Oil prices are rising in response to President Trump's announcement of a "massive armada" heading toward Iran. Brent crude is up nearly 3% and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has climbed over 2.8%, driven by fears of supply disruption in the Middle East.
People smuggling gangs will be dealt a further blow with the Prime Minister expected to launch a border security agreement with China to tackle the flow of Chinese made small boat parts. Prime Minister expected to strike new border security pact on first China visit in eight years to disrupt supply of small boat engines.
Since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, the way public money is distributed to local councils and community groups has undergone significant change. What was once largely the responsibility of local authorities has increasingly become the domain of the Scottish Government, which now awards grants directly to organisations and ring‑fences funding for national priorities.
Highland Council has one of the higher levels of debt among Scottish local authorities, especially when looked at per person. It is not necessarily the absolute highest in total debt compared with councils that have much larger populations like Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Providing free, accessible and inclusive access to sporting opportunities for Scotland's children and young people is at the heart of targeted funding designed to capitalise on a "spectacular summer of sport". In June Scotland men's national football team will compete at the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years before the city of Glasgow hosts the 2026 Commonwealth Games, from 23 July to 2 August.
Solicitors who provide legal aid will receive a 13% increase in fees from September this year. The fees hike - set out in regulations in Parliament for approval – is part of a wider package of support including also funding for up to 40 Legal Aid Traineeship places and digital support to help firms purchase devices to assist trainees in their work and court appearances.
At the Housing & Property Committee (Wednesday 28 January 2026), Members approved the introduction of a new framework to guide decisions on the future of its assets, supporting a more efficient, sustainable and future-ready approach to service delivery. The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) will help streamline the estate, embed new ways of working, and contribute to significant savings set out in the Council's Delivery Plan.
On January 29, 2026, gold crossed the $5,000 per ounce threshold for the first time in history, trading at $5,104. This moment is more than symbolic—it represents a profound shift in investor psychology and global economic trends.
£1.55bn-worth of unwanted items headed back to sellers post-Christmas, with returns costing retailers £60bn a year. Every return generates up to 4.2kg of CO2 and UK fashion returns alone generate 1.1m tonnes of CO2 annually.
Whilst councils have made significant savings, the cost of delivering services is rising faster than available funding. This risks the financial sustainability of councils over the next three to five years.
The Fed holds interest rates to 3.50-3.75%. Isaac Stell, Investment Manager at Wealth Club said, ""As widely expected, the Federal Reserve has held interest rates at 3.50-3.75%, putting the brakes on its easing cycle following three consecutive cuts that rounded out 2025.
The latest findings from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) on poverty in the UK ( 27 January 2026) — based on the UK Poverty 2026 report released today. JRF's recommendations are about more than small tweaks — they emphasise a holistic and sustained strategy that combines increases in income, reductions in living costs, better labour market support, stronger social safety nets, and active roles for both government and community actors.
In 2026 the higher education sector in the UK faces the real prospect of a university going into administration. Constantinos Alexiou and George Saridakis from The London School of Economics lay out how UK universities have fallen into these dire straits and suggest what may become of the sector following the crisis.
Much of the public debate about the financial crisis in education has focused on universities. Yet quietly, and in some cases more severely, Scotland's colleges and further education colleges across the UK are sliding into a funding crisis that now threatens their basic viability.
The UK government has unveiled a new social and affordable housing package today. New funding and financial flexibilities for councils and other providers to accelerate social and affordable housebuilding.
Working people and UK businesses will benefit from a more strategic and consistent UK relationship with China, the Prime Minister will pledge as he arrives in Beijing today. Prime Minister to travel to Beijing and Shanghai accompanied by nearly 60 British businesses and cultural organisations.
Clearer pricing will help pet owners compare costs and shop around, saving families money. Millions of pet owners and vet professionals across the country will benefit from major reforms to the veterinary sector - the first overhaul in sixty years.
In a world where customers have endless choices and employees are seeking more than just a payslip, businesses face a critical question. How do you create an environment that delivers exceptional results for customers while keeping employees motivated and engaged?.
Streamlined agriculture rules to cut duplication and make it easier for farmers to drive down water pollution. New, clearer rules proposed today (Tuesday 27 January) will help to improve water quality, reduce pollution in our rivers and give farmers the confidence to grow food sustainably.
Taking the HS2 railway into central London is crucial to unlocking its full potential to create more jobs, more homes and to boost the British economy. the first of 2 HS2 tunnel boring machines begins its journey from Old Oak Common to Euston station.