News Archive
1/12/2023
New Planning Rules To Boost Solar Rollout And Slash Energy Bills
Homeowners will be able to install rooftop solar panels more easily without costly planning delays. Homes and businesses will be able to install rooftop solar panels more easily, under new rules announced on 30 November 2023.1/12/2023
Alcohol Marketing Consultation - Further Discussions To Be Held On Reducing Alcohol Harm
The Scottish Government will hold more talks with public health stakeholders and the alcohol industry early next year to discuss ways of limiting young people's exposure to alcohol promotions. The development comes following publication of the Scottish Government's recent consultation analysis on restricting alcohol advertising and promotions.1/12/2023
COP28 Begins - 4 Issues That Will Determine If The UN Climate Summit Is A Success, From Methane To Money
The United Nations climate conference is underway in Dubai, and representatives from around the world will be confronting an extraordinary array of challenges over its two weeks. They carry with them some long-held - and new - grievances, and strong expectations.
1/12/2023
Heat Pump Applications Surge After Increase In Government Grant
New applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme surged, after the government increased its grant for installing a new heat pump to £7,500. New figures show applications for Boiler Upgrade Scheme tripled in the week after grants increased to £7,500.
1/12/2023
Attention Company Directors - File Your Accounts Early This December To Avoid A Penalty
All limited companies, whether they trade or not, must deliver accounts to Companies House each year. This includes dormant companies.1/12/2023
As Plastic Production Grows, Treaty Negotiations To Reduce Plastic Waste Are Stuck In Low Gear
Plastic pollution has spread to Earth's farthest reaches, with widespread effects on wildlife, the environment and human health. To curb this problem, U.N.
1/12/2023
CMA Sets Out Autumn Update In Review Of Competition In Groceries Sector
Some branded suppliers have pushed up prices by more than their costs increased, but in most cases, shoppers can find cheaper alternatives. CMA to examine further whether ineffective competition in the baby formula market could be leading to parents paying higher prices.
1/12/2023
Record National Insurance Cut Arrives On 6 January 2024
27 million employees to receive largest ever cut to National Insurance on 6 January 2024. The House of Commons has debated the National Insurance Contributions (Reduction in Rates) Bill, with the average employee and self-employed set to get an extra £450 a year and £350 a year £9 billion a year tax cut means that personal taxes on the average salary are set to be lower in the UK than every other major economy The Bill was debated throughout the day with Members voting on the Bill.
1/12/2023
Working Hand-in-hand With Business
The voice of business is being heard at the heart of government, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray has told industry leaders. Addressing the Scottish Chambers of Commerce annual dinner in Glasgow, Mr Gray said he was committed to strengthening the partnership with business and consulting on policy.1/12/2023
Moneyfacts Year in Review 2023 - Mortgages 
Following on from the turbulence of late 2022, some average mortgage rates in 2023 have reached levels not seen since (and in some instances, before) the 2008 global financial crisis. With significant fluctuation having occurred across interest rates and product availability alike, Moneyfacts offers its analysis of the mortgage market in 2023.
30/11/2023
Bank of Scotland To Close Mobile Banking Services
The Bank of Scotland have announced they will close it mobile banking service from May 2024. The nearest in the north are services for Helmsdale and Dornoch.30/11/2023
The Role Of Privately Held Firms In Income Inequality - Read This And You May Understand How The Rich Have More Choices On Paying Tax Or Not
We study the role of privately held firms in income inequality in Finland, especially looking at the the role of retained earnings. Business owners of privately held firms have multiple opportunities to decide how much taxable income to take out from their firm and how much to retain within the firm.30/11/2023
A Virgin PR Bubble Burst - Why The World's First Flight Powered Entirely By Sustainable Aviation Fuel Is A Green Mirage
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off from Heathrow on November 28 and head for JFK airport in New York, powered by so-called sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). According to its operator, Virgin Atlantic, the world's "first 100% SAF flight" will mark "a historic moment in aviation's roadmap to decarbonisation".
30/11/2023
Government Introduces New Post Office Compensation Bill For The Biggest Miscarriage Of Justice Ever In UK
The government has today introduced the Post Office (Horizon System) Compensation Bill to the House of Commons. New legislation will ensure all those exposed to the IT scandal do not miss out on compensation.30/11/2023
Have Your Say On The NDA Social Impact And Communities Strategy
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has launched its Social Impact and Communities Strategy for consultation until 21 February 2024. On Wednesday 29 November 2023, the NDA has opened its updated Social Impact and Communities Strategy for consultation, which will run for a period of 12 weeks until Wednesday 21 February 2024.
30/11/2023
Improving Behaviour Issues - Funding To Address Problems At The Root
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has announced £900,000 in new funding for staff to tackle poor behaviour and attendance in schools. The funding will be provided directly to local authorities to train support staff to respond to new challenges and develop behaviour management strategies in schools post COVID.30/11/2023
£29 Million Bank Scams Prevented - Fraudsters stopped in their tracks
Criminals have been prevented from fraudulently withdrawing around £29 million from bank accounts over the last five years, according to a report into serious organised crime in Scotland. The report by Scotland's Serious Organised Crime Taskforce (SOCT) updates on the success of the Banking Protocol since its launch in 2018.29/11/2023
Scottish Child Payment Helping Families Of More Than 323,000 Children
Total spending on five family payments passes £596 million. The families of more than 323,000 under-16s were benefitting from Scottish Child Payment at the end of September, official statistics show.29/11/2023
Private Sector Rent Statistics 2010 To 2023
Statistics on annual average private sector rents to the end of September 2023 have been released today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. These statistics are based predominantly on advertised rents, and so reflect rents that landlords are charging when their properties become available for rent at the point of tenant turnover or when properties are new to the rental market.29/11/2023
