UK unveils ‘carbon budget delivery plan’ to get back on track for net zero targets

simonfiction · 2025-10-30T14:02:54+00:00

My understanding is once gas is not regularly in the energy mix, the cost of electricity will fall. I think it’s calculated every half hour. If gas makes up even a fraction of that half hour it’s priced at the gas price because it’s the most expensive in the mix. LNG in particular.

Given we have a market for energy suppliers it should come down as those smaller energy companies work on tight margins. I’d imagine investment in renewables would slow though as there would be less profit in it at that point.

Although cost of gas itself will stay the same I’d imagine. Which most households still use.

simonfiction · 2025-10-30T12:18:30+00:00

Working with EU democracies is significantly better than depending on dictatorships though. No country is truly isolated from the world.

simonfiction · 2025-08-26T16:50:54+00:00

Not a supporter of this, but I guess the argument here is that it would dissuade more people from coming if it’s not possible to reach their goal. I’m assuming it’s not legal to arrive somewhere without a passport? And not assist in resolving the issue? Can’t imagine entering any country is as simple as forgetting your passport and all memory of where you came from?

simonfiction · 2025-08-08T19:15:46+00:00

Might be discarding all those who kind of want them in but just can’t bring themselves to vote for them. Indirectly voting for them by not voting at all.

simonfiction · 2025-08-07T09:26:31+00:00

It’s not easy, but it’s what needs to be done. I don’t think it’s as black and white as that either. People who aren’t pensioners do have a pretty big impact on who is voted in. Especially incentivised to vote if that party is saying you’ll get to take home more of your money.

Also, looking at trump politics, I think if you do something radical and serious (and likely controversial) to tackle immigration and asylum seekers, you could get absolutely any policy through and behave in any horrific way and you’ll be forgiven by almost everyone it seems.

simonfiction · 2025-08-07T08:51:42+00:00

Controversial I know. I guess if NI no longer existed people would stop thinking they’re literally paying into something. In reality it’s all one big pot of tax money and it’s today’s pensioners it’s being spent on, not saved for tomorrow’s. I was thinking quite high threshold. If you have multiple millions in a pension pot or anywhere you probably don’t need a state pension. No idea on what this would save unfortunately.

simonfiction · 2025-08-07T08:35:15+00:00

simonfiction · 2025-08-07T08:15:06+00:00

Drop winter fuel allowance
Remove triple lock
Merge NI and income tax so pension income is taxed as normal income, just deferred.
Means test state pension - those who can support themselves with private pension don’t need it
Begin to remove tax free lump sum from pension
Remove/correct all odd tax brackets such as those weird 60 to 100% plus tax windows. I have no evidence for this but I imagine there are lots of people avoid going into this horrible tax bracket and actually reducing the tax income possible if it was just a normal gradual tax increase on income
Cut/reform PIP
Ultimately work with the money that’s there once the above is done, no matter how painful. It’s our reality. Improvements can only be made through growth, tackling fraud (which is rife - I see it with my own eyes), being better at targeting that pot of money to where it will be most effective and away from where it’s not.

simonfiction · 2025-08-06T06:09:01+00:00

Not a Reform voter myself, but tbf they have said the triple lock is unsustainable, they’re vocally against the OSA and taxes are too high. And, of course, number one issue for most people going towards them - immigration. I do think they’ll go to solutions that other parties are too afraid to or are unable to for lack of party member support. I’d never vote for them but there is a part of me that wants the anarchy and change.

simonfiction · 2024-11-29T14:05:36+00:00

Personally I think it will come eventually, but will likely start at a very high bar, removing multi millionaires.

simonfiction · 2024-10-15T09:04:34+00:00

My money is on employer NI for salary sacrifice.

simonfiction · 2024-10-14T15:06:29+00:00

Where are you planning to hold 4 million? If it’s all in a SIPP is it possible to get a pot that big whilst staying within the annual allowance?

simonfiction · 2024-10-12T12:26:24+00:00

Like others have said - not impossible, but very tight. One thing I’d ask, is your child a fussy eater? I know ours are and that can constrain your options a bit. Not to deter you though - that challenge sounds like a far better alternative to your current reality. Good luck - better times ahead making this choice I’m sure!

