Bridget OConnell

Almost one in 10 councillors work for consultancies involved in planning or construction firms.

Bargain chain wants to trim its estate of 220 stores and negotiate cheaper rents on the rest.

High Street struggler Mothercare is seeking outside financing as it races to seal a rescue package by the middle of May. 

Eynsham Hall, which has 135 rooms, is being sold by Cathedral Group, its owner since 2005, to Ennismore, an investment firm founded by Sharan Pasricha.

Homeownership among the young has declined by half in a generation in parts of Britain leaving many millennials renting sub-standard properties.

The competition watchdog is being urged to step in and investigate proposals to merge Sainsbury’s and Asda amid concerns over consumer choice and job losses.

L&G Capital plans to develop and buy and to manage ‘affordable’ rented homes built by others.

Sachem Head and Elliott Advisors poised to put pressure on the board of the FTSE 100 leisure group to shorten its proposed 24 month demerger timetable.

Analysis by the estate agent Savills reveals that the upsurge in stamp duty revenue has been helped by high-value properties and second homes.