Running out of gas

Running out of gas

Fuel shortages

Competition law is set to be suspended to help get petrol into pumps, following a weekend of panic buying and long queues at fuel stations. The move will apparently make it easier for companies to share information and prioritise the worst-hit parts of the country. The government is also considering bringing in the army to deliver fuel. Around half of the UKs fuel stations are empty, and many more are running on fumes.

Price growth predictions

House prices could continue to rise up to 3.5% a year between 2022 and 2024, according to Hamptons.The estate agent reckons the race for space is set to continue, with buyers still hankering after gardens and home offices. However, it thinks growth peaked in summer 2021 and will now start to slow down.

Adviser view: This is just one estate agent’s forecast, but it’s plausible. A lack of properties in the market and an expectation that more people will work from home will surely have some impact on the property market over the coming years.

Debt doctor

GPs could start prescribing debt advice and job support to help people recover from economic hardship, according to the Social Market Foundation (SMF). The think tank says financial prescribing could be a lifeline for those who’ve lost income. Currently, patients can be referred to services to help them get fit, connect with others, or find mood-boosting hobbies - the NHS aims to hand out 900,000 of these social prescriptions by 2023.