There is just one fundamental point here. There is one rule for London and the Home Counties, another for the regions. This isn't a new phenomenon, it happens elsewhere but to a much lesser degree.
Please do not try to teach me how to suck eggs. At 68 years of age, a retired owner of an international conference company dealing in aviation matters working with airlines, airports, ATC and governments around the world at the highest levels and with over 40 years experience in business management in a variety of industries, including a stint in local government as head of one of the UK' s first private public partnerships at Greater Manchester Council, I'm well aware of what sweating assets entails, business practices and business jargon.