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South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
8 things students must do now as university fees hit £9,535
For the first time in seven years, tuition fees have increased - up £1,035 to £9,535 a year - and living costs are higher than ever. Students now spend an average of £900 a month on rent, food, travel, and essentials, with London students facing closer to £1,400. The difference between renting in the most and least expensive top-20 ranked non-London universities – Edinburgh and Sheffield – is almost £11,000 over a three-year degree, so it can be worth taking those costs into account when choosing through clearing. There's a full guide to the best student bank accounts here - with free railcards, TV subscriptions, takeaways and cold hard cash. Fiona Peake, Student Money Expert at Ocean Finance, warns: 'Tuition fees have gone up for the first time in seven years, rent is at record highs, and everyday costs like food and travel have risen sharply. Many students are finding their maintenance loan doesn't even cover rent, meaning they need extra income or parental support just to get by.' 8 ways students can make their money go further Set a weekly budget: 'Break down your loan into weekly amounts," says Fiona. "Ten minutes a week checking your bank balance can stop a mid-term cash crisis. Nights out can quickly drain your budget, so swap pricey bars for pre-drinks and student nights with cheaper entry fees.' Pick the right student bank account: 'Freebies like a railcard or cash bonus are tempting, but focus on a generous interest-free overdraft that lasts through your studies. Treat this as a safety net, not extra spending money.' Hunt down every student discount: 'Sign up for UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and other student discount platforms before term starts. Many retailers offer discounts on clothes, tech, groceries, and entertainment, so always check before buying. Train fares rose by nearly 5% recently, but a 16-25 Railcard costs £30 a year and gives 33% off - that's about £576 saved over a three-year degree.' Use free university resources: 'Many universities offer free printing, software, and laptop loans. There are also bursaries and scholarships worth applying for via sites like The Scholarship Hub.' Sell what you don't need: 'Turn unwanted clothes, tech, and books into extra cash through eBay, Vinted or Facebook Marketplace. This can help top up your budget and keep your space clutter-free.' Avoid paying for things you don't use: 'Check your outgoings for subscriptions you don't need or use. If you don't watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you don't need a TV licence. You can even claim a refund for months you are not at university.' Shop around for bills: 'Moving into a shared house can be a bit of a shock when you have to shell out for internet, energy, and phone bills on top of rent and food costs. Previous tenants may have set up services with certain internet or energy providers, but switching to a better deal could save you money.' Claim your council tax exemption: 'If you live with other students, you don't need to pay council tax, and if you share with a non-student, council tax applies but can be reduced by 25%. Contact your local council to claim this discount.' Tamsin Powell, Consumer Finance Expert at Creditspring adds: 'With university fees rising to over £9,500, students heading off this autumn will be starting adult life already facing big financial pressures, and that's before rent, food and travel are factored in. It's never been more important for young people to feel confident managing money. 'This is a crucial moment to build good financial habits, but the sad fact is that most students aren't taught how. The earlier they get to grips with budgeting, borrowing and saving, the better equipped they'll be to avoid debt spirals and make the most of their finances, now and in the future.' Which is the cheapest university for living costs? Sheffield, Liverpool and Leeds are the cheapest top-20-ranked university cities for rent. All have average room rents well below the UK average of £748 per month. London students will spend, on average, £35,280, on rent over a three-year degree. But it's possible to spend less than £20K on rent in six top university cities. Edinburgh (£823) tops both Oxford (£813) and Cambridge (£795), as well as York (£751) and Bristol (£732) as the most expensive top 20 university cities for rent. According to a new survey by SpareRoom, London is, of course, the most expensive city to live in and students planning to attend one of the capital's top universities, including SOAS, Birkbeck, LSE, King's College and UCL, will also need to factor commute costs into their budgets. The average London room rent is now £980 per month, according to SpareRoom's rental index, with the cheapest rents to be found in the E postcode area (£944). The price difference between renting in the most and least expensive top-20 ranked university cities for rent outside of London – Edinburgh and Sheffield – is £3,636 per year or £10,908 over the course of a three-year degree. The maximum maintenance loan available to full-time students living away from home and studying outside London in 2025-26 is £10,5442. Renting in Edinburgh costs, on average, £9,876 per year, leaving just £668 per year or £56 per month towards other living expenses. The cheapest top-20-ranked universities for rent are: Sheffield (£520 per month) Liverpool (£532) Leeds (£581) Nottingham (£587) Newcastle (£604) The cheapest rents in the top-45 ranked university cities and towns can be found in Bangor and Hull, at £500 per month. Matt Hutchinson, director of flatshare site SpareRoom, says: 'A combination of high demand and short supply in the rental market means there's no such thing as cheap rents. Recommended reading: "But there are university towns and cities where living costs are considerably more affordable and, across a three-year degree, can offer a substantial discount on the total cost of attending university which students going through clearing should be aware of. 'Students should expect rents to increase during their course and budgeting is important as maintenance loans may cover rent and bills, but there might not be much left for other living expenses, such as food or going out with friends. "Those planning to live further away from campus to save money should also factor in travel costs, as these can be significant.'
