Philip Lay

Designer @ObsNewReview @ObserverUK

[The Observer @ObserverUK]

London Marathon 2026: All the gear, still no idea

Sweat-wicking socks. HOKA trainers. Inner compression shorts. VÅGA cap. Running vest. How did it get to this, asks @pippylay?
https://t.co/R1kJaNYy9l

[SHAC @SHAC_Action]

Housing associations increased their service charge income by 15.8% in 2024 to £1.9 billion. We are certain that similar increases will apply to council and private landlords and managing agents. This is way above inflation.

https://t.co/DPOKQuS97o

Meanwhile, the courts ordered disputed service charges to be removed or reduced in over 70% of cases in 2024.

We believe that the increased income is a reflection of increased, widespread and systematic service charge abuse.

#UnfairAndUncapped

[paul webster @paulfwebster]

Here's why I think the proposed sale of the Observer to Tortoise would severely damage the reputation of the Scott Trust and threaten the future of the world's oldest Sunday newspaper, which I edited until last weekend 🧵

[Free Leaseholders @FreeLeasehlders]

🌹Leaseholders backed @UKLabour because they pledged to take on vested interests.

Yet lobbyists are already making them walk back their promises on leasehold.

Our message to @Keir_Starmer and @mtpennycook is simple: we can’t afford to wait 5 more years.
https://t.co/9dRXiVqbcA

[Philip Lay @pippylay]

@WWE Missed a trick there surely it should be called N-X-Treme

[Philip Lay @pippylay]

@sainsburys @Nestle @NestleUKI just about to tuck into my yoghurt and I’m greeted with mould 🤮 still in date too.

[Iain McD @pop_rambler]

The BBC sound effects library is now completely free to access.
This is news.

https://t.co/jsaSsrIVxB

[SHAC @SHAC_Action]

SHAC & Service Charge Abuse in the News

Thanks @ObserverUK & @JonUngoedThomas for covering the scandal of uncontrolled hikes in service charges. Legalised extortion needs action now @angelarayner & @mtpennycook to avoid a new wave of homelessness.

https://t.co/T5DlyAPhys

[The Observer @ObserverUK]

‘Affordable’ shared-ownership homes cost residents more than half their wages https://t.co/NIpTXOXUwS

[Marc Francis @MarcFrancisTH]

Congratulations to tenants on the Locton estate, whose persistence has forced Clarion Housing Group to admit its estimated £18.89 a week service charge in '24/25 should actually have been £5.56. Its disgraceful that neither the Regulator nor the Housing Ombudsman are helping them

[SHAC @SHAC_Action]

One of our members wrote to her landlord refusing to pay the above-inflation rent increase that @RachelReevesMP has just promised social landlords. The landlord wrote back with:

"Thanks for the information from SHAC but until there is a revolution or outcome from the Social Housing Regulators you will need to pay your service charge increase."

Revolution it is then! 😃

[SHAC @SHAC_Action]

Thanks to @BigIssue for including comment from SHAC on how harmful it is for the new govt to side with landlords instead of tenants and residents.
https://t.co/rqUgJjxtPC
They've agreed inflation busting (CPI+1%) rent increases for the next 10 years for social housing providers - councils & housing associations.
Join us in condemning this act and calling for a rent and service charge freeze! #UnfairAndUncapped

[Philip Lay @pippylay]

@FPLSantaClaus Not sure about Burn. Could downgrade a keeper for an extra 0.5 but currently feel like playing the rotation game with GK's

[Philip Lay @pippylay]

@LNRailway absolute sauna on the train from Coventry to Euston. Is air con not provided on Sundays? 😥

[Philip Lay @pippylay]

@ChwaraeAgency @LutonTown Yikes 👀

[Philip Lay @pippylay]

@aviv_lavi @ObserverUK knows what’s up!

[Led By Donkeys @ByDonkeys]

Tory MP Philip Davies put a £8k bet on himself to lose. This is what we found when we dug into his and his wife Esther McVey’s finances

[The Observer New Review @ObsNewReview]

This Sunday's cover

‘People like it because it’s the messy truth’: lifelong friends @lilyallen and @miquitaoliver on their hit @BBCSounds podcast, Miss Me?

✍️ @msmirandasawyer
📸 @mrperou

[Philip Lay @pippylay]

😡

[SHAC @SHAC_Action]

A revealing insight by a housing association finance worker - a simple and elegant exposé of how service charge abuse is a corporate strategy.

https://t.co/jiEq2IQXHw

#endservicechargeabuse

[Opinium @OpiniumResearch]

🚨 Our latest polling with @ObserverUK

The Labour lead is now 20 points.
• Labour 45% (+4)
• Conservatives 25% (-2)
• Lib Dems 8% (-2)
• SNP 3% (+1)
• Greens 6% (-1)
• Reform 11% (+1)

Fieldwork: 29 - 31 May.
Changes from 23 - 24 May.