News Archive
3/4/2024
What The Child Benefit Rate Rise Means For You - Child Benefit Rates Go Up On 6 April 2024
Millions of families who claim Child Benefit will automatically receive increased payments from 6 April 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed. Families with one child will now receive up to £1,331 a year - an annual increase of £83.20, and up to £881 a year per additional child - an annual increase of £54.60.
3/4/2024
Leudachadh Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar - Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Lochaber Extension
Thòisich obair-togail o chionn ghoirid air dà sheòmar-teagaisg ùr a tha mar leudachadh air Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar (BSGLA). 'S e companaidh ionadail, Corrigan Contractors Ltd, a tha a' dèanamh na h-obrach.
2/4/2024
Consultation On International Football Broadcasting - Case For Scotland National Team Qualifiers To Be Free-to-air
An evaluation will take place as part of making the case to the UK Government that major Scotland men's and women's national football team qualifier matches should be available for free-to-air broadcast. The Scottish Government’s view is that national sporting events, such as Scotland's men's and women's football qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championships, should be included in the list of matches protected for free-to-air broadcast to expand the opportunity for audiences to enjoy these games.2/4/2024
XL Bully Dog Exemption Application Process Opens
Owners urged to apply before 31 July deadline. XL Bully owners can now apply for an exemption certificate so they can continue to legally own their dogs in the long term.2/4/2024
First Instalment Of £300 Million To Reduce Waiting Times In Scottish Hospitals
First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced an initial £30 million of targeted investment for Q1 of the new financial year, as part of a £300 million plan over the next three years, to help reduce inpatient and day-case waiting lists. Backed by planned additional investment, this targeted approach will help drive down waiting lists by an estimated 100,000 patients over three years.2/4/2024
UK And United States Announce Partnership On Science Of AI Safety
The UK and US have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see them work together to develop tests for the most advanced AI models. UK and US AI Safety Institutes to work seamlessly with each other, partnering on research, safety evaluations, and guidance for AI safety.
2/4/2024
Outer Hebrides Featured In International Energy Transition Research
An international research project also highlighted exploring energy storage solutions and the importance of helping householders understand the best energy efficiency measures and domestic renewable energy technologies. The project focused on putting local communities at the heart of achieving a low carbon future.
2/4/2024
Huge Boost For UK Industry As Government Supercharger Rolls Out
Measures will cut network charges and provide exemptions from electricity costs for firms in sectors like steel, metals and chemicals. government rolls out British Industry Supercharger measures to put Britain's energy-intensive industries on competitive footing with global counterparts.2/4/2024
Celebrating Scotland's Ties With North America
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson will visit Washington, D.C. and New York City this week to promote Scotland to North America as a place to live, work, study and do business.1/4/2024
Great British Nuclear To Buy Two Hitachi Sites For New Nuclear Development
Land is to be acquired by government to underpin nuclear revival. In a historic day for the UK's energy security, Great British Nuclear (GBN) is buying land for new nuclear development from Hitachi at both Wylfa in Ynys Môn/Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire.
1/4/2024
New Hate Crime Laws Come Into Force In Scotland
New measures to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice come into force today (1 April 2024). The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act will provide greater protection for victims and communities.1/4/2024
5,000 New Apprenticeships In UK Nuclear Submarines Programme - £31 Billion (with A £10 Billion Contingency) In The New Dreadnought Class SSBNS
The approach to investing in and maintaining the UK's nuclear deterrent has been unveiled by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps for the first time. The Defence Nuclear Command Paper has been published today following the Prime Minister declaring a ‘national endeavour' to secure the future of the UK's thriving defence nuclear industry and backed by more than £200 million of Government funding, investing in the future of the UK's home of submarine building, Barrow-in-Furness.
1/4/2024
Social Security Payments Go Up
All Scottish social security benefits are increasing by 6.7% in April, providing more support for disabled people, unpaid carers and people on low incomes. Scottish Child Payment, which helps the families of more than 327,000 children, is now worth £26.70 per child per week.1/4/2024
Paying More And Paying Less As Prices Change, Pensions, Benefits Uplift, School Dinners, Rents and More
Lots of prices are changing apart from groceries. But the minimum wages goes up from today.1/4/2024
Philippines Officials Visit UK To Share Learning On Green Infrastructure
The study visit's goal was to promote and connect UK financing and technical expertise with the PH's £128 billion 'Build Better More' Infrastructure Agenda. Twenty officials from the Government of the Philippines from 11 agencies joined an Infrastructure Financing Study Visit in London from 30 January - 2 February, organised by the British Embassy Manila.
31/3/2024
Council Tax On Second Homes - Not An April Fools - Majority Of Councils Using New Powers To Double Rates
New powers enabling councils to charge up to double the full rate of council tax on second homes come into force this week. Councils will be able to increase the tax from Monday (1 April 2024) and 29 of Scotland's 32 local authorities have confirmed that second homeowners will have to pay the higher charge in their areas.31/3/2024
More Lost Pets To Return Home As Microchipping System Reformed
Reforms will help reunite thousands of lost or stolen animals every year and deter pet theft. Lost or stolen pets will be reunited with their owners more quickly under reforms to the pet microchipping system announced this week.
31/3/2024
Long Term Rent Controls Proposed In Scotland - Housing Bill Measure To Help Tenants Stay In Their Homes
Long term rent controls would help keep homes affordable for tenants in future, under new legislation to create a fairer, better regulated rented sector. The Housing (Scotland) Bill, introduced to Parliament last week, sets out how close working with councils will ensure rent controls are tailored to the local needs of tenants and landlords in different parts of the country.31/3/2024
Calls For Second Staircases In All New Tall Residential Buildings
Updated guidance will call for second staircases in all new buildings over 18 metres from 30 September 2026. The Government has updated its guidance calling for second staircases in all new tall residential buildings over 18 metres - further enhancing the UK's world-leading building safety standards.
30/3/2024
