Living in London is becoming unaffordable for many public service workers. A report by the National Housing Federation reveals that the average price paid for a home by a first time buyer is £97,300. The average weekly rent of a two bedroom property in London is £274 which is more than four times the average weekly rent for a similar property in Leeds.
Although employees in public service in London receive a London weighting, the additional amount does not match the higher housing costs. 

Health Secretary Frank Dobson has called for ideas leading to health improvement. The 26 Health Action Zones have been invited to come up with innovative ideas and to recommend front line health professionals for a six month fellowship to pursue areas of interest. The purpose of Action Zones is to improve services locally for the 13 million people they serve and to learn lessons that can be applied throughout the country.