News Archive
6/3/2024
Red Sea Crisis - With Fears Of A UK Tea Shortage, Worries Are Brewing Over Other Crucial Commodities
British people are known around the world for their love of tea. This is borne out by the statistics: a staggering 50 billion cups of tea are consumed on average in the UK every year.
6/3/2024
To Stop Teenagers Vaping They Need To See It As Cringe, Not Cool
The proportion of young people who vape has grown significantly over the last year. According to charity Action on Smoking and Health, the proportion of young people aged 11 to 17 in Great Britain who have experimented with vaping has risen from 15.8% in 2022 to 20.5% in 2023.
6/3/2024
A Fiscal Drag On Almost Everyone - Left Hand Right Hand Of Taxes
No matter what is in the UK budget presented by chancellor Jeremy hunt today Fiscal Drag is already in play taking ever more tax from most people. In the Spring Statement, Rishi Sunak said raising the NICs thresholds would deliver an average saving of £330 in the year from July 2022.
6/3/2024
UK Banks Are Reporting Huge Profits - But There Are Many Reasons Why This May Not Last
Ever since the financial crisis of 2007-08, British banks have often struggled to make as much money as they used to. Profits have generally been at a much lower level than in the pre-crisis period.
5/3/2024
Highland Council Confirms Dates For Thermal Trial To Start In Thurso
The Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has confirmed details of a trial, to start next week, of a thermal process for carrying out pothole repairs. An external contractor, Thermal Road Repairs, has been appointed to undertake the work using a thermal repair process.
5/3/2024
So Where Are We With Major Road Repairs?
Road conditions have been deteriorating for many years in Caithness and across all of Scotland. Almost a year ago highland council approved a further £7.7 million.
5/3/2024
Maritime Registrations Open For 31st Scottish Traditional Boat Festival - Isabella Fortuna From Wick Is Going
THE 31st annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival returns to the historic harbour of Portsoy on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2024. Welcoming heritage craft from across the country, registrations are now open for skippers and sailing crews to sign up for this year's event, which is expected to attract over 13,000 visitors.
5/3/2024
Retail Hit By Wettest February On Record
Sales figures are not adjusted for inflation, however, the February SPI (BRC) and January CPI (ONS) show inflation running at higher than normal levels these positive sales figures mask a likely drop in volumes. As inflation falls in the coming months, retail sales figures will also naturally fall at the same time.
5/3/2024
International Driving Permits Available At Paypoint Stores From 1 April 2024
From 1 April 2024, international driving permits will be exclusively available from participating PayPoint stores across the UK. The provider of international driving permits (IDPs) is changing.
5/3/2024
Richard Murphy Makes Alternative Tax Suggestions Ahead Of The Budget
Richard Murphy has been working on Wealth report for sometime and amongst many ideas a list of taxes that could yield huge amounts to help in the budget. The talk in the media is often about income tax and corporation taxes but there many other potential revenue raising places to look seriously at.
5/3/2024
Gaming Fiscal Rules Is No Way To Make Budget Policy
The chancellor's room for manoeuvre is determined by the Office for Budget Responsibility and meeting fiscal rules that have fallen into disrepute. The chancellor will take centre stage on Wednesday 6 March 2024 as he delivers his budget.
5/3/2024
Emergency Pesticide Authorisation To Protect Sugar Beet Crop Conditionally Approved
The pesticide will only be used if there is a threat to the crop, and stringent controls are attached to protect the environment. The threshold for neonicotinoid use has increased on previous years to the highest level it's ever been set.
5/3/2024
Dingwall And Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 5 March 2024
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March 5th) sold 1,559 Prime Sheep. Old Season Lambs (836) averaged 329.26p per kg and sold to 358.0p per kg and £218 gross.
5/3/2024
Labour Lead On Economy And Public Services As Conservative Share Falls To Record Low - Ipsos Mori Poll
The Conservatives' share of 20% is the lowest ever recorded by Ipsos in our regular Political Monitor series, which has run since 1978. The latest Ipsos Political Monitor, taken 21st to 28th February 2024, explores public attitudes to the various parties and their leaders in the run up to the next General Election, including which party is best on key issues that will decide their vote.
5/3/2024
Local Government Expenditure And Income In 2022-23
The Chief Statistician has released figures on local government finance in 2022-23. These figures provide a comprehensive overview of the financial activity of local government, including revenue expenditure and income; capital expenditure and financing; reserves; debt; and pensions.
5/3/2024
Unions Will Recommend New Offer To NHS Consultants In England
The British Medical Association (BMA) and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) will put the offer forward for a vote in the coming weeks. The British Medical Association (BMA) and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) will put the consultants offer forward for a vote in the coming weeks.
4/3/2024
Bins Bins Bins - Improvements To Waste And Recycling Collections Across Highland - Starting In Ross And Cromarty - Caithness In September
The Highland Council is making improvements to waste and recycling collections across Highland - starting in Ross and Cromarty (and Dornoch). Residents in Ross and Cromarty (and Dornoch) will receive a letter in the post over the next six weeks which will explain what is changing and when.
4/3/2024
Futureskills Apprenticeship Grant Scheme Announcement
The Caithness Business Fund is celebrating a substantial investment boost of £100,000 from Focus North partners NRS Dounreay and the NDA to support the launch of FutureSkills. The apprenticeship grant scheme is designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the North Highlands.
4/3/2024
Better Kips For Better Trips: £16 Million Boost To Transform Truckstops For Lorry Drivers
38 truck stops in England will be upgraded with new showers and restaurants, more secure fencing around rest areas and new parking spaces for HGVs. 38 truckstops will deliver better rest areas, improved welfare facilities and more secure parking.
4/3/2024
