In general anyone who pays list price for a new car has been seen coming.
My new car I got from the dealer 2 years ago for £13,700. The list price was £17k.
We bought a new car last year for my wife and the list price was £28k, after about 30 mins of negotiating they added in a £4.5k dealer contribution to the finance agreement and a bunch of freebie insurances one of which we've actually used. Instead of a £5k deposit we only had to pay £500 on the day. I'll never understand why people don't negotiate.
Their ability/willingness to give you goodies disappears if you don’t take their finance. Regardless in my situation it was still cheaper not to take their finance (without the “dealer contributions”) than with it.
I know some people take the finance and then immediately pay it off but I couldn’t be arsed with the faff.
The dealer makes most of his commission on the finance, on vehicle options, accessories etc, also the profit margin on your part-exchange.
If you’re buying the base model with cash, he’s making very little and will treat you accordingly.
That's exactly how I bought my last car: base model with cash, using Carwow to find the lowest price in the country, and in the full knowledge that the dealer was making very little from the sale. I didn't get or expect any freebies, and that was fine with me.
It's the economy (stupid), because it usually is. And there have been a couple of years now where wages have grown faster than prices. But as long as most people have more month than money, they are going to be understandably unhappy.
But to a very large degree, that's out of the government's hands to fix, in the short term anyway. We can shuffle how things are paid for, but they will largely cost what they cost.
One interesting suggestion that I've come across recently is that PCP car financing explains why people are angrier than ever about the cost of living even though wages have grown faster than prices, and even though the large number of new cars about would suggest a healthy level of prosperity.
It has enabled people to buy cars that they previously wouldn't have been able to afford - but really they still can't afford them, and so they're struggling to make ends meet because of the millstone of car finance.
I haven't interrogated the idea to see if the numbers stack up, but it suggests a way forward for the government to help square the circle. Increase regulation of car financing to save people from immiserating themselves spending beyond their means, and although this will mean more people have to make do with a lower status motor, they will end up happier when they can more easily reach the end of the month with the money previously being spent on finance for the car they couldn't afford.
Isn't that also the case for credit card debt, mortgages, overdrafts etc? Is car financing particularly expensive by comparison? (I bought my car 10 years ago for cash, so it's not a ubject i have ever paid any attention to.)
I bought my car (BMW) second hand for cash 23 years ago. and it's still running like a dream. ULEZ compliant too.
An intuition (or guess): PB contributors are heavily biased towards that minority of people who think that £3000 now is a smaller sum than £4000 spread over the next four years.
I had a discussion of exactly this kind with my step-daughter yesterday about her driving lesson price increase. The price of a lesson is going up from £30 to £33, but she can get 10 lessons for the old price if she pays up front. She: "But that's £300!" Me: "But you have the money, don't you?" She: "Yes, but £300 is so much to pay in one go" Me: "But if you pay for each lesson individually, that'll be £330 altogether" She: "But it won't feel like so much if I pay a bit at a time; I'm not paying £300 in one go!"
This is the old fast food vs Michelin starred restaurant problem isn't it. Someone who spends £10 in McDonalds every day is spending the same amount of money eating out as someone who goes to a top restaurant once every X days where X is more than about 10 to 15.
I’ve started doing that with wine.
Instead of randomly opening a bottle of £8 house plonk almost every night, buying c.£30 bottles and having them on Friday nights with a steak.
It’s a nicer experience, and we’re also drinking a lot less in the process.
It’s now Monday lunchtime, yet I’m already looking forward to Friday’s bottle of Barolo and a nice fillet.
I don’t think I’ve ever said I was looking forward to tonight’s bottle of Jacob’s Creek Merlot!
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
In 3 days the number of people signing the ID cards petition has reached 25% of the number of votes that Labour polled at the last election. The question is whether people keep signing.
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
There is a substantial, though rather depressing, career in the field of debt/car recovery from defaulters. I know a few who have worked in this soul destroying business. They live in nice detached houses.
A buddy of mine worked in Silicon Valley at the peak/crash of the dotcom bubble.
Every day a car transporter would appear and take away somebody's brand new Porsche or BMW
There's a funny story about that from ye olden days of Acorn. Allegedly one of the directors had a very expensive sports car. He drove it to a company warehouse (*) and left it inside whilst he went on a business trip. He came back a couple of weeks later and the car had vanished, and was nowhere to be found. Police report filed, insurance claim etc.
Many, many months later it was found behind a massive pile of unsold computers (Electrons, IIRC). Many loads of new computers had come in whilst he was away, and as the 80s home computer crunch had occurred, had been built into massive piles of boxes in the warehouse. Some wit had decided to place them directly in front of his car.
The story may well be untrue, but ties in with other stories about quite how madcap and out-of-control that time was in that company.
(*) On Newmarket road; now the site of the retail park.
It's the economy (stupid), because it usually is. And there have been a couple of years now where wages have grown faster than prices. But as long as most people have more month than money, they are going to be understandably unhappy.
But to a very large degree, that's out of the government's hands to fix, in the short term anyway. We can shuffle how things are paid for, but they will largely cost what they cost.
One interesting suggestion that I've come across recently is that PCP car financing explains why people are angrier than ever about the cost of living even though wages have grown faster than prices, and even though the large number of new cars about would suggest a healthy level of prosperity.
It has enabled people to buy cars that they previously wouldn't have been able to afford - but really they still can't afford them, and so they're struggling to make ends meet because of the millstone of car finance.
I haven't interrogated the idea to see if the numbers stack up, but it suggests a way forward for the government to help square the circle. Increase regulation of car financing to save people from immiserating themselves spending beyond their means, and although this will mean more people have to make do with a lower status motor, they will end up happier when they can more easily reach the end of the month with the money previously being spent on finance for the car they couldn't afford.
Isn't that also the case for credit card debt, mortgages, overdrafts etc? Is car financing particularly expensive by comparison? (I bought my car 10 years ago for cash, so it's not a ubject i have ever paid any attention to.)
I bought my car (BMW) second hand for cash 23 years ago. and it's still running like a dream. ULEZ compliant too.
An intuition (or guess): PB contributors are heavily biased towards that minority of people who think that £3000 now is a smaller sum than £4000 spread over the next four years.
I had a discussion of exactly this kind with my step-daughter yesterday about her driving lesson price increase. The price of a lesson is going up from £30 to £33, but she can get 10 lessons for the old price if she pays up front. She: "But that's £300!" Me: "But you have the money, don't you?" She: "Yes, but £300 is so much to pay in one go" Me: "But if you pay for each lesson individually, that'll be £330 altogether" She: "But it won't feel like so much if I pay a bit at a time; I'm not paying £300 in one go!"
This is the old fast food vs Michelin starred restaurant problem isn't it. Someone who spends £10 in McDonalds every day is spending the same amount of money eating out as someone who goes to a top restaurant once every X days where X is more than about 10 to 15.
I’ve started doing that with wine.
Instead of randomly opening a bottle of £8 house plonk almost every night, buying c.£30 bottles and having them on Friday nights with a steak.
It’s a nicer experience, and we’re also drinking a lot less in the process.
It’s now Monday lunchtime, yet I’m already looking forward to Friday’s bottle of Barolo and a nice fillet.
I don’t think I’ve ever said I was looking forward to tonight’s bottle of Jacob’s Creek Merlot!
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of them.
Agree. Why won't they take any notice when people tell them where something is?
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
The success with which the political system captured the PCCs, and steered them into cosy relationships with the police is worthy of a book. The original idea was to bring in outside supervision of the police - it has become a party sinecure, generally with nodding dogs occupying the post.
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
In general anyone who pays list price for a new car has been seen coming.
My new car I got from the dealer 2 years ago for £13,700. The list price was £17k.
We bought a new car last year for my wife and the list price was £28k, after about 30 mins of negotiating they added in a £4.5k dealer contribution to the finance agreement and a bunch of freebie insurances one of which we've actually used. Instead of a £5k deposit we only had to pay £500 on the day. I'll never understand why people don't negotiate.
Their ability/willingness to give you goodies disappears if you don’t take their finance. Regardless in my situation it was still cheaper not to take their finance (without the “dealer contributions”) than with it.
I know some people take the finance and then immediately pay it off but I couldn’t be arsed with the faff.
The dealer makes most of his commission on the finance, on vehicle options, accessories etc, also the profit margin on your part-exchange.
If you’re buying the base model with cash, he’s making very little and will treat you accordingly.
That's exactly how I bought my last car: base model with cash, using Carwow to find the lowest price in the country, and in the full knowledge that the dealer was making very little from the sale. I didn't get or expect any freebies, and that was fine with me.
