News Archive

Efforts To Tackle Britain's Epidemic Of Poor Mental Health Should Focus On Lower-qualified Young People

Young people are now more likely to experience a common mental disorder (CMD) than any other age group - a complete reversal compared to two decades ago when they were least likely to.  And the economic consequences are greatest for those whose poor mental comes together with poor educational outcomes, with one-in-three young non-graduates with a CMD currently workless, according to new Resolution Foundation research published today (Monday).  

20,000 Can Get Best Start Foods For The First Time

Rule changes extend eligibility for help with food shopping Changes to a key Scottish Government benefit will see an estimated 20,000 people able to access money to help with the cost of food shopping for the first time.   Rule changes around eligibility for Best Start Foods come into force today, (Monday Feb 26) extending eligibility by making it easier to qualify.  

Only 10 Days Left to Claim Pension Credit and Secure £299 Cost of Living Boost

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging retirees to check if they qualify for the benefit.   DWP urges pensioners to act quickly and check if they are eligible for Pension Credit by 5 March 2024 Eligible people who claim by this date could secure additional £299 Cost of Living boost Claiming the benefit could also open doors to additional help with housing costs, council tax, and heating bills Hundreds of thousands of pensioners could pocket an extra £299 if they claim Pension Credit in the next 10 days.  

Future Graduates Will Pay More In Student Loan Repayments - And The Poorest Will Be Worst Affected

Lots of people are hoping to see a tax cut in their payslips after the British government announces its annual budget in March.  The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has said he wants to reduce the tax burden on workers, at a time when the country is paying more of the money it makes to the Treasury than at any time since the second world war.  

£500,000 Aid For Malawi From Scottish Government

Two charities will receive £250,000 each from the Scottish Government's international development fund to help address a food crisis in Malawi.   The funds being provided to Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) and Christian Aid will be distributed to affected households to help them buy what they need and support the local economy.  

UK Boosts Humanitarian Funding For Ukraine

Two years on from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has pledged £8.5 million in humanitarian funding allocations to the Red Cross Movement and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.   UK funding will help expand the lifesaving work of the Red Cross Movement and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.  

Red Tape Has Fuelled The Cost Of Living Crisis, Argues New Lea Paper

Since 2000, sectors with heavy state intervention have experienced large price rises while competitive markets have experienced price falls.   Average consumer prices increased by 80% between 2000 and 2023.  

UK To Boost Ukraine's Artillery Reserves With £245 Million Munitions Package

The UK will spend £245 million throughout the next year to procure and invigorate supply chains to produce urgently needed artillery ammunition for Ukraine.   This week marks two years since Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and ten years since he first invaded Crimea.  

No Redundancies In Highland Council's 24/25 Budget But Job Reductions Over 3 Years

Highland councillors will meet on 29th February 2024 to agree the proposals set out in the papers published today.   There has been a long period of public consultation on the proposals and although there are unpalatable suggestions they will balance the books.  

Three-year Strategy Proposed To Manage £113m Budget Gap In Highland Prelude To Job Losses And Cuts To Services

The following report is from Highland council but it does not address the details of what will come in the council papers for them meeting on 29 February 2024.   The budget for Highland is expected to be the worst for many years and will involve job cuts, reducing services and as has been already trailed stopping new capital projects such as schools.