News Archive

What's The Real Reason Why We Tax - Richard Murphy

Most people assume that we tax to fund government spending, but we don't in economies like that we have in the UK.   Instead, we have an economy where the government spends by creating new money and tax then takes it out of circulation, and that creates a need for very different economic management from that we're being offered.  

First Class Stamp Price rises From 7 October 2024

From 7 October 2024, the price of First Class stamps will increase by 30 pence to £1.65 and the price of Second Class stamps will remain unchanged at 85p..  

Do You Care? That's The Political Question For 2024 - Richard Murphy

Left versus right seems like deeply antiquated politics from another era to me.   The fight between labour and capital makes no sense when we have to live in a mixed economy.  

Business Insights And Impact On The UK Economy - 3 October 2024

The impact of challenges facing the economy and other events on UK businesses.  Based on responses from the voluntary fortnightly business survey (BICS) to deliver real-time information to help assess issues affecting UK businesses and economy, including financial performance, workforce, trade, and business resilience.  

Resolution Foundation Release New Report On Winter Fuel Payments

This article from Disability Rights UK outlines the position relating to pensioners with disabilities.  A link to the full article with links to more information is at the bottom of this page.  

Economic Activity And Social Change In The UK - Real-time Indicators - 3 October 2024

Early data on the UK economy and society.  These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and innovative methods.  

Consumer Card Spending UK Tourism-related Sectors - 2019 To 2024

The percentage of in-person domestic spending in tourism-related industries dipped during 2020 and 2021 but has since recovered to around 6% of all in-person domestic spending.   The restaurant industry had the largest percentage of in-person domestic tourism spending across the time series, followed by accommodation and retail goods.  

Agriculture Support - Knowledge Transfer And Innovation Fund Grants Awarded

Projects to increase farming skills, tackle environmental impacts and enhance competitiveness in food production will share more than £300,000 in newly-announced grant support.   The Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) supports projects that promote skills development or deliver improvements in business practice, resource efficiency, environmental performance and sustainability.  

Partners Launch Revised Timetable To Improve Reliability And Connectivity Of Wick John O'groats Airport Flights

The Highland Council and Eastern Airways have agreed a number of changes to scheduled flight times on the Wick-Aberdeen air route.   The changes have been carefully considered to reduce cancellations and restore public trust.  

Failure To Address £54bn Funding Black-hole Could Leave Councils In England As Little More Than Care Authorities By The End Of Decade

Councils today warn that unless the government acts in the Budget and Spending Review, local authorities in England face a funding shortfall of £54bn over the next five years - leaving the prospect of them providing ‘little more' than care services by the end of the decade in order to avert financial insolvency.   New analysis from the County Councils Network (CCN) reveals this funding black hole is fuelled by rising demand and costs in just three service areas: adult social care, children's services, and home to school transport.