Rail fare hikes come into effect
THE mid-winter will be bleaker for millions of rail travellers today as inflation-busting fare rises take effect.
Regulated fares, which include season tickets, are increasing by an average of 4.2%, with the overall average rise for all tickets being 3.9%.
The rise follows a miserable few weeks for many commuters who have had to contend with floods, signal failures and, on some routes, staff shortages.
Congress vote avoids ‘fiscal cliff’
A WEARY Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation to avert the economy-threatening “fiscal cliff” of middle-class tax increases and across-the-board spending cuts today, hours before financial markets reopened after the new year holiday.
The Bill’s passage on a 257-167 vote in the House of Representatives sealed a hard-won political triumph for the president less than two months after he secured re-election while calling for higher taxes on the wealthy.
Moments later, Mr Obama strode into the White House briefing room and declared: “Thanks to the votes of Republicans and Democrats in Congress, I will sign a law that raises taxes on the wealthiest 2% of Americans while preventing tax hikes that could have sent the economy back into recession.”
Man held for Thailand tourist death
POLICE in Thailand have arrested a man after a British tourist was shot dead at a New Year’s Eve party after getting caught in the crossfire of a gunfight between rival gangs.
Stephen Ashton, 22, is said to have been killed by a stray bullet as he danced with friends at a beach bar on the paradise island of Koh Phangan.
Police Colonel Kittakarn Kramomthong, chief of police at the island’s station, said officers had arrested a 26-year-old Thai man and confiscated a gun.
Row over benefits cuts rumbles on
THE political row over welfare cuts continued today as the Tories and Labour traded statistics a week ahead of a Commons vote on plans to impose a real-terms benefits cut.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith hailed figures showing that “many working-age benefits” had risen by 20% since 2007, easily outstripping a 12% rise in private sector pay.
Increases had cost the taxpayer £6.3 billion since the start of the 2008 recession, he said in a defence of the squeeze announced by Chancellor George Osborne last month.
‘Vicious spiral’ of cuts attacked
THE new leader of the TUC has launched a strong attack on the Government for its “vicious spiral” of spending cuts which are hitting low-paid workers and jobseekers.
The coalition has reduced the living standards of some of the poorest people in the country through its welfare and benefits reforms, said Frances O’Grady, the first female leader of the TUC.
The Government is failing to offer the country a vision for the economy or hope for the future, she said.
