Tag: cost of living
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Reeves to spend £6bn more on benefits in Budget plan
Chancellor Reeves Signals Budget Boost for Benefits Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is set to outline a Budget plan that includes a notable increase in benefits spending, with an additional £6 billion allocated to working-age support. The move, positioned as a response to cost-of-living pressures, signals the government’s prioritization of social security as inflation…
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Reeves Signals £6bn Rise in Benefits Spending in Budget
Overview: Reeves signals a modest uplift in benefits spending Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce a £6 billion increase in benefits spending as part of the upcoming Budget, according to sources familiar with the plans. The move comes even as debate intensifies over the rising cost of providing welfare support and the need to…
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Christmas Without Food and Presents: A Tough Holiday for Struggling Families
Introduction: A Christmas Preference Turned Challenge For some families, the sight of a Christmas tree with a single ornament or a bare living room isn’t a choice—it’s a harsh reality. The growing cost of living, rising energy bills, and stagnant wages are pushing more households toward a Christmas without food and presents. When even basic…
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Trump Renewed Promise to Make America Affordable Again Amid Economic Strain
Introduction: A Campaign Pledge Revisited In a period of economic unease, former President Donald Trump has revived a familiar campaign pledge: to “make America affordable again.” After months of avoiding the phrase, he reintroduced the promise as fresh polling data underscored public concern over prices and living costs. The move signals a strategic emphasis on…
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Catholic School Fees Rise Up to 20% in Melbourne as Families Feel the Pressure
Melbourne families brace for higher Catholic school costs Parents with children in Catholic schools across Melbourne are facing a harsh financial reality: next year’s education fees could rise by as much as 20 per cent in some institutions. The jump, linked to larger operational costs, staffing pressures, and capital maintenance needs, has prompted questions about…
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Americans Are Worried About Prices But Trump Dismisses It
Overview: A clash over price anxiety In a recent Fox News interview, President Donald Trump repeated a controversial stance: he dismissed growing concerns among Americans who say they are worried about prices and the cost of living. The president claimed that polls showing broad anxiety about the economy are fake and suggested the concerns were…
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Why Malaysia’s Happiness Rises Nationwide, Yet Slips in Kuala Lumpur and Labuan
Introduction: A national trend with regional twists <pRecent data suggests that Malaysia as a whole is getting happier. Yet, two distinct regions—Kuala Lumpur and Labuan—stand out for dipping happiness scores, challenging the sweeping narrative of nationwide improvement. This nuanced picture highlights how urban pressures, cost of living, and regional policies can influence well-being, even when…
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Why Malaysia is Happier Overall, but Kuala Lumpur and Labuan See a Dip in Happiness
Overview: A national trend toward greater happiness New data suggests that Malaysia, on the whole, is becoming a happier nation. Across most regions, residents report higher life satisfaction, better mood, and a stronger sense of community than in previous years. Yet, amidst these gains, two urbanized hotspots—Kuala Lumpur and Labuan—stand out for a dip in…
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Singapore F&B Closures 2024: Grab CEO Urges Upskilling for Drivers
Record closures reshape Singapore’s dining landscape The Singapore food and beverage (F&B) sector is undergoing a seismic shift as rising living costs tighten consumer wallets. Data from 2024 show that more than 3,000 restaurants shut their doors, the highest annual tally in nearly two decades. The trend has carried into 2025, signaling structural pressures that…
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BCP Council Leader to Host Q&A on Wellbeing and Support for Residents
Overview: A Community Q&A on Wellbeing and Support The leader of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is set to host an open Q&A with residents next week, focusing on wellbeing and the practical help available when costs rise and winter pressure intensifies. This public event offers a chance for residents to ask questions,…