The Know Daily - Thursday 31 July 2025

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A new generation of aspen trees have been found in Yellowstone National Park for the first time in 80 years. The milestone comes after wolves were successfully reintroduced to the area back in 1995. We love to see ecosystems returned to their former glory!

💸 The “singles tax”

From rent to holidays, single people often pay more per person than couples or families. We’re exploring some ways to make your money work better for you if you’re living or travelling solo.

What is it?
The “singles tax” isn’t a formal tax, but a term used to describe the higher costs single people often pay compared to households of two or more. Whether it’s housing, travel or everyday services, much of the economy is built on the assumption that expenses are shared between two or more people.

Renting alone
This almost always costs more per person than sharing. A one‑bedroom flat can be only slightly cheaper than a two‑bedroom, meaning a solo renter carries the full rent, utility bills and living costs for things like food.

The UK’s 25% council tax discount for single occupants does offer some relief. Also, some housing co‑operatives and local councils are experimenting with smaller, affordable units aimed at single tenants, while build‑to‑rent developments are increasingly offering flexible leases and inclusive utility packages to ease per‑person charges.

Holidaying solo
Hotels, cruises and tours are often priced “per person, based on two sharing”, meaning solo travellers pay a single supplement – sometimes 10% to 100% extra. 

Look out for specialist travel companies – like Flash Pack – which design group adventures specifically for solo travellers, waiving single supplements entirely. Mainstream operators are beginning to test single‑friendly pricing to capture this growing market, especially as solo travel surges among millennials and Gen Z.

Everyday services
Single people may pay more for things like insurance, gym memberships, or even streaming services because many “family” or “couple” deals lower the per‑person rate. In some cases, an individual plan can cost almost the same as a couple’s policy.

Some providers are beginning to recognise this gap, offering single‑specific products rather than scaled‑down family packages and insurance comparison websites can filter to search specifically for individuals. You can also see if switching to smart meters for your utilities can save you money by only paying for what you use. And when it comes to the weekly shop, you can try batch cooking and freezing meals to make leftovers stretch further, or join a local co-op to collectively buy the ingredients you need. Check out more ways to save when living alone here.

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🛂 New passport policy: The European Union will roll out its biometrics entry system for non-EU visitors from October.

• The bigger story: The EU entry exit system (EES) will be applicable to any travellers who are not EU citizens, including Brits. The entry system will involve fingerprinting and facial recognition instead of passport stamping. Whilst some have raised concerns over the privacy of this information, its thought with proper management it will improve the speed and security of entry for pre-approved frequent non-EU travellers.

🗑️ Trash transformation: Communities could have a new way to reduce food waste by converting leftovers into handy household items using a new 3D printer.

🤖 Next-gen physio: An AI-run physiotherapy clinic has been so successful at reducing waiting lists that it will now be rolled out across more NHS trusts throughout England.

🐟 Order up: Artist Lucy Sparrow is setting up a fish and chip shop where all orders will be made up of – wait for it – felt.

🌿 Sustainable success: The City of London has cut more carbon emissions than any other local authority in the UK in the last 20 years.

🐕 Pet project: A world-first study will be asking cat and dog owners to voluntarily send their pets’ waste for lab testing to help understand infections and improve treatments.

🏊‍♀️ Safe swimming: Europe’s cleanest swimming spots have been revealed – check out which country’s beaches have been named the best to take a dip.

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Trivia answer: C) 27% of those in general education primarily learn Spanish, while in vocational schools it’s German.

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