Latest News

Inflation Always Goes Away - Richard Murphy

If the Bank of England was to be believed the only reason inflation has gone away is because they have taken action to control it.  But data since 1200 (that's 800+ years ago) shows that after a bout of inflation, prices always either fall or the rate of inflation at least returns to normal.  

UK Government Debt And Deficit - December 2023

UK general government gross debt was £2,720.8 billion at the end of Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2023, equivalent to 101.3% of gross domestic product (GDP).   UK general government deficit (or net borrowing) was £40.8 billion in Quarter 4 2023, equivalent to 6.0% of GDP.  

Technology Transfer Explained - Animation

This animation explains the process of Technology Transfer and how it makes the most of Knowledge Assets to deliver social or economic benefits.   The public sector holds an abundance of Knowledge Assets such as inventive processes, data and technical expertise.  

Scottish Secretary Reacts To GDP Figures For February 2024

Alister Jack reaffirms UK Government's goal to achieve long-term growth with more than £3bn invested directly across Scotland to boost business and prosperity.   Latest figures published this morning, 1 May 2024, show Scotland's onshore GDP is estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in February 2024.  

UK Announces Steps To Provide More Consumer Choice Through Overseas Funds Regime

The new regime will support greater competition in the sector and more choice to consumers, supporting industry growth.   The new Overseas Funds Regime (OFR) will give investors more certainty, replacing current transitional arrangements with more permanent access to funds.  

New Timetable To Deliver Improvements For Communities Across Scotland

A new timetable to be introduced by ScotRail on Sunday, 2 June will see improvements for customers throughout the country, helping to ensure rail remains one of the easiest and sustainable ways to travel.   There will be almost 100 additional services each weekday, including trains to new stations at Cameron Bridge and Leven, which form part of the reopening of the Levenmouth rail link.  

Closing Door To Immigrant Students Families Resulted In 80 Percent Drop

Strong action taken by the Home Secretary to transform the UK's immigration system and cut unsustainable and unfair levels of migration is delivering, new data published today shows.   The number of dependants accompanying students to the UK has drastically fallen by almost 80%, with more than 26,000 fewer student visa applications made from January to March 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.  

Heat Pump Ready Programme - Stream 2 Wave 2 projects

The Heat Pump Ready Programme Stream 2 Wave 2 competition supports applied research and development projects, focused on driving down the lifetime costs of domestic heat pump deployment.  The aims are to improve the domestic consumer experience and acceptability of heat pumps through technology, tools, business model and process innovation.  

Why Monopolies Are Harmful - Richard Murphy

Monopolies exist when one or a very few companies or organizations control a market and can exploit consumers as a result.  The modern economy is riddled with monopolies, many of which are very powerful.  

Will Local Government Pick Up The Tab For Increased Defence Spending?

The article published on the LocalGov web site on 30 April 2024 looks at the affect of an increase in defence spending from an English perspective u there may well be knock on effects for Scottish councils Cllr Graham Chapman, vice-chair of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA), looks at what the PM's announcement of an increase in defence spending means for local authorities.   It is clear that last week's sudden announcement of a ‘substantial' increase in defence spending is not a well thought-through proposition.