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Map reveals UK's most expensive parking hotspots where YOU could be charged over £1k a year just to pull up outside home
Nine of the 12 worst spots are all located in a single city PARKING MAD Map reveals UK's most expensive parking hotspots where YOU could be charged over £1k a year just to pull up outside home A MAP has revealed the UK's most expensive parking spots, where some drivers fork out over £1,000 per year. Some unfortunate motorists face whopping fees just to leave their cars on the street outside of their home each and every day. 3 Some car owners in Islington, London, are subject to the highest annual parking permit fees in the country Credit: Getty 3 Across the largest towns and cities in the UK, the average motorist has to pay £128 every year to park their car outside their home Credit: Getty 3 The average charge has reached £128 for an annual parking permit for residents across the largest towns and cities, the study by Churchill Car Insurance found. Islington in London has the most expensive residents parking permit (for their first car) in the country, with some paying up to £1,073 for an older diesel car. This is more than eight times more expensive than the rest of the UK, according to Churchill Motor Insurance. The City of Edinburgh is second highest on the list. Drivers living in the Scottish capital can pay up to £777.90 for the year if they have a car with a larger engine putting out over 226g/km. And this is inclusive of a £60 surcharge for diesel models. Camden is third in the order, with owners of diesel cars emitting over 225g/km CO2 stung for £741.40 a year Most London councils also base their charges on emissions rather than vehicle size. Tower Hamlets is next at £497, with Brent charging £429 and Enfield at £395. In fact, excluding Edinburgh, Brighton is the only other non-London area to feature in the top 10 most expensive parking locations. Michael McIntyre remonstrates at parking warden's as his car is being towed away for parking in a restricted bay Some residents in the East Sussex city have to pay as much as £441.65 each and every year to park their car outside their home. This is if it produces more than 166g/km of emissions in a high demand zone. The London Boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark, and the City of Westminster round out the top 10 list. However, they vary on how they calculate the highest charges. Lewisham charges the worst rate for cars which are non-Euro 6 compliant and in emissions band 13. Southwark charges their £336.10 for motors which are diesel and non-ULEZ compliant, while Westminster City Council places a £50 surcharge as part of its £371 fee on vehicles which produce emissions over 256g/km. 10 worst councils for parking fees London Borough of Islington (Highest annual residents parking fee of £1073.60) City of Edinburgh (£777.90) London Borough of Camden (£741.40) London Borough of Tower Hamlets (£497) Brighton and Hove City Council (£441.65) London Borough of Brent (£429) London Borough of Enfield (£395) London Borough of Lewisham (£384) Westminster City Council (£371) London Borough of Southwark (£336.10) However, one way to avoid these major charges is by using an electric vehicle (EV). For example, if you were living in Islington and wanted to get a 12-month permit for your zero emissions motor, instead of paying a ridiculous £1073.60, you could pay just £111.70. The near 90 per cent saving is incredible and a fantastic option to consider in order to gain long-term savings. This comes just weeks after The Sun revealed a map which showed the UK cities with the most parking fines issued. Manchester City Council topped the rankings as the authority that issued the most parking fines throughout 2024, handing out over 460,000 tickets. Although Manchester is a tourist hotspot, with two Premier League football teams, it may be surprising to many that the city issued more fines than every council in London. The capital has strict Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), public transport lanes and limited public parking offering. Dorry Potter, vehicle expert at National Scrap Car, said: 'While we would expect to see high levels of fines in a large city like Manchester, it is interesting to see that it outperforms the capital in penalties. 'The complexities of driving in London alongside its expansive public transport infrastructure could be a reason behind Manchester topping the list as motorists are less likely to attempt driving around areas they are unfamiliar with in the capital and thus not make risky parking decisions.'
