Espresso Briefing

You probably won’t like what stayed the same this week — and you’re already paying for it.

Nothing radical happened this week locally or nationally.

But those December bills have landed. Projects stalled. Prices held (sort of). And the gap between what things cost and what people are willing or able to tolerate narrowed again.

This issue looks quite closely at the property market as buyers, sellers, renters all prepare for spring.

We also have other property related newsletters all for the Peterborough area which answer those questions buyers, sellers and investors are asking at the moment. You can find details at the bottom of this newsletter.

This edition of Peterborough Spotlight also looks at the things that didn’t change and how that’s shaping decisions across the city.

The Cost Freeze That’s Doing the Damage

The Peterborough property market hasn't seen much happening but we are no exactly looking at good news more nothing much has changed news.

Locally, average house prices in Peterborough sit around £233,000 that's up roughly 2.2 % on last year but barely moving month-to-month.

First-time buyers are paying around £205,000 on average, while mortgage-assisted buyers are closer to £237,000 again, limited price bumps in either case.

Meanwhile, private rents are running near £971 a month, about 4.9 % higher than this time last year good news for renters is there are less rapid rises than earlier in the decade, but still far above wage growth for many.

Mortgage costs themselves aren’t spiking into panic territory, but neither are they helping ease pressure on borrowers.

The average two-year fixed rate has been sitting below 5 % around 4.83 % early in 2026, down about half a percentage point from a year ago, yet still high enough to keep potential buyers cautious.

Add to that the backdrop of UK inflation running around 3.4 % in December 2025, and you get the squeeze: prices and rents are stable or gently up, but wages don’t stretch much further and borrowing costs, while lower than last year, aren’t low enough to change minds.

That lack of change relative steadiness in prices, rents, and council tax  is influencing decisions more than most headlines.

It isn’t dramatic, but it’s expensive: people are delaying moves, tightening budgets, and opting out of plans that might have made sense before rises hit a few years ago.

Nothing broke.But nothing helped either and that’s effective reshaping local property market behaviour.

The Planning Decisions You’ll Feel Later

Rents Haven’t Spiked. They’ve Settled High.

Rents locally aren’t jumping week to week anymore they’ve kind of levelled off at a high base.

The latest ONS data for Peterborough puts the average private rent in the area at just under £1,000 a month, roughly 5% higher than a year ago, but with very little movement since late autumn.

That slowdown sounds like relief. Sadly for most It isn’t.

What’s changed isn’t price it’s choice.

Fewer listings are coming to market, particularly at the lower end, and the homes that do appear are being snapped up quickly if they’re clean, well-located, and sensibly priced.

Emma, renting a two-bed in Hampton, told us she renewed rather than risk moving. “It’s expensive, but everything else we looked at was either worse or gone within days,” she said.

Landlords, meanwhile, are adjusting quietly.

Instead of pushing rents higher, more are focusing on longer tenancies and lower churn.

With mortgage costs still hovering around 4.5–5% for many fixes, stability is starting to matter more than squeezing an extra £25 a month.

The result is a rental market that feels calmer but theres less slack. Less noise. Fewer options. Very little room to manoeuvre.

Renting locally — have you renewed, moved, or given up looking?

Hit reply and tell us which. Or drop us a Message on Facebook

Buyers Are Hesitating. Sellers Are Waiting. That’s the Stalemate.

Right now, the local property market isn’t stuck — it’s suspended.

Buyers are active, but cautious. Sellers are motivated, but not desperate. And that gap is where deals are failing to happen.

According to recent Land Registry and portal data, transaction volumes locally are still down around 10–15% on pre-2023 norms,

 even though asking prices have barely moved.

Homes are being viewed, saved, and discussed  just not always agreed.

Tom, a first-time buyer looking around Werrington, said he’s walked away from two properties already. “Both were fine,” he told us, “but not fine enough to stretch for.”

That sums up the mood. Buyers want justification. Sellers want reassurance. Neither side feels enough pressure to blink.

Local Agents describe it as a market where price realism matters more than presentation.

Well-priced homes still move. Anything that relies on optimism or last year’s comps — stalls quickly.

This isn’t a warning sign. It’s a filter. And over the next few months, it’s likely to decide who actually moves and who keeps watching and waiting for everything to feel right.

 

Buying, selling — or sitting tight?