That's close to what I did to get mine. I found the best deal I could from Carwow and other sources, then booked an appointment to speak to my local dealer where I said I was buying with cash (I arranged my own finance separately, working out cheaper) and could they beat the offer I'd found. Had a conversation with the Manager, they said no, I thanked them for their time and walked away. Got a phone call 2 minutes later saying they'd had another look and could make it work.
Yes they didn't make much on a cash sale, but if you go in with that hard-nosed attitude then anything can be better than nothing for them and a sale is still a sale for their books.
It's the economy (stupid), because it usually is. And there have been a couple of years now where wages have grown faster than prices. But as long as most people have more month than money, they are going to be understandably unhappy.
But to a very large degree, that's out of the government's hands to fix, in the short term anyway. We can shuffle how things are paid for, but they will largely cost what they cost.
One interesting suggestion that I've come across recently is that PCP car financing explains why people are angrier than ever about the cost of living even though wages have grown faster than prices, and even though the large number of new cars about would suggest a healthy level of prosperity.
It has enabled people to buy cars that they previously wouldn't have been able to afford - but really they still can't afford them, and so they're struggling to make ends meet because of the millstone of car finance.
I haven't interrogated the idea to see if the numbers stack up, but it suggests a way forward for the government to help square the circle. Increase regulation of car financing to save people from immiserating themselves spending beyond their means, and although this will mean more people have to make do with a lower status motor, they will end up happier when they can more easily reach the end of the month with the money previously being spent on finance for the car they couldn't afford.
Yep. One of my long-standing PB bugbears and rants. How come there are 25-plate Rangeys parked outside (no offence) bog standard municipal housing or in the drive of a very modest semi.
I suppose £425/month for five years (having paid £5-10k at the beginning and end) somehow makes people think it's affordable.
To say nothing of rates today.
A car is just a tool for getting from A to B when there’s not a suitable bus or train service. I can’t understand why people want a bigger, newer or faster car than is necessary for the job. See also: watches.
I agree with the sentiment. However...
1) If you're doing 17,000 miles a year it's absolutely worth getting a car that is comfortable and has stuff like cruise control, decent stereo etc. You don't need to spend loads but the marginal gain here is worth it. 50% of a day in the hills is whizzing around Highland roads, so getting something that is fun is justifiable too in that case.
2) My Garmin watch has transformed my life in terms of keeping fit, sleeping well and so on. That's not necessary but the benefit:cost is clear.
I went without a watch for 15 years. Then I too got a Garmin for fitness, sleep, etc. Very useful
However I sold my luscious Mini John Cooper Works 2 years ago and have barely missed it, haven’t replaced it, and I really enjoy the freedom from worry and faff. Parking, insurance, MOT, endless
When I’m abroad I rent and when I’m in London I use Zipcar - £7 an hour, all included - if I need a car. Love it
Meanwhile I have completely decluttered my flat and thrown out about 40 bin bags of gewgaws, gizmos, garbage, replacing them with a few well chosen antiques and some insane lamps and glass
It’s like Mounjaro for the soul. It’s great. Have fewer things, but make them exquisitely useful or beautiful
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
A question for the lawyers on here. What would be the court’s reaction to a defence argument of “I went round with some friends to retrieve my stolen property which the police knew the location of but refused to do anything about.”
You’d want that to be in front of a jury, not in front of the magistrates.
Heard down the pub later: "Bloke and his mates came and beat me up, jury said not guilty. No f'ing justice in this country!"
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
In general anyone who pays list price for a new car has been seen coming.
My new car I got from the dealer 2 years ago for £13,700. The list price was £17k.
We bought a new car last year for my wife and the list price was £28k, after about 30 mins of negotiating they added in a £4.5k dealer contribution to the finance agreement and a bunch of freebie insurances one of which we've actually used. Instead of a £5k deposit we only had to pay £500 on the day. I'll never understand why people don't negotiate.
Their ability/willingness to give you goodies disappears if you don’t take their finance. Regardless in my situation it was still cheaper not to take their finance (without the “dealer contributions”) than with it.
I know some people take the finance and then immediately pay it off but I couldn’t be arsed with the faff.
The dealer makes most of his commission on the finance, on vehicle options, accessories etc, also the profit margin on your part-exchange.
If you’re buying the base model with cash, he’s making very little and will treat you accordingly.
That's exactly how I bought my last car: base model with cash, using Carwow to find the lowest price in the country, and in the full knowledge that the dealer was making very little from the sale. I didn't get or expect any freebies, and that was fine with me.
That's close to what I did to get mine. I found the best deal I could from Carwow and other sources, then booked an appointment to speak to my local dealer where I said I was buying with cash (I arranged my own finance separately, working out cheaper) and could they beat the offer I'd found. Had a conversation with the Manager, they said no, I thanked them for their time and walked away. Got a phone call 2 minutes later saying they'd had another look and could make it work.
Yes they didn't make much on a cash sale, but if you go in with that hard-nosed attitude then anything can be better than nothing for them and a sale is still a sale for their books.
Bonus points if you do it about three days before the end of the month, and tell them you can close the sale today. The sales manager’s volume bonus will be monthly-based, and at the end of the month any sale is a sale. It’s playing them at their own game.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Secondary effects. Policing doesn't seem to consider those.
I grew up in Oxford. In that period - up to the early 90s - there was the following phenomenon. A certain individual was known by all to be in charge of the drug trade in West Oxford. People I knew bought cannabis from his associates. He was quite visible. He would even have chats with the police. It was also noticeable that his attempted rivals in the business were rapidly arrested. This included students at the University - every year there would be someone who thought that getting into retail would save themselves money...
Speculation was generally blatant corruption. My thought was that the police were happy with an organised, non violent trade. See Olivia Channon.
Some years later, I was talking to ex-police officer at a social event. We got onto the topic of discretion in policing. When I mentioned my theory as to the chap (above) he said nothing. But looked quite smug.
I then pointed out that, whatever the truth, the police had convinced a generation of Oxford students that the police were corrupt. And who does PPE at Oxford?
I'm watching to see how this goes. Violation of their human rights to secretly associate ... ?
I haven't worn a watch in decades. I can pretty much guess roughly what time it is and if I need accuracy there is usually a clock around somewhere to tell me.
Also don't care about cars. Have an old somewhat battered Berlingo which does the job.
And yet you have a computer/tablet/smartphone to type your arch comment which represents as I noted above riches beyond compare to a non-trivial proportion of the world's population. To say nothing of the Berlingo.
COME ON SHEEPLE - START WISING UP THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE PB WHERE WE'RE ALL SMART AS FUCK.
And some enjoy being pointlessly rude to others.
So I will leave you to it.
By all means head off but before you go you might try to engage with the point about your prissy statement of asceticism being wholly relative to your status as a first world citizen.
In general anyone who pays list price for a new car has been seen coming.
My new car I got from the dealer 2 years ago for £13,700. The list price was £17k.
We bought a new car last year for my wife and the list price was £28k, after about 30 mins of negotiating they added in a £4.5k dealer contribution to the finance agreement and a bunch of freebie insurances one of which we've actually used. Instead of a £5k deposit we only had to pay £500 on the day. I'll never understand why people don't negotiate.
Money can feel awkward. Negotiating can be the same.
On a personal level (not car-related), I have a strange, pathological aversion to spending money on myself. It doesn't extend to buying people gifts or essential items, but for anything frivolous it's always oddly difficult.
I hate spending money on myself 99% of the time but I think that gives me license to very occasionally splash out on something ridiculous.
Such as?
I bought a beautiful enameled piece of London Overground signage from my local station when they upgraded the branding to the Windrush Line. Now hanging up on our 2nd floor landing.
It's the economy (stupid), because it usually is. And there have been a couple of years now where wages have grown faster than prices. But as long as most people have more month than money, they are going to be understandably unhappy.
But to a very large degree, that's out of the government's hands to fix, in the short term anyway. We can shuffle how things are paid for, but they will largely cost what they cost.
One interesting suggestion that I've come across recently is that PCP car financing explains why people are angrier than ever about the cost of living even though wages have grown faster than prices, and even though the large number of new cars about would suggest a healthy level of prosperity.
It has enabled people to buy cars that they previously wouldn't have been able to afford - but really they still can't afford them, and so they're struggling to make ends meet because of the millstone of car finance.
I haven't interrogated the idea to see if the numbers stack up, but it suggests a way forward for the government to help square the circle. Increase regulation of car financing to save people from immiserating themselves spending beyond their means, and although this will mean more people have to make do with a lower status motor, they will end up happier when they can more easily reach the end of the month with the money previously being spent on finance for the car they couldn't afford.
Yep. One of my long-standing PB bugbears and rants. How come there are 25-plate Rangeys parked outside (no offence) bog standard municipal housing or in the drive of a very modest semi.
I suppose £425/month for five years (having paid £5-10k at the beginning and end) somehow makes people think it's affordable.
To say nothing of rates today.
