Latest News
23/6/2021
19 July - Target To Move To Level Zero In Scotland
The whole of Scotland will move to Level 0 on 19 July if all necessary vaccination and harm reduction measures are met. Current levels will remain in place for the next three weeks with a review taking place on 13 July although some changes, such as minor relaxations to rules on events such as weddings and funerals will come into place on 28 June.23/6/2021
Possible Changes To Pensions In Public Sector - Government Actuary Recommends Changes To Cost Control Mechanism
The Government Actuary has reviewed the cost control mechanism used in public service pension schemes. His report recommends possible changes.23/6/2021
£64 Million Funding To Back UK-wide Plan To Strengthen Clinical Research Delivery
The implementation plan published today (23 June 2021) sets out the first year of activities towards delivering the vision for The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery. Better health outcomes through more effective and efficient research as seen throughout the pandemic.23/6/2021
Publicly Owned Channel 4 to Be Privatised
New plans to boost Britain's broadcasters and protect viewers on video-on-demand channels. Viewers and listeners across the country are set to benefit from plans to support British broadcasters and make the media landscape fit for the 21st century.23/6/2021
Foreign Investment Boosts UK Jobs During Pandemic
Department for International Trade (DIT) statistics showing levels of inward investment in the UK for the financial year 2020 to 2021. More than 55,000 new jobs created last year thanks to foreign investment.23/6/2021
Scottish Education Goes Into The Melting Pot Once Again
The views of teachers, parents and pupils will be central to Scotland's education reforms following a review of the school curriculum. The Scottish Government has accepted in full all 12 recommendations in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Organisation (OECD) report and has published how it intends to take them forward.23/6/2021
Council Tax Collection Statistics, 2020-21
Scotland's Chief Statistician today released the latest Council Tax Collection Statistics which provides Council Tax collection figures for Scottish local authorities, up to and including the financial year 2020-21. In 2020-21 for Scotland as whole the total amount of Council Tax billed (after Council Tax Reduction) was £2.675 billion.23/6/2021
Local Government 2020-21 Provisional Outturn And 2021-22 Budget Estimates
The Chief Statistician has released figures on 2020-21 provisional outturn and 2021-22 budget estimates for revenue and capital services provided by local authorities. Figures for 2020-21 reflect the provisional impact of Covid-19 on local authorities' revenue and capital expenditure.23/6/2021
UK Government Provides Highest Level Of Support For Exporters In 30 Years
UK Export Finance publishes its annual results for 2020-21, which show the government provided record levels of support for UK exports. UKEF provided £12.3 billion in financial support for UK exports to 77 countries.23/6/2021
Council Tax Reduction Supports Half A Million Scots
Scotland's Chief Statistician today released the latest Council Tax Reduction statistics. In March 2021, Scotland’s Council Tax Reduction scheme supported 496,580 households (compared to 469,370 in March 2020) and the total weekly income forgone by local authorities was £7.328 million (compared to £6.525 million in March 2020).23/6/2021
£9m contract awarded for major new development on Inverness Campus
Work is set to get underway on a major new development on Inverness Campus that has the potential to attract highly skilled jobs to the Highlands. Following an open public tender process, Robertson Construction Northern has been awarded a £9m contract to build a 2500m² life sciences innovation centre, which was designed by specialist firm Austin-Smith: Lord.
23/6/2021
If Amazon Buys Morrisons, It Should Be A Win For Consumers And A Major Threat To Other Supermarkets
The share price of UK supermarket group Morrisons has jumped by over 30% after a US private equity firm made an offer to buy it for £5.5 billion. The bid by Clayton, Dubilier and Rice, which is being advised by former Tesco chief executive Terry Leahy, was rejected as Morrisons believes the business is worth more.
23/6/2021
UK Still At War - Stealth Jets Fight Daesh In First Combat Missions From HMS Queen Elizabeth
The UK's Carrier Strike Group has joined the fight against Daesh with F-35 jets carrying out their very first combat missions from HMS Queen Elizabeth. Stealth jets of the renowned 617 Squadron RAF (The Dambusters) carried out operational sorties for the first time from HMS Queen Elizabeth in support of Operation Shader and US Operation Inherent Resolve.
23/6/2021
The New £50 Enters Circulation Today
The paper £20 and £50 will be withdrawn in 2022. The new £50 note will start to become available in bank branches and at ATM's in the coming days and weeks.
23/6/2021
Moray Firm Launches Video Production Academy
An increase in demand for video production services has led to a Moray firm establishing a new video production academy, which opened this week (21 June 2021). During the pandemic lock down, more businesses turned to video as a means of reaching their markets, promoting their brand, products and services.
23/6/2021
Public Views Sought For Taxi Fare Review In Highland
The public is being asked for its views on proposals by The Highland Council to review the maximum level of charges for the hire of taxis or private hire cars fitted with taxi meters operating under licence of The Highland Council. The Council has a statutory duty in terms of Section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to review its scales for the fares and other taxi related charges every 18 months.22/6/2021
Coronavirus COVID-19: daily data for Scotland - 22 June 2021
2,167 new cases of COVID-19 reported 25,038 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 9.1% of these were positive. 4 new reported death(s) of people who have tested positive.21/6/2021
Coronavirus COVID-19: daily data for Scotland - 21 June 2021
1,250* new cases of COVID-19 reported. 18,580 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 7.2% of these were positive.21/6/2021
Scottish Qualifications Authority To Be Scrapped
SQA to be replaced as part of reforms. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Organisation (OECD) has backed Scotland's school curriculum in its independent review.21/6/2021
