per cent over inflation over three years, starting in 2012. The price for those commuting long distances into the capital could rocket, with a season ticket from Brighton [...]
Summer hols give a lift to Eurotunnel October 18, 2010 EUROTUNNEL, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, said yesterday a bumper summer helped boost revenues for the year so far by 10 per cent. The Paris-based firm said core revenue for the three months to the end of September grew eight per cent compared to last year to €181.3m (£159m). This rose to €212.1m when [...]
Stagecoach in £52.8m deal for London bus group October 15, 2010 TRANSPORT group Stagecoach has bought the East London Bus Group in a £52.8m deal. The company has a market share of around 15 per cent in the capital. Stagecoach said it could make “back office” cost cuts to make the business – London’s third largest bus operator – more efficient. Chief Executive of Stagecoach Brian [...]