A car is just a tool for getting from A to B when there’s not a suitable bus or train service. I can’t understand why people want a bigger, newer or faster car than is necessary for the job. See also: watches.
I agree with the sentiment. However...
1) If you're doing 17,000 miles a year it's absolutely worth getting a car that is comfortable and has stuff like cruise control, decent stereo etc. You don't need to spend loads but the marginal gain here is worth it. 50% of a day in the hills is whizzing around Highland roads, so getting something that is fun is justifiable too in that case.
2) My Garmin watch has transformed my life in terms of keeping fit, sleeping well and so on. That's not necessary but the benefit:cost is clear.
I went without a watch for 15 years. Then I too got a Garmin for fitness, sleep, etc. Very useful
However I sold my luscious Mini John Cooper Works 2 years ago and have barely missed it, haven’t replaced it, and I really enjoy the freedom from worry and faff. Parking, insurance, MOT, endless
When I’m abroad I rent and when I’m in London I use Zipcar - £7 an hour, all included - if I need a car. Love it
Meanwhile I have completely decluttered my flat and thrown out about 40 bin bags of gewgaws, gizmos, garbage, replacing them with a few well chosen antiques and some insane lamps and glass
It’s like Mounjaro for the soul. It’s great. Have fewer things, but make them exquisitely useful or beautiful
Never heard of Zipcar.
A car equivalent to those Voi scooters you can hop on and hop off?
In general anyone who pays list price for a new car has been seen coming.
My new car I got from the dealer 2 years ago for £13,700. The list price was £17k.
Even a Hyundai i10 has a list price of more than 17k now.
Mine is a Suzuki Swift, which I can see listed on the website of the dealer I bought it from for £18,399 . . . which is about right given 2 years of inflation.
So by a comparable discount, I'd expect you could actually get it if you negotiate for about £15k.
The Swift is a great car. Just a bit too small for us but if we (God forbid) ever need two then the second would be a Swift.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
The success with which the political system captured the PCCs, and steered them into cosy relationships with the police is worthy of a book. The original idea was to bring in outside supervision of the police - it has become a party sinecure, generally with nodding dogs occupying the post.
I believe that in some jurisdictions in the US it is possible to vote for the town Dog Catcher. Werily, even that is a more prestigious, purposeful and effective role than our elected Police and Crime Commissioners.
In 3 days the number of people signing the ID cards petition has reached 25% of the number of votes that Labour polled at the last election. The question is whether people keep signing.
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
Honesty is best in these matters. I'm quite open about loathing craft fairs, but marriage is give and take, so I'll tolerate a certain level of exposure.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Secondary effects. Policing doesn't seem to consider those.
I grew up in Oxford. In that period - up to the early 90s - there was the following phenomenon. A certain individual was known by all to be in charge of the drug trade in West Oxford. People I knew bought cannabis from his associates. He was quite visible. He would even have chats with the police. It was also noticeable that his attempted rivals in the business were rapidly arrested. This included students at the University - every year there would be someone who thought that getting into retail would save themselves money...
Speculation was generally blatant corruption. My thought was that the police were happy with an organised, non violent trade. See Olivia Channon.
Some years later, I was talking to ex-police officer at a social event. We got onto the topic of discretion in policing. When I mentioned my theory as to the chap (above) he said nothing. But looked quite smug.
I then pointed out that, whatever the truth, the police had convinced a generation of Oxford students that the police were corrupt. And who does PPE at Oxford?
Surely the appropriate lesson for the PPE graduates is don't give the police unenforceable laws to deal with.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
So you're heading down Tortin trying to see how much time you have for diversions before the pistes close/you meet your friends/etc, and you pull out your Nokia 6330 to see what the time is. What an absolute faff. Or do you have your phone on a shoulder holster for ease of access. And I bet it's easy to tell the time with your phone in a kayak.
In general anyone who pays list price for a new car has been seen coming.
My new car I got from the dealer 2 years ago for £13,700. The list price was £17k.
Even a Hyundai i10 has a list price of more than 17k now.
Mine is a Suzuki Swift, which I can see listed on the website of the dealer I bought it from for £18,399 . . . which is about right given 2 years of inflation.
So by a comparable discount, I'd expect you could actually get it if you negotiate for about £15k.
The Swift is a great car. Just a bit too small for us but if we (God forbid) ever need two then the second would be a Swift.
I dislike them, as every second example seems to be driven by Mr Slow. Which makes the "Swift" label particularly irritating when you're stuck behind them.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
The success with which the political system captured the PCCs, and steered them into cosy relationships with the police is worthy of a book. The original idea was to bring in outside supervision of the police - it has become a party sinecure, generally with nodding dogs occupying the post.
I believe that in some jurisdictions in the US it is possible to vote for the town Dog Catcher. Werily, even that is a more prestigious, purposeful and effective role than our elected Police and Crime Commissioners.
The office of Sheriff is universal, though.
As they say, a term as Sheriff can set a man up for life. Two terms, well handled, can set up his family down the generations.
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
The success with which the political system captured the PCCs, and steered them into cosy relationships with the police is worthy of a book. The original idea was to bring in outside supervision of the police - it has become a party sinecure, generally with nodding dogs occupying the post.
I believe that in some jurisdictions in the US it is possible to vote for the town Dog Catcher. Werily, even that is a more prestigious, purposeful and effective role than our elected Police and Crime Commissioners.
I’m pondering the efficacy of appointing one of Tommy Manynames’ associates as Police and Crime Commissioner.
It's the economy (stupid), because it usually is. And there have been a couple of years now where wages have grown faster than prices. But as long as most people have more month than money, they are going to be understandably unhappy.
But to a very large degree, that's out of the government's hands to fix, in the short term anyway. We can shuffle how things are paid for, but they will largely cost what they cost.
One interesting suggestion that I've come across recently is that PCP car financing explains why people are angrier than ever about the cost of living even though wages have grown faster than prices, and even though the large number of new cars about would suggest a healthy level of prosperity.
It has enabled people to buy cars that they previously wouldn't have been able to afford - but really they still can't afford them, and so they're struggling to make ends meet because of the millstone of car finance.
I haven't interrogated the idea to see if the numbers stack up, but it suggests a way forward for the government to help square the circle. Increase regulation of car financing to save people from immiserating themselves spending beyond their means, and although this will mean more people have to make do with a lower status motor, they will end up happier when they can more easily reach the end of the month with the money previously being spent on finance for the car they couldn't afford.
Yep. One of my long-standing PB bugbears and rants. How come there are 25-plate Rangeys parked outside (no offence) bog standard municipal housing or in the drive of a very modest semi.
I suppose £425/month for five years (having paid £5-10k at the beginning and end) somehow makes people think it's affordable.
To say nothing of rates today.
A car is just a tool for getting from A to B when there’s not a suitable bus or train service. I can’t understand why people want a bigger, newer or faster car than is necessary for the job. See also: watches.
I agree with the sentiment. However...
1) If you're doing 17,000 miles a year it's absolutely worth getting a car that is comfortable and has stuff like cruise control, decent stereo etc. You don't need to spend loads but the marginal gain here is worth it. 50% of a day in the hills is whizzing around Highland roads, so getting something that is fun is justifiable too in that case.
2) My Garmin watch has transformed my life in terms of keeping fit, sleeping well and so on. That's not necessary but the benefit:cost is clear.
I went without a watch for 15 years. Then I too got a Garmin for fitness, sleep, etc. Very useful
However I sold my luscious Mini John Cooper Works 2 years ago and have barely missed it, haven’t replaced it, and I really enjoy the freedom from worry and faff. Parking, insurance, MOT, endless
When I’m abroad I rent and when I’m in London I use Zipcar - £7 an hour, all included - if I need a car. Love it
Meanwhile I have completely decluttered my flat and thrown out about 40 bin bags of gewgaws, gizmos, garbage, replacing them with a few well chosen antiques and some insane lamps and glass
It’s like Mounjaro for the soul. It’s great. Have fewer things, but make them exquisitely useful or beautiful
Never heard of Zipcar.
A car equivalent to those Voi scooters you can hop on and hop off?
Yes. It’s car sharing. All you pay is a £5 monthly membership fee and then the £7 price of the car for an hour (or 5 hours or whatever you want). There’s a nice MG with its own dedicated parking spot (so no worries about parking, or parking fees) a minute from my flat. It’s not often used so it’s like having my own car for zero money
I go online and book it. My phone unlocks the car. Fuel is all paid for but there is a credit card inside if you need more - they pay
Honestly it’s genius. In a place like London in particular why would you go to the hassle of buying parking insuring maintaining your own car if this is an option?
I use a Garmin because I (usually) do lots of activities that I want to log.
But for the same reason, I no longer wear my wedding ring. It is a bit loose on my finger, and I don't want it to slip off when swimming or in the showers at the pool. And Mrs J's ring has been thoroughly abused at the gym.
