National Insurance going up?

National Insurance

MPs will vote today on whether to increase National Insurance to fund extra spending on health and social care. Boris Johnson announced the 1.25% tax hike yesterday, saying it would raise £12 billion to help reduce waiting times in the NHS and pay for care. Critics say it’s not enough money to address current problems in social care.

Rents rising

Rents are rising at their fastest rate for 13 years, according to Zoopla. The property site says that, excluding London, rents are up 5% on last year, costing the average renter an extra £450 a year. Estate agents say rents in popular areas have jumped 25%. Meanwhile, London rents are down 3.8% on last year as tenants quit the city for more space elsewhere.

London to Edinburgh for £15

Lumo, a new all-electric train service, has launched its first London to Edinburgh tickets for just £15. The first service will depart on 25th October. It aims to offer a low-cost, low-carbon alternative to the 74,500 people who fly between the two cities each year.

Bike shortages

Halfords says supply chain issues are hitting its bike business, but says it can manage the challenge. Brexit and the pandemic means factories and lorries are both struggling to deliver, and raw material costs are going up. Many Brits took up cycling last year as a safer alternative to public transport, putting extra demand on bike repairers and retailers.