Tell us which side you’re on.

Three Things That Are Actually Unblocking Moves Right Now

Most people stuck in the market aren’t confused.

They’re overloaded.

The people are still moving locally are doing a few boring but decisive things differently — and they’re doing them early.

1. Buyers Are Locking Numbers, Not Rates

Forget predicting interest rates. Buyers who are progressing with sales  have done one thing:

they’ve locked in what they can afford at today’s rates, not hoped for better ones.

With two-year fixes still sitting around 4.5–5%, buyers who’ve already run the numbers are the ones making offers.

Everyone else is “just looking”.

James, buying near Orton Longueville, said once he’d agreed his ceiling, viewings became easier.

“I stopped asking ‘what if rates drop’ and started asking ‘is this worth it at £X?’”

That shift alone is pushing decisions through.

2. Sellers Are Removing One Risk Not Cutting Price

The sellers getting offers accepted aren’t dropping prices first.

They’re removing one unknown.

Most commonly:

• getting a survey or at very least a valuation done early

•  

• clarifying lease or boundary questions up front

•  

• being explicit about completion flexibility

•  

Claire, selling in Bretton, said her buyer only committed once the paperwork was clear.

“Price wasn’t the issue — uncertainty was.”

In this market, certainty converts faster than discounts.

3. Renters Are Renewing With Intent (Not Giving Up)

With average rents hovering around £950–£1,000 a month, many renters are choosing to stay put but only after doing the maths properly.

Once moving costs, deposits, and competition are factored in, renewing often wins.

The renters who feel calmer aren’t those who “settled” — they’re the ones who decided deliberately.

Emma, renting in Hampton, put it bluntly:

“Moving would’ve cost us more than staying annoyed.”

That clarity is what removes stress not cheaper rent.

The Common Thread

Progress is coming from decisions made early, not better conditions.

• Numbers before viewings

• Certainty before marketing

• Maths before emotion

•  

That’s what’s cutting through right now.

What’s the one decision you’ve been avoiding — price, timing, or commitment?

Hit reply. We’ll cover the most common one next week.

Five Things Locals Actually Checked This Week

1. The roadworks people are already complaining about
2. 
   The A47 junction works near Wansford are now scheduled to run into early spring, with overnight closures still likely on some stretches. If you commute west, this is the one to keep an eye on.
3.  

2. The planning applications that affect real streets
This week’s list includes extensions and conversions in Bretton, Orton Goldhay, and Woodston — the kind that don’t make headlines but do change parking and population density.

→ Peterborough City Council weekly planning list

3. What £250,000 actually buys right now

On the main portals this week, £250k locally gets:

• a three-bed needing work in Bretton

•  

• a modern two-bed flat in Hampton

•  

• or a smaller terrace closer to the city centre

• 
  Worth bookmarking if you’re “just watching”.

• 
  → Rightmove / Zoopla local search recommended

•  

4. The mortgage question people keep asking

Two-year fixes are still hovering around 4.7–4.9%. Five-year deals are only slightly lower. That gap or lack of it is why many buyers are choosing certainty over flexibility right now.

5. The rent comparison renters are doing

With average rents just under £1,000 a month, many tenants are comparing renewals against the £2,500–£3,000 cost of moving once deposits, vans, and overlap are counted.

→ Gov.uk renting guidance

The One Service Buyers and Sellers Are Actually Paying For First

One local service seeing a clear uptick right now is buyer-led and seller-commissioned surveys ordered before an offer is finalised, not after.

Locally, surveyors report more requests for:

• Level 2 surveys on homes priced between £200k–£300k

•  

(A Level 2 survey is a mid-range home survey (formerly called a HomeBuyer Report) that checks the condition of a property, flags visible issues like damp or roof wear, and highlights anything that could affect value without the cost or depth of a full structural survey.)

• pre-sale condition reports on 1970s–1990s family houses in Bretton, Werrington, and Orton

•  

The reason is simple: deals are falling apart later than people expect.

Mark, selling a three-bed near Orton Waterville, told us he commissioned a survey upfront after a previous sale collapsed.

“It cost a few hundred pounds, but it stopped the next buyer chipping away six weeks in,” he said.

Buyers are doing the same thing for a different reason.

With prices holding and fewer “must-sell” listings, they want to know exactly what they’re committing to before stretching.

At current price levels with average homes around £230k–£240k a £500 survey is increasingly being treated as decision insurance, not a sunk cost.

That shift is small, practical, and measurable and it’s changing how deals get done locally.

The “Small” Costs That Are Stopping Moves Cold

For a lot of people, it isn’t price or rates that are blocking decisions right now — it’s the extra £3k–£6k around the edges.

Locally, buyers and movers are reporting broadly similar totals once everything is added up:

• Legal fees: £1,200–£1,800

• Survey: £400–£700 (depending on level and size)

• Removals: £800–£1,500 for a typical three-bed move

• Overlap / setup costs: council tax, utilities, broadband — often another £500+

•  

Suddenly, a “manageable” move needs £4,000+ in cash before anything improves.

Lisa, planning a move from Paston into a smaller place nearer the centre, told us she paused after pricing it all up.

“The mortgage worked,” she said. “It was the rest of it that made me stop.”

That’s why more people are:

• renewing instead of moving

• staying put and upgrading kitchens or bathrooms

• delaying downsizing even when it makes sense long-term

•  

This cost stack doesn’t show up on listings but it’s shaping behaviour just as much as headline prices.

One Beauty Habit That Actually Makes a Difference in Winter

If your skin feels tight or dull right now, it’s probably not what you’re using — it’s when.

Local beauticians say the biggest mistake in winter is applying moisturiser after skin has fully dried.

The fix is simple: apply within 60 seconds of cleansing, while skin is still slightly damp.

That locks in hydration without needing heavier products.

Sarah, who runs a treatment room near West Town, said most clients don’t need new products at all.

“They just need to stop letting their skin dry out before sealing it.”

It’s boring. It works.

Choosing a Gym: What £25 vs £45 a Month Actually Gets You

Not all local gyms are competing with each other — they’re solving different problems.

At the lower end (£25–£30 a month), most gyms locally offer:

• long opening hours

• lots of cardio kit

• limited space at peak times

• little or no induction beyond sign-up

•  

They work well if you train off-peak or already know what you’re doing.

Mid-range options (£40–£50 a month) tend to trade size for support:

• fewer members on the floor at busy times

• included inductions or check-ins

• more structured classes or small-group sessions

•  

Tom, who switched gyms after Christmas, said the difference wasn’t equipment.

“It was whether I could actually use it at 6pm,” he told us.

Before committing, one simple test:

Visit on a weekday at the time you plan to train. If it already feels crowded, it won’t improve.

Dog Training Question + Giveaway

Question this week:

“My dog pulls constantly on the lead — is it excitement or bad behaviour?”

According to Raimonda, head trainer at Smarter Paws, it’s usually neither.

Pulling happens when dogs learn that tension gets them moving especially if walks always start the same way and speed equals reward.

The behaviour sticks because it works.

Raimonda’s first fix is simple:

• stop moving the moment the lead tightens

•  

• reset calmly

•  

• reward loose lead walking early, not once the dog is already pulling

•  

“Most lead issues aren’t about dominance or energy,” she explains.
“They’re habit loops and habits can be changed.”

🎁 Chance to Win

Raimonda has offered one free 1-to-1 training session for a local reader.

To enter:

• reply with “PAWS” to this email

•  

• tell us your dog’s age and biggest challenge

•  

We’ll pick one winner and feature the most common issue in a future edition.

Vet Tip: One Winter Issue Being Missed Your Dog or Cat Would Contact Your Vet About

Local vets say they’re seeing a rise in paw pad irritation and small cuts during colder months often caused by grit, salt, and frozen pavements.

The simple prevention step most owners skip:

Rinse paws after walks, even if they don’t look dirty.

Raimonda also flags this in training sessions.

“Dogs stop listening when they’re uncomfortable — and sore paws change behaviour fast.”

If pads look dry or cracked, a basic pet-safe balm applied at night is usually enough.

Persistent licking or limping isn’t “normal winter behaviour” — it’s a sign to get it checked.

How a Physio Can Help With Winter Sports Injuries

Physios locally say January–February is peak season for minor but stubborn injuries knees, ankles, shoulders especially from:

• returning to sport too quickly

• cold muscles

• uneven or slippery ground

•  

The most common mistake?

Resting until it “sort of” feels better, then going straight back.

Tom, who picked up a knee issue playing five-a-side, said one session changed his approach.

