April’s CPI dip was a statistical mirage — a brief pause before the next surge. The real economy is already flashing red.
Inheritance tax receipts got off to a slightly slower start in the first month of the 2026/27 tax year, but the figures still underline how rapidly the tax burden on estates continues to grow. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) collected £0.7 billion in inheritance tax in April, £65 million less than during the same month last year.
The Highland Council has installed automatic bollards on Fort William High Street as part of the Fort William Pedestrian Improvement Scheme. The High Street pedestrian zone will commence from Monday 25 May 2026.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is not just another geopolitical shock. It is the beginning of a physical supply crisis that could transform the British economy and everyday life.
One of the most striking features of the Iran war has been the resilience of the global oil market. Despite the disruption of flows through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint, prices have generally hovered around US$100 (£75) per barrel – a lower level than many observers had expected.
The UK is heading for a major cost‑of‑living squeeze later this year, driven by a sharp rise in the July energy price cap and the likelihood of another high cap in October, all on top of surging oil prices. Every credible forecast shows the same pattern: energy costs rise first, then everything else follows.
Britain’s Debate Over Election Security, Voter Suppression and the Shadow of America. One of the more intriguing political questions in modern Britain is why the Labour Party has not moved decisively to repeal the voter identification laws introduced by the previous Conservative government, despite fiercely criticising them while in opposition.
The headlines say “VAT cuts for families”. The reality in Caithness is very different.
FTSE 100 set to gain ground amid gentle optimism about a Middle East peace deal. As expected retail sales volumes fell in April, dropping by 1.3% following a rise of 0.6% in March 2026.
Most people think the next economic crisis will begin when shortages become obvious and prices start soaring. I disagree.
Bill introduced to Parliament this week will unlock growth and investment across the country and boost protections for consumers. Wider access to credit unions for consumers, simplifying regulation and reducing the number of regulators are some of the changes being brought forward.
If you’re over 50 and living in the Highlands, there’s finally some good news on the travel front — and it comes straight down the line. ScotRail’s latest Club 50 rail offer has arrived, and it’s one of the most cheerful bits of transport news we’ve had in a while.
The Highland Council has successfully completed phases one and two of new modular “park-style” homes at the Gypsy/Traveller site at Longman Park, Inverness. Funded primarily through the Scottish Government’s Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund, more than £7 million has been invested to upgrade and future-proof accommodation and site facilities.
Highland Council strengthens Net Zero progress with improved reporting and funding commitments Members of Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee today welcomed progress in delivering the Council’s Net Zero Programme, with new measures to improve carbon reporting, strengthen investment decisions, and secure funding for projects across the Highlands. Taken together, these measures reflect a wider shift towards a more coordinated, programme-led approach to climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience, following the direction agreed by Council in March 2026.
If you want to understand whether the UK grid can cope with the surge in electric vehicles, don’t start in London or Birmingham. Start in Caithness, where the limits of the energy transition are already visible in the cables, substations, and single‑track roads that hold the region together.
Wes Streeting is reportedly arguing that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates should be brought into line with income tax rates as part of his emerging leadership platform. Under the idea, someone paying 40% or 45% income tax could also pay similar rates on gains from shares, property investments, or business sales rather than today’s generally lower CGT rates.
The Scottish housing market is currently defined by a striking contrast between national resilience and extreme regional fragmentation. On a macroeconomic level, Scotland continues to display steady, incremental growth despite broader economic headwinds.
The Highland Council’s performance for homeless households has improved significantly over the past four years, while the national average has continued to rise over the same period. This sustained focus on improvement was acknowledged by the Scottish Housing Regulator at an engagement meeting in early 2026.
Wages and GDP to see boost as UK and Gulf strike historic multi-billion-pound trade deal. Deal could boost the UK economy by an estimated £3.7 billion every year and increase wages by £1.9 billion annually in the long run.
The Government has announced a support package for motorists. Costs lower for millions of drivers as government holds pump prices down, extending the 5p fuel duty cut until the end of year Hauliers get a 12-month road tax holiday saving up to £912 per vehicle, red diesel slashed to its lowest rate in over 20 years until the end of the year Chancellor keeps taxes down for drivers after strong growth at the start of the year, showing government has right economic plan.