Motorway will be shut both ways between junctions nine and 10 from 9pm on Friday until 6am on MondayDrivers tempted to bypass the official diversion for this weekend’s M25 motorway closure have been warned of potential ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) charges if they stray off course.The London orbital motorway is having its second ever planned closure,...

Affording a home has become a political issue as rents and prices soar and supply plummetsFix Europe’s housing crisis or risk fuelling the far-right, UN expert warns‘Everything’s just … on hold’: the Netherlands’ next-level housing crisisDecades in the making, Europe’s housing crisis is being felt from the Netherlands to Portugal, Greece to Germany,...

From baby clothes to popcorn makers, borrowing items rather than buying them is a growing trendA year into motherhood and I can confirm two things: babies grow too fast and clothing them is an expensive business.My solution has been to rent my daughter Stella’s wardrobe. Warm coats, swimming costumes, sleepsuits, sandals – all can be borrowed for a...

Unaffordable rents and property prices risk becoming a key political battleground across the continentHigher costs and cramped conditions: the impact of Europe’s housing crisis‘Everything’s just … on hold’: the Netherlands’ next-level housing crisisSpiralling rents and sky-high property prices risk becoming a key battleground of European politics as...

Come to Thurrock, where the Tory council went bankrupt, services are depleted and costs are up. People feel victims of a terrible injusticeLate last Monday, I got home from a long day of political reporting to find a political leaflet produced by the Conservative party. It had nothing do with the local elections; where I live, the only contest was the...

A roundup of scary dealings with those masters of suspense, obfuscation and in Scottish Power’s case – sheer inventionPeriodically, I electrify readers with a drama about energy bills. Before you switch off, let me assure you that utilities companies are masters of suspense. Read on if you dare: Continue reading...