London Economy

Reports shows smokers lose a large part of their income to tobacco – an estimated £1.9bn in London each year, or on average £2,451 a smoker.

There were 5,712 people on the capital’s streets between April and September – an increase of more than a fifth from the same period last year.

The rising cost of living is casting a shadow over Christmas for businesses in the West End as they prepare for a more frugal festive period.