Latest News
18/1/2025
Shock Black Friday and pre-Christmas retail results reveal unexpected fall in sales
The latest ONS results confirm retailers' nightmare before Christmas. December’s retail sales volumes fell by 0.3% against November.18/1/2025
Rachel Reeves is hanging on by her fingertips - That never lasts for long
Rachel Reeves says it is her pre-election promise - to balance the books - that Labour must deliver. But 20 other cabinet ministers also made promises - and are being denied the chance to deliver them by Reeves.
17/1/2025
Trading Standards - Insulation Scam Call - Lung Health
There have been more reports of cold callers providing misleading information about loft insulation. One man in his 80s was told by a cold caller that they were surveying homes in his area and asked if he had yellow fibreglass insulation.17/1/2025
Despite a welcome return to growth, disappointing GDP data raises fears of stagnation
The UK economy has returned to the weak growth that has characterised the past 15 years, as the mini-recession in the second half of 2023, and subsequent recovery in early 2024, has petered out, the Resolution Foundation said on Thursday 26 January 2025. The economy grew by 0.1 per cent in November - with service sectors such as hotels, retail, ICT and food all growing, while production shrank for a third consecutive month.17/1/2025
Trading Standards - Self Assessment Scams - Many Bogus Tax Rebates
HMRC is warning customers to be wary of scam emails, texts and phone calls in the run up to the Self Assessment deadline on 31st January. HMRC received over 150,000 scam referrals last year, over half of which were offering bogus tax rebates.
17/1/2025
Trading Standards - Holiday Scams
Holidaymakers looking to book spring and summer getaways are being warned to be wary of scams after a significant number of consumer issues with holiday bookings were reported last year. These included fake accommodation listings on social media, cold calls and unsolicited emails offering holiday deals, scam websites and fake reviews on popular travel websites.
17/1/2025
Trading Standards - Phone Contract Scams
Customers of various phone providers have recently received cold calls where they are offered an upgrade or discount of up to 50% on their phone bills. If they accept, they are asked to confirm their account details.
17/1/2025
Trading Standards - Energy Grant Scams
During the colder months there is always an increase in reports of cold calls and messages from scammers who provide misleading information about the availability of grants or funding for energy efficiency products such as insulation, boilers and double glazing. 38% of respondents to our most recent Big Scottish Scam Survey had experienced one of these scams.
17/1/2025
Trading Sandards - Holiday Booking Scams
Action Fraud have recently warned customers using the Booking.com platform to be wary of unusual messages or phishing emails from hotel accounts. Several hotels have had their accounts on the platform taken over by scammers, who are messaging customers with reservations to ask for additional payments or credit card details.
17/1/2025
Trading Standards - WhatsApp Scams
Over the festive period there was an increase in so-called 'Hello Mum/Dad' scams. This is when a scammer poses as a family member or friend and sends messages via text or WhatsApp to ask you to transfer money to pay an urgent bill or invoice.
17/1/2025
Trading Standards Handy Help List If You Wonder About Scams
Stay Scam Aware and please keep sharing any relevant information in this bulletin with friends and family. In Scotland, report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.consumeradvice.scot Fraud If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.17/1/2025
Work underway to strengthen response to civil emergencies
Scottish Government responds to UK Covid-19 Inquiry's first set of recommendations. Ministers will act on all recommendations relating to Scotland in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's report on pandemic resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.17/1/2025
Fusion Energy - Shortlist announced for STEP's industry partners
The UK's world-leading programme to design and build a prototype fusion energy plant takes one-step closer to securing major industry partners. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) has today announced the shortlisted organisations competing to become Engineering Partner and Construction Partner for STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production).
17/1/2025
UK and Poland to launch new defence and security treaty in Warsaw
Increased military co-operation to tackle the growing threats facing Europe will be at the heart of a new defence and security agreement launched by the UK and Poland today. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to meet Polish Prime Minister to kickstart new defence and security negotiations to tackle Putin's aggression, smash the criminal people smuggling gangs and secure our energy supplies .17/1/2025
One Hundred Year Partnership agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Ukraine
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ("the United Kingdom") and Ukraine, hereinafter referred to as "the Parties". The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ("the United Kingdom") and Ukraine, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”.17/1/2025
£4.5 billion military boost to Ukraine front line to support UK growth and jobs
UK's steadfast support for Ukraine delivers on this Government's Plan for Change, supporting UK security and growth. A Yorkshire company is to begin production of artillery barrels for the first time in almost two decades to support Ukraine, after a £61 million contract was awarded to BAE Systems.
17/1/2025
Homes England and Invest & Fund boost support for small housebuilders
Homes England and Invest & Fund, a growing development finance lending platform, have announced a significant expansion of their Lending Alliance. This will reinforce their commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) developers as part of the government's plans to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.17/1/2025
Next steps for a more efficient immigration system
New measures have been announced today to reduce the reliance of the migration and borders system on taxpayer funding. The proposed changes laid before Parliament today (16 January) will provide the flexibility to increase the maximum fee that can be charged on a range of immigration and nationality products and services.17/1/2025
Rule of Law essential for economic growth, says Attorney General
The Attorney General spoke about the foundational role of the rule of law in delivering economic security at the City of London's Guildhall. The Attorney General Lord Hermer KC delivered a speech at the Guildhall in the City of London, addressing the importance of the rule of law for underpinning economic growth.
17/1/2025
