News Archive
28/12/2022
Brexit, Covid and Boris Johnson have made existing tensions in relations between civil servants and ministers unsustainable. This report, the latest in the Institute for Government/Bennett Institute review of the UK constitution, argues that ministers and civil servants need to urgently reset relations - and proposes a new set of duties and responsibilities for civil servants that would put greater distance between them and ministers.
28/12/2022
If you wonder why council services get worse year on year then this article in the Scotsman tells how budgets have been cut for many years. A centralising mentality from Scottish Government seems to be intent on carrying on with the new Care Service being the latest very big example that will cut a huge amount away from local councils.
28/12/2022
The DVSA is remining truck owners of the changes to checks on tyre management from April 2023. A robust tyre management system is an essential part of any operator's maintenance system.
28/12/2022
As millions of people enjoyed Christmas festivities this year, for 3,275, Christmas Day was the perfect time to file their Self Assessment tax return, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed. A total of 22,060 customers went online to submit their form for the 2021 to 2022 tax year between 24 and 26 December, and 141 opted to file between 23:00 and 23:59 on Christmas eve, meaning they could enjoy celebrations knowing their tax return was complete.
27/12/2022
Ensuring Scotland looks outwards will be even more vital in 2023 for creating opportunities and delivering on our priorities, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has said. He said the Scottish Government's international network of nine offices will continue working with the enterprise agencies to attract further investment, jobs and opportunities to Scotland.
27/12/2022
Use of cutting-edge AI technology is associated with tripling of patients recovering and able to perform daily activities from 16% to 48%. Brainomix e-Stroke system reduced door in and out time from 140 to 79 minutes cutting lifesaving time off one of the most time sensitive diagnoses in medicine.
26/12/2022
Unlimited fines and prison sentences for those felling trees without a licence to be introduced. Unlimited fines and prison sentences are amongst a package of new powers to be introduced as part of a crackdown on illegal tree felling in England, Defra and the Forestry Commission announced today (Friday 23 December).
26/12/2022
• 87% of SMEs understand what the Net Zero target means for their business. • But challenging external factors are negatively impacting their progress.
26/12/2022
Ann Street in Edinburgh now most expensive street in the country Bank of Scotland's annual review finds top 10 priciest roads in Scotland all in Edinburgh Bank of Scotland has revealed Scotland's most expensive streets, with prestigious Ann Street in central Edinburgh taking the top spot. The street, known for its stunning aesthetics and classic Georgian architecture, will now set wealthy buyers back an average £1.7 million (£1,685,000).
26/12/2022
All eyes may be on the war in Ukraine but let us not forget the UK is still bombing from time to time in Syria. The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
26/12/2022
New rules are being proposed to mandate second staircases in new residential buildings over 30m. Government considering rules to mandate second staircases in new residential buildings over 30m Proposals also include sprinkler systems for all new care homes Measures set out today will build on fire safety measures introduced since the Grenfell Tower tragedy Buildings will be made safer under government proposals set out today (23 December), including mandating second staircases for new tower blocks and sprinkler systems for new care homes.
26/12/2022
Edinburgh may bring to mind the famous annual festival of performing arts but it is also one of the UK's foremost financial services hubs, having been a significant centre of financial services for over three centuries - the Bank of Scotland was founded there back in 1695 (just one year after the Bank of England) and the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1727. Its prominence was emphasised further on 9 December 2022 when the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, launched a large package of reforms to the regulation of financial services in the UK at an industry roundtable in Edinburgh (the Edinburgh Reforms).
26/12/2022
More than 1,000 personnel have been trained in recent weeks to provide cover for ambulance trusts, Border Force, and fire and rescue services. Members of the UK Armed Forces involved in providing cover for public services during planned industrial action throughout the festive period will receive additional payment, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced.
25/12/2022
We hope you all have a happy Christmas and enjoy the day where ever you are..
24/12/2022
The following links contain information on the Scottish Government Population Programme; a cross-cutting programme of work which aims to deliver Scotland's Population Strategy, which articulates a vision for Scotland's population profile to provide a platform for economic success, prosperity and wellbeing across Scotland's communities. This programme of work is articulated in Scotland's first Population Strategy, published in 2021, which sets out how Scottish Government and partners identify and respond to Scotland's long term demographic challenges and trends at local and national level.
24/12/2022
Up to 17 staff work at the Children's home in Wick but it is now closed. Read the story in the John O'Groat Journal It leave some unanswered questions and points the way to worse to come with Highland council projecting a £41million gap in its budget for 23/24.
24/12/2022
Teams serving community payback orders (CPOs) have been making Christmas wreaths for sale to support people's mental health over the festive season. Unpaid workers in Fife have been raising money for mental health charity the Samaritans through the sale of wreaths made from foraged local materials.
24/12/2022
We are advising people to avoid visiting vulnerable people in hospitals and other health and social care settings if they have flu-like symptoms. There has been a large increase in the number of cases of influenza cases this winter across Scotland and this is creating increased pressure on our hospitals.
24/12/2022
Paul Johnson the director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies writing for The Times looks at the state of the health service and the rising tide of illness facing the UK. "The problems facing the NHS — rising waiting lists, struggling A&E departments, strikes — are all too well known.
24/12/2022
Anyone who may be feeling anxious, stressed or low is being encouraged to seek support as soon as possible and not wait until the festive season is over. They are also being reminded that mental wellbeing support is available over the festive period for anyone who may be struggling over the coming days and weeks.