At its meeting ending on 4 November 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 8–1 to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 4%. One member voted to increase Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points, to 4.25%.
While Washington adjusts to a new political reality, London's attention is fixed firmly on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). Financial markets have heavily priced in a 25-basis-point increase to the benchmark base rate, which would lift it from 3.75% to 4.0%.
The US Dollar has slid sharply to a one-month low following the sweeping Democratic victories in the US midterm elections. As results confirmed a Democratic block in both the House and Senate, global currency markets experienced swift shifts driven by expectations of a legislative gridlock during the remainder of Donald Trump's final term.
Oil prices have dropped below $95 per barrel primarily due to the sweeping results of the U.S. midterm elections, which have triggered aggressive speculation that the Trump administration will be forced to find a diplomatic resolution to the eight-month war with Iran.
The Highland Council’s newly unveiled Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2027–2032 paints a glossy, optimistic picture of the region's future. It promises a steady pipeline of 700 affordable homes a year, framed alongside a booming £10–£16 billion "Growth Deal" linked to green freeports and renewable energy expansion.
Imagine a dedicated employee logs into their bank account on payday, only to find it completely empty. When they contact HR, the records show their salary was successfully processed but sent to an entirely different bank account.
Savers are urged to review their pots regardless of changes to the Base Rate, as they risk paying a “loyalty tax”, according to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk analysis. The Bank of England Base Rate is widely expected to rise by 0.25%, to 4%, the first hike in three years (August 2023).
Artificial intelligence will transform nearly a third of all jobs in the South of England, but its structural impact will be starkly unequal, according to a landmark study. The report, spearheaded by the University of Southampton and unveiled today at the Business South Annual Conference, reveals that while AI will act as a powerful co-pilot for most professionals.
The Energy Independence Bill will cut bills for households and put power back in people's hands with a fairer energy system. Energy Independence Bill builds on the Budget by delivering a major overhaul of Britain’s energy system, putting affordability and public control at its heart.
Local councils will be able to request up to two extra in-service days this academic year, so that teachers can prepare for the most significant curriculum changes in more than a decade. The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) which brings together the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA, and teaching unions has agreed up to two additional in-service days, which will form part of multi-year support for implementation of the updated curriculum.
As England rolls out specialist anti-fraud lessons in schools, questions are being raised about whether children in Scotland are receiving the same level of protection from scams, money muling and financial exploitation. Children and young people are increasingly being targeted by criminals seeking to exploit their online activity, financial circumstances and lack of experience with banking.
50 local news providers awarded grants of up to £125,000 to support long-term sustainability and growth this Journalism Matters Week. The ‘Inspiring the Future’ campaign, which encourages children to consider careers in journalism, has reached more than 11,000 students and engaged with more than 100 schools This all forms part of the Government’s Local Media Action Plan, backing the vital role of local media in communities across the country.
New laws to govern the use of groundbreaking technology and maximise public safety. Facial recognition technology that helps police catch thousands of dangerous criminals every year will be subject to tough new safeguards to ensure that the technology is used fairly and safely.
Visitor Levy Bill introduced in Parliament, letting local leaders raise and reinvest money in much loved high streets, public spaces and tourist attractions. Local leaders are a step closer to getting new powers to invest more in high streets, cultural sites and other attractions that make communities great places to live, work and visit.
Eight new regional water councils will put communities at the heart of decisions on tackling sewage, flooding, drought and securing future water supplies. Communities across England will get a bigger say over how water companies invest in their area under plans to put more power in local hands.
As escalating geopolitical volatility continues to threaten the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical energy chokepoint—global energy buyers are aggressively shifting their focus toward Africa to secure alternative fuel lines. Eager to decouple supply chains from vulnerable Middle Eastern transit routes, global energy supermajors are pouring unprecedented capital into Sub-Saharan Africa.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain stood at the absolute forefront of global progress, pioneering the agricultural and industrial revolutions with unmatched ambition. Today, as humanity transitions into a new digital age driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, a critical question faces the nation: is a cautious approach to building data centres risking Britain’s position as a global innovator? The reality is a complex balancing act.
A powerful cross-party parliamentary committee has issued a stark warning to the UK government, stating that Britain remains “dangerously” dependent on China for critical raw materials. In a comprehensive report published today by the Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee, MPs warned that without immediate intervention, the country cannot safely rearm its military, expand its AI infrastructure, or successfully meet its legally binding 2050 Net Zero targets.
Every year on the fifth of November, skies across the United Kingdom light up in a tradition stretching back over four centuries. What began as a mandatory celebration of the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot has evolved into a massive, modern cultural event.
The National Audit Office (NAO) report, published on 4 November 2026, highlights significant risks when health boards undergo major restructuring. In particular regarding the rapid loss of staff skills, lagging performance measures, and the complexities of aligning health boundaries with local government.