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News Archive


4/10/2022
Water Companies Face New Penalties Up To £250million
Potential civil penalty to rise from £250,000 to up to £250 million to help bring quicker enforcement action against water companies for causing pollution.   The Environment Secretary has (3 October) announced that he will bring forward proposals to raise the civil penalty for water companies who pollute the environment by 1,000-fold - from £250,000 to up to £250 million.  
Highlands And Islands Enterprise Endorses Green Freeport Bids
Locating a green freeport in the Highlands and Islands is likely to have greater impact for Scotland and the UK than any other location.   This is according to HIE's chief executive.  
3/10/2022
Ofgem Warns UK Faces 'Significant Risk' Of Gas Shortages This Winter
The UK's energy regulator Ofgem has warned the country faces a "significant risk" of gas shortages ahead of the winter months.   In a letter obtained by The Times, Ofgem warned there was a chance of "gas supply emergency" due to Russia's war on Ukraine.  
3/10/2022
Kwasi And Lizzie: Won't Buy You Much - A Light Hearted SongThumbnail for article : Kwasi And Lizzie: Won't Buy You Much - A Light Hearted Song
This little ditty says so much..  
3/10/2022
Are Banks In Trouble?
Richard Murphy's blog today.   There has been much discussion in the financial media over the weekend about the supposedly perilous state of Credit Suisse and the not much better state of Deutsche Bank.  
3/10/2022
Putting People At The Heart Of Social Care
National Care Service Forum will let the real experts help shape reforms.   More than 500 people with a passion for community health and social care will have the chance to make history at the first ever annual National Care Service Forum in Perth.  
3/10/2022
You Have To Laugh
You can't help but laugh.   The government has U-turned on plans to scrap the 45p rate of income tax for higher earners.  
2/10/2022
Government Support For Energy Bills Begins For Households And Businesses
From 1st October, the Government's Energy Price Guarantee will limit the price households pay per unit of gas and electricity they use.   The Energy Price Guarantee reduces household energy bills over the next two years, with a typical family paying around £2,500, saving £1,000 per year Businesses, charities and public sector organisations will pay less than half the expected prices this winter under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme from October.  
2/10/2022
King Charles Abandons Plans To Attend Cop27 ‘following Liz Truss's Advice'
A report in the Guardian talks about Liz Truss advising King Charles not to go to Cop 27 in Egypt next month.   Prime minister reportedly raised objections to him going during personal audience at Buckingham Palace King Charles III has reportedly abandoned plans to attend and deliver a speech at the Cop27 climate change summit on the advice of Liz Truss.  
2/10/2022
The Benefits Of Coffee Culture In The WorkplaceThumbnail for article : The Benefits Of Coffee Culture In The Workplace
Some days, a good coffee can see you through, especially when it comes to work.  In the UK, 95 million cups of coffee are consumed every single day, so many will certainly appreciate the chance to take a little time out from work and enjoy the hot beverage.  
2/10/2022
NASA Astronaut Earth Views Live From The Space StationThumbnail for article : NASA Astronaut Earth Views Live From The Space Station
Started streaming live from the Space Station on 30 September 2022.   Video of Earth from space as seen from the Space Station.  
2/10/2022
Labour Party Conference Backs Proportional RepresentationThumbnail for article : Labour Party Conference Backs Proportional Representation
In a historic vote, Labour Party Conference has voted for a manifesto commitment to proportional representation for general elections.   This is a massive moment for democracy in the UK.  
2/10/2022
Is Truss Signalling That She Wants Flat Taxes For The UK?
Richard Murphy in his blog today said, "I heard Liz Truss say to Laura Kuenssberg that she wanted a simpler UK tax system this morning.   (The programme was on BBC One at 8.30am today Sunday 2 October 2022).  
2/10/2022
Almost 6 Million £150 Cost Of Living Payments Processed For Disabled PeopleThumbnail for article : Almost 6 Million £150 Cost Of Living Payments Processed For Disabled People
As of 30 September 2022 the Department for Work and Pensions has processed almost six million £150 Disability Cost of Living payments worth around £900 million.   This follows the government's announcement on 20 September that those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May will receive the £150 automatically, with the vast majority to be paid by early October.  
2/10/2022
UK Mini-budget A "Huge Gamble On Health Of Economy"
Deputy First Minister John Swinney and his counterparts from other devolved governments are seeking an urgent meeting with Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng to discuss immediate actions needed to reverse the damaging effects of the UK Government's tax proposals.   Mr Swinney and the Finance Ministers from Wales and Northern Ireland are highlighting the profound impact of "the largest set of unfunded tax cuts for the rich in over 50 years" warning that it is "a huge gamble on public finances and the health of our economy".  
2/10/2022
Areas Urged To 'Go For Growth' As Investment Zone Applications Open
Local areas can apply to host a new Investment Zone from today to boost growth, deliver homes and spread opportunity.   Pushing ahead with its mission to level up, the government is encouraging councils to take full advantage of its offer to lower taxes and streamline planning rules, The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is inviting expressions of interest for Investment Zones from all local areas in England from today 2 October 2022.  
2/10/2022
From Reaganomics To Trussonomics
The Sloman Economics News Site is one of the top 15 UK Economics Blogs and Websites on the FeedSpot site.   In her bid to become Conservative party leader, Liz Truss promised to make achieving faster economic growth her number-one policy objective.  
2/10/2022
Red Tape Cut For Thousands Of Growing Businesses
Thousands of UK businesses will be released from reporting requirements and other regulations in the future.   More businesses to be categorised as small businesses, meaning less red tape.  
1/10/2022
Licensing Scheme Opens For Short-term LetsThumbnail for article : Licensing Scheme Opens For Short-term Lets
Measures to establish consistent standards across the country.   A new licensing scheme for short-term let hosts opens today [1 October 2022], aiming to ensure consistent safety standards while reinforcing the positive reputation of Scottish tourism and hospitality.  
1/10/2022
Government Intervention Will Limit Energy Bills Rise Today To 7 Per Cent - But Families In Poorly Insulated Homes Still Face Huge Increases This Winter
The Government's Energy Price Guarantee and £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme discount means that the average household will see annual bills increase by just 7 per cent - from £1,971 in April to £2,100 – when the energy price cap rises today.  But even with hugely welcome intervention on this scale, millions of families across the country remain exposed to unaffordable energy costs, the Resolution Foundation warns.