News Archive

Big Cost Of Living Increase Predicted By Research

UK inflation: Rising costs could push family spend up £1,700 a year A typical UK family will spend £1,700 more per year on household costs in 2022, according to a forecast for BBC Panorama.   The analysis, conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), projected the inflation rate would rise to 4.6% by Christmas.  

Delivering quicker internet - Superfast broadband voucher scheme extended

A national voucher scheme helping people access superfast broadband is being extended by three months.   Homes and businesses in Scotland that are unable to access fast internet speeds now have until 31 March 2022 to apply for funding worth up to £400 under the Reaching 100% (R100) Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme.  

TSB Bank Thurso To Close As Axe Hits 70 Branches

The Thurso branch of the TSB will close on 22 April 2022.   TSB will continue to have 7th largest branch network with over 200 branches No closures where TSB is currently "last branch in town" 10 further ‘pop-up' branches to be opened 150 fewer roles but all impacted staff to be offered alternative roles at TSB TSB has announced it will close 70 branches in 2022 as it responds to declining branch use and increasing numbers of customers switching to digital banking services.  

PPP Announce Winners Of New HVAC Contract At Sellafield

A new way of awarding long-term work packages at the Sellafield site in the UK has reached a major milestone, with Programme and Project Partners (PPP) appointing its first key delivery partners.   Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick and EJ Parker Technical Services have been appointed to deliver the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), a framework agreement worth £150-250 million ($200-333m) over the life of the programme.  

Advice On Household Finances - Online Support For People Facing Financial Difficulties

Households experiencing financial difficulties are being offered greater support to help their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.   The Money Support Scotland website, funded by the Scottish Government, will point users to a range of organisations committed to promoting the take up of social security benefits, free debt advice and access to affordable credit.  

Domestic Abuse Recorded By The Police In Scotland, 2020-21

Scotland's Chief Statistician today released domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2020-21.   The main findings include: The police recorded 65,251 incidents of domestic abuse in 2020-21, an increase of 4% compared to the previous year.  

New Plan For Endoscopy And Urology - £70 Million To Ensure Faster Diagnosis

A plan has been published to support faster diagnosis of cancers and other illnesses of the digestive system, bladder and prostate.   The Endoscopy and Urology Diagnostic Recovery and Renewal Plan, backed by £70 million Scottish Government investment, will focus on recovering services, supporting faster diagnosis of cancers and improving outcomes for patients.  

Governments Sets Out Steps To Modernise And Simplify UK Tax System

UK Government sets out further plans to continue building a modern, simple and effective tax system, as part of Tax Administration and Maintenance Day.   Documents published today (30th November 2021) also cover previous announcements including a consultation on the implementation of the Business Rates Review and reforms to Small Brewers Relief They have been released separately to the Budget to support greater transparency, discipline and accessibility of tax policy-making As part of Tax Administration and Maintenance Day the government has set out further detail on its work to deliver a modern, simple and effective tax system - which helps taxpayers get their tax right the first time.  

New Vice-principal At University Of Highland And Islands

Vicki Nairn has been appointed as vice-principal operations at the University of the Highlands and Islands.   She will lead on the design, development and service delivery of the university's professional services which support both the academic and corporate areas, and the management of strategic change programmes.  

Nicol Sturgeon Announces Doubling The Scottish Child Payment

First Minister announces £20 payment from April.   The Scottish Child Payment will be doubled to £20 per week per child from April 2022.