(By which I mean her wedding ring has been scratched, before anyone's dirty mind thinks otherwise.... )
I'm thrilled to announce I'm returning to the New Statesman as Political Editor in November. 🥳
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
A question for the lawyers on here. What would be the court’s reaction to a defence argument of “I went round with some friends to retrieve my stolen property which the police knew the location of but refused to do anything about.”
You’d want that to be in front of a jury, not in front of the magistrates.
Heard down the pub later: "Bloke and his mates came and beat me up, jury said not guilty. No f'ing justice in this country!"
More likely, as I pointed out, Guardian headline - "Mob of privileged* thugs attack the home of minority"
*As it happens the a number of our members come from the estate where the bike is located. They were commenting on who lived in that block, and who it might be....
Good thread giving Simon Jenkins a well deserved Fisking.
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled... https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
You’re absolutely right. Had we left in a week we’d miss it. Two weeks just drags by the end
I use a Garmin because I (usually) do lots of activities that I want to log.
But for the same reason, I no longer wear my wedding ring. It is a bit loose on my finger, and I don't want it to slip off when swimming or in the showers at the pool. And Mrs J's ring has been thoroughly abused at the gym.
(By which I mean her wedding ring has been scratched, before anyone's dirty mind thinks otherwise.... )
My wife dislikes gold, so I got the engagement and wedding rings in platinum. I hadn't really considered it, but it is very hard wearing.
In general anyone who pays list price for a new car has been seen coming.
My new car I got from the dealer 2 years ago for £13,700. The list price was £17k.
Even a Hyundai i10 has a list price of more than 17k now.
Mine is a Suzuki Swift, which I can see listed on the website of the dealer I bought it from for £18,399 . . . which is about right given 2 years of inflation.
So by a comparable discount, I'd expect you could actually get it if you negotiate for about £15k.
The Swift is a great car. Just a bit too small for us but if we (God forbid) ever need two then the second would be a Swift.
I dislike them, as every second example seems to be driven by Mr Slow. Which makes the "Swift" label particularly irritating when you're stuck behind them.
It’s the same with caravans and motorhomes. Stuck behind one called Swift, Speedy or Rapid on a Devon country lane or the NC500.
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
You’re absolutely right. Had we left in a week we’d miss it. Two weeks just drags by the end
Depends where you're visiting. I'd happily spend a couple of month in Seoul, if I could afford to.
It's the economy (stupid), because it usually is. And there have been a couple of years now where wages have grown faster than prices. But as long as most people have more month than money, they are going to be understandably unhappy.
But to a very large degree, that's out of the government's hands to fix, in the short term anyway. We can shuffle how things are paid for, but they will largely cost what they cost.
One interesting suggestion that I've come across recently is that PCP car financing explains why people are angrier than ever about the cost of living even though wages have grown faster than prices, and even though the large number of new cars about would suggest a healthy level of prosperity.
It has enabled people to buy cars that they previously wouldn't have been able to afford - but really they still can't afford them, and so they're struggling to make ends meet because of the millstone of car finance.
I haven't interrogated the idea to see if the numbers stack up, but it suggests a way forward for the government to help square the circle. Increase regulation of car financing to save people from immiserating themselves spending beyond their means, and although this will mean more people have to make do with a lower status motor, they will end up happier when they can more easily reach the end of the month with the money previously being spent on finance for the car they couldn't afford.
Yes, car list prices have gone up a lot in recent years, and the spike in interest rates a couple of years ago has made many new deals totally unaffordable on a like-for-like basis.
Why your average Joe leases a new car will remain a total mystery to me, it’s totally dead money as the depreciation is horrific for those first three or four years. It’s understandable for a company car, but totally mad for a personal one.
If you can't afford the 4 bedroom detached house your parents have, having a better brand of car may make you feel better.
The issue as you say is that people who leased cars are suddenly discovering that the due to higher interest rates (and to a lesser extent higher list prices) they can't afford to replace their current car with an identical replacement as the PCP rate is £200+ more due to interest rates. But because interest rates were so low between 2009 and 2022 people have got used to low risk borrowing being very low cost so the PCP rate of a car was discounted bulk purchase price - expected 3 year value + sod all interest and now it's less discounted bulk purchase price - lower 3 year value + a lot of interest.
Yes, and the interest is based on the list price of the car minus deposit, so you’ve gone from paying e.g. 1% on £50k three years ago, to now needing to pay 5% of £70k for the same car, and with the new car expected to have considerably higher monetary depreciation over the lease term.
A friend described at as going from being able to afford the top-of-the-range model of any given car, to now being only able to afford the base model for the same money.
That’s one way to ‘feel poorer’.
And if you couldn't afford the top of the range model last time around, a lot of people are discovering all they can afford this time round is second hand - and that will definitely hurt.
I'm going to stick to my old approach of buying at 2/3 years old and selling at 8 unless problems appear - which means 2028/9 when hopefully the winners of the EV transformation are clearly
That is kind of my approach too, although through laziness more than anything else I'll probably hold onto the car for longer. Last time I bought at 2 years and sold at 9 because of ULEZ. The current one we bought at 2 and it's now 6 years old and I've no reason to sell it. Modern cars are so reliable and we only do about 4-5000 miles a year. It's a perfectly good car but far from top of the range. We could certainly afford a much fancier model but why bother?
The other big issue with cars made in the last year or two onwards is the compulsory ISA. Having a cat that beeps at you whenever you nudge over a speed limit or it fails to recognise the signage is seriously annoying, as is having something you can't turn permanently off and usually have to click through a sequence of menus to get rid of, every time you start up
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
You’re absolutely right. Had we left in a week we’d miss it. Two weeks just drags by the end
I don’t remember the last time I had a holiday
Anyway, best start packing for my flight to Naples
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
The success with which the political system captured the PCCs, and steered them into cosy relationships with the police is worthy of a book. The original idea was to bring in outside supervision of the police - it has become a party sinecure, generally with nodding dogs occupying the post.
I believe that in some jurisdictions in the US it is possible to vote for the town Dog Catcher. Werily, even that is a more prestigious, purposeful and effective role than our elected Police and Crime Commissioners.
I’m pondering the efficacy of appointing one of Tommy Manynames’ associates as Police and Crime Commissioner.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Secondary effects. Policing doesn't seem to consider those.
I grew up in Oxford. In that period - up to the early 90s - there was the following phenomenon. A certain individual was known by all to be in charge of the drug trade in West Oxford. People I knew bought cannabis from his associates. He was quite visible. He would even have chats with the police. It was also noticeable that his attempted rivals in the business were rapidly arrested. This included students at the University - every year there would be someone who thought that getting into retail would save themselves money...
Speculation was generally blatant corruption. My thought was that the police were happy with an organised, non violent trade. See Olivia Channon.
Some years later, I was talking to ex-police officer at a social event. We got onto the topic of discretion in policing. When I mentioned my theory as to the chap (above) he said nothing. But looked quite smug.
I then pointed out that, whatever the truth, the police had convinced a generation of Oxford students that the police were corrupt. And who does PPE at Oxford?
Surely the appropriate lesson for the PPE graduates is don't give the police unenforceable laws to deal with.
Or to go into partnership with the police when committing crime.
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
You’re absolutely right. Had we left in a week we’d miss it. Two weeks just drags by the end
Depends where you're visiting. I'd happily spend a couple of month in Seoul, if I could afford to.
Yes. I loved Korea
In fact my five week jaunt around Japan and Korea last year was one of my favourite trips EVER. In a lifetime of ceaseless travel
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
Two weeks is too short, and often over before you settle into it, particularly if there's a day or two's travelling at each end. The great thing about a slower, longer trip, aside from the chance to really settle into it and adjust to the climate, language and culture, is that you don't feel under the sightseeing pressure of having to fill every day with seeing or doing something significant. You also get better weather averaging, whereas a short break can be spoiled if the weather dice come up unfavourably.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
So you're heading down Tortin trying to see how much time you have for diversions before the pistes close/you meet your friends/etc, and you pull out your Nokia 6330 to see what the time is. What an absolute faff. Or do you have your phone on a shoulder holster for ease of access. And I bet it's easy to tell the time with your phone in a kayak.
With skiing my phone is in my jacket pocket. Don't need to know the time much really but you stop regularly with skiing anyway so it's not an issue. I honestly never feel the need for a watch.
I do wonder whether these days they are bought more as jewellery, as a status symbol. Nouveau-riche if so.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
Your one line question is a central mystery that needs solving. Where were MPs over the Windrush scandal? Where were and are MPs over justice delays - infected blood, Post Office, and prior to that over the injustices themsleves as they occurred? Where are MPs over the failure of government agencies to answer the phone, be contactable or answer letters? Where are MPs and PCCs over ignored victims of bike theft being afraid to take their bike back from the thief because they fear being arrested? Where are PCCs over the failure to investigate shop lifting?
