Richard Murphy's Blog shows the numbers from other sites. Take a look and think about how you should be taking precautions again.
Action on regulations and non-domestic rates, as well as closer collaboration with business on government policy, are key recommendations of the New Deal for Business Group, which has submitted its report to the First Minister. The creation of a new independent review board to oversee regulations will be taken forward, in response to requests from business to help government work more closely with industry.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show Scotland's trading performance as the strongest of the UK nations. The experimental statistics provide estimates of the value of international imports and exports and total trade from 2016 to 2021 from each area of the UK.
UK house price growth is slowing. While prices rose 1.2% compared to last year, this is down on May's 1.9% growth, according to property website Zoopla.
The Scottish Parliament has voted unanimously to pass the Charities (Regulation and Administration) Bill. The Bill will improve the accountability and transparency of charities and increase the powers of the independent Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
Leading economists, academics and figures from the private, public and third sectors have joined a new advisory group on tax convened by Deputy First Minister Shona Robison. The Tax Advisory Group, established as part of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, will discuss the tax system as a whole and identify opportunities for broader public engagement.
Cost-of-living pressures have forced almost a quarter of drivers (23%) to either put off getting their vehicles serviced or do it themselves with or without the help of a friend or family member, a new survey of 2,000 UK drivers by the RAC has found. While 10% have postponed their next car service by up to a year to save money, one-in-20 (5%) have gone further and delayed getting their vehicles checked for more than a year, and are only relying on the annual MOT to ensure their car is roadworthy.
Coinciding with the beginning of the school holidays, Fearless - the youth service of charity Crimestoppers - has today launched a new campaign to encourage young people to be safe and make positive choices this summer. In a bold move, the charity has chosen to lead with a ‘pro-social' behaviour stance rather than traditional anti-social behaviour messaging.
Scotland's onshore GDP contracted by 0.5% in April, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. This follows a 0.1% contraction in March 2023 (revised down from a 0.0% change).
A new national model of public funding for all colleges and universities, as well as apprenticeships and training, will be developed as part of widespread reforms across the education and skills sector. The Scottish Government will also take over responsibility for skills planning, with the new national qualifications body overseeing all publicly funded post school qualifications, except degrees.
Supercomputing, AI and the Industrial Metaverse will advance the development of UK fusion energy prototype powerplant. Collaboration between the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Dell Technologies, Intel and the University of Cambridge to advance the development of the UK's prototype fusion powerplant.
On 29 June 2023, the government announced new investment and actions to improve lowland peat and reduce carbon emissions. New action to reduce peat carbon emissions, improve resilience to drought and support farmers following recommendations from the Chair of the Lowland Agricultural Peat Task Force.
Businesses across the UK have today received a share of over £80 million government funding to ditch costly fossil fuels for cleaner alternatives. Over £80 million cash boost to help companies cut their carbon footprint, including some of the UK's leading brands funding set to be announced by Energy Minister Graham Stuart at the UK’s Climate Innovation Forum.
A brand-new UK-wide digital service for organisations applying for government grants could save up to £270 million through efficiencies and fraud prevention. New Find a Grant service could save up to £270 million through increased efficiency and preventing fraud.
Scotland's Chief Statistician today released the latest annual Council Tax Reduction statistics. In March 2023, Scotland’s Council Tax Reduction scheme supported 454,350 households (compared to 462,670 in March 2022) and the total weekly income forgone by local authorities was £7.364 million (compared to £6.829 million in March 2022).
• Single mothers average £29,000 of total assets, versus £275,000 for a couple with children. • This group is amongst the hardest hit by rising living costs, with 28% now cutting back on essentials.
NWS to evaluate potential sites for suitability to host a Geological Disposal Facility safely and securely. Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has begun a wide range of studies to evaluate sites that could be suitable to host a GDF.
Dr John Campbell who gave free advice over the past 3 years now turns his attention to The Parties attended by those working in government. Many thousands have already made comments to agree with his comments.
• New study reveals four out of five adults (81%) are concerned about making ends meet due to rising cost of living. • Three-quarters (76%) say they need to take action to cope with the financial pressures.
Britain needs to move away from its simplistic and pernicious cycle of promising tax cuts while delivering tax rises, and towards reforming and improving our tax system so that it supports, rather than hinders, economic growth, according to major new research published today (Wednesday 28 June 2023). Tax planning - the 39th report of The Economy 2030 Inquiry, funded by the Nuffield Foundation.
