The next decision day for the Bank of England is on Thursday 5th May. Most pundits seem to expect another quarter point increase to 1.0 per cent.
Farmers, crofters and land managers now have access to new guidance on financial support for activity that will improve awareness of their climate performance. The first phase of Track 1 of the National Test Programme (NTP): Preparing for Sustainable Farming, aims to help them to prepare their farms to meet the conditions of future agriculture policy and support.
Regular UKHSA updates on the ongoing investigation into higher than usual rates of liver inflammation (hepatitis) in children across the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), working with Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Agency, are continuing to investigate the cases of sudden onset hepatitis in children aged 10 and under that have been identified since January 2022.
The government has issued Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) to limit dispensing to 3 months' supply for three HRT products to ensure continued access. Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) issued to limit dispensing to 3 months' supply of Oestrogel®, Ovestin® cream and Premique Low Dose® to ensure women across the UK will be able to more reliably access Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) products.
See the stats in the photo..
The Highland Council and their development partners Hub North Scotland (Wick) ltd have agreed that reinstatement works for a section of wall cladding for the games hall at Wick Community Campus will be carried out during the coming summer holiday period. This is to minimise disruption to the building users, in particular pupils at Wick High School, who are currently undergoing national exams until June.
The Highland Council is inviting individuals, community groups and local businesses in Thurso to have their say on determining how the historic centre of the town is managed in the future. Following the success of an event held at the end of March, the Council will be hosting another public drop-in session at the start of May to highlight the draft Thurso Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan and encourage input and feedback from the local community.
New Government figures reveal 15,005 transport and logistics companies failed in the first quarter of 2022 - 75% more than last year. ParcelHero says the end of Covid lockdowns has reduced the need for courier and home delivery services, while many online retailers are also struggling.
The search is on for a new Youth Convener to champion the cause of young people in the Highlands. The Highland Youth Convener is a sounding board for youth issues in the Highlands and has a direct line into policy makers and decision takers.
Postal votes are being opened every day but will not be counted until Friday 6th May along with the votes cast at polling stations. So far Thurso and West Caithness have returned 1947 out of 3049 issued amounting to 63.86% Meanwhile Wick and East Caithness have returned 1791 out of 3111 - 57.57%.
People who have symptoms of Covid-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to ‘stay at home' while they are unwell or have a fever. They will no longer be advised to take a PCR test.
List to close on 31 May. The Highest Risk List - formerly known as the Shielding List - will be formally ended on 31 May, as a result of the success of the vaccination programme and the introduction of new treatments for COVID-19.
Householders across Scotland will be given an extra four weeks to complete their census returns. Over two million households have already completed the census - more than 77% of the total.
New research shows water is warming rapidly. Climate change has already caused a rapid and extensive warming of Scotland's lochs and reservoirs with impacts expected to intensify, research has revealed for the first time.
Tens of thousands of British Sign Language (BSL) users are anticipating a momentous day today as a Bill that will see BSL become a recognised language in Britain is expected to clear its final hurdle on the way to becoming law. The British Sign Language Bill, a Private Member's Bill introduced by Rosie Cooper MP last year and backed by the government, will receive its third reading in the House of Lords today before it passes into law following Royal Assent.
A new £25 million central government taskforce that will enlist an elite team of experts to crack-down on fraudsters who attempt to steal taxpayers' cash will be operational by the summer, the Chancellor will announce today (27 April 2022). The Chancellor has announced that a new fraud squad, recruited from data analytics experts and leading economic crime investigators, will crack down on criminal gangs who rip off the taxpayer.
Changes planned to make sure families get support they are entitled to. Plans have been announced to automatically pay the Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments to parents and carers who already receive Scottish Child Payment when their children become eligible.
Working families on tax credits are being asked to check their details so they do not miss out on this vital government support. About 2.1 million tax credits customers will begin to receive their annual renewal packs this week from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Voters taking part in the forthcoming Highland Council election on Thursday 5 May are reminded that when filling in their ballot papers they should use numbers against the name of candidates and not a cross. The system of voting for local government elections is the Single Transferable Vote (STV).
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April 26th) sold 8 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (2) averaged 246.4p (-2.0p) and sold to 250.0p per kg and £1,494.45 gross.