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
Your one line question is a central mystery that needs solving. Where were MPs over the Windrush scandal? Where were and are MPs over justice delays - infected blood, Post Office, and prior to that over the injustices themsleves as they occurred? Where are MPs over the failure of government agencies to answer the phone, be contactable or answer letters? Where are MPs and PCCs over ignored victims of bike theft being afraid to take their bike back from the thief because they fear being arrested? Where are PCCs over the failure to investigate shop lifting?
Public apathy must be one of the reasons. They think they can get away with not doing something and most people won't care.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
So you're heading down Tortin trying to see how much time you have for diversions before the pistes close/you meet your friends/etc, and you pull out your Nokia 6330 to see what the time is. What an absolute faff. Or do you have your phone on a shoulder holster for ease of access. And I bet it's easy to tell the time with your phone in a kayak.
With skiing my phone is in my jacket pocket. Don't need to know the time much really but you stop regularly with skiing anyway so it's not an issue. I honestly never feel the need for a watch.
I do wonder whether these days they are bought more as jewellery, as a status symbol. Nouveau-riche if so.
In general anyone who pays list price for a new car has been seen coming.
My new car I got from the dealer 2 years ago for £13,700. The list price was £17k.
We bought a new car last year for my wife and the list price was £28k, after about 30 mins of negotiating they added in a £4.5k dealer contribution to the finance agreement and a bunch of freebie insurances one of which we've actually used. Instead of a £5k deposit we only had to pay £500 on the day. I'll never understand why people don't negotiate.
Their ability/willingness to give you goodies disappears if you don’t take their finance. Regardless in my situation it was still cheaper not to take their finance (without the “dealer contributions”) than with it.
I know some people take the finance and then immediately pay it off but I couldn’t be arsed with the faff.
The dealer makes most of his commission on the finance, on vehicle options, accessories etc, also the profit margin on your part-exchange.
If you’re buying the base model with cash, he’s making very little and will treat you accordingly.
That's exactly how I bought my last car: base model with cash, using Carwow to find the lowest price in the country, and in the full knowledge that the dealer was making very little from the sale. I didn't get or expect any freebies, and that was fine with me.
That's close to what I did to get mine. I found the best deal I could from Carwow and other sources, then booked an appointment to speak to my local dealer where I said I was buying with cash (I arranged my own finance separately, working out cheaper) and could they beat the offer I'd found. Had a conversation with the Manager, they said no, I thanked them for their time and walked away. Got a phone call 2 minutes later saying they'd had another look and could make it work.
Yes they didn't make much on a cash sale, but if you go in with that hard-nosed attitude then anything can be better than nothing for them and a sale is still a sale for their books.
Bonus points if you do it about three days before the end of the month, and tell them you can close the sale today. The sales manager’s volume bonus will be monthly-based, and at the end of the month any sale is a sale. It’s playing them at their own game.
When I bought my MINI I went at it on the Friday before quarter end. Targeted two dealers in two different owning groups. Told them openly it was a competitive tender and I would place the order today for the winning dealer.
Ended up with a deal so good that when I went in to sign the paperwork the dealer principle came over to introduce himself. Said that although his team had done the deal he wasn't happy with the level of the discount.
I smiled sweetly at him and offered not to sign the deal and take the sale to the competing dealership. He said "no, we want the sale, but I'm not happy with it" at which point I pointed out that its his business and his P&L and if he doesn't want to make the sale then don't do so. He said nothing so I signed and he walked off. "Sorry" said the sales rep I had done the deal with...
Good thread giving Simon Jenkins a well deserved Fisking.
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled... https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
Wrong link there.
I recall Simon Jenkins, many years ago, boasting of having prevented closing lines for maintenance, while one the board of London Transport - meaning that maintenance only happened in the brief period between the last train and the first trains. By the time that you have verified everything is shut down, that is a couple of hours.
It's the economy (stupid), because it usually is. And there have been a couple of years now where wages have grown faster than prices. But as long as most people have more month than money, they are going to be understandably unhappy.
But to a very large degree, that's out of the government's hands to fix, in the short term anyway. We can shuffle how things are paid for, but they will largely cost what they cost.
One interesting suggestion that I've come across recently is that PCP car financing explains why people are angrier than ever about the cost of living even though wages have grown faster than prices, and even though the large number of new cars about would suggest a healthy level of prosperity.
It has enabled people to buy cars that they previously wouldn't have been able to afford - but really they still can't afford them, and so they're struggling to make ends meet because of the millstone of car finance.
I haven't interrogated the idea to see if the numbers stack up, but it suggests a way forward for the government to help square the circle. Increase regulation of car financing to save people from immiserating themselves spending beyond their means, and although this will mean more people have to make do with a lower status motor, they will end up happier when they can more easily reach the end of the month with the money previously being spent on finance for the car they couldn't afford.
Yep. One of my long-standing PB bugbears and rants. How come there are 25-plate Rangeys parked outside (no offence) bog standard municipal housing or in the drive of a very modest semi.
I suppose £425/month for five years (having paid £5-10k at the beginning and end) somehow makes people think it's affordable.
To say nothing of rates today.
A car is just a tool for getting from A to B when there’s not a suitable bus or train service. I can’t understand why people want a bigger, newer or faster car than is necessary for the job. See also: watches.
I agree with the sentiment. However...
1) If you're doing 17,000 miles a year it's absolutely worth getting a car that is comfortable and has stuff like cruise control, decent stereo etc. You don't need to spend loads but the marginal gain here is worth it. 50% of a day in the hills is whizzing around Highland roads, so getting something that is fun is justifiable too in that case.
2) My Garmin watch has transformed my life in terms of keeping fit, sleeping well and so on. That's not necessary but the benefit:cost is clear.
I went without a watch for 15 years. Then I too got a Garmin for fitness, sleep, etc. Very useful
However I sold my luscious Mini John Cooper Works 2 years ago and have barely missed it, haven’t replaced it, and I really enjoy the freedom from worry and faff. Parking, insurance, MOT, endless
When I’m abroad I rent and when I’m in London I use Zipcar - £7 an hour, all included - if I need a car. Love it
Meanwhile I have completely decluttered my flat and thrown out about 40 bin bags of gewgaws, gizmos, garbage, replacing them with a few well chosen antiques and some insane lamps and glass
It’s like Mounjaro for the soul. It’s great. Have fewer things, but make them exquisitely useful or beautiful
Never heard of Zipcar.
A car equivalent to those Voi scooters you can hop on and hop off?
Yes. It’s car sharing. All you pay is a £5 monthly membership fee and then the £7 price of the car for an hour (or 5 hours or whatever you want). There’s a nice MG with its own dedicated parking spot (so no worries about parking, or parking fees) a minute from my flat. It’s not often used so it’s like having my own car for zero money
I go online and book it. My phone unlocks the car. Fuel is all paid for but there is a credit card inside if you need more - they pay
Honestly it’s genius. In a place like London in particular why would you go to the hassle of buying parking insuring maintaining your own car if this is an option?
I use it weekly now. For recycling, big shops etc
Where you live why the hell would you want to own a car? You may as well just burn a pile of cash on the street, would be cheaper...!
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
You’re absolutely right. Had we left in a week we’d miss it. Two weeks just drags by the end
Gosh I've never experienced this. I live for my holidays. We go on some cracking adventures. Perhaps the trick is in the planning.
You are actually looking forward to returning to the UK from the south of France?
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
So you're heading down Tortin trying to see how much time you have for diversions before the pistes close/you meet your friends/etc, and you pull out your Nokia 6330 to see what the time is. What an absolute faff. Or do you have your phone on a shoulder holster for ease of access. And I bet it's easy to tell the time with your phone in a kayak.
With skiing my phone is in my jacket pocket. Don't need to know the time much really but you stop regularly with skiing anyway so it's not an issue. I honestly never feel the need for a watch.
I do wonder whether these days they are bought more as jewellery, as a status symbol. Nouveau-riche if so.
weird
Proper rich people like you don’t need to show off. It’s just the white van man made good, types, that need to flaunt their newly acquired wealth.
Should I use a local estate agent that charges 1% plus VAT, but has a client book of ready buyers without marketing, or pay flat rate £6k cheaper to an out of towner who’ll put it on RightMove?
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
So you're heading down Tortin trying to see how much time you have for diversions before the pistes close/you meet your friends/etc, and you pull out your Nokia 6330 to see what the time is. What an absolute faff. Or do you have your phone on a shoulder holster for ease of access. And I bet it's easy to tell the time with your phone in a kayak.
