32 h. ago Waiting until disaster strikes hurting aid as early action five times more cost

Under the current system, governments and donors respond after disasters occur, through humanitarian relief or emergency social protection payments. But researchers say these measures are inefficient and far more expensive.

Events

48 h. ago London council buys back Right to Buy home for almost four times original cost

Councils ‘should have retained’ homes sold off under Right to Buy scheme, experts say

Economics

8 d. ago UK plane passenger told to pay £1,100 charge to bring extra suitcase on flight

The charge for his additional luggage was almost four times the cost of the flight

Economics

1 week ago It hurt when I crashed my bike into a pothole – and it taught me the true price of austerity | George Monbiot

Fixing that hole could have cost under £100; the cost of not doing so is limitless. My prang highlights the neoliberal folly of false economiesI was lucky. Last week, I was cycling downhill when I hit a pothole. The front wheel folded into an infinity symbol. I went over the handlebars and, with no time to put my hands out, landed on my face. My helmet and glasses took most of the impact. I emerged, remarkably, with just a few cuts and bruises.My glasses were banjaxed, my bike needed major repairs and my clothes were torn. Altogether, that pothole has cost me about £450. Again, I’m lucky – I can afford it. But the point is this: fixing a pothole costs us between £45 and £90. Not fixing it costs us far more. God knows how many other people have pranged their bikes or wrecked their car tyres in the same hole. Between us, we may have paid hundreds of times the cost of its repair. If people have suffered significant injuries, so must the NHS. One of my correspondents tells me: “I’m thre...

Events

2 w. ago 20 Universal Credit freebies and discounts you can claim in October worth more than £17,000 – including FREE days out

FAMILIES on Universal Credit could be missing out on thousands of pounds' worth of extra cash - including free half-term day trips. With the expense of Christmas looming and the cost of living continuing to soar, it's a crucial time to make the most of help on offer. Many of these schemes don’t need to...

Economics

3 w. ago DWP to start contacting all those on sickness benefits with 'new plan'

Millions of people on illness benefits will be regularly contacted by jobcentre staff for the first time, under a government plan to reduce the cost of benefits

Politics

3 w. ago Householders warned over popular roof cleaning mistake that can 'cut its lifespan in half'

It may save time and effort but it can cost homeowners in the longer term, warn experts.

Events

3 w. ago Five times when kids can legally miss school including some holidays

Usually, children age 5-16 are legally required to receive an education

Politics