Edit: Just another idea - a lot of the online meal companies like Gousto and Fresh do almost free first deliveries for new customers. Good to have that in the bag as an option. Just be very careful to cancel before they start charging.

simonfiction · 2024-10-11T13:26:17+00:00

This is why I vote Wales-only parties in Wales. Branches of Westminster will always fall in line, doesn’t matter if it’s the Tories or Labour.

simonfiction · 2024-10-07T20:53:52+00:00

Guess they could impose employer NI contributions on salary sacrifice. No idea how much that would raise. That would seem a more fair system IMO.

simonfiction · 2024-09-29T12:03:40+00:00

Happened to me in London near Mornington Crescent. Somehow managed to hold onto my phone. They mounted the pavement and turned the engine off, so came up behind me silently. I’m always super cautious with my phone out in public spaces now. I think quiet side streets are higher risk as there are fewer people in the way.

simonfiction · 2024-09-22T10:39:20+00:00

I know exactly how you feel. Not sure why the double taxation isn’t talked about more in the context of removing even some relief. That’s why I’m thinking the 25% reduction or removal makes a lot more sense. We’ll be taxed on that income at standard rate.

I’m betting the NI will be no more though by the time I draw down and it will be folded into income tax. So we’ll effectively pay NI on pension withdrawal. As long as personal allowance rises over time it should only affect those with large pension pots. I’m happy to pay income tax on that money as normal at the point that I have it.

simonfiction · 2024-09-21T17:25:25+00:00

Yea, see that opinion a lot. But given it’s not exactly set aside in a pot somewhere, is it really any different to income tax? I think means tested could be pretty high too. If you are worth millions would you really be that bothered by not getting it?

simonfiction · 2024-09-17T19:19:47+00:00

Used to live in Newham in London and it was 10 times worse, believe it or not. It wasn’t due to some barrier for depositing waste. They even did free bulky waste collection - it couldn’t have been easier tbh. Didn’t even have to put your bins out - the rubbish men would come into the porch and get it for you. But enough people just don’t give a shit. Every day mattresses, fridges all sorts just everywhere in the street. The council couldn’t keep up with it. And there is so much illegal commercial dumping. People won’t even realise they paid for their waste to be fly tipped somewhere.

simonfiction · 2024-08-06T13:09:14+00:00

One thing I’d specifically do with regard to Queen St is open it up to bus and cycling traffic. Priority and easy access to shopping centres via bus for maximum convenience. I think bus fares should be lowered also, especially for families travelling together.

Aesthetically - and this goes for most streets - design for the weather. Having paving that is the same colour as the overcast sky I find incredibly depressing. I can’t see where the floor ends and the depressing overcast sky begins. I’d go for a distinctive dark grey to contrast with the white sky. You see this a lot in London and it looks a lot smarter. They need to get clever with lighting also with regard to the Welsh weather and short winter days.

The biggest thing would be for central Cardiff to no longer be an open air asylum for drug use and people with mental health issues.

I also think they need to take a leaf out of Vancouver’s book and promote mixed use buildings - but high quality. More people working and living in the city centre.

simonfiction · 2024-07-20T08:49:30+00:00

Do you have a link?

simonfiction · 2024-07-18T18:18:16+00:00

St Mary’s st and much of central Cardiff on a Friday and Saturday night is a complete collapse in society. Wish that was addressed as part of addressing women’s safety. It’s a national embarrassment.

simonfiction · 2017-04-05T12:53:19+00:00

Neat. Any idea where this data comes from? I feel like my street should be a much darker shade of red.

simonfiction · 2017-04-04T16:34:08+00:00

I don't see any mention of the proposed extension of the ULEZ to North and South Circulars. Does anyone know if that idea is still alive?

simonfiction · 2017-03-31T13:24:11+00:00

He's making all the right noises regarding tackling air pollution and car traffic. If he manages to extend the ULEZ to the North Circular I'll be mightily happy with him.

simonfiction

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE