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Apologies mate, never responded to this. Thank you for the kind words, in fairness I think SBD's idea above are pretty solid. To me, at least, it feels like the root of the problem is trying to monetise something that is of benefit to the whole of society. If graduates generally earn more...

With apologies, I'm doing this on the phone, otherwise I could work the figures through (though I'm reasonably confident the New Statesman has it right!). In essence it's a combination of all of the changes. A lower threshold means that more low earners will be pulled in. A longer repayment...

In a nutshell, the threshold to start paying back has substantially dropped, the period before write off has substantially increased to 40 years, and the interest rate is now linked to inflation. I work in consumer finance, these days specifically on mortgages. Student debt is considered when...

Here's an example that clarifies the point: The analysis shows that the lifetime repayments of a graduate in 2023-24, earning £22,000 in current prices with projected lifetime earnings of £850,000, would rise by 150% – from just below £9,700 now to £24,000. In contrast, the loan repayments of...

This is why Tories shouldn't be allowed to run the country, they have no grasp of arithmetic. Look again at the numbers, and stop being so deliberately dim. If you earn less you end up paying more back. These new Tory rules obviously benefit the richest. Both The New Statesman, The Guardian...

Yes, it's bloody confusing. On the online journey planner it's showing two trains an hour between Cov and New Street, and no mention of replacement buses. Yet the National Rail site seems to imply that there will be buses between Cov and BHX. Hopefully it's a bit clearer by tomorrow morning -...

Apologies if it's been posted already, but looks like there will be some issues with the trains. Network rail are saying that "Rail replacement buses will operate between Birmingham International and Coventry"...

So many assumptions here it's hard to know where to begin. I can't really misrepresent a one line comment. But hey ho, at least we've got to the point where we can agree that the current government is responsible for its own policies. So let's keep it simple. This government's proposal means...

That thread has to be read. This government is beneath contempt. Corrupt, criminal, and staggeringly incompetent at all levels.

If it was a direct response to something, then why didn't you put that in your pithy one liner implying that it was all New Labour's fault (and seeming implying that it's nothing to do with this Government)? Bit lazy mate, perhaps you're taking your work ethic from party-animal Boris? Anyway...

Firstly, not quite, as above these ones were designed by a Tory government. Secondly, who's in charge now, with the power to do something about it? I thought your pathetic excuse for keeping Boris in office was that there's too much to do to get rid of him. Are you saying your Tory Government...

Gosh, you're so right. Much better to have a lying, corrupt, criminal in charge than any of the the other lying, corrupt, criminals you mention. Except of course, none of them have been found guilty of anything, and Boris has. Find another excuse mate, I'm afraid that one won't work.

I'm sorry NW, but I can't agree with that. There's a point of principle here, and if you don't stand up now as a Tory MP, then you've shown you've got none. Waiting until it's politically opportune isn't acceptable, there's clearly enough evidence right now to do the right thing.

Why the hell are they "biding their time"? The facts are out and beyond dispute. 'Decent' Tories, if such a thing exists, should act now. The fact that so few of them are should tell you what you need to know about the party as a whole.

I haven't heard many of them speaking out today NW, have you? If they can't even get 54 to write letters of no confidence, I think it's reasonable to judge where the Tory party stands on this.

I don't think it's too hard to set up the company itself, there are details on the Companies House government website somewhere as I recall. But the surrounding paperwork can be a pain to manage. There are lots of accountants around who can help. Fwiw when I ran my own little business I used my...

That ship has sailed, NW, that party doesn't exist any more. This lot have chosen to cleave themselves to the most corrupt, mendacious, and now criminal leadership in history.

Removing him from office is exactly what needs to happen because he's shown himself to be unfit to govern. Then we can move on. We are not at war, and even if we were, we've changed leadership before when the incumbent lost the confidence of the country during an actual existential crisis...

Fair old lump of car for the cash, not bad looking either imho, and gets reasonable reviews. Not sure about the off-road capability though. 😄 https://www.parkers.co.uk/vauxhall/insignia/review/verdict/

If you're looking for something big, cheap-ish, and with a bit off off-road capability, you could try a Hyundai Santa Fe. Not exactly exciting, but the 2.2 diesel is pretty solid, and in auto form it's a relaxing drive. Seven seat variants are common too. I wanted a Land Rover Discovery (still...