News Archive

UK energy bills forecast to hit £3,850 as Russia cuts gas supply further

Apologies for pushing this once again but we all need to be prepared as best we can for a predicted tripling of energy prices in the Autumn.   In September we will have a new prime minister and it remains to be seen what additional support will be forthcoming for the winter months.  

Government Publishes Review Into Automation In Horticulture

Defra has (Wednesday 27 July) published the results of a review exploring how the horticulture sector can make use of innovative technologies such as packhouse automation.   AI enabled robotics and autonomous guided vehicles to help with tasks like the picking, packing and transporting of fruit, vegetables and flowers.  

The Uk's Wealth Gaps Have Grown To Over £1.2 Million

Soaring levels of wealth across the UK, coupled with high levels of wealth inequality, mean that the wealth gap between the top and middle tenth of households in the UK has grown to a record £1.2 million per adult, according to new Resolution Foundation analysis published 20 July 2022.   Arrears Fears, the Foundation's third annual wealth audit of Britain - in partnership with the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust - examines the scale and consequences of Britain's recent wealth boom, which has created huge wealth gaps between people, places and age groups.  

Fed Announces Another Three-quarter-point Increase In Interest Rates

With the US economy teetering on the edge of a recession and inflation running at a four-decade high, the Federal Reserve announced another three-quarter of a percentage point increase in its benchmark interest rates on Wednesday, the second such increase in just over a month.   Read this item at The Guardian Still free to read but they do ask you to register or subscribe if you can to keep independent journalism going..  

Adult Disability Payment Increases To 7 More Areas Ahead Of National Roll Out

People in Aberdeenshire, City of Aberdeen, Fife, Moray, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire are now able to apply for Adult Disability Payment.   This means Adult Disability Payment is now available in 13 council areas ahead of opening nationwide on 29 August.  

Nuclear plant 'safety breaches' as chemical leaks at decommissioned site

From STV on leaks at Dounreay.   Nuclear regulators have chastised the operators of one of Scotland's largest decommissioned facilities over "clear safety breaches" following a chemical leak.  

John Renwick: How Scotland's Colleges Are Supporting The Journey To Net Zero

As part of Scotland Excel's ‘Supporting the journey to net zero' campaign, John Renwick, sector manager construction at ESP, reveals how Scotland's colleges are transitioning at pace to develop low carbon heat and energy efficiency training facilities.   The Scottish Government is investing £13 billion as part of the transition to become Net Zero by 2045.  

Policies To Reduce Cost Of Living Crisis

Tejvan Pettinger mulls over the possible solutions by government to reduce the cost of living.   The UK, along with many other countries, is experiencing a real cost of living crisis with inflation rising faster than average wages.  

Scottish independence: what are the big economic questions?

With a second referendum apparently coming whether the UK government agrees or not will voters have enough information to decide.   The complexities of government and the financial system are important.  

Support Continues For Hong Kongers Building New Lives In The UK

Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holders building new lives in the UK will continue to receive vital support after the government today confirmed the next phase of the Welcome Programme.   Over 40 national and regional organisations to share £3 million to deliver projects.