The state pension in April will rise by 4.8% in line with average wages. The new flat-rate state pension - for those who reached state pension age after April 2016 - will increase to £241.30 a week, or £12,547.60 a year, a rise of £574.60 The old basic state pension - for those who reached state pension age before April 2016 - will go up to £184.90 a week, or £9,614.80 a year, a rise of £439.40 In general, you need 35 years of qualifying contributions to get a full state pension.
The temporary 5 pence-per-litre cut in fuel duty (originally introduced in 2022) has been extended until August 2026. After August 2026, the reduction will be reversed gradually — the duty will return to its pre-cut level over a series of phased increases throughout 2026-27.
The freeze on income-tax thresholds is projected to mean about 780,000 more people will be paying income tax (i.e. newly become taxpayers) by 2029/30 compared with what would have happened had thresholds increased with inflation.
A boost to Scotland's block grant ("Barnett consequential"). According to media reporting, the UK Government has allocated £820 million to Scotland via the standard block-grant mechanism (under the Barnett formula) as a result of increased UK spending announced in the Budget.
This Budget takes the fair choices needed to deliver on the country's key priorities and takes decisive action to cut the cost of living, bring down inflation and deliver economic stability. This Budget takes levies off energy bills to save families £150 on average next year, and up to £300 for some poorer households.
The government says its measures will reduce average household energy bills by about £150 in 2026-27. Some households — particularly lower-income or vulnerable ones — can see savings up to £300 per year, depending on use and eligibility for support.
Today's UK Budget (26 November 2025) announced new investment strategies focused on green energy, infrastructure modernisation, and innovation funding, alongside measures to attract private capital into housing, transport, and regional development. Green & Energy Investment National Clean Energy Fund £10 billion allocated over five years to accelerate offshore wind, hydrogen, and battery storage projects.
The government will introduce a new "pay-per-mile" tax for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from April 2028. The proposed rate is 3 pence per mile for fully electric vehicles, and 1.5 pence per mile for plug-in hybrids.
New outpatient waits over 52 weeks reduce for fifth month in a row. New figures show long waits have fallen for the fifth month in a row with significant progress reported by health boards across a number of specialties.
Lower energy bills on average (some relief for households). The Budget includes measures to reduce household energy bills by around £150 on average in 2026-27 by removing certain levies from energy bills (previously passed on via suppliers).
A single online point of contact for global investors looking to participate in Scotland's biggest projects has launched. InvestScotland showcases large-scale investment opportunities in renