Public sector net borrowing (PSNB ex) in January 2023 was in surplus by £5.4 billion, which was a £7.1 billion smaller surplus than in January 2022 but a £5.0 billion larger surplus than forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Self-assessed income tax receipts were £21.9 billion in January 2023, which was the highest January figure since monthly records began in April 1999 and £5.5 billion or one-third higher than in January 2022.
The Highland Council has today (Monday 20 February 2023) launched the Highland Multiply Challenge Fund. Multiply is a new programme to help transform the lives of adults across the UK, by improving their functional numeracy and is part of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.
Read ow Highland owns are doing and see several graphs covering a range of topics. It is very clear that on a range of measures Wick has suffered more than most other towns in all categories between 2018 and 2022.
A company, who breached anti-money laundering rules, can no longer trade as a repayment agent. A company which charged taxpayers significant sums to make claims for tax refunds has been stopped from operating.
As works progress on the transformation of Inverness Castle into a world class visitor experience, set to open in 2025, the project team would like to invite all primary schools in the Highlands to take part in a project that will see a time capsule, sponsored by Bancon Construction, suspended in the original well within Inverness Castle. All pupils are being asked to nominate the top five items to put into the time capsule that reflect what they believe is special about the area of the Highlands in which they live.
After a COVID infection, whether it's a first, second, or even a third, many of us wonder how long we might be protected against a reinfection, and whether we'll be susceptible to new variants. Also, if we do catch COVID again, will the immunity we've acquired from this infection reduce the severity of the next one? A new study published in The Lancet set out to answer these questions, looking at the strength and duration of natural immunity by COVID variant.
New official statistics show record numbers of households took up the government support on offer for energy bills. More support reaching households across Great Britain, with 76% of all Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers now redeemed - and 1.7 million used in the month of January alone this follows government communications campaign, with the Energy Security Secretary calling on suppliers to do everything they can to deliver support.
This week Jack Williamson is joined by FAI Director Mairi Spowage for a discussion on the latest data on the Scottish and UK economy. Chair: Jack Williamson, Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute Guest: Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute.
Join us on the 11th of March 2023 for Caithness' biggest and best jobs, careers, training and recruitment event. This event is free to attend and all are welcome! Meet real employers and hear about their industries and any vacancies they currently have.
A Scottish Budget which goes further to support the vulnerable and deliver greater benefits than provided in the rest of the UK will be voted on in Parliament. Ahead of Tuesday's final debate and vote on the 2023-24 Scottish Budget Bill, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has set out the "social contract with every citizen of Scotland" - supporting people through the cost of living crisis with the groundbreaking Scottish Child Payment, the expansion of free school meals and free bus travel to more than two million people.
Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine marks a year of the war against Ukraine. As the first anniversary of Russia's illegal war against Ukraine approaches, Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray has offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones and has signalled continued support for Ukraine.
The sale of peat is set to be banned in Scotland, as part of wider plans to protect peatlands and reduce carbon emissions. As most extracted peat is used for horticulture, the Scottish Government is looking for views from gardeners and commercial growers.
A major research and developments project expected to create up to 500 jobs is underway in the Highlands after securing £2.8 million investment from HIE If successful, the £14m R&D spend by Ross-shire Engineering Limited (RSE), will more than treble the company's turnover and further its ambition for the region to be a centre of excellence for sustainable water treatment technology. With its main operations in Muir of Ord and offices in Inverness, RSE already employs more than 800 people in Scotland and 1,450 in the RSE Group.
A new campaign will encourage families living on a low income to access local support with finances and work. It encourages people to take the first step towards relieving these pressures with help from the Parent Club website.
A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies looking at wealth transfers. We examine the patterns in the giving and receiving of significant wealth transfers during life, and the association of transfers with life events.
Legislation relating to company insolvency in Scotland is partly devolved. AiB, Scotland's Insolvency Service, administers the Register of Insolvencies, which is a publicly accessible statutory register regarding the insolvency of individuals and businesses in Scotland, and includes company liquidations and receiverships.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has carried out further analysis of the Scottish budget. The aim of this report is to look at some of the key implications of the Scottish Budget for the coming year, and for the longer term.
The Institute for government in its recent article lays out the process to get a new leader of the SNP and first minister for Scotland. The two roles are not necessarily connected.
Healthcare staff across Scotland have been offered the largest pay package in the history of the NHS, with a £568 million increase in investment. 160,000 NHS Agenda for Change staff - including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others - will be offered an average 6.5% increase in pay in 2023/24.
Check if a school is closed on the Highland council web site. https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures.
