News Archive

The Growth Mindset - Sizing Up The Government's Growth Agenda

Government plans to boost infrastructure and build more homes could feasibly get Britain halfway towards having the strongest economic growth in the G7.  But it will need to deliver these contentious reforms on the ground, and put growth at the forefront of other policy decisions on trade, skills and labour market reform, if it's to turn its growth ambitions into reality, according to new Resolution Foundation research published on Thursday 19 September 2024.  

Parking Penalty Charge Notice Scam Warning

The Highland Council Trading Standards service is urging motorists to be aware of a recent trend in scam texts aimed at tricking people into thinking they have to act quickly to pay a parking penalty charge notice (PCN).   The text asks you to pay the PCN which has been issued by "a local Council".  

Tradng Standards - Roof Coating Scams

As we approach the autumn and winter months there has been an increase in reports of rogue traders who go door to door and offer to carry out roofing repairs and to coat the roof with products they say will save the resident money on their energy bills.   In one recent case, cold callers offered to line a roof and coat it with a paint that would supposedly provide a defence against frost.  

Trading Standards - Pension Scams

According to new research by LV=, approximately 7.3 million UK adults have been the subject of an attempted pension scam in the past year.   They were encouraged via unsolicited calls, texts and emails to transfer or release money from their pension.  

Today's Moneyfacts Average Mortgage And Savings Rates - 20.9.24

Average fixed mortgage rates, sourced from the Moneyfacts Mortgage Database, represent the mean average initial pay rate of residential fixed rate mortgages for terms of two years across whole of market.   Data is collated at the end of each business day and excludes Standard Variable Rate mortgage products as well as those designed for the adverse credit market and products that are only available for new build, self build and equity and shared ownership properties.  

Economists Have Urged Rachel Reeves To Loosen The Purse Strings - Here's Why It's Not That Easy

A group of economists has publicly urged chancellor Rachel Reeves to reverse her stance on public investment, and relax the Treasury rules that constrain it.  They argue in a letter to the Financial Times that low investment is the root cause of Britain's productivity stagnation, and that the government must invest more to enable private businesses to step up their own efforts.  

New Fund Announced To Support Growth In Life Sciences Sector

Up to 50% match funding grants of between £25,000 and £75,000 to help companies accelerate their growth plans.   Life sciences businesses in the Highlands and Islands that are looking to invest in capital growth projects will be able to apply for support through a new fund announced today (18 September).  

Keeping The Promise to care-experienced young people

Progress made towards ‘Keeping the Promise' by 2030 has been set out in a new report.   The Promise is the outcome of the Independent Care Review and is a commitment to bring about the necessary changes to ensure all care-experienced children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected, with the ability to reach their full potential.  

Russia's Illegal War Continues To Be A Military Disaster - UK Statement To The Osce

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Russia's illegal war suffers further setbacks as casualties mount, and it loses its first submarine in combat since the second world war.   Thank you, Mr Chair.  

New FCA Rules To Protect Access To Cash Already Having An Impact

New rules from the Financial Conduct Authority to protect access to cash have come into force and are already having a positive impact in local communities.   Since the rules were confirmed in July, LINK, which manages the UK's cash access and ATM network, has reassessed the needs of local areas where banking services are changing.