Whilst we wait for my pointy heads to give us the analysis on the statement on Grant Shapps's social housing policy yesterday (it's coming folks, it's coming), I was somewhat diverted by a couple of minor developments in the news.
The first was the Joseph Rowntree Foundation publishing a report which finds that it is very much cheaper to live in a city or a town than in the country. Well blow me down!
Apparently, a pensioner couple living in a village will spend £43 a week more than a couple of the same age living in a city on household costs such as heating, food, clothes and transport.
The Commission for Rural Communities, which initiated the research, warned that everyday essentials were beyond the means of many rural families, who faced bills of up to 20% more than their peers living in cities (examining a full range costs necessary for a basic quality of life).
The fact that this can be presented as news (on the Radio 4's Today news bulletin this morning!) is rather strange. As my friend Michael would say, in the style of Worzel Gummidge (and showing his age rather) "it makes your head burst".