Quite right, and these are perfect use cases for a £13 Casio F91. Virtually unbreakable and insanely accurate.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
Your one line question is a central mystery that needs solving. Where were MPs over the Windrush scandal? Where were and are MPs over justice delays - infected blood, Post Office, and prior to that over the injustices themsleves as they occurred? Where are MPs over the failure of government agencies to answer the phone, be contactable or answer letters? Where are MPs and PCCs over ignored victims of bike theft being afraid to take their bike back from the thief because they fear being arrested? Where are PCCs over the failure to investigate shop lifting?
In each scandal, there is always one or two maverick MPs who were listening and trying to act. Which is probably why they were regarded as maverick.
The classic pattern seems to be
1) MP/Minister gets told to look at scandal X 2) MP/Minister is told by Officials that scandal X is not really an issue and that the MP/Minister needs to be a Team Player/Safe Pair of Hands. 3) MP/Minister sends an anodyne letter back
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
So you're heading down Tortin trying to see how much time you have for diversions before the pistes close/you meet your friends/etc, and you pull out your Nokia 6330 to see what the time is. What an absolute faff. Or do you have your phone on a shoulder holster for ease of access. And I bet it's easy to tell the time with your phone in a kayak.
With skiing my phone is in my jacket pocket. Don't need to know the time much really but you stop regularly with skiing anyway so it's not an issue. I honestly never feel the need for a watch.
I do wonder whether these days they are bought more as jewellery, as a status symbol. Nouveau-riche if so.
weird
Proper rich people like you don’t need to show off. It’s just the white van man made good, types, that need to flaunt their newly acquired wealth.
If it's not that then why the need to buy insanely expensive watches rather than cheap ones? A status symbol IMO which cuts no ice with me. I get the popularity of health/fitness ones (even though I don't want one of those either).
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
You’re absolutely right. Had we left in a week we’d miss it. Two weeks just drags by the end
I don’t remember the last time I had a holiday
Anyway, best start packing for my flight to Naples
The only time I’ve ever thought over tourism was a thing was in Sorrento last week
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
So you're heading down Tortin trying to see how much time you have for diversions before the pistes close/you meet your friends/etc, and you pull out your Nokia 6330 to see what the time is. What an absolute faff. Or do you have your phone on a shoulder holster for ease of access. And I bet it's easy to tell the time with your phone in a kayak.
With skiing my phone is in my jacket pocket. Don't need to know the time much really but you stop regularly with skiing anyway so it's not an issue. I honestly never feel the need for a watch.
I do wonder whether these days they are bought more as jewellery, as a status symbol. Nouveau-riche if so.
weird
Proper rich people like you don’t need to show off. It’s just the white van man made good, types, that need to flaunt their newly acquired wealth.
The social phycologist types have observed that the Status Jewellery thing has moved from watches to smart phones for a wide range of income/social groups. The remaining Expensive Watch people occupy a series of niches.
Good thread giving Simon Jenkins a well deserved Fisking.
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled... https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
Wrong link there.
I recall Simon Jenkins, many years ago, boasting of having prevented closing lines for maintenance, while one the board of London Transport - meaning that maintenance only happened in the brief period between the last train and the first trains. By the time that you have verified everything is shut down, that is a couple of hours.
The man is a moron.
The one I get moderately agitated about is inset days at school. School has been on holiday for six weeks. First day back is an inset day... I assume the teachers unions have secured the idea of not using holiday for all the inset activities.
Don't get me wrong, teaching is a hard and often thankless job, not one I want. But I can understand parents being a bit sniffing about inset days just after a long holiday.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Your wrist is more accessible than your pocket or bag.
And getting your phone out immediately attracts a flock of bicycle thieves I believe.
Strange lot in Scotchland, then.
In London, the bicycle thieves steal bikes, mostly. May a plague of suppurating boils afflict their nether regions.
I heard a story recently about a bike thief trying to steal a very expensive triathlon bike from outside a cafe. He didn't get far, as he found it nearly impossible to ride and ended up abandoning it at the end of the road when the owner and his friends noticed. He didn't even steal the bike computer.
At the boat club, one of the rowers has had her bike stolen. The tracker (well integrated into it) shows the exact location. The police refused to do anything. There is some discussion about seeing the first two eight crews round to borrow it back - it's not far.
The police really need to be told (continually) that with many items being 100% trackable their unwillingness to do what many people believe is their job (tracking thiefs and returning stolen goods) is destroying the public's opinion of then.
Why aren't PCCs, or even MPs, putting pressure on the police over this sort of thing?
Your one line question is a central mystery that needs solving. Where were MPs over the Windrush scandal? Where were and are MPs over justice delays - infected blood, Post Office, and prior to that over the injustices themsleves as they occurred? Where are MPs over the failure of government agencies to answer the phone, be contactable or answer letters? Where are MPs and PCCs over ignored victims of bike theft being afraid to take their bike back from the thief because they fear being arrested? Where are PCCs over the failure to investigate shop lifting?
In each scandal, there is always one or two maverick MPs who were listening and trying to act. Which is probably why they were regarded as maverick.
The classic pattern seems to be
1) MP/Minister gets told to look at scandal X 2) MP/Minister is told by Officials that scandal X is not really an issue and that the MP/Minister needs to be a Team Player/Safe Pair of Hands. 3) MP/Minister sends an anodyne letter back
I rember watching that documentary way back in the ‘80s.
Good thread giving Simon Jenkins a well deserved Fisking.
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled... https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
Wrong link there.
I recall Simon Jenkins, many years ago, boasting of having prevented closing lines for maintenance, while one the board of London Transport - meaning that maintenance only happened in the brief period between the last train and the first trains. By the time that you have verified everything is shut down, that is a couple of hours.
The man is a moron.
The same thing happened on the WCML upgrade in the early 2000s: the closing of lines at weekends to do work (and the resultant bustitution) was massively unpopular, so they did much of the work between last and first trains. Which meant there was only two or three hours of work possible each night by the time worksites had been set up, and people were paid overtime rates (rightly...) for just a few hours of work. And there were near-constant issues with worksites not being handed back fully cleared.
It's a terrible way of working - unless you're an employee or one of the companies doing the work.
They'd be far better off closing the line for three or six months and blitzing the work. Which would have been massively disruptive, but over much less time and at much less expense.
I’ve been working in politics a long time. I’ve seen some bonkers stuff. But having the Prime Minister blast an opponent’s policy as racist on Sunday, then getting the Home Secretary to announce the same policy on Monday is about the maddest thing I’ve seen at a party conference.
If I were Burnham I would let them stew so there is no doubt whose responsibility the LE 2026 bloodbath is.
Burnham sh@t the bed. Even I was coming around to thinking you might have been right all along about Burnham, and then he inflicted enormous damage to the party he decided he wants to lead.
I am about to spend a day in London and I'm not takiung any cash with me.
Just the two grand phone, the ten grand watch, the fancy shoes and the sharp suit…
I am slumming it today, just the £1,500 watch, Watch Ultra 3 Hermès.
JohnO and myself are off to our regular working man’s venue for lunch, Claridge’s.
I never understood the joy in expensive watches. For any human purposes, my £5 Chinese watch is just as accurate as one 300 times the price. And if I lose it - which I do, frequently - it causes me only very minor vexation. I can wear it in a mosh pit, or in bed, or on the beach, or on a bike ride, without any anxiety whatsoever.
Having a phone, why is there a need for a watch at all? I haven't worn one for years.
Quite a sedentary type, are you?
No, quite the opposite.
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
So you're heading down Tortin trying to see how much time you have for diversions before the pistes close/you meet your friends/etc, and you pull out your Nokia 6330 to see what the time is. What an absolute faff. Or do you have your phone on a shoulder holster for ease of access. And I bet it's easy to tell the time with your phone in a kayak.
With skiing my phone is in my jacket pocket. Don't need to know the time much really but you stop regularly with skiing anyway so it's not an issue. I honestly never feel the need for a watch.
I do wonder whether these days they are bought more as jewellery, as a status symbol. Nouveau-riche if so.
weird
Proper rich people like you don’t need to show off. It’s just the white van man made good, types, that need to flaunt their newly acquired wealth.
Huh? We are talking about Stocky under no circumstances wearing a watch "because he has a phone".
That is just weird. I suppose it is muscle memory to an extent ("why do I need to know the time now") but, assuming that de temps en temps you want to know what time it is, to say that pulling a phone out of your pocket to find out the time rather than just rotating slightly your wrist is just strange.
Good thread giving Simon Jenkins a well deserved Fisking.
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled... https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
Wrong link there.
I recall Simon Jenkins, many years ago, boasting of having prevented closing lines for maintenance, while one the board of London Transport - meaning that maintenance only happened in the brief period between the last train and the first trains. By the time that you have verified everything is shut down, that is a couple of hours.
The man is a moron.
