News Archive

Record Employment Rates In UK Continue Upward Surge

Source: Office for National Statistics - Labour Force Survey.   The UK employment rate was estimated at 76.1%, higher than for a year earlier (75.4%) and the joint-highest figure on record.  

Don't let the grass grow under your feet - Brown Bin Permits

Don't let the grass grow under your feet - order your 2019/20 brown bin garden waste permit now.   Highland Council Garden Waste Permits are now available to order for the 2019/20 Permit Season.  

Has The Time Come For A Citizens Basic Income?

With predictions of social and economic upheaval brought about by technological and environmental changes, could a citizen's income reduce poverty and increase people's control over their lives?.  How attractive - and affordable - is it as a policy?.  

Making Tax Digital VAT 2019 - 17 Minute Tutorial

For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/making-tax-digital-for-vat.  

£2.3 Billion Debt Relief Granted In 10 Years Of DROs

In the decade since first DRO was approved in 2009, £2.3 billion of debt relief has been granted helping more than a quarter of a million people out of debt.   The first Debt Relief Order (DRO) was approved 10 years ago in April 2009 with the aim of assisting people with small levels of assets and little surplus income deal with their debts*.  

Record Number Of Financial Chiefs Concerned About Brexit, Report Finds

The online magazine web site Energy Voice has today 15 April 2019 published an item about the worries of Brexit by leading financial institutions and how it might affect everything.   A record number of Britain's finance chiefs are bracing for the worst and hoarding cash as they anticipate a damaging Brexit.  

Technical Item on funding Marine Energy

Peter Scheijgrond, M.Eng, M.Phil from the Dutch Marine Energy Centre calls for smart support schemes to implement marine renewable energy across Europe The industrial opportunity for Europe presented by the marine energy sector is significant, and governments should seize it by providing a clear signal of intent to the market.  The marine energy industry sees 100GW of tidal and wave capacity being built in Europe by 2050, providing 400,000 jobs and supplying 10% of the European Union's (EU) current electricity needs according to Ocean Energy Europe.  

Caithness And North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership - Update

Week Commencing 8th April 2019 Energy & Business Services: It was good to see this week in the Press & Journal's Energy Voice a piece confirming the transformational impact that the Beatrice Offshore project is having on Wick.  It is a timely reminder that although the £2.6Bn project is nearing the end of its construction phase, the economic impacts in the north will continue over the lifetime of the project through the operations base in the restored harbourfront buildings in Wick, which will be home to around 90 workers.  

Do Your Employees Know How To Apply For Tax-free Childcare?

There's a simple step by step guide parents can use if they want to apply for Tax-Free.   Childcare, at www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare It tells them: • how to find out the childcare support option that's best for them • how to check if they're eligible for Tax-Free Childcare • how to apply for Tax-Free Childcare.  

Warning - don't get caught by Council Tax scam

The Highland Council has been alerted to a Council Tax scam whereby scammers are cold calling and claiming that the resident can have their Council Tax band reassessed upon payment of £150.   Council Tax bands are determined by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer who is independent from the Highland Council.