Vaccinations at 20m
MORE than 20 million people in the UK have now been given their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, the Government has said.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said vaccinating more than 20 million people against coronavirus was a “magnificent achievement for the country”.
But the news came as Public Health England identified the first UK cases of the Manaus variant of coronavirus, a new strain that may spread more rapidly and may respond less well to vaccines.
Many people feel nervous about haggling - and for some it could prevent them from getting money off what is likely to be their biggest ever expense: their home.
Three in 10 homeowners did not try to negotiate any money off their current property, missing out on huge potential savings, according to Barclays.
A fear of losing the property, not wanting to upset the seller, and the desire to get the stressful buying process over and done with are common reasons buyers are put off haggling, the research found.
Rob Smith, head of behavioural finance at Barclays, says: “If your aim is paying the lowest price possible, then there are a couple of top tips which could help you along the way.”
Do your research: There are many tools that provide you with a lot of information. Check out the surrounding area and what the houses are like, look at local schools, shops and facilities, and the crime rate. Check how long the property has been on the market and be armed with information as well as questions.
Understand the competition: Potential interest from any other buyers may affect the dynamics between buyers and sellers. Try to understand the mindset and emotions of the seller, and perhaps how keen they are to sell.
Be realistic: Perhaps that kitchen island or bi-folding doors might tempt you to stretch your budget a little, but know your financial limits.
Communicate: Meetings are not easy to arrange unless done virtually, but not meeting faceto-face may help you disconnect emotionally and reduce feelings of confrontation. Make notes of conversations to keep on top of where you’re at.
Be patient: Allow yourself the time you need to feel happy with your offer – you don’t want to feel pressured or ultimately regret anything.
No matter how much you love this property, if you miss out, there may be another you’ll love even more.
Dear reader
We’re just a few weeks away from this year’s census – the most important survey of the way we live.
The census takes place every ten years, and Census 2021 is on March 21. This huge survey creates the most accurate picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.
Like every one before it, Census 2021 is vital because understanding who lives in an area helps the planning and funding of public services and support to meet local people’s particular needs – from housing to healthcare. Getting this support right is now more important than ever amid the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
The high-quality evidence it captures helps to inform decision making by central government and local authorities in areas such as housing, education, healthcare, transport and leisure. Charities can also use census findings to see who needs help where.
This year’s census is the first ‘digital’ census, and most people are expected to complete it online. Householders will be sent an access code in the post, which they use to get into their census form online.
The survey only takes around ten minutes per person to complete and can be done on a laptop, mobile phone or tablet. Information you give is kept securely and remains anonymous for 100 years.
You’ll be asked simple questions about yourself, those in your household, and your home. This year, for the first time, there are voluntary questions on sexual orientation and gender identity for those aged 16 and over.
The census is straightforward to fill out, but remember that it’s also compulsory, and failure to take part could land you a fine of up to £1,000.
Guidance is available in other languages and those who aren’t able to complete it at home can get help via the Census 2021 phone service or at a census support centre (the centres will only open where it’s safe to do so and are subject to Covid-19 rules).
So look out for your access code in the post and do the census to help ensure your community gets the services it needs. Adam Moss