Topic
CostOfLiving
13 stories, newest first.
- Property & Planning · Barnet
Council housing in Barnet: the register, bidding, and help if you are at risk of losing your home
How Barnet’s housing register and bidding system work, what the priority bands mean in practice, and what the council must do if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
Barnet7 min read 
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet council tax: what the bands mean and how to challenge yours
Council tax bands in Barnet are based on 1991 property values, not current ones. This guide explains how bands are set, what your bill is made up of, who can get a discount, and how to challenge a band you think is wrong.
Barnet6 min read- World
Young adults face tougher start to adulthood
Analysis of UK data reveals that 25-year-olds are experiencing a more challenging entry into adulthood. Home ownership rates have significantly declined, employment figures have fallen, and wages have stagnated, leading many to live with parents for longer.
5 min readTrust 60 · Craft 67 · Hype 40 
WorldThink Tank Warns on Funding for Cost-of-Living Support
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (Niesr) has cautioned the new government against increasing borrowing to fund cost-of-living measures. They suggest tax hikes or spending reductions as necessary alternatives, forecasting persistent inflation and stable interest rates.
3 min readTrust 48 · Craft 61 · Hype 41- World
Labour Overtakes Reform UK in Latest Polls
Labour has gained ground in opinion polls, surpassing Reform UK for the first time since March 2025. This development follows two weeks of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration, marked by policy initiatives and upcoming social care plans.
1 min readTrust 12 · Craft 45 · Hype 41 - World
Energy Costs Surge 19% Amid Rising Inflation
Energy prices have climbed by 19% in the year to June 2026, with fuel and light seeing the largest jump. Overall RPI inflation reached 4.3%, and households with retired adults faced the highest cost increases.
2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 20 - World
Waitrose Sees Surge in Comfort Food Sales
Waitrose has reported significant increases in sales of traditional comfort foods like cottage pie and trifle, alongside a rise in searches for classic recipes. This trend, dubbed 'reverse comfort eating', suggests a shift towards familiar dishes amidst economic and political uncertainty.
3 min readTrust 48 · Craft 65 · Hype 48 
WorldChef Calls for VAT Cut Amid Hospitality Struggles
Michelin-starred chef Sat Bains has urged the government to lower the UK's 20% VAT rate for the hospitality sector. The call comes amid difficult trading conditions, with the UK's rate being the second highest in Europe.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41- World
Burnham Takes Helm with New Policies and Communication Style
Andy Burnham has become Prime Minister following a leadership challenge, implementing policies like a VAT cut on electricity and a £2 bus fare cap. His administration prioritises social media for communication and plans a devolution centre in the North.
3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 60 · Hype 45 
WorldBrits More Familiar With Foreign Landmarks Than UK Ones
A new survey reveals that more people in the UK have visited the Eiffel Tower than the Tower of London. The study also found that foreign landmarks are more recognisable than many British icons, with cost of living cited as a barrier to domestic exploration.
3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
WorldBurnham Scraps Starmer Policies Amid Cost of Living Measures
Andy Burnham has introduced measures to tackle the cost of living crisis and abandoned several policies linked to Keir Starmer. However, critics are raising concerns about the financial backing and extent of these new proposals.
2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 40
Local NewsLondon's Child Population Falls Sharply
London has seen a substantial drop in its under-10 population over the past decade, with inner London experiencing the steepest decline. High living costs, particularly for housing and childcare, are cited as major factors pushing families away.
4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 40
Local News · BarnetBarnet energy bill support scheme launched
A joint initiative by the Cadent Foundation and Groundwork is launching in Barnet to assist residents with energy bills. The scheme will deploy Green Doctors to offer personalised advice and install energy-saving measures, aiming to benefit up to 9,400 people.
Barnet3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41