The front pages of today's newspapers show that Liz Truss is not out of the woods on finance and the economy. A battle over benefits is looming with MP's.
The number of planned operations carried out in August was the largest monthly total since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Public Health Scotland statistics published today. In total 21,218 operations were performed, at an average of 684 every day - an increase of 19% on the previous month.
VAT-registered businesses must use Making Tax Digital compatible software for their VAT returns from 1 November 2022. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding businesses that from Tuesday 1 November 2022, they will no longer be able to use their existing Value Added Tax (VAT) online account to submit VAT returns.
Over 8 million households are set to receive an additional £324 as part of the government's Cost of Living support package. The £324 Cost of Living Payment, which follows on from a £326 payment made from July, is part of £1,200 support package for millions this year.
There were 20,767 all-sector new build homes completed in Scotland in the year to end March 2022, according to quarterly statistics on housebuilding and affordable housing supply published today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. This is an increase of 40% (5,900 homes) on the 14,867 completions in the previous year, in which activity levels were impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown measures.
Potential civil penalty to rise from £250,000 to up to £250 million to help bring quicker enforcement action against water companies for causing pollution. The Environment Secretary has (3 October) announced that he will bring forward proposals to raise the civil penalty for water companies who pollute the environment by 1,000-fold - from £250,000 to up to £250 million.
Locating a green freeport in the Highlands and Islands is likely to have greater impact for Scotland and the UK than any other location. This is according to HIE's chief executive.
Richard Murphy's blog today. There has been much discussion in the financial media over the weekend about the supposedly perilous state of Credit Suisse and the not much better state of Deutsche Bank.
The UK's energy regulator Ofgem has warned the country faces a "significant risk" of gas shortages ahead of the winter months. In a letter obtained by The Times, Ofgem warned there was a chance of "gas supply emergency" due to Russia's war on Ukraine.
This little ditty says so much..
National Care Service Forum will let the real experts help shape reforms. More than 500 people with a passion for community health and social care will have the chance to make history at the first ever annual National Care Service Forum in Perth.
You can't help but laugh. The government has U-turned on plans to scrap the 45p rate of income tax for higher earners.
From 1st October, the Government's Energy Price Guarantee will limit the price households pay per unit of gas and electricity they use. The Energy Price Guarantee reduces household energy bills over the next two years, with a typical family paying around £2,500, saving £1,000 per year Businesses, charities and public sector organisations will pay less than half the expected prices this winter under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme from October.
A report in the Guardian talks about Liz Truss advising King Charles not to go to Cop 27 in Egypt next month. Prime minister reportedly raised objections to him going during personal audience at Buckingham Palace King Charles III has reportedly abandoned plans to attend and deliver a speech at the Cop27 climate change summit on the advice of Liz Truss.
Some days, a good coffee can see you through, especially when it comes to work. In the UK, 95 million cups of coffee are consumed every single day, so many will certainly appreciate the chance to take a little time out from work and enjoy the hot beverage.
Started streaming live from the Space Station on 30 September 2022. Video of Earth from space as seen from the Space Station.
As of 30 September 2022 the Department for Work and Pensions has processed almost six million £150 Disability Cost of Living payments worth around £900 million. This follows the government's announcement on 20 September that those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May will receive the £150 automatically, with the vast majority to be paid by early October.
In a historic vote, Labour Party Conference has voted for a manifesto commitment to proportional representation for general elections. This is a massive moment for democracy in the UK.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney and his counterparts from other devolved governments are seeking an urgent meeting with Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng to discuss immediate actions needed to reverse the damaging effects of the UK Government's tax proposals. Mr Swinney and the Finance Ministers from Wales and Northern Ireland are highlighting the profound impact of "the largest set of unfunded tax cuts for the rich in over 50 years" warning that it is "a huge gamble on public finances and the health of our economy".
Richard Murphy in his blog today said, "I heard Liz Truss say to Laura Kuenssberg that she wanted a simpler UK tax system this morning. (The programme was on BBC One at 8.30am today Sunday 2 October 2022).
