News Archive

Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2023 - Support for redistribution of wealth and growing economy

Half of people in Scotland (50%) believe the Scottish Government should redistribute income from the better-off to those who are less well-off.   This year's Scottish Social Attitudes Survey - which measures the public’s views on a range of issues - shows just under a quarter of people (23%) disagreed with the redistribution of wealth, an attitude that has remained consistent since 2005.  

UK House Price Index For May 2024 - Nationwide Prices For June

The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland UK house prices UK house prices rose by 2.2% in the year to May 2024, compared with a increase of 1.3% in the 12 months to April 2024.  On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK increased by 1.2% between April 2024 and May 2024, compared with a increase of 0.2% during the same period a year earlier (April and May 2023).  

UK Businesses Face New Cyber-attacks Every 44 Seconds In Q2 2024

Analysis from Beaming shows UK businesses encountering over 180,000 cyber-attacks each in just three months, underlining the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity protocols.   UK businesses encountered a new cyber-attack online every 44 seconds in the second quarter of 2024, according to analysis from Beaming, an internet service provider for businesses.  

Top Fixed Rates Endure Cuts As Variable Rates Flourish - Have You Switch Your Savings Yet

As rates continue to drop, savers should secure a fixed deal to beat inflation for longer.  Moneyfactscompare.co.uk reveals the top rate deals available to those searching for a competitive return.  

Labour Should Scrap Two-child Benefit Cap Sooner Rather Than Later

Larry Elliot writing in the Guardian - Families cannot afford to wait until UK government says there is money to spare to make such a decision.   The first real test of Labour's hardline approach to public spending has surfaced within a week of the party taking office - and it is a big one.  

Russia Has Become So Economically Isolated That China Could Order The End Of War In Ukraine

Western leaders are becoming increasingly frustrated by China's role in enabling the war in Ukraine.  Some have even openly threatened to sanction the country if it continues to provide Russia with the materials it needs to build more weapons.  

How Israel Has Brought The Palestinian Authority To The Brink Of Financial Collapse

Israel's ultranationalist finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced in May that he would be witholding tax revenues earmarked for Palestine.  The decision was made in response to Spain, Ireland and Norway's recognition of a Palestinian state.  

The New Labour Government Plans To Build 1.5 Million Homes - Here's What's Needed To Make It Happen

The UK's new Labour government has set itself the bold target of building 1.5 million homes in five years to deal with the critical shortage of housing.   To achieve this, it will have to deliver 50% more than the previous government managed over the same period.  

New Law Ensures That Children And Young People Will Be Consulted On Highland Policy Making

The Highland Council welcomes the introduction of new legislation announced today (16 July 2024) by the Scottish Government that incorporates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).   Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: "The changes introduced will ensure that Highland's children and young people will be included in, and consulted with, on changes to existing policies and on the introduction of new policies being considered by The Highland Council.  

Work Of Council's Storm Response Team Recognised

The action taken by the Council's roads teams across the Highlands in response to the impact of storms has been recognised.   The team were delighted to win the Team of the Year at the recent Highland Council Staff Recognition Awards.