News Archive

Quantitative easing now looks permanent - and has turned central banks into pseudo governments

After a pause of a few months, the world's leading central banks are "printing" money again to try to bolster their economies.  Commonly known as quantitative easing or QE, the European Central Bank (ECB) resumed its programme just before the turn of the year.  

Bank Rate Maintained At 0.75%

At its meeting ending on 29 January 2020, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England voted by a majority of 7-2 to maintain Bank Rate at 0.75%.   The Committee voted unanimously to maintain the stock of sterling non-financial investment-grade corporate bond purchases, financed by the issuance of central bank reserves, at £10 billion.  

Scottish Index Of Multiple Deprivation 2020

The latest update of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020 has been published by Scotland's Chief Statistician.   SIMD is a tool for identifying the places in Scotland where people are experiencing disadvantage across different aspects of their lives.  

Proposed council house rent increase approved by new Housing and Property Committee

A proposed 3% rent increase for 2020/21 was agreed by Highland Council's new Housing and Property Committee today, 29 January.  This would result in an increase in the average weekly council house rent from £75.38 to £77.64 (£2.26 per week).  

Age Scotland criticises further bank closures in Scotland

Commenting on Lloyds Banking Group announcing plans to shut 15 of its Bank of Scotland branches across Scotland, Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said: "We're very sad to see Lloyds follow other banks and put profits ahead of its loyal customers, especially those who are older, disabled or don't have internet access.   "There's no doubt this will make it harder for tens of thousands of people to access their cash and manage their money on a daily basis.  

A Look Ahead To The March 2020 Budget With IFS

The Institute for Fiscal Studies wil discuss the budget live on 11 March.   Chancellor Sajid Javid is due to deliver his first Budget, the first of this parliament, and the first since Autumn 2018, on Wednesday 11 March.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 28 January 2020

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (January, 28th) sold 36 prime cattle.   Prime bullocks (5) averaged 208.6p (N/C) and sold to 223.0p per kg and £1,308.10 gross.  

Vehicle restrictions at Highland Council Household Waste Recycling Centres

From the 3rd February 2020, The Highland Council will be introducing vehicle restrictions at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC).   The following vehicles will not be permitted entry to HWRC with any waste: • Trailers with more than one axle or greater than 2.4 metres (8 feet) in length; • Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes or greater; • Tippers and flat-bed trucks of any weight; • Plant vehicles.  

First meeting of new Housing and Property Committee

The first meeting of The Highland Council's new Housing and Property Committee will take place on Wednesday 29 January following a decision by members in December to approve the establishment of a new strategic committee structure.   The first item on the agenda for members will be to confirm the role and remit of this newly established committee which will be chaired by Lochaber Councillor, Ben Thompson.  

90% of Inverness retailers pass Spray Paint Test Purchasing

Highland Council's Trading Standards team is reporting positive findings from the spray paint test purchase programme it recently carried out in Inverness.   A total of 10 premises were test purchased and 9 shops rightly refused to sell spray paints to the underage test purchase volunteer.