News Archive

Young People Targeted In Benefits Shake Up

The biggest announcement that had not been trailed before today is related to this: those under the age of 22 will no longer be able to claim any incapacity benefits through universal credit.   This is an attempt by the government to disrupt the flow of young people finishing school straight onto health benefits, which has so alarmed ministers.  

Abandoned Scottish high school for sale at bargain price in rare opportunity - Wick High School

The Daily Record ran the story about the old Wick High School up for auction at guide price of £55,000.   Closed in 2017 when the new school opened it is in a sorry state now.  

Showcasing Scotland's investment proposition - Time to capitalise on a potential £100 billion offshore wind market

The Scottish Government hosted a major investment event in Edinburgh aimed at unlocking new private investment in the country's rapidly growing offshore wind industry.   More than 100 stakeholders, including investors and developers, attended the Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum, hosted by First Minister John Swinney.  

New rule for driving test changes and cancellations to reduce waiting times

Learner drivers will need to give more notice when changing or cancelling their car driving test to avoid losing the test fee from 8 April 2025.   From 8 April 2025, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will require learner drivers to give 10 full working days' notice to change or cancel their car driving test without losing the test fee.  

Green Paper Due On 18 March On Changes to Welfare Benefits

It is being widely reported that the on-again, off-again Green Paper on changes to welfare benefits will finally be published tomorrow, Tuesday 18 March.   Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, is expected to target sickness and disability benefit payments for savings on Tuesday, which comes ahead of the spring statement next Wednesday 26 March by Rachael Reeves.  

Radical action plan to cut red tape and kickstart growth - Is it a cover for cuts

The Chancellor will meet top regulator bosses in Downing Street today (Monday 17 March) as she unveils an action plan to deliver on the pledge to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter, make Britain the best place to do business and drive economic growth.   Chancellor meets regulators in Downing Street as she unveils action plan to cut red tape as part of Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth.  

Supporting people with Council Tax debt

People struggling with Council Tax arrears will have access to enhanced advice through the expansion of a Citizens Advice Scotland project.   Backed by an additional £2.2 million in Scottish Government funding, the project provides tailored support to affected households and works with local authorities to support good practice in Council Tax debt collection.  

UK's cyber sector's contribution to economy reaches new heights

Yesterday, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) released its latest report containing information about the UK cyber security sector.  This includes the number of businesses, the sector's contribution to the UK economy, the number of people employed and the products and services offered by these firms.  

National Planning Skills Commitment Plan

A new programme is being launched to attract more people into the planning profession and build their skills.   The National Planning Skills Commitment Plan will provide training and skills development through monthly themed webinars, hands-on learning and recruitment support.  

The chancellor cannot hide for ever from her big political choice

Paul Johnson writing for the Times and reproduce at The Institute for fiscal Studies sets out the problems for Rachel Reeves with her spring statement coming next week.   "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Perhaps the chancellor is contemplating Romeo and Juliet as she prepares for her spring forecast.