UK Petrol Prices Hit Record Highs Again
Petrol prices in the UK have surged for the fourth straight month, with a sharp 4.5p per litre hike last month, the RAC reveals. The average unleaded price climbed from £1.52 to £1.57 in September, pushing the fill-up for a typical family car to over £86.
While soaring global oil prices are partly to blame, the RAC insists petrol remains “overpriced”. Independent forecourts, representing 64% of UK petrol stations, push back. They say rising labour, energy costs, and falling sales force their hands in pricing, according to the Petrol Retailers Association.
Ocado Slashes Prices to Help Struggling Shoppers
In better news, Ocado has launched a “Big Price Drop”, cutting prices on over 500 items including fresh food and pantry staples like cereal, rice, and sauces. This is the fourth round of discounts since June, with more than 1,000 products now cheaper.
Thanks to the Ocado Price Promise, customers are guaranteed the best value, easing the pinch for families facing rising household costs.
Experts Call for Massive Housing Investment to Slash Homelessness Costs
A new report from University College London experts warns the UK could save up to £1.5 billion a year by investing in social and affordable housing. The ambitious plan proposes scrapping the right-to-buy scheme for future social homes in England.
The report calls for a huge £4 billion annual investment over the next five years to build 72,000 extra dwellings yearly, aiming for around 100,000 homes across Britain each year. This mix would include social, affordable, and market-rate housing to tackle the crisis.
“It is possible to tackle the holy grail of improving everyone’s lives, with benefits accruing the fastest for the most vulnerable,” said Professor Rosalind Raine, co-author of the study.
She emphasises the housing crisis affects individuals, families, and communities alike, urging a comprehensive national housing overhaul.