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Map reveals UK's most expensive parking hotspots where YOU could be charged over £1k a year just to pull up outside home
A MAP has revealed the UK's most expensive parking spots, where some drivers fork out over £1,000 per year. Some unfortunate motorists face whopping fees just to leave their cars on the street outside of their home each and every day. 3 Some car owners in Islington, London, are subject to the highest annual parking permit fees in the country Credit: Getty 3 Across the largest towns and cities in the UK, the average motorist has to pay £128 every year to park their car outside their home Credit: Getty 3 The average charge has reached £128 for an annual parking permit for residents across the largest towns and cities, the study by Churchill Car Insurance found. Islington in London has the most expensive residents parking permit (for their first car) in the country, with some paying up to £1,073 for an older diesel car. This is more than eight times more expensive than the rest of the UK, according to Churchill Motor Insurance. The City of Edinburgh is second highest on the list. Read More on Motors News Drivers living in the Scottish capital can pay up to £777.90 for the year if they have a car with a larger engine putting out over 226g/km. And this is inclusive of a £60 surcharge for diesel models. Camden is third in the order, with owners of diesel cars emitting over 225g/km CO2 stung for £741.40 a year Most London councils also base their charges on emissions rather than vehicle size. Most read in Motors Tower Hamlets is next at £497, with Brent charging £429 and Enfield at £395. In fact, excluding Edinburgh, Brighton is the only other non-London area to feature in the top 10 most expensive parking locations. Michael McIntyre remonstrates at parking warden's as his car is being towed away for parking in a restricted bay Some residents in the East Sussex city have to pay as much as £441.65 each and every year to park their car outside their home. This is if it produces more than 166g/km of emissions in a high demand zone. The London Boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark, and the City of Westminster round out the top 10 list. However, they vary on how they calculate the highest charges. Lewisham charges the worst rate for cars which are non-Euro 6 compliant and in emissions band 13. Southwark charges their £336.10 for motors which are diesel and non-ULEZ compliant, while Westminster City Council places a £50 surcharge as part of its £371 fee on vehicles which produce emissions over 256g/km. 10 worst councils for parking fees London Borough of Islington (Highest annual residents parking fee of £1073.60) City of Edinburgh (£777.90) London Borough of Camden (£741.40) London Borough of Tower Hamlets (£497) Brighton and Hove City Council (£441.65) London Borough of Brent (£429) London Borough of Enfield (£395) London Borough of Lewisham (£384) Westminster City Council (£371) London Borough of Southwark (£336.10) However, one way to avoid these major charges is by using an electric vehicle (EV). For example, if you were living in Islington and wanted to get a 12-month permit for your zero emissions motor, instead of paying a ridiculous £1073.60, you could pay just £111.70. The near 90 per cent saving is incredible and a fantastic option to consider in order to gain long-term savings. This comes just weeks after The Sun revealed a map which showed the Manchester City Council topped the rankings as the authority that issued the most parking fines throughout 2024, handing out over 460,000 tickets. Although Manchester is a tourist hotspot, with two Premier League football teams, it may be surprising to many that the city issued more fines than every council in London. The capital has strict Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), public transport lanes and limited public parking offering. Dorry Potter, vehicle expert at National Scrap Car, said: 'While we would expect to see high levels of fines in a large city like Manchester, it is interesting to see that it outperforms the capital in penalties. 'The complexities of driving in London alongside its expansive public transport infrastructure could be a reason behind Manchester topping the list as motorists are less likely to attempt driving around areas they are unfamiliar with in the capital and thus not make risky parking decisions.'