The one I get moderately agitated about is inset days at school. School has been on holiday for six weeks. First day back is an inset day... I assume the teachers unions have secured the idea of not using holiday for all the inset activities.
Don't get me wrong, teaching is a hard and often thankless job, not one I want. But I can understand parents being a bit sniffing about inset days just after a long holiday.
Are you complaining about an inset day on September 3rd (say) or the one I heard about on Friday 26th which was being used for teachers to restructure things based on learnings from the first 3 weeks
I'm surprised the government don't employ some of the brightest and best from advertising. To get such poor scores from things which the public have no idea about is just negligent. The principle isn't difficult. You find out what your target market consider important and then you creatively present what the goverment is doing or planning to do in that area. Wasting time on voters who think you are 'evil' is wasted energy. They are not your target market. They never will be. Just concentrate on those whose views are broadly in line with your offereings. Even if you have to tell your target market that we are going down the toilet. Make it sound like an interesting journey so you take them with you......
I am not sure advertising talent is what it was in your day.
Radio ads are dreadful "Pets in a Pickle" is my least favourite, and we don't have TV ads of the quality of the Smash aliens any more. My favourite ad from the eighties was an Adam West lookalike Batman crime fighting in an Austin Metro to avoid Gotham City traffic congestion.
That was a cracker especially the pick up a penguin line.
The Capital Radio flying eye ad for the Renault 11 was very clever too. Everyone in London drove a Renault 11 in the 1980s because of that ad despite the Renault 11 being dreadful.
If I were Burnham I would let them stew so there is no doubt whose responsibility the LE 2026 bloodbath is.
Burnham sh@t the bed. Even I was coming around to thinking you might have been right all along about Burnham, and then he inflicted enormous damage to the party he decided he wants to lead.
Got to say when TSE said the Tories were at risk of polling fifth, he ignored the very strong possibility that it will be Labour getting there first...
While I believe ID cards offer a whole set of benefits (as shown by the Lib Dems agreeing) I wouldn't be surprised in seeing some Labour voters switching Green...
"Lib Dems agreeing"?? Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Lib Dem HQ had a campaigining guide posted on how and why to oppose the plans.
Same here. I was in Villefranche yesterday, most pleasant. After my wife stopped at yet another craft stall on this interminable holiday I made myself the error of saying aloud and. Or thinking ‘for fucks sake’ I had to pretend I was referring to my knee. She was unconvinced
“Interminable” doesn’t sound too great. Hope it’s not all bad
Thanks. No, it’s just too long. It’s dragging now at 2 weeks
I firmly believe that 10 days is the best holiday duration (assuming one location). Seven days is too short (its inevitably really six days as you arrive late on one day and leave early at the end).
You’re absolutely right. Had we left in a week we’d miss it. Two weeks just drags by the end
I don’t remember the last time I had a holiday
Anyway, best start packing for my flight to Naples
The only time I’ve ever thought over tourism was a thing was in Sorrento last week
Venice and Cinque Terre are the two principal other victims in Italy, although the crush in Venice last week didn't seem so bad, perhaps because they have shunted a lot of the cruise ships away to Trieste or down near Rimini
Some people buy football strips so they can pretend they are Harry Kane
Some people buy Rolex Submariners so they can pretend they are James Bond
How come when I see people wearing football strips around town or in a supermarket, they always seem to be stretched around bulging bellies that make it clear the person hasn't run for a ball in at least two decades?
If you're going to wear football strip, at least make it look as though you could play football without suffering a heart attack...
If I were Burnham I would let them stew so there is no doubt whose responsibility the LE 2026 bloodbath is.
Burnham sh@t the bed. Even I was coming around to thinking you might have been right all along about Burnham, and then he inflicted enormous damage to the party he decided he wants to lead.
Good thread giving Simon Jenkins a well deserved Fisking.
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled... https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
Wrong link there.
I recall Simon Jenkins, many years ago, boasting of having prevented closing lines for maintenance, while one the board of London Transport - meaning that maintenance only happened in the brief period between the last train and the first trains. By the time that you have verified everything is shut down, that is a couple of hours.
The man is a moron.
The same thing happened on the WCML upgrade in the early 2000s: the closing of lines at weekends to do work (and the resultant bustitution) was massively unpopular, so they did much of the work between last and first trains. Which meant there was only two or three hours of work possible each night by the time worksites had been set up, and people were paid overtime rates (rightly...) for just a few hours of work. And there were near-constant issues with worksites not being handed back fully cleared.
It's a terrible way of working - unless you're an employee or one of the companies doing the work.
They'd be far better off closing the line for three or six months and blitzing the work. Which would have been massively disruptive, but over much less time and at much less expense.
I've heard it said that one regret from COVID, was not tripling the amount of work they (railways) did during the shutdown. Though quite a bit was done.
Some people buy football strips so they can pretend they are Harry Kane
Some people buy Rolex Submariners so they can pretend they are James Bond
How come when I see people wearing football strips around town or in a supermarket, they always seem to be stretched around bulging bellies that make it clear the person hasn't run for a ball in at least two decades?
If you're going to wear football strip, at least make it look as though you could play football without suffering a heart attack...
I thought James Bond wore Omega?
This seems limited to football, doesn't it? Mind you, I'm into sports where the only time you see people wearing the kit, they are doing it.
Walking down the high street, after riding, in jackboots can turn heads, though.
In 3 days the number of people signing the ID cards petition has reached 25% of the number of votes that Labour polled at the last election. The question is whether people keep signing.
Still waiting the seat by seat from Survations MRP but remarkable consistency in Tory seats - 45, 41 and 42 this weekends MRPs. With a bit of variety but they seem to be at a core of about 30 seats with dozen or so 'others' varying mrp to mrp and another 100 they'd be competitive in on a recovery into the 20s. Which means you could probably cap Tory wildest dreams 'as it stands' at 150 seats, below the 1997 meltdown. How the mighty have fallen.
JL Partners are doing a presentation at the conference with 'new polling' so we might see a Polaris model update this week?
Should I use a local estate agent that charges 1% plus VAT, but has a client book of ready buyers without marketing, or pay flat rate £6k cheaper to an out of towner who’ll put it on RightMove?
My daughter and her ex have just sold their home and the whole process was shocking with inept and slow lawyers providing error prone advice to estate agents who were utterly clueless and thought all they had to do was to list on rightmove and the rest would happen
Ultimately they chose the local long established agent who proved to be the best choice especially as they are dealing with various agents in buying their new properties
It does seem that anyone who has been entirely trained as an online agent is not worth the money and 1% plus VAT to a good established local agent is the best choice in a far from impressive field of properry agents, conveyancers and lawyers
The whole process needs streamlining but last time that was attempted it was Yvette Cooper's pet project (HIPs) and was an utter failure as she hadn't a clue about the subject, but then to this day she is very much the same.
Should I use a local estate agent that charges 1% plus VAT, but has a client book of ready buyers without marketing, or pay flat rate £6k cheaper to an out of towner who’ll put it on RightMove?
My daughter and her ex have just sold their home and the whole process was shocking with inept and slow lawyers providing error prone advice to estate agents who were utterly clueless and thought all they had to do was to list on rightmove and the rest would happen
Ultimately they chose the local long established agent who proved to be the best choice especially as they ere dealing with various agents in buying their new properties
It does seem that anyone who has been entirely trained as an online agent is not worth the money and 1% plus VAT to a good established local agent is the best choice in a far from impressive field of properry agents, conveyancers and lawyers
The whole process needs streamlining but last time that was attempted it was Yvette Cooper's pet project (HIPs) and was an utter failure as she hadn't a clue about the subject, but then to this day she is very much the same.
Pay peanuts get monkeys who are working on 100 cases at a time.
If I were Burnham I would let them stew so there is no doubt whose responsibility the LE 2026 bloodbath is.
Burnham sh@t the bed. Even I was coming around to thinking you might have been right all along about Burnham, and then he inflicted enormous damage to the party he decided he wants to lead.
Good thread giving Simon Jenkins a well deserved Fisking.
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled... https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
Wrong link there.
I recall Simon Jenkins, many years ago, boasting of having prevented closing lines for maintenance, while one the board of London Transport - meaning that maintenance only happened in the brief period between the last train and the first trains. By the time that you have verified everything is shut down, that is a couple of hours.
The man is a moron.
The one I get moderately agitated about is inset days at school. School has been on holiday for six weeks. First day back is an inset day... I assume the teachers unions have secured the idea of not using holiday for all the inset activities.
Don't get me wrong, teaching is a hard and often thankless job, not one I want. But I can understand parents being a bit sniffing about inset days just after a long holiday.
Are you complaining about an inset day on September 3rd (say) or the one I heard about on Friday 26th which was being used for teachers to restructure things based on learnings from the first 3 weeks
The old style ones where the kids holiday is extended by a day. Your example for Friday 26th sounds plausible - although could it wait until half term?
