Another day, another major water leak in London that has left scores of properties damaged and thousands of residents experiencing low pressure or nothing at all coming out of their taps.
This would be bad enough at any time of year, but during a prolonged drought — when hosepipe bans are being introduced across the country — it is unforgivable. Yesterday, the dystopian scenes were on Hornsey Road in north London, last week it was Kilburn. What’s going on?
Only last month, the Environment Agency took the highly unusual step of suggesting the bosses of water companies should face jail for the worst pollution incidents as it detailed the sector’s “shocking” performance in 2021. Measured against the agency’s four-star rating system for environmental performance, Thames Water received only two, meaning it requires significant improvement.
Many high-profile issues have related to serious pollution incidents, but repeated leaks suggest that water companies are not making the investments necessary to provide the service customers, or indeed the Environment Agency, should expect.
We can all do our bit to preserve water. But these can be wiped out in the space of an hour or two when a major pipe bursts. The water companies must be accountable for their actions.
The great credit risk
As prices continue their inexorable rise while wages fail to keep up, people are left with unviable decisions. We are all making savings — cutting back on luxuries, even necessities. And many feel they have no choice but to borrow. But those who do so on credit know it is fraught with risk.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, roughly six million people were using credit more than usual as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. And in July, credit card borrowing in Britain grew at its fastest pace since 2005. At the same time, average rates on credit cards climbed to the highest level since 1998. Curiously, the speed at which higher interest rate deals are passed on to savers often seems to take longer.
With the energy price cap predicted to rise to a staggering £3,500 in October and £4,200 in January, many more people will be drawn into riskier financial arrangements.
As winter approaches, household budgets are facing an ever-tighter squeeze. Additional support from the Government is essential. Without it, ever more expensive credit card debt is only storing up further problems for consumers and the UK economy.
Olivia the inspiration
Even without Grease, it would have been a heck of a career. A film star, four-time Grammy Award winner and behind multiple number ones. And that’s before Eurovision.
But it is for her iconic portrayal of Sandy starring alongside John Travolta for which Olivia Newton-John, who has passed away aged 73, will forever be remembered. Newton-John, who had fought cancer since her first diagnosis in 1992, was an inspiration to many and a fundraiser.
Her passing is a tremendous loss not only to family and friends, or even to a single generation of fans, but every one of us who fell in love with her on-screen or on CD. We will remain hopelessly devoted to her.
