It certainly was. And probably better for England supporters that it was the way round it was, so we ended in a positive frame of mind.

I’m still not quite sure happened tbh!

I really ought to be reading and commenting on Lady Hallett’s report, but I’m afraid I’m a bit sidetracked at the moment…

#Ashes

Anyone still interested in mortality trends? The latest age standardised update from CMI show that 2025 continues to trend well below 2024, currently around 1.6% of a full year's mortality lower. So barring a sudden and very severe flu season, we should comfortably end the year with a new low.

Hope the procedure is successful Henry, and assists in your ongoing recovery.

Thanks for the response Steve. I guess the shifting demographics counter the tax base point, with fewer paying for more pensioners, who also need more social care and general healthcare costs.
I think we are at around 1/3rd already? 230pw compared with 680?

I guess the question is Steve, for how much longer is it appropriate to keep increasing the SP above both earnings and prices, given the huge cost and impact on generational inequity?

Good morning from Bristol!
Just a few of the balloons on this morning’s spectacular 6am ascent. #BalloonFiesta

From my recollection of her contributions during COVID Susan is an excellent choice. Congratulations Susan!
(Contrast this with similar health related appointments and decisions in the US.)

It’s so depressing.

Will it be under "fiction"?

This aged well...

Not always. Our son rented a high quality apartment in a new build block where an insurer (seeking to invest to match annuity liabilities) had built on land derelict for decades. None sold off, to retain complete control of the block. How is that milking existing assets?

Mrs R read the book when it came out with interest as someone who had recently walked the whole footpath. And she told me then that the story about losing their house raised lots of doubt in her mind, along with some other aspects of her character and behaviour.

A lot of people who read the book (including Mrs R) felt the story about how they lost their home was very suspicious and felt the full story wasn’t being told.

Not for those still owed money though…

An interesting read for anyone inspired by the story of the Salt Path. Seems they were somewhat economical with the truth as to how they lost their house.

Having done the whole SWCP Mrs R read the book when it came out and was very sceptical about her story, apparently with some justification.

Might be worth a try! Though it would probably get as much sympathy as the mythical Telegraph couple earning £345k pa who had fallen upon hard times.

Bit of a bummer if you only have £60,000 to scrape by on. That £600 must make all the difference…

It’s not obvious to me that the reduction is any more than the long term trend (excl the COVID years) would have suggested. Or am I missing something?

Otto explaining the U.K. fishing industry is worth the same as the lawnmower industry, or Harrods.

John, meet @ottoenglish.bsky.social , who’s post was perfectly timed in my feed.

Well thank you Paul, and that confirms my suspicions. I love the comparison with the lawnmower industry - particularly given I bought a new one last week for the first time in, err, 12 years.

Whenever the subject of the fishing industry comes up I do wonder how important it actually is to our economy, in relation to other sectors which would benefit from a closer relationship with Europe. Is it a case of the fishtail wagging the dog?

That will certainly be a large part of it.

You do run the risk of a change in tax policy adversely affecting the TF element though. Maybe more so if lots of pensioners are perceived as enjoying more “tax free income” than other parts of society.

Blimey. Greek inflation must be steep….

2.30pm ↙️ 5.15pm. ↘️

Yes, we have 9KWh of batteries. Although in hindsight 6 would have been the optimal size from a cost effectiveness perspective (financial was only part of the motivation for having panels though.)

We have halved our substantial electric bill since installing ours (and over half of the remaining is standing charge). And our panels are pointing nearly due West, so not as effective as they might be. Doesn't help with heating though unfortunately.

I've only got three years to look at, but my perception that it's been a remarkably fine early Spring is certainly borne out by my solar generation - up a third on the average of 23/24.

No, but there is a recording of Rodrigo’s Guitar Concierto de Aranjuez by John Williams which has no comparison imo.