Latest News

14/8/2026 : Other Public Services

Scotland Has the Sites, Skills and Dounreay — So Why Is It Saying No to Britain's Nuclear Future?

There is something increasingly strange about Scotland's position in Britain's emerging nuclear revival.   Scotland has nuclear sites.  

Today

Above-inflation 3.5% and 3.75% increases for doctors and dentists

Senior medics and dentists will receive an above-inflation pay uplift at the end of September, after the Scottish Government agreed to implement recommendations from an independent pay review board.   Consultants, GPs, Specialty, Specialist and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors and dentists will receive a 3.5% increase for 2026-27.  

Today

Government revenues in Scotland reach record high

Income tax take rises by £1.5 billion.   Revenues in Scotland have increased by £6.3 billion to a record £98.3 billion, according to the Government Expenditure and Revenues Scotland statistics 2025-26.  

Today

13 asylum hotels exited and returned to local communities

More asylum hotels have been handed back to local communities, ready to reopen their doors to tourists, visitors and businesses.   Thirteen more hotels have closed their doors to asylum seekers and been handed back to communities across England, marking another milestone in the government’s drive to end their use for good.  

Today

The Bank of England's Crystal Ball: How Scenario Analysis Affects Your Money and Britain's Businesses

When the Bank of England makes an important decision about interest rates or financial stability, it is not simply looking at what is happening today.   It is also asking a much more difficult question: What happens if things go wrong?.  

Today

Newborn ICU admissions drop 50% in first full year of RSV maternal vaccine programme - England

While around 60% of women giving birth every month are vaccinated, UKHSA warns many thousands of babies still at risk.   UKHSA today publishes the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) annual report which shows around 50% fewer infants under 6 months being admitted to intensive care with RSV disease in England.  

Today

Vaccination in Scotland: The Quiet Success Story – and the Warning Signs We Shouldn't Ignore

There is a generation in Scotland for whom measles, mumps, whooping cough and chickenpox were simply part of childhood.   Some children were seriously ill.  

Today

UK and Australia boost radar technology and industry cooperation as Defence Minister visits Indo-Pacific partners

The UK and Australia are boosting cooperation on radar technology, as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP kicks off a visit to Indo-Pacific partners this week.   New signing will see UK and Australian firms work together on cutting-edge radar systems, boosting growth across both countries’ defence industries.  

Today

 
436,000 sole traders and landlords make their tax digital

More than 436,000 sole traders and landlords have successfully submitted their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update.   More than 436,000 sole traders and landlords have successfully sent their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.  

Today

 
The Garden Could Be Worth More Than We Think: Why Highlands Households Should Start Growing Food Again

For generations, having a garden was not simply about having somewhere to sit in the sunshine.   For many Scottish families, the garden was part of the household food supply.  

Today

The Hidden Cost of the Cost-of-Living Crisis: How Britain's Poorer Families Have Changed What They Eat and How They Use Energy

The Hidden Cost of the Cost-of-Living Crisis: How Britain's Poorer Families Have Changed What They Eat and How They Use Energy There is a dangerous misunderstanding about the cost-of-living crisis.   When inflation falls, we are often told that the pressure on households is easing.  

Today

The Next Food Shock? Why Britain's Poorer Families May Face Another Test as the 2026 Harvest Fails

The Next Food Shock? Why Britain's Poorer Families May Face Another Test as the 2026 Harvest Fails Britain has spent the past few years learning a painful lesson about inflation: when prices rise, they do not have to come back down when inflation falls.   Food is a particularly good example.  

Today

 
Fusion energy expert Prof Dennis Whyte appointed next UKAEA CEO

Professor Dennis Whyte has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of UKAEA Group.   Minister for Energy welcomes Professor Whyte to the UK to become CEO of UKAEA this autumn.  

Yesterday

There’s No Vaccine for Stupid – But We Should Be Grateful for the Ones We Have

There’s No Vaccine for Stupid – But We Should Be Grateful for the Ones We Have There are some headlines that make you laugh.   And then there are headlines that make you wonder whether humanity has taken a wrong turn somewhere.  

Yesterday

When Jellyfish Attack the Nuclear Industry: How Climate Change Is Creating New Problems for Europe's Power Stations

When Jellyfish Attack the Nuclear Industry: How Climate Change Is Creating New Problems for Europe's Power Stations It sounds like the plot of a rather unlikely science-fiction film.   A nuclear power station is operating normally when suddenly its reactors begin shutting down.  

Yesterday

Britain Is Learning to Use Less Energy - But What Happens When There Is Nothing Left to Cut?

For years, politicians and energy companies have told us that Britain needs to become more energy efficient.   It sounded like a sensible long-term environmental policy.  

Yesterday

Britain's Ownership Problem: Should Capital Gains and Inheritance Be Taxed More Like Income?

Britain's Ownership Problem: Should Capital Gains and Inheritance Be Taxed More Like Income? Britain has spent years arguing about income inequality.   Perhaps we have been looking at the wrong measure.  

Yesterday

 
Households living near new pylons to save thousands on bills - some In Caithness

Government reveals the communities in over 40 locations eligible for cheaper electricity bills.   Government reveals the communities in over 40 locations eligible for cheaper electricity bills Households near new pylons could save up to £2,500 over 10 years.  

Yesterday

PM vows to save “hollowed out high streets” with crackdown on vape and betting shops

High streets that have been hollowed out by the unchecked spread of vape stores, betting shops, and rogue businesses that do little to serve local communities are set to face a crackdown under new powers announced by the Prime Minister yesterday [Tuesday 11 August2026].   Local people to get a real say over what opens on their high street as Prime Minister hands new powers to communities and councils.  

Yesterday

Disabled people invited to shape recommendations of review into PIP

The Timms Review launched last October with the aim of making sure PIP is fair and fit for the future.  Its Interim Report, published in July 2026, found that PIP is no longer fit for purpose.