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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Harriet Meyer

Money Talks: London house prices cost economy £1bn, and beware cold calls from scammers

A study has measured the knock-on effects of soaring London house prices, in high mortgages and rents, on consumer spending and wage bills.
A study has measured the knock-on effects of soaring London house prices, in high mortgages and rents, on consumer spending and wage bills. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Hello and welcome to this week’s Money Talks – a roundup of the week’s biggest stories and some things you may have missed.

Money news

Soaring London house prices sucking cash out of economy, study says

Scams involving fake services to block nuisance calls prolific in UK

‘Top-up’ scheme allows pensioners to boost retirement income

More UK jobs fail to pay a living wage

Water companies’ £800m windfall not passed on to consumers, says watchdog

UK inflation dips below zero again

Marks & Spencer launches ‘personalised’ loyalty card

Feature

You don’t have to dig deep for a funeral – there are cheaper alternatives

Research has revealed growing demand for ‘alternative’ funerals, such as the banana leaf coffin used to bury TV chef and restaurateur Keith Floyd.
Research has revealed growing demand for ‘alternative’ funerals, such as the banana leaf coffin used to bury TV chef and restaurateur Keith Floyd. Photograph: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

Work advice

Career cares? Work woes? Out of love with the office? Our expert is on hand to help. Put your questions to Jeremy, and help other readers with their worries.

In the spotlight

From leaky ceilings to clueless agents: tales from a first-time buyer

John Wilson scours the Southampton property market.
John Wilson scours the Southampton property market. Photograph: International Photobank/Alamy

In pictures

Homes in walled towns and cities

For sale: five-bedroomed house in a cathedral close, Carlisle, Cumbria.
For sale: five-bedroomed house in a cathedral close, Carlisle, Cumbria.

Consumer champions

Counting the real cost of amending a Ryanair ‘budget’ flight

Inflated extras allow Michael O’Leary’s Ryanair to charge such tempting headline rates.
Inflated extras allow Michael O’Leary’s Ryanair to charge such tempting headline rates. Photograph: East News/Rex Features

John Lewis has turned our wedding gift list into a farce

Collective energy switch

There are just a few days left to sign up to our new collective energy switch. Register before Sunday to find out how much you could save.

Sign up to our collective energy switch to save.
Sign up to our collective energy switch to save. Photograph: Alamy

Money deals

Five-star home insurance with the Guardian, get a one-minute quote and cover from £15 a month.

Looking for a great deal on your mortgage? Get fee-free advice from the Guardian Mortgage Service.

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