Latest News

Today

Plan ahead as yellow weather warning brings more high winds

ScotRail is advising customers to check their journey before they travel as more strong winds and heavy rain are set to sweep across the country.   The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across large parts of Scotland from 03:00 until 21:00 on Tuesday, 27 October, with wind gusts of 50-60mph widely forecast and potentially reaching more than 70mph in coastal and northern parts of Scotland.  

Today

Trump Promised Cheaper Petrol. Now America Is Paying More Than Under Biden

Rising fuel prices expose the limits of presidential promises and offer a warning for Britain about the cost of energy dependence.   Donald Trump made cheaper energy one of the central promises of his return to the White House.  

Today

Microsoft Offers Buyouts to 60,000 Staff as the AI Revolution Reshapes Work

The technology giant is seeking to reshape its workforce while spending heavily on artificial intelligence.  The move raises wider questions about the future of employment, productivity and the economic benefits of AI.  

Today

The Tax Trap: How Can Britain Pay for Everything It Needs?

Britain faces a difficult financial dilemma.  The public wants a properly funded NHS, decent pensions, better social care, reliable public services and stronger national defence.  

Today

The Supermarket Wins When Families Cut Back. But What Happens to Our Pubs, Cafés and Takeaways?

As household budgets tighten, more meals may be eaten at home.  That could save families money, but it creates another challenge for already pressured hospitality businesses.  

Today

AI, Automation and the High Street: How Many Jobs Are at Risk?

From technology companies to supermarkets and small shops, artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate.  The benefits could include greater productivity and lower costs, but workers and local communities may pay part of the price.  

Today

Marmalade, Baked Beans and Chocolate: Will Tariff Cuts Make Shopping Cheaper?

The Government is targeting the cost of everyday essentials with a programme of import tariff reductions covering a surprisingly wide range of products.  Marmalade, gherkins, garlic, baked beans, chocolate and sweets are among the familiar items affected, alongside plant-based drinks, agricultural fertilisers and kerosene used for heating.  

Today

Beyond Marmalade: The Other Budget Measures That Could Affect Household Finances

Mileage payments, carers' benefits, paternity pay and fuel duty are among the changes announced ahead of the Budget.  But who will benefit, and how much difference will they make? The Government has unveiled a series of practical measures ahead of the Budget on Wednesday 28 October, covering working expenses, unpaid carers, new parents and everyday services.  

Today

Pensioners Await Budget Answers as Rising State Pension Threatens to Trigger Income Tax

A proposed tax allowance for pensioners is among the measures attracting attention ahead of the Budget.  But what is confirmed, what has been reported, and what could it mean for older people in Scotland? Pensioners will be watching the Chancellor's Budget on Wednesday 28 October for signs of how the Government intends to protect their incomes as the cost of living continues to put pressure on household finances.  

Today

Higher Mileage Rates: Good News for Drivers, but Who Pays the Bill?

The Government has announced plans to make higher tax-free business mileage rates permanent and increase the rate paid on higher annual mileage.  The changes could benefit millions of employees and self-employed workers, including nurses, care workers, builders and other people who use their own vehicles for work.  

Yesterday

Energy bills and interest rates: a double squeeze for households

Unfortunately, rising energy bills may not be the only financial headache facing households as winter approaches.  The Bank of England is widely expected to raise interest rates in November, potentially increasing its base rate from 3.75% to 4%.  

Yesterday

Trump’s BBC Lawsuit: A Battle That Could Have Consequences for Press Freedom

Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC is about more than an edited television programme.  It raises important questions about journalistic responsibility, the cost of defending news organisations against powerful individuals and the meaning of press freedom in an age when accusations of “fake news” have become a regular feature of political debate.  

Yesterday

Europe’s Starlink moment: The growing drive to escape dependence on American technology

The decision by Ukraine to explore its own satellite communications system with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE may prove to be about much more than finding an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink network.  It could become part of a wider movement to reduce Europe’s dependence on American technology at a time when international relationships, defence and economic security are under increasing scrutiny.  

Yesterday

Europe’s satellite ambitions spark a new technology dispute with America

Four major telecoms companies want a share of valuable satellite frequencies, but Washington is warning of retaliation as Europe seeks greater control over its communications infrastructure.   Europe’s efforts to reduce its dependence on American technology have opened another front in an increasingly important dispute with the United States.  

Yesterday

Oil Prices Send Mixed Signals: Why Brent Is Falling While Other Benchmarks Rise

Oil prices do not always move in the same direction.  Recent figures published by OilPrice.com illustrate why looking at Brent crude alone can sometimes give an incomplete picture of what is happening in the international oil market.  

Yesterday

Energy Bills Could Jump in January: Households Should Prepare Before Christmas

Households are being warned to prepare for another substantial rise in energy bills in January, just as many families are facing the expense of Christmas.  Forecasts suggest that the next increase in the energy price cap could add hundreds of pounds to annual bills, although the final figure will not be confirmed until November.  

Yesterday

Europe’s bid to attract America’s scientists as research funding comes under pressure

The EU wants to turn uncertainty in American science into an opportunity for Europe.  The outcome could influence research, technology and economic competitiveness for years to come.  

Yesterday

Budget Day And The Big Reveals Have Already Begun

With tax rises, energy support and help for selected households already being discussed or announced, Wednesday's Budget may be as much about the detail as the headlines.   The Chancellor will stand up in the House of Commons on Wednesday 28 October to deliver the Budget, but the public has already been given clues about what to expect.  

Yesterday

Two Wars, One Energy Crisis: Why Fuel Prices Could Rise Further

US military preparations in the Middle East and the continuing attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastructure are creating a dangerous combination for global oil markets.  British households and businesses could pay the price.  

Yesterday

How to Pay Less Tax Legally - Household Finances Could Change After the Budget

With the Chancellor due to deliver the Budget on Wednesday 28 October, households have good reason to review their finances.  There are legitimate ways to reduce the tax they pay, from making pension contributions and using tax-free savings accounts to claiming allowances they may have overlooked.