“It wasn’t about pushing harder — it was about fixing what was compensating.”

Early physio isn’t about elite athletes. It’s about stopping a small issue becoming a six-month one.

Preventing Slips and Falls (The Boring Stuff That Works)

Falls increase sharply during icy spells especially early mornings and evenings.

Local physios recommend three simple habits:

• slow the first 10 steps after leaving the house

• avoid smooth-soled shoes (fashion boots are the worst offenders)

• keep one hand free phones cause more falls than ice

•  

For older residents, most falls happen at home, not outside — often on stairs or rushed trips to the door.

It’s dull advice. It prevents fractures.

Most winter falls don’t happen on icy pavements. They happen inside, usually on stairs or rushing to the door.

Local physios say the most common scenario is simple: socks on smooth floors, hands full, moving too fast.

Helen from Longthorpe told us she slipped carrying washing downstairs.

“I’d been careful outside all week. I didn’t think about indoors at all.”

Three things that actually reduce risk:

• grippy socks or slippers indoors

• one trip at a time on stairs

• lights on, even during the day

•  

It’s not dramatic advice. It prevents broken wrists.

Where do you feel least steady in winter — stairs, bathroom, outside?

Preparing Your Car for Late-Winter Cold (February Is Often Worse)

February regularly brings colder snaps than January and breakdown services know it.

Quick checks that prevent most issues:

• tyre pressure (cold air lowers it)

• battery health (many fail in late winter, not early)

• screenwash rated below freezing

• antifreeze (in coolant) can prevent very expensive repairs
•  

Sarah, who commutes early mornings, said her battery failed last

 February — not during the “bad weather”.

“I assumed winter was over.”

It wasn’t.

Breakdown services see battery failures peak late winter, not during the first cold snap.

Cold weather weakens batteries gradually. February finishes them off.

Mark, who commutes early mornings from Eye, said his car failed without warning.

“No frost. No snow. Just wouldn’t start.”

If your car:

• is slow to turn over

•  

• has a battery over four years old

•  

• struggles with heaters + lights together

•  

…it’s already telling you something.

A £70–£120 replacement now beats a recovery call later.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you car has an AUTO START system (usually push button) then your battery needs to be in peak condition and replaced with a suitable AGM or EFB battery 

(AGM batteries are ideal for premium cars with advanced stop-start and braking energy recuperation. EFB batteries are suited for entry-level stop-start systems.)

The Pool Plan, the Missing Context, and Why Trust Is the Real Issue

Here’s what is actually being proposed stripped of jargon and confusion.

The proposed plan is for a new city-centre leisure complex with:

• one main eight-lane 25-metre swimming pool

• a separate 20-metre learner / teaching pool with a moveable floor

•  

So to be clear:

➡️ There is one 25m pool for general and club swimming
➡️ Plus a smaller 20m pool for lessons and beginners

Not two main pools. Not an either/or.

How it’s being paid for

The government has agreed a £20 million grant towards the project.

The total cost is estimated at around £38 million, meaning the council must still find roughly £18 million from its own funding and partners.

That’s where local concern kicks in.

Peterborough City Council is already carrying significant debt and has been cutting services.

For many residents, the question isn’t whether a pool is needed it’s whether the council can realistically fund its share without further pressure elsewhere.

Why people are sceptical

This isn’t happening in a vacuum.

The old Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre (Vivacity pool) was closed and later demolished after structural issues were identified, including RAAC concrete and leaks, making repair unviable.

For many locals, that episode damaged confidence in how major leisure assets have been managed.

As Alex from Dogsthorpe put it:

“We’ve been burned before. I want a new pool I just want to know it won’t be another expensive problem in ten years.”

Is a 25m pool enough?

Supporters say:

• a modern 25m pool plus a learner pool meets everyday needs

•  

• it’s cheaper to run than a 50m facility

•  

• it gets something built sooner rather than waiting years

•  

Critics argue:

• a fast-growing city will outgrow a single 25m pool quickly

•  

• peak-time access will still be tight once schools and clubs are scheduled

•  

• building smaller now risks needing expansion later at higher cost

•  

Why this debate matters

This decision locks in decades of leisure provision.

The grant is real.

The gap is real.

And trust, after past failures, is fragile.

Until the full business case and long-term operating costs are published, many residents feel they’re being asked to accept “good enough” without seeing the whole picture.

