Almost 1,200 long-term homes are being brought back into use for those fleeing the war in Ukraine through an innovative approach. The Scottish Government's £50 million Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund supports Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords to improve properties that are currently void.
The housing market may go into freefall as mortgage rates become unaffordable for many people. Rate for mortgages hit level not seen for many years and the prospects for house sales looks as if there will be more coming on the market at the same time as mortgages are harder to afford.
Fruit and vegetable growers in Scotland have been given assurance on support over the next two years to help improve the quality, market value and sustainability of their produce. The Scottish Government has allocated up to £6 million over the next two years to extend the Fruit and Vegetable Aid scheme.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise Newsroom 13 July 2023, 09:50 Group to challenge the norms in tackling housing issue The first meeting of a sub-group set up to address the housing problem facing the Highlands and Islands took place in Inverness on Wednesday 5 July, with members agreeing to challenge the norms and bring about changes that will better support the housing needs of the region. The 12-member sub-group was set up by the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership in recognition of the critical influence the housing crisis is having on businesses and communities across the region.
Councils to share accountability for services. The Scottish Government has reached an initial agreement with local government and the NHS about accountability arrangements for the National Care Service (NCS).
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur signed a joint statement, deepening defence cooperation. Over the last 12 months, the UK and Estonia have worked in exceptionally close cooperation to implement the commitments pledged at the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid.
This years Caithness County Show starts on Friday 14 July with the main day on Saturday 15 July 2023. This year everything takes place at the ground at Riverside, Wick.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (July 11 th ) sold 17 Prime Cattle. Prime Bullocks (4) averaged 264.3p per kg (-3.3p) and sold to 268.0p per kg and £1,842.30 gross.
Early estimates for June 2023 indicate that the number of payrolled employees rose by 1.5% compared with June 2022, a rise of 439,000 employees; the number of payrolled employees was up by 3.5% since February 2020, a rise of 1,027,000. Payrolled employment decreased by 9,000 employees (0%) in June 2023 when compared with May 2023, though this should be treated as a provisional estimate and is likely to be revised when more data are received next month.
The jobs market continued to return back to its pre-pandemic health, with men driving another recent rise in employment. But with private sector wage growth rising by 7.7 per cent it will take time pay growth to normalise, the Resolution Foundation said in response to the latest ONS labour market statistics.
Mortgage payments will rise by at least £500 a month for nearly one million households by the end of 2026, the Bank of England has said today. Households and firms have been under pressure as interest rates have risen in a bid to lower high inflation.
Potential changes to the council tax system that could see those in the highest value properties asked to pay more if they can afford to have been published. A joint consultation with COSLA is seeking views on plans to increase the amount paid by people in bands E, F, G and H.
A few years ago, one of us (Alex) went for a vacation to the Dominican Republic. The motivation was similar to millions of other tourists every year: escape the daily routine, enjoy the sun and beaches, and gather some strength to face another cold winter.
The routine of commuting five days a week to and from an employer's office now seems somewhat old fashioned. Flexible and remote working have become much more common - and popular.
The Chancellor will launch his 'Mansion House Reforms' this evening (Monday 10 July) which could increase pensions by over a £1,000 a year in retirement for an average earner who saves over the course of a career. Chancellor to outline reforms to boost pensions and increase investment in British businesses.
Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers his first Mansion House speech on the evening of Monday 10 July. My Lord Mayor, Governor, Ladies and Gentlemen - it is an honour to be with you at the Mansion House tonight.
From August, China is to restrict exports of gallium and germanium, two critical elements for making semiconductor chips. With China dominating the supply of both elements, exporters will now need special licences to get them out of the country.
The free HMRC app can be used to renew tax credits and update personal details. Almost 28,000 customers have used the HMRC app to renew their annual tax credits claim, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can reveal.
New regulations mean farmers will be able to challenge prices and more easily raise concerns with supply contracts, helping ensure they receive a fair price. The government has today (11 July 2023) outlined more detail on regulations set to come into force later this year which will ensure supply contracts in the dairy sector are fair and transparent, with farmers being paid a fair price for their produce.
Drones and high-altitude aircraft could boost connectivity in remote areas and support emergency services, following new government funding. Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Chloe Smith announced the £20 million funding from the UK Space Agency - the biggest investment into these types of services to date - to support the development of future telecommunications technologies and aerial connectivity projects, which would be used onboard drones or high-altitude platforms to provide wireless coverage.
