News Archive

The 2022 Review Of The Scottish Fiscal Framework: What's Been Agreed So Far?

The UK and Scottish governments recently announced welcome progress in agreeing the scope of a review of the Scottish fiscal framework.  What has been agreed so far is welcome, but there are still some details to be ironed out.  

UK backs new small nuclear technology with £210 million

Each small modular reactor could be capable of powering 1 million homes - equivalent to a city the size of Leeds.   Government commits £210 million to develop small modular reactors in the UK, matched by private investment.  

Boris Johnson Plans To Take Control Of The Independent Electoral Commission In Another Assault On Democratic Institutions

The prime minister, Boris Johnson, drew ire from across the political spectrum for trying to overhaul the rules that hold MPs to account during the recent Owen Paterson affair.  Johnson whipped his MPs to support a parliamentary amendment that undermined an independent watchdog's decision on Paterson's lobbying activities.  

Time Is Running Out For Customers With Post Office Card Accounts

Customers have until 30 November 2021 to to update HMRC with their new bank account details or risk having their tax credits or Child Benefit payments suspended.   Around 24,000 HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) customers with a Post Office card account have just 3 weeks left to update the department with new payment details before the 30 November 2021 deadline, or risk having payments paused.  

Article 16: Pressing The ‘emergency Eject' Button Will Create More Problems Than It Solves

The UK may be on a collision course with the EU over the Northern Ireland Protocol, but pressing the Article 16 ejector seat button now could make things a lot worse in the run-up to Christmas, says ParcelHero.   There is increasing concern that the UK Government might soon trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which allows the UK or EU to take unilateral ‘safeguard' measures if either side decides that the deal is creating serious problems.  

Pharmacies Ensuring Swift Patient Care

More than 2 million consultations with NHS Pharmacy First.   An innovative NHS community pharmacy service has helped see patients quickly and relieve pressure on A&E units and GP surgeries by sparing the NHS 200,000 avoidable appointments for the treatment of urinary tract and skin infections in the last year.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Ram Sale 5 November 2021

FORT WILLIAM, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 5th) sold 474 Rams at its annual sale.   "It was certainly a sale of fireworks and bangs where the Blackface tup entry saw the trade set alight from start to finish, with over 60 ‘4 figure' prices achieved." Blackface ram lambs (74) averaged £564.59 and sold to £3,200 gross from Elmscleugh, Dunbar.  

Regeneration Project In Gairloch Wins UK Climate Award

The regeneration of the Achtercairn site in Gairloch, north west Highlands, has won ‘Best Regeneration Project - Rural & Suburban' at the Inside Housing Development Awards in London.   The awards celebrate the very best residential developments across the UK, and recognise innovation in striving for more sustainable and net-zero solutions.  

Coronavirus (covid-19): Daily Data For Scotland - 8 November 2021

2,012 new cases of COVID-19 reported.   19,251 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 11.0% of these were positive' 0 new reported death(s) of people who have tested positive (noting that Register Offices are generally closed at the weekend).  

Empowering Communities On Climate Action - Towns chosen to help drive just transition to net zero

Seven towns have been chosen to help tackle the impact of climate change and secure a just transition to net zero.   The Climate Action Towns programme will empower communities to come together and engage in collective climate action, taking account of the unique challenges and opportunities each town faces.