Do you think a 25m pool is enough for the city — or is this a missed opportunity?

Hit reply and tell us why.

We continue this discussion with a look at how other cities are handling their swimming pool leisure provision.

 How Other Similar-Sized Cities Handle Swimming Provision

To understand the 25m question properly, it helps to look sideways.

Cities with similar populations tend to fall into three broad approaches:

1. One modern 25m pool + learner pool
2. 
   Common where councils prioritise cost control and year-round access.
3. 
   Pros: cheaper to build and run, easier to staff.
   Cons: peak-time pressure once schools and clubs are booked in.
4.  

2. 50m pool + secondary pool

Used where there’s a strong competitive swimming or regional events focus.

Pros: more capacity, flexibility, ability to host events.
Cons: significantly higher build and operating costs; often requires external funding or partnerships.

3. Mixed model (indoor pool + seasonal lido)

Seen where there’s historic outdoor provision.

Pros: spreads demand, strong community buy-in.

Cons: seasonal limits, higher maintenance complexity.

What stands out is this:

➡️ cities that build smaller than current demand often end up revisiting the decision within 10–15 years

➡️ cities that overbuild without secure funding struggle with running costs

That’s why the question in Peterborough isn’t ideological — it’s capacity versus sustainability, especially given population growth and past asset failures.

But lets take this debate one step further 

Peterborough Is Bigger Than Cambridge — So Why Are We Debating One Main Pool?

Peterborough has a significantly larger population than Cambridge.

Cambridge has more swimming water.

That single fact explains why the 25m pool debate won’t settle.

Cambridge doesn’t rely on one flagship facility. It spreads swimming across:

• multiple indoor pools

•  

• seasonal outdoor capacity

•  

• and non-public university provision that still reduces overall demand

•  

Peterborough, by contrast, lost its main regional pool entirely after years of maintenance issues and is now being asked to back a replacement that centres on one main 25m pool.

Yes, there is a pool at Hampton.

No, it does not replace a city-wide regional facility.

That gap in scale is why people are nervous.

This isn’t nostalgia for the old pool.

It’s a question about whether we’re rebuilding a solution — or just patching a hole.

Last-Minute Self Assessment: What Actually Saves Time (and Stress)

If you’re filing close to the deadline, the biggest time-saver isn’t software — it’s knowing what HMRC actually checks.

The three things that cause most last-minute panic:

• missing UTR number

•  

• forgetting pension contributions (which reduce taxable income)

•  

• mixing up business mileage vs actual car costs

•  

If you’re self-employed and mileage is simpler, use it HMRC’s flat rates are often kinder than people expect.

 And if you’re owed a refund, filing now still triggers it you don’t have to wait for April.

One local accountant told us most late filers aren’t confused they’re just stuck hunting paperwork they should already have.

Saving or Investing for Children: What Parents Actually Do

Most parents don’t choose between saving and investing.

They split.

Short-term money trips, clubs, school extras stays in cash.

Longer-term money — adulthood, deposits, future flexibility — gets invested slowly.

Emma, mum of two in Orton, said keeping it separate stopped arguments with herself.

“Savings are for spending. Investments are for forgetting about.”

A common setup locally:

• £25–£50/month into a savings account

•  

• £25–£50/month into a Junior ISA invested globally

•  

It’s not about returns. It’s about removing guilt when you need to use one pot and discipline to leave the other alone.

Do you save, invest, or avoid both because it feels overwhelming?

Reply with what’s stopping you.

Baby Tip: The Thing Parents Wish They’d Known at Week 6

New parents don’t regret buying the wrong pram.

They regret underestimating how repetitive nights get.

The most useful purchases weren’t gadgets they were duplicates:

• changing mat upstairs and downstairs

• spare sheets already fitted

• second white-noise source

•  

Lucy, whose baby is now nine months, told us:

“Anything that saved one trip at 3am was worth it.”

Babies change fast. Fatigue doesn’t.

What’s the one thing you’d tell a brand-new parent now?

Saving with Sally: How to Actually Do These (Not Just Know Them)

Seven that work — only if done properly:

1. Subscriptions: check bank statements, not apps that’s where the forgotten ones hide.

2.  

3. Insurance monthly payments: call and ask for the annual price then compare. Many don’t match it automatically.

4.  

