Former BBC journalist who has a gift for persuasion has reportedly always been 100% opposed to rail project“If I could sum up my philosophy in a sentence,” Andrew Gilligan told a journalist after his stint as Boris Johnson’s cycling adviser, “it’s do something properly or not at all.”Gilligan, who is now back in No 10 advising Rishi Sunak and widely thought to be instrumental in convincing the prime minister that he should cut HS2, was often the focal point for controversy over the […]

Maintenance loan failing to keep pace with rising rents, which have jumped by more than 8% since last yearUniversity students in the UK are facing “unprecedented rent rises” amid record demand for accommodation, while the value of the maintenance loan designed to cover living costs stagnates, according to a report.Many students are struggling to find affordable rooms, as rents have jumped by more than 8% overall this year compared with 2022-23, a survey by the real estate services firm […]

Three students share their experience of trying to find somewhere to live as academic year beginsAs freshers’ events get into swing for Manchester Metropolitan University students this week, mechanical engineering student Karl still doesn’t know where he will be calling home for the first year of his studies.After Karl gained a place on his course through clearing, he quickly realised securing housing would be a struggle. The 20-year-old was told by his university that they wouldn’t be […]

Advinia has failed to return more than £7,000 in unused fees despite repeated demands and promises to do soA grieving family have hired lawyers after one of the UK’s largest care home operators withheld thousands of pounds in unused fees after their loved one died.Clara Willetts, 95, died on 19 June in the £186-a-day Netherton Green care home in Dudley run by Advinia. The firm failed to return more than £7,000 after her death despite repeated demands and promises to do so. The money is […]