Rishi Sunak says we’ll feel better off next year – but is the PM right? August 18, 2023 Rishi Sunak has pledged Brits will all feel better off next year, as he said he “passionately believes” he can bring down inflation and ease the cost of living crisis. Speaking to the Times, the prime minister vowed to be disciplined on public spending and tax rates in a bid to revive the UK’s economic [...]
Brits think almost half of England is ‘built on’ – but real figure is less than 10 per cent August 17, 2023 Brits think almost half of land in England is built on by towns, roads or rail lines – despite the real figure being under nine per cent, polling has revealed. Six in 10 people in England also say retaining the current green belt should come before meeting housing needs, researchers at Ipsos for the Economist [...]
Aldi on the hunt for 1,700 new staff members as demand for value goods grow August 17, 2023 Aldi is looking to hire 1,700 more warehouse staff this year as the grocery discounter steams ahead with its UK expansion plans. The German value retailer is ramping up the number of full-time and part-time positions at its Regional Distribution Centres and employees will be offered salaries of up to £53,000 per year. Its hiring [...]
Even hiking their fees might not be enough for universities to turn a profit August 17, 2023 Universities are in an existential crisis, losing money and the quality of their teaching. But even the option of hiking fees doesn't look feasible at the moment, writes Will Cooling
‘The last thing commuters need’: London business groups slam rail fare hike August 16, 2023 London business groups have slammed a significant government hike in rail ticket fares set to hit commuters next March. The Department for Transport (DfT) has committed to ensuring any fare increase falls below the nine per cent rise in the Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation measure, announced by the ONS on Wednesday morning. Regulated rail [...]
Lionesses’ win sees punters splurge £18.9m on drinks in the pub August 16, 2023 Footie fans flocking to the pub to support England’s win in the Women’s World Cup semi final against Australia were forecast to spend £18.9m on drinks in hospitality venues across the UK, a study has shown, in a welcomed boost to the sector. Total spending across the two stages of the semi-final rounds – including [...]
How is Sunak doing on halving inflation, cutting NHS lists and stopping boats? August 16, 2023 In January, Rishi Sunak unveiled the vision for his government. Five pledges; five clear goals; five ambitions for his ministers. His aim was clear: be seen as an effective, solutions-focused administration and, hopefully, reap the electoral rewards. “No tricks, no ambiguity; we’re either delivering for you or we’re not,” he vowed. Eight months in, and [...]
Ovo backs Ofgem call for ‘radical’ redesign of energy price cap as Brits brace for winter August 16, 2023 Ovo has supported Ofgem's calls for the set up of the energy price cap to be reconsidered, with household bills to stay high this winter.
‘The plan is working’: Sunak hails falling inflation – but PM warned targets still in jeopardy August 16, 2023 Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt have welcomed today’s dramatic fall in inflation to 6.8 per cent, with the prime minister saying it shows his “plan is working”. The government welcomed today’s news of falling headline inflation, despite expectations the Bank of England is still likely to hike interest rates for a 15th straight time. However, [...]
Headline inflation slows again but Bank set for further rate rise August 16, 2023 Inflation has fallen to 6.8 per cent thanks to energy price falls, but core inflation remains sticky