5. Supermarket reductions: go mid-week after 7pm Sundays are picked clean now.

6.  

7. Loyalty apps: turn notifications on, or don’t bother.

8.  

9. Heating: lower by 1°C for a week don’t jump straight to cold.

10.  

11. Bank switching: set a calendar reminder bonuses vanish if you forget.

12.  

13. Uniform resale: join before September best items go early.

Sally’s rule: “If it needs willpower, it won’t last.”

Five Places Locals Go for a Proper Sunday Lunch (And What They Order)

When people talk about a “good” Sunday lunch locally, they’re not talking about presentation.

They mean meat cooked properly, decent portions, and gravy that tastes homemade.

The Cuckoo, Alwalton

Tilly from Werrington said she always orders the beef.

“It’s pink, not grey, and you actually get enough roast potatoes.”

Expect thick-cut beef, crisp potatoes, and proper Yorkshire puddings.

The Bell Inn, Stilton

Mark told us it’s his go-to for pork.

“Crackling you can hear — that’s the test.”

Portions are generous and the apple sauce is homemade, not from a jar.

The Bluebell, Glinton

Emma swears by the chicken.
“It’s moist, not overdone, and the veg isn’t an afterthought.”

Good option if you want a roast without feeling rushed.

The Fitzwilliam Arms

Paul said it’s the safest bet for mixed tastes.

“Someone wants lamb, someone wants turkey, someone wants veggie  it all works.”

Reliable roasts, solid gravy, no surprises.

Harvester Pavillions

Lucy didn’t pretend it was fancy.

“But the carvery means you get exactly what you want — and kids actually eat it.”

Predictable, affordable, and stress-free.

Where do you go for a Sunday roast and what do you order every time?

Why People Skip the Dentist (Until It’s Too Late)

Most people don’t avoid the dentist because of fear.

They avoid it because nothing hurts yet.

That’s what catches people out.

Anna, who went private last year after missing check-ups, told us she delayed because she felt fine.

“By the time it hurt, it wasn’t a small fix anymore.”

Private costs locally tend to look like this:

• routine check-up: £40–£70

• early filling: £90–£150

• delayed treatment (crowns / root work): £700–£1,000+

•  

What people don’t realise is that pain usually shows up after damage has progressed.

Skipping one appointment rarely causes the problem.

Skipping a pattern does.

Be honest — when was your last check-up?

Why Winter Lighting Is Making People Feel Worse (Not Just Tired)

February is when people notice it most: headaches, eye strain, that heavy, foggy feeling by evening.

It’s rarely stress on its own. It’s how homes are lit.

James, who works from home near Bretton, said his headaches

 stopped after moving one lamp.

“I thought it was screens. It was the light coming from behind me.”

Common issues:

• bright ceiling lights directly above screens

•  

• cold white bulbs in the evening

•  

• working in a dim room with a bright screen

•  

Small changes that help:

• light from the side, not overhead

•  

• warmer bulbs after 6pm

•  

• slightly larger text instead of leaning in

•  

When lighting is wrong, your eyes never relax — and your head pays for it.

The Habit That’s Costing People £500 a Year (Without Making Them Happier)

This isn’t about coffee. It’s about autopilot spending.

Tom from Bretton worked it out after checking his bank statements.
Three coffees a week at £3.50 came to £546 a year and he couldn’t remember enjoying most of them.

“I wasn’t choosing them,” he said. “I was just buying them because I always had.”

He didn’t stop going to cafés. He changed when he went:

• weekday coffee at home

•  

• café coffee only when meeting someone or sitting in

•  

Spending dropped. Enjoyment went up.

That’s the pattern people who successfully cut costs follow:
they don’t remove the thing they remove the automatic version of it.

What’s the thing you buy out of habit rather than choice?

The Injury That Costs £120 if You Act Early — and £600 if You Don’t

Physios say the injuries that drag on aren’t dramatic ones.

They’re the aches people keep “working around”.

Sarah, who plays netball once a week, ignored a sore ankle for months.

“It only hurt after games, so I didn’t think it counted.”

By the time she booked a physio, she’d changed how she moved and needed eight sessions, not two.

Typical local costs:

• initial assessment: £50–£70

•  

• follow-up sessions: £45–£60 each

•  

Early treatment often means £120–£180 total.

Delayed treatment can easily reach £400–£600.

The difference isn’t severity.

It’s how long you wait.

Is there something you’ve been “managing” that might need sorting?

Winter Recipe: Hearty Root-Veg & Lentil Stew (Feeds 4)

Nothing beats a stew when it’s cold and this one is cheap, nourishing, and easy.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 parsnips, chopped

• 1 large sweet potato, diced

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 tin green lentils (drained)

• 750ml vegetable stock

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt + pepper

•  

Method

1. Heat oil in a large pot.

2. Sauté onion + garlic until soft.

3. Add carrots, parsnips, sweet potato — cook 5 mins.

4. Stir in tomatoes, lentils, stock, paprika.

5. Simmer 25–30 mins until veg is tender.

6. Season to taste; serve with crusty bread.

7.  

Why locals love it

Beccy from Dogsthorpe makes this every Sunday — “My kids ask for it again Wednesday.”

Nutrition tip: Lentils add protein and fibre without extra cost.

Local Events in Peterborough (This Week / Next)

Here’s what’s actually happening locally — with dates, times, venues, and links:

Peterborough Winter Market

📍 Cathedral Square
📅 Sat 7 Feb, 10am–4pm
Artisan stalls, street food, live music.

🔗 peterboroughmarket.co.uk/events

Open Mic Night — The Bluebell, Werrington

📅 Fri 6 Feb, 8pm start
Sign-ups at 7:45pm; free entry.

Family Science Day — John Clare School

📅 Sun 8 Feb, 11am–3pm
Hands-on experiments for kids 5–12.

Peterborough Accessible Chess Club

📍 Central Library
📅 Saturday 7 Feb, 10am–2pm
All levels welcome. Boards provided.

Charity 5k — Nene Park

📅 Sun 15 Feb, 9am start
£12 entry; proceeds to local youth charities.

Reply with what you’re planning to go to — we’ll share pics next week.

Why Having a Will Matters (And What It Actually Does)

Having personally dealt with wills and probate I wanted to make sure our readers have the full picture and why everyone should have a will.

A will isn’t morbid — it’s control over what happens next.

Without one:

• assets may not go where you want

•  

• children’s guardianship is decided by courts

•  

• inheritance tax planning is ignored

•  

A simple will typically costs £100–£300 privately; complexity can push it higher.

Local estate planner Kate said:

“People delay wills because they think it’s expensive. In fact, not having one costs more — emotionally and financially.”

Next week: power of attorney explained what it is, when to get one, and why it’s different to a will.

Have you ever thought about writing a will but put it off? DONT!

Choosing a Solicitor for a Will or Probate (Peterborough)

When it comes to wills and probate, reliability matters more than speed.

 But also remember legal advice is not cheap but mistakes with Wills and Probate are usually far more costly than any legal advice.

If your affairs are straight forward you can possibly consider DIY or guided online options. But be wary!

Things like divorce, complex investments, other complex affiars mean you should at very least seek advice.

Look at it this way an hour of a experienced solicitor's time now could be a very worthwhile investment.

You should be looking for:

• clear pricing

•  

• plain-English explanations

•  

• someone who’ll still answer emails months later

•  

Established firms with a Peterborough presence

• Buckles Solicitors
  Wills, trusts, probate, estate administration. Large enough to handle complexity.

•  

• Hegarty Solicitors
  Strong private client focus including wills and lasting powers of attorney.

•  

• Hunt & Coombs Solicitors
  Personal legal services including wills and probate.

•  

• Waller Needham & Green Solicitors

• Wills, trusts and probate with local contact details.

•  

Before you instruct anyone, ask this

1. Is this a fixed fee and what exactly makes it increase?

2.  

3. Will my will be stored, and is there a charge later?

4.  

5. If probate is needed, is that priced separately?

6.  

If they can’t answer clearly up front, that usually doesn’t improve later.

Thinking about a will or probate this year?

Reply WILL or PROBATE and we’ll cover the most common mistake next week.

Choosing a Conveyancing Solicitor (Peterborough Property Moves)

httpsConveyancing problems rarely come from the law they come from communication and delays.

Price matters, but how a firm operates matters more.

Conveyancing firms you’ll see locally

(Residential property focus, Peterborough presence)

• Ringrose Law
  Residential conveyancing and broader private client services.

•  

• Roythorne Solicitors
  Property and private client work, with Peterborough contact options.