My train has been held and then cancelled at Kettering.
I haven’t been this scared since I visited the Green Zone in Baghdad in 2004.
The PB Tory lunch has been postponed until Friday all because some loser decided to get hit by a train near Luton.
Some people have all the luck. I believe there is a charming Chicken Cottage in Kettering if you are unavoidably lingering.
I’m not joking when I tell you one of the locals was eyeing up the Louis Vuitton loafers I am wearing.
Fortunately I’m on a choo choo back to Sheffield.
I have been there, it is not a place I would be hanging around in your Claridge's kit. Or indeed in any kit. Count yourself lucky you are heading back in one piece.
Should I use a local estate agent that charges 1% plus VAT, but has a client book of ready buyers without marketing, or pay flat rate £6k cheaper to an out of towner who’ll put it on RightMove?
Some people buy football strips so they can pretend they are Harry Kane
Some people buy Rolex Submariners so they can pretend they are James Bond
How come when I see people wearing football strips around town or in a supermarket, they always seem to be stretched around bulging bellies that make it clear the person hasn't run for a ball in at least two decades?
If you're going to wear football strip, at least make it look as though you could play football without suffering a heart attack...
I thought James Bond wore Omega?
This seems limited to football, doesn't it? Mind you, I'm into sports where the only time you see people wearing the kit, they are doing it.
Walking down the high street, after riding, in jackboots can turn heads, though.
Its not just football - Bath is a rugby city and we have the same 'issue' here.
Although partly thats the current vogue for tight fit rugby tops (to avoid being grabbed in the tackle). Does not suit if you do not resemble Captain Carrot.
Good thread giving Simon Jenkins a well deserved Fisking.
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled... https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
Wrong link there.
I recall Simon Jenkins, many years ago, boasting of having prevented closing lines for maintenance, while one the board of London Transport - meaning that maintenance only happened in the brief period between the last train and the first trains. By the time that you have verified everything is shut down, that is a couple of hours.
Comments
Instead of randomly opening a bottle of £8 house plonk almost every night, buying c.£30 bottles and having them on Friday nights with a steak.
It’s a nicer experience, and we’re also drinking a lot less in the process.
It’s now Monday lunchtime, yet I’m already looking forward to Friday’s bottle of Barolo and a nice fillet.
I don’t think I’ve ever said I was looking forward to tonight’s bottle of Jacob’s Creek Merlot!
Gym regularly, gardening and other jobs often, golf, skiing plus kayaking sometimes.
Not sure what you mean. I never feel the need for a watch as I always have my phone.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730194
Many, many months later it was found behind a massive pile of unsold computers (Electrons, IIRC). Many loads of new computers had come in whilst he was away, and as the 80s home computer crunch had occurred, had been built into massive piles of boxes in the warehouse. Some wit had decided to place them directly in front of his car.
The story may well be untrue, but ties in with other stories about quite how madcap and out-of-control that time was in that company.
(*) On Newmarket road; now the site of the retail park.
Yes they didn't make much on a cash sale, but if you go in with that hard-nosed attitude then anything can be better than nothing for them and a sale is still a sale for their books.
Violation of their human rights to secretly associate ... ?
Met officers could have to reveal Freemason ties
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqxzdppdd48o
A car equivalent to those Voi scooters you can hop on and hop off?
I'm quite open about loathing craft fairs, but marriage is give and take, so I'll tolerate a certain level of exposure.
But not interminable.
As they say, a term as Sheriff can set a man up for life. Two terms, well handled, can set up his family down the generations.
I go online and book it. My phone unlocks the car. Fuel is all paid for but there is a credit card inside if you need more - they pay
Honestly it’s genius. In a place like London in particular why would you go to the hassle of buying parking insuring maintaining your own car if this is an option?
I use it weekly now. For recycling, big shops etc
But for the same reason, I no longer wear my wedding ring. It is a bit loose on my finger, and I don't want it to slip off when swimming or in the showers at the pool. And Mrs J's ring has been thoroughly abused at the gym.
(By which I mean her wedding ring has been scratched, before anyone's dirty mind thinks otherwise....
I'm thrilled to announce I'm returning to the New Statesman as Political Editor in November. 🥳
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with
@tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
https://bsky.app/profile/pronouncedalva.bsky.social/post/3lzxnvmjb622m
*As it happens the a number of our members come from the estate where the bike is located. They were commenting on who lived in that block, and who it might be....
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/28/nhs-supports-first-cousin-marriages-birth-defect-risk/
In today's Times, Simon Jenkins launches an attack on the plans for a new town at Tempsford. Even by his own lofty standards, it is excruciatingly error-filled...
https://x.com/Tennesseine/status/1972099590083182877
I'd happily spend a couple of month in Seoul, if I could afford to.
Anyway, best start packing for my flight to Naples
In fact my five week jaunt around Japan and Korea last year was one of my favourite trips EVER. In a lifetime of ceaseless travel
Combining the two is a dream
I do wonder whether these days they are bought more as jewellery, as a status symbol. Nouveau-riche if so.
Ended up with a deal so good that when I went in to sign the paperwork the dealer principle came over to introduce himself. Said that although his team had done the deal he wasn't happy with the level of the discount.
I smiled sweetly at him and offered not to sign the deal and take the sale to the competing dealership. He said "no, we want the sale, but I'm not happy with it" at which point I pointed out that its his business and his P&L and if he doesn't want to make the sale then don't do so. He said nothing so I signed and he walked off. "Sorry" said the sales rep I had done the deal with...
I recall Simon Jenkins, many years ago, boasting of having prevented closing lines for maintenance, while one the board of London Transport - meaning that maintenance only happened in the brief period between the last train and the first trains. By the time that you have verified everything is shut down, that is a couple of hours.
The man is a moron.
Hence Zipcar.
You are actually looking forward to returning to the UK from the south of France?
The classic pattern seems to be
1) MP/Minister gets told to look at scandal X
2) MP/Minister is told by Officials that scandal X is not really an issue and that the MP/Minister needs to be a Team Player/Safe Pair of Hands.
3) MP/Minister sends an anodyne letter back
Don't get me wrong, teaching is a hard and often thankless job, not one I want. But I can understand parents being a bit sniffing about inset days just after a long holiday.
It's a terrible way of working - unless you're an employee or one of the companies doing the work.
They'd be far better off closing the line for three or six months and blitzing the work. Which would have been massively disruptive, but over much less time and at much less expense.
A tired Ten year old Government.
Good description grown ups in charge not so much.
If I were Burnham I would let them stew so there is no doubt whose responsibility the LE 2026 bloodbath is.
I havent ever been to Claridge's
https://x.com/dpjhodges/status/1972595545815540218?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
Some people buy Rolex Submariners so they can pretend they are James Bond
That is just weird. I suppose it is muscle memory to an extent ("why do I need to know the time now") but, assuming that de temps en temps you want to know what time it is, to say that pulling a phone out of your pocket to find out the time rather than just rotating slightly your wrist is just strange.
Yes, I’m watching. Congratulations!
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115285037264191888
Weird having summat round my wrist.
My train has been held and then cancelled at Kettering.
I haven’t been this scared since I visited the Green Zone in Baghdad in 2004.
The PB Tory lunch has been postponed until Friday all because some loser decided to get hit by a train near Luton.
https://youtu.be/A52RKmSs5OQ?si=-epS4O206UNs9vNC
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/polling/2025/09/exclusive-polling-how-burnham-beats-reform
If you're going to wear football strip, at least make it look as though you could play football without suffering a heart attack...
This seems limited to football, doesn't it? Mind you, I'm into sports where the only time you see people wearing the kit, they are doing it.
Walking down the high street, after riding, in jackboots can turn heads, though.
Fortunately I’m on a choo choo back to Sheffield.
Which means you could probably cap Tory wildest dreams 'as it stands' at 150 seats, below the 1997 meltdown.
How the mighty have fallen.
JL Partners are doing a presentation at the conference with 'new polling' so we might see a Polaris model update this week?
Ultimately they chose the local long established agent who proved to be the best choice especially as they are dealing with various agents in buying their new properties
It does seem that anyone who has been entirely trained as an online agent is not worth the money and 1% plus VAT to a good established local agent is the best choice in a far from impressive field of properry agents, conveyancers and lawyers
The whole process needs streamlining but last time that was attempted it was Yvette Cooper's pet project (HIPs) and was an utter failure as she hadn't a clue about the subject, but then to this day she is very much the same.
Are there photos of the stain?
Or has an SKS fan looked under the bed and concluded Burnham is a red?
Although partly thats the current vogue for tight fit rugby tops (to avoid being grabbed in the tackle). Does not suit if you do not resemble Captain Carrot.
https://x.com/rcolvile/status/1889979882891071745