Haircuts and dentists get pricier

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Inflation rises

The rate of inflation jumped to 1% in July as the economy gradually reopened, up from 0.6% in June. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says the boost was driven by rising petrol and clothing prices. Private dental treatment, physiotherapy and haircuts also got more expensive, because of the extra costs of buying PPE.

Bank of Granny and Grandad

Grandparents can’t give as much help* with getting onto the property ladder, because the coronavirus crisis has hit their pension savings. Around 8% of first-time buyers get help from the Bank of Granny and Grandad (we’re gonna call it: BOGAG), which stumped up £630 million in 2019. But now many retirees have had to dip into savings they would otherwise have passed on to younger generations.

Unis need money

Universities have told the government that some will need extra funding to stay afloat. Along with its decision to use teacher-predicted grades for A-level results, the government has lifted the cap on how many students each university can recruit. Unis are now worried about overcrowding at more selective institutions, and empty lecture halls in the others.

Green streets

The UK’s most eco shopping street has been named as Saint Andrews Street in Cambridge. It scored highest for eco-friendly credentials like recycling facilities, charging points for electric cars, green spaces, vegan restaurants, and charity shops. The least green street? Commercial Way in Woking.

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