In the news this morning, as many as eight new towns are needed in Scotland if the country’s housing crisis is to be solved. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson plans to pledge 25,000 more homes each year if she becomes first minister. Concerns about the state of the country’s high streets are leading to deals like the £1 rent Poundland will pay on a Nuneaton store. A Bank of England policymaker is calling for a modest rate rise to control inflation – Michael Saunders voted to raise rates at the central bank’s most recent meeting.
Up to eight new towns needed in Scotland (The Times/£)
As many as eight new towns could be needed in Scotland to address the country’s housing crisis, according to the Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson.
Poundland agrees £1 deal for Nuneaton store (The Daily Telegraph, p. 10)
Poundland has agreed a deal with Nuneaton and Bedworth borough council to rent a shop on Queen’s Road at £1 over two years.
BoE’s Saunders calls for modest rise in rates (The Guardian/FREE)
A modest rise in interest rates in needed to counter rising inflation, Michael Saunders, a member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee, said.
Theale floating homes refused permission over threat to nightingales (The Telegraph/FREE)
West Berkshire council has refused planning permission for a development of floating homes, designed to offer protection against the threat of flooding.
Plans for Edinburgh’s Royal High School rejected (FT/£)
Councillors in Edinburgh have rejected a proposal to turn the city’s Royal High School into a luxury hotel.
Restaurant Group making good progress (The Times/£)
Restaurant Group reported a 30% drop in underlying pretax profit, to £25.5m, in the six months ended 2 July, but swung to a small profit on a statutory basis.
John Lewis extends Home Solutions service trial (The Guardian/FREE)
John Lewis is launching a scheme that will enable customers to book the services of approved tradesmen, including electricians, plumbers and gardeners.