•  

• Larrington & Co
  Residential conveyancing specialist (Hampton-based).

•  

• PDR Property Lawyers
  Property-only focus; often used for straightforward transactions.

•  

The three questions that prevent most frustration

1. Who will actually manage my file day-to-day?

2.  

3. How often will I receive updates if nothing is happening?

4.  

5. What causes delays most often in transactions like mine?

6.  

Cheap fees don’t help if you’re chasing emails while a chain collapses.

Buying, selling, or both this year?

Reply BUY, SELL, or CHAIN and we’ll break down what usually slows each one.

Sign Up For Our Any Our Peterborough Property Newsletters

https://peterborough.homesellerinsider.co.uk

https://peterborough.propertyinvestorinsider.co.uk

Online Scams & Cybersecurity: What People Are Actually Falling For

The scams that local people report most often aren’t dramatic pop-ups — they’re everyday traps:

1. Fake parcel notifications
2. 
   Text looks legit, link steals details.
   Rule: go directly to the courier’s app/site.
3.  

2. “HMRC refund” emails

Real HMRC won’t contact you this way.

3. “Your bank account needs verification” texts

Banks never ask for full login details by text.

Local cyber expert Sam told us:

“Scammers bank on panic. Take a breath — then check independently.”

Simple steps that help instantly:

• Turn on 2-factor authentication

• Use a password manager

• Hover over links before clicking

•  

Seen a suspicious message lately?

 

Reply with the wording — we’ll help you spot red flags.

How to Use Apps to Find Bargain Flights

Finding cheap flights isn’t luck it's technique.

Apps worth downloading:

• Skyscanner (broad search)

• Hopper (predicts price dips)

• Google Flights (calendar view)

• Kiwi.com (mix+match routes)

•  

Pro tips:

• Search in incognito — some sites show rising prices based on cookies.

•  

• Try nearby airports (e.g., Stansted, Luton).

•  

• Check flights Tuesday–Wednesday — often lower mid-week.

•  

• Set price alerts you’ll get notified when a fare drops.

•  

Local traveller Liz said:

“I set alerts for a weekend in Lisbon saved nearly £120 each ticket.”

Where would you love to fly for under £100 return?

Questions to Ask the Council (Not Generic Ones)

If you want answers that actually get results, ask specifics:

1. Roadworks and planned closures
2. 
   “What’s scheduled for my postcode in the next 8 weeks?”
   You’ll get dates and diversion plans.
3.  
4. 2. Planning Notices near you
5. 
   “Which applications were validated this month within 1 mile of my address?”
   That gets the detailed list, not just summaries.
6.  

3. School catchment changes

“What’s the policy for boundary reviews this year?”

Not “are there changes?” — the policy document reference gets a written answer.

4. Local funding for sport/leisure

“What’s the allocation for leisure facilities in the 2026–27 budget?”
That gets you sheet figures.

Council tip: Always ask with your postcode it forces precise information.

Got a question you want us to help phrase for the council?

Reader Q&A: Biggest Questions for Our Expert Team

We asked readers what’s on their minds — and these came up most often:

Q: What’s the best way to budget for sudden bills?

A: Create a realistic “shock” pot — £500 is the minimum most advisers suggest because that covers common household emergencies.

Q: How do I improve my credit score quickly?

A: Pay down balances, keep old accounts open, and register on the electoral roll.

Q: Are electric blankets safe?

A: Yes, if they have current safety marks and are checked each season.

Ask Our Experts 

What one question should we put to our experts next week?

Outro

That’s it for this week.

Thanks for reading  and for the replies, corrections, and tips that keep this genuinely local.

If there’s something you think we should look into, or a question you want us to put to our experts, just hit reply.

Next week, we’ll be digging into:

• power of attorney — when you actually need one and why it’s different to a will

•  

• more on the swimming provision debate, once the full business case is public

•  

• practical local intel that helps you make better decisions, faster

•  

Same format.

Same standards. 

Just applied to life here.

About Peterborough Spotlight

Peterborough Spotlight is an independent local newsletter covering everyday life across the city from costs and services to local decisions that affect how we live.

We focus on clear facts, practical intelligence, and real local context  not press releases or spin.

Some articles include general information and local opinion.

They are not financial, legal, or medical advice.

Where expert views are referenced, they are provided for information only.

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