News Archive

24/6/2026

First Homes Fund opens - First time buyers encouraged to apply

Up to 2,000 households could be supported to make their step on to the property ladder in the first 100 days of this Government through the First Homes Fund.   The first phase of the shared-equity scheme, which offers first-time buyers a £10,000 contribution towards a deposit, is now open.  

24/6/2026

Government backs high street with acceleration of cheap import reforms and crackdown on dodgy online sellers

High street businesses are set to benefit from action to level the playing field as the government sets out tax and customs reforms.   High street businesses backed with tax changes that will level the playing field.  

24/6/2026

Rate relief to be removed for vape shops

Review of non-domestic rates revaluation announced.   Vape shops are set to lose discounts from their bills as part of a commitment to reform the non-domestic rates system.  

23/6/2026

Online sales surge 12.2% YOY as May delivers bumper month for e-commerce

Retail had a strong May with e-commerce leading the way, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero.  New ONS figures reveal e-commerce sales values soared 12.2% YOY and by 9.8% YOY for the three months to May.  

23/6/2026

Could an Independent Scotland Really Rejoin the EU? The Obstacles, Opportunities and Political Reality

With the 10 years anniversary of BREXIT the Scottish Government is once again promoting the idea that an independent Scotland could rejoin the EU.  How realistic is that with some major problems to be overcome not least the currency and border issues.  

23/6/2026

Industrial strategy revamp needed after UK loses £74 billion worth of goods exports since Brexit

The UK’s global share of goods exports has fallen by around £74 billion in the five years since 2019, with around half of that loss taking place in key sectors identified in the Government’s industrial strategy like cars and pharmaceuticals, according to major new Resolution Foundation research published (Monday22 June 2026).   Ten years on from the EU referendum, the report Leaving EU behind? examines what lies behind the UK’s poor recent record on trade, and how it can avoid a similarly bad performance over the next decade.  

23/6/2026

Market-leading 8% savings rate launched by Santander

“Santander has shot to the top of the market with its new Regular Saver paying 8% AER, incredibly eye-catching for those looking to gradually build their savings pot.  The 8% AER does include a 5% bonus for 12 months.  

23/6/2026

Interest-free cards can help defuse a debt time bomb

Moneyfacts UK Unsecured Lending Trends Treasury Report data reveals 0% introductory purchase and balance transfer terms are at a four-year high, yet credit card interest stands at a 20-year high.  Loan pricing is stable, rates lower year-on-year.  

23/6/2026

The mistakes that sealed Keir Starmer’s fate

On the gloriously sunny morning of July 5 2024, Keir Starmer walked into Downing Steet as prime minister for the first time, having won a stonking 174-strong majority in the general election the day before.  On a similarly warm morning a little less than two years later, he has been forced to stand outside Number 10 and announce his resignation.  

23/6/2026

Will AI Turn Scotland Into Europe's Powerhouse? The Coming Battle Over Wind Farms, Data Centres and Who Benefits

Scotland has three things that are becoming increasingly valuable in the AI era.   Large renewable energy resources.  

23/6/2026

Oil Prices Keep Falling: Markets Are Betting the Crisis Is Ending Before the Crisis Has Actually Ended

Why is oil falling despite Hormuz problems? Several things are happening at once.   Traders increasingly believe the worst-case scenario of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is becoming less likely.  

23/6/2026

Highland Commission sets out roadmap to reduce poverty and inequality by 2030

A series of recommendations aimed at reducing poverty and inequality across the Highlands by 2030 will come before Highland Council this week.   The independent Highland Poverty and Equality Commission’s final report, Essential Elements, draws on nine months of extensive engagement across the region - including 26 outreach visits across 14 communities, stakeholder sessions and evidence gathering from people with direct experience of financial hardship.  

23/6/2026

 
Tax Gap 2024-25 estimated at 6.4%

HMRC publishes the estimated tax gap for the 2024 to 2025 tax year.   The estimated provisional UK tax gap for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 6.4% or £59.2 billion.  

23/6/2026

AI Is Overtaking Bitcoin as the World's Biggest Digital Power Consumer – But Who Will Pay the Bill?

This is becoming one of the most important economic questions of the next decade.   A few years ago, people worried that Bitcoin would consume huge amounts of electricity.  

22/6/2026 : Local Authority

A Tale of Two Schools - Is Thurso Next? As Moray Council Shelves £100million school plan for Buckie

When Moray Council officially shelved plans for a new Buckie High School, it sent a shockwave through communities across the north of Scotland.  The message was clear: in the current economic climate, even the most desperate promises of new school builds can vanish overnight when balanced against a massive budget deficit.  

22/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council launches new platform to improve online engagement

The Highland Council has today (Monday 22 June) launched a new online engagement platform which will transform how residents, communities and visitors engage with consultations.   The easy-to-use platform allows anyone to quickly see what projects and proposals are open for consultation and engagement.  

22/6/2026

Ships Still Stuck at Hormuz So Why Is The Oil Price Dropping

The short answer is that oil traders are looking beyond today's headlines and trying to price what happens next.   At first glance it seems illogical.  

22/6/2026

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Resigns

Sir Keir Starmer has officially resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, standing outside 10 Downing Street to announce an orderly exit timetable.   Following a bruising weekend of reflection at Chequers and a massive cabinet mutiny, Starmer choked back tears as he confirmed he will step down as Labour leader, with a successor expected to be in place by September 2026.  

22/6/2026

The Hidden Cost of High Energy Prices: What Is Happening to UK Industry?

UK industry is no longer waiting for energy prices to fall.  Instead, businesses are adapting by using less energy, generating their own power, relocating investment, or in some cases closing altogether.  

22/6/2026

UK to secure critical minerals boosting economic resilience and cutting reliance on imports

Households and businesses are set to benefit from stronger, more secure supply chains as the UK invests £50 million in critical minerals projects.   Government backs critical minerals projects across the UK, strengthening Britain’s economic security by diversifying supply.