The Independent
13-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Heathrow expansion will not deprive regions of jobs and flights, say ministers
Transport ministers have rejected claims the Heathrow Airport expansion will deprive regions further afield of jobs and flights. Mike Kane, whose portfolio includes aviation, told the Commons a third runway at the country's biggest airport will boost productivity beyond London and the South East. But Commons transport committee chairwoman Ruth Cadbury, the Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth in west London, referred to a seven-year-old Department for Transport policy statement which warned of a 'displacement of passengers from regional airports to the London system' if Heathrow was to expand. Referring also to analysis of Government data by the New Economics Foundation think tank, Ms Cadbury said: 'Department for Transport analysis carried out in 2017 showed that expanding Heathrow would by 2050 displace 27,000 jobs from the UK regions to London and 17 million fewer passengers using non-London airports compared to not expanding Heathrow. 'Is the minister therefore hoping that the same analysis done now would come to a different conclusion in order to ensure that UK economic growth really does benefit all UK regions and not just west London?' The policy document notes that while the displacement of passengers from some regional airports is possible, 'overall regional airports are expected to continue displaying strong growth in passenger numbers by 2050'. Mr Kane flashed his lapel as he replied: 'The UK is committed to all regional airports. 'I proudly possess my 'Yes to R2' badge today when we built a second runway in 2001 in Manchester. 'It's quite the opposite. The ANPS (Airport National Policy Statement) in 2018 made the expectations that connections from Heathrow to regional airports would increase if Heathrow were to expand, increasing productivity in those regions as well.' Conservative former Scotland secretary David Mundell later said: 'When there are serious weather or technical issues at Heathrow, large swathes of British Airways flights between London and Scotland are automatically cancelled. 'Now, British Airways say that if her officials, the Civil Aviation Authority, Heathrow and other airlines worked together, even in these circumstances, those cancellations could be minimised.' Mr Kane replied: 'The resilience of the UK aviation sector is important and key to success, so we will facilitate any discussions to make sure we're always on an improvement trajectory.' Heathrow earlier this week announced a multibillion-pound investment as it prepares its proposal for a new runway, with improvements to its existing infrastructure. Turning to the future project, Conservative shadow transport secretary Gareth Bacon asked ministers to confirm that 'full cost of a third runway including related works like relocating, tunnelling or bridging over the M25 will be fully funded by the private sector and not by the taxpayer'. Mr Kane replied: 'The ANPS from 2018 – which was two government ago – made it clear that any proposal, and we haven't had a proposal that's come forward, should treat surface access appropriately, and that should be funded by the private sector where possible.' Will Forster, the Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, said the airport is a 'stone's throw' from his constituency, and asked ministers to say whether a rail link between the Surrey town and the terminal could emerge. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told MPs 'the question of how people get to the airport is absolutely critical' and agreed to meet with the Mr Forster. Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Paul Kohler asked Ms Alexander why she had 'changed her mind' on airport expansion, based on comments she previously made while she was deputy mayor for transport in London. The minister replied: 'When I was deputy mayor for transport in London, I was speaking in that capacity at that time, reflecting the views of the mayor of London (Sir Sadiq Khan) and City Hall on a previous Heathrow expansion scheme. 'As Secretary of State, I will consider any airport expansion proposals brought forward on their merits and in line with existing processes. 'Balancing economic growth and our environmental obligations is central to all of my work in this role, and I will always act in the national interest, doing what is right for the country as a whole.'
