Latest News

Increase in Scotland's land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) inconsistent with any sensible tax strategy

Despite the publication of a Tax Strategy alongside the Scottish Budget, it is not yet clear what the Scottish Government's vision for tax policy is.   Scotland's Budget for 2025-26, published in December, announced an immediate increase in the surcharge in land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) on the purchase of second and rental homes, from 6% to 8%.  

Building consensus on Council Tax reform - Future of local taxation to be considered

The public will be invited to submit their views on how to make the Council Tax system fairer, as part of wider efforts to explore options and build a consensus for potential reform.   As part of a joint programme of engagement by the Scottish Government and COSLA, independent analysis will also be commissioned to examine the Council Tax system accounting for market changes, reforms, and improvements.  

Supporting Orkney's farmers and food producers - Plans for new abattoir get funding boost

Orkney's farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.   First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.  

Tackling the Housing Problems in England

£350 million invested to increase number of affordable and social homes, support homeownership and ease council housing pressures.   Thousands more people will be able to benefit from the security and safety of a high-quality home thanks to a £350 million injection to get Britain building, alongside plans to drive up standards and tackle rogue landlords in supported housing.  

Almost £300 million to gear up new walking, wheeling and cycling schemes across England

Local authorities will provide high-quality and easily accessible active travel schemes across England.   300 miles of brand new footpaths and cycle tracks will help encourage 30 million more journeys by bike or foot every year.  

Jobs on wheels: Mobile Jobcentre vans deliver work support directly to local communities in drive to boost employment

New scheme comes as part of the government's drive to help people back into work and kickstart economic growth under its Plan for Change.   New ‘Jobcentre on wheels' service launched to drive up employment across Great Britain.  

Scotland's livestock marts providing good trading ground for machinery, industrial and liquidation sales

Expanding into online used machinery, industrial equipment and liquidation sales is proving good business for a number of Scotland's livestock marts, says Neil Wilson, Executive Director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS).   Reports are showing a marked uplift on non-livestock sales year-on-year as demand goes beyond traditional farming-related items.  

HIE welcomes report of £8bn wave and tidal energy potential

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed a new report into the economic potential of wave and tidal energy for Scotland.   The study was carried out by the Policy and Innovation Group, part of the Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).  

Will Brussels Finally Hit Russian Fertilizers? Farmers Costs May Rise And Consumers Pay Higher Food Prices

As the Ukraine war goes on yet another affect for European farmers is now in view.   Reported by Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.  

Home truths: the only thing Labour is building is a bigger, more dysfunctional housing market

George Monbiot writing in the Guardian on 26 January 2025 has set out the reasons why the country is still struggling to provide enough houses.   Summed up in one sentence - Private developers offer politicians a simple solution for bulldozing through this crisis - build more.