Farewell to the Bush

On Friday we packed the crates (well, I was out filming, but you get the drift) and prepared to move MSE Towers. It’s been in Shepherd’s Bush all its life – for the last nine and a half years, that’s been in the Shepherds Building. It’s a bittersweet feeling – we’re off to nice, new, more cost-effective...

Is fixing dangerous if the PM is going to cut energy costs?

The Prime Minister is suggesting taking some of the green measures enforced on energy firms out of bills. If, and it’s a big if, all other things remain the same, that will mean energy bills are cut. Though don’t read that as me saying everyone will save money – these measures will likely need to be paid...

How long do you have to take faulty goods back?

A simple question, but sadly consumer rights law means the answer is far from straightforward. So I thought I would put together a timetable to help you navigate through it. We’re talking here about any goods you buy in-store or online, be it an Xbox, dishwasher, breadmaker or Cabbage Patch doll – if it’s faulty, you’ve got...

The one thing everyone needs to know about the new Help to Buy scheme

This week, the Government launched the second part of its Help to Buy scheme to much fanfare (and some controversy). Its idea is to support those who have sufficient income to repay a mortgage, but are struggling to get a big deposit. The most important bit to get your head around is that for someone getting a...

Mortgage rates of 14.5% aren’t science fiction

Tomorrow, the Government’s new Help to Buy scheme launches. The idea’s to help those with small deposits get on the housing ladder – the premise being many can afford the repayments, but can’t save enough to build up the cash pile needed to start out. Yet while many more may be able to get mortgages, that doesn’t...