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Scotland Is Affected Soon - Labour Metro Mayors Liken ID Photo Rules To Us Voter Suppression Tactics'
Thousands of voters in the May local elections are at risk of being disenfranchised because of "cynical" rule changes that make photo ID compulsory, Labour's metro mayors argue. Mayors including Sadiq Khan in London, Tracy Brabin in West Yorkshire and Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester have come together to raise awareness of changes they say are a "brazen assault on our democracy".Today
UK Economy's Growth To Accelerate In 2025 As Barriers Fall
While the UK's economic outlook is expected to remain modest this year, growth is predicted to build throughout 2024. That is before accelerating in 2025 thanks to falling inflation, higher consumer spending and anticipated reductions in interest rates, according to the new EY ITEM Club Spring Forecast.
Today
Higher Interest Rates Could Add £29 Billion To Household Energy Bills So Britain Needs A Plan To Deliver An Energy Investment Surge That Protects Lower Income Households
Britain needs to increase investment in its power sector four-fold over the next decade to deliver the crucial next step in decarbonising the economy. But promises that electrifying our home heating and driving will lead to lower energy costs have relied on the pre-energy crisis low interest rates world returning, and we need a plan for paying for this investment in case interest rates stay at current high levels, according to new research published on Monday 22 April 2024 by the Resolution Foundation.
Today
Economic Activity And Social Change In The UK - Real-time Indicators
Consumer behaviour indicators showed increased activity in the latest week, with aggregate UK spending on credit and debit cards increasing by 1% compared with the previous week and transactions at Pret A Manger stores increasing in 9 of the 10 location categories; meanwhile, overall retail footfall remained broadly unchanged. (Bank of England CHAPS, Pret A Manger, MRI OnLocation).
Today
Recent Trends In UK Trade Volumes And Balances: 2010 To 2023
UK trade trends have been volatile over recent years following a range of overlapping economic and trade shocks. UK export growth has become increasingly dominated by services since 2010, with goods exports increasing by just 7% in real terms, compared with services exports growing by 63% over the same period.
Today
Current Account Switching Cash Offers Vanish
Consumers looking to switch their current account will find switching cash perks have vanished. Moneyfactscompare.co.uk compares some of the most attractive current account packages for consumers to consider.Today
Alcohol-specific Deaths In The UK - Scotland Tops The Numbers
In 2022, there were 10,048 deaths (16.6 per 100,000 people) from alcohol-specific causes registered in the UK, the highest number on record. The number recorded in 2022 was 4.2% higher than in 2021 (9,641 deaths; 14.9 per 100,000) and 32.8% higher than in 2019 (7,565 deaths; 11.8 per 100,000), the last pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic year.Today
Business Insights And Impact On The Uk Economy
The latest results suggest business conditions remain challenging but estimates since January 2024 show small signs of improvement for some measures. More than one in five (22%) trading businesses reported that their turnover had decreased in March 2024 compared with February 2024, while 16% reported their turnover had increased; these figures are broadly stable with February 2024.
Today
Public Sector Finances UK March 2024
Borrowing - the difference between public sector spending and income - was £11.9 billion in March 2024, £4.7 billion less than in March last year. Borrowing in the financial year ending (FYE) March 2024 was provisionally estimated at £120.7 billion, £7.6 billion less than in the same twelve-month period a year ago but £6.6 billion more than forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
Today
Retail Sales, Great Britain - March 2024
Retail sales volumes (quantity bought) were estimated to be flat (0.0%) in March 2024, following an increase of 0.1% in February 2024 (revised from 0.0%). Within retail, sales were mixed, with automotive fuel and non-food stores sales volumes rising by 3.2% and 0.5%, respectively.
Today
Dingwall And Highland Marts Ltd - Sales 17 April 2024
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (April, 17th) sold 1,101 store cattle and 63 OTM cattle. Bullocks (553) averaged 312.0pp per kg and sold to 383.1p per kg for a 355kg Limousin cross from Wester Tomloan, Nairn, and £1,680 gross for a pen of 588kg Limousin crosses from 2 Hallum, Forss.
Today
UHI and SQA announce new pathways for learners with articulation agreement 
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have announced the signing of a new articulation agreement. Yjis will allow learners who have completed SQA's Higher National Certificates and Diplomas to seamlessly progress onto UHI degree programmes at advanced levels increasing accessibility to higher education and streamlining progression pathways.
Today
Recent Trends In And The Outlook For Health-related Benefits
Recipients of and spending on health-related benefits have risen rapidly since the start of the pandemic, posing a serious challenge for policymakers. Individuals in the UK with health conditions may be entitled to two types of benefits - incapacity benefits (for those whose condition prevents them from working) and disability benefits (to help with extra living costs arising from the disability).
NDA Group Establishes Innovative Partnership To Manage Asbestos Waste At Legacy Nuclear Sites
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), in collaboration with its subsidiary Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), has awarded two contracts to establish an innovative partnership for the enhanced management of asbestos waste. The Asbestos Innovation Partnership (AIP) will work with the NDA, NWS and the supply chain, to test and develop new solutions to treat asbestos waste, helping to deliver efficiencies and enable more effective waste management.
Today
Contract Awarded For UK First All-electric Green Prison
Mitie Care & Custody has been awarded the contract to operate HMP Millsike, the UK's first all-electric prison that will provide around 1,500 places. Mitie Care & Custody awarded 10-year contract following rigorous competition. Green prison will use 75% less energy than older prisons Boost to Yorkshire economy with hundreds of jobs and over £117 million spent locally.
Today
New Rules Introduced To Increase International Sales Of Premium Scottish Salmon
New rules have been agreed that will enable Scottish farmers to sell more prestigious ‘Label Rouge' salmon in France and other European markets. The French quality mark, which comes with a stringent set of standards, has been updated to allow farmers to implement modern solutions to improve salmon health and welfare while maintaining the taste and quality the fish is known for.
Today
Teachers To Get Up To £6000 Extra To Teach Vital Subjects In England
The incentive is backed by £200 million investment to support schools and colleges attract and retain the excellent teachers they need in vital subjects. From September, up to £6000 will be available for teachers working in key STEM and technical subjects such as maths, construction and engineering, as well as early years education, as part of the government's drive to recruit and retain the best staff, the Department for Education announced.Today
Pm To Announce Largest-ever Military Aid Package To Ukraine On Visit To Poland
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will announce the largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on his visit to Poland. PM to travel to Poland and Germany to cement security, trade and diplomatic ties with key European allies.
Today
Rwanda Bill To Become Law In Major Illegal Migration Milestone
Final phase of implementing the flagship policy to commence, marking a crucial step in the global response to illegal migration. UK government efforts to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration took a major step forward, after the Safety of Rwanda Bill completed its passage through Parliament overnight, Monday 22 April. The Bill's passing means the government can enter the final phase of operational planning to get flights off the ground to Rwanda, pioneering a new response to the global challenge of illegal migration. Robust operational plans are in place to ensure a first flight to Rwanda can be delivered within 10-12 weeks, with multiple flights set to take off after this.Yesterday
