Recent figures suggest the UK government is struggling to move people off benefits and back into employment, with the number of welfare claimants securing work falling to its lowest level in around seven years. This trend has prompted political debate and renewed scrutiny of welfare-to-work policies, but the underlying causes are more complex than a simple failure of incentives or effort.
For centuries, the City of London has been one of the world's most influential financial centres, acting as a bridge between global capital markets. In the years since Brexit.
Few economic policies provoke as much debate as the minimum wage. Supporters argue that it protects workers from exploitation and raises living standards, while critics warn that forcing employers to pay higher wages will inevitably lead to job losses.
Current Spot Gold Price (per ounce, in USD). As of today (Jan 31, 2026) the spot price of gold is about $4,865.35 per troy ounce - this is down from recent record highs.
David Phillips, Associate Director, head of Devolved and Local Government Finance at the Institute for Fiscal Studies looks at Reform UK plans for tax rates in Scotland. Reform UK have announced plans for cuts to income tax in Scotland if they were to win the Scottish Parliament elections in May.
Women affected by changes to the state pension age have reacted with anger after ministers again rejected their claim for compensation. The government reconsidered the case after a new document came to light, but has again concluded no compensation should be paid.
DVLA has launched a new campaign featuring a talking clamp to remind drivers to tax their vehicles and underlines the consequences of failing to do so. DVLA has launched a new vehicle tax campaign featuring a talking clamp.
A programme on BBC Radio 4 today caught out ears and for anyone who eats honey regularly or even now and then it is well worth a listen - now on BBC Sounds. The programme was made as part of the series the Food Programme - The Honey Trap.
Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), the world's leading nuclear transport specialist, and nuclear technology company Westinghouse have signed a new strategic agreement to work together on the development of Pegasus - NTS's revolutionary transport package designed to safely move the next generation of nuclear fuel. The signing took place at the British Embassy, in Washington DC, as part of a prestigious event celebrating the UK and US commitment to advancing nuclear energy generation.
Warm Home Discount has been extended so millions of families will receive the £150 energy bill discount for the rest of the decade. Eligible households will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter until 2030/2031.
A police-led taskforce will continue its work to tackle shoplifting and violence against staff after securing funding in the draft budget for 2026-27. The Retail Crime Taskforce was launched in April last year following £3 million investment from the Scottish Government to combat a rise in retail crime.
The Scottish Parliament has passed the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill delivering for both nature and people with ambition at its heart and showing respect for nature, for the land and the people who steward and care for it. For the first time statutory targets will be in place to enhance nature and protect biodiversity in Scotland.
The number of babies being born in Scotland has fallen to a record low. Last year, fewer than 46,000 births were registered - and, increasingly, women are waiting till their thirties to have a child.
A new report highlights the success of Scottish companies which attended the world expo in Japan, generating orders for sectors including offshore wind, gaming, health technology and consumer products. Business delegations to Scotland Day showcase events at Expo 2025 Osaka have reported £23 million in sales through immediate export orders as well as forecast sales over the next three years.
Scottish entrepreneurs and businesses will gain direct access to investment opportunities and partnerships in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a new agreement to be signed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes in Dubai today. The deal creates opportunities for Scottish business to connect with UAE investors by attending trade events including UAE's Flagship Investopia event in March.
Those who lose someone over the winter months are encouraged to apply for support to help with funeral costs. Funeral Support Payment is delivered by Social Security Scotland and is available to people living in Scotland who receive certain benefits.
Independent review launched to fix substandard military accommodation for around 80,000 single and unaccompanied service personnel. Around 80,000 military personnel living in single and unaccompanied accommodation in the UK and overseas will see their living conditions transformed through a new independent review into single living accommodation provision.
When Highland Council transferred responsibility for leisure, culture and community learning services to High Life Highland (HLH), the move was often presented as a way to protect valued local services from the worst of council budget cuts. By placing libraries, leisure centres, swimming pools and cultural provision into a charitable trust, the council could take advantage of tax reliefs, external funding opportunities and more flexible operating arrangements.
Regional economic disparities have long been a defining feature of the UK economy. Differences in productivity, income, employment opportunities and public investment between regions are among the widest in any advanced economy.
When budgets tighten in Highland Council, cuts tend not to fall evenly. Some services are much more exposed than others because of how local government funding rules work and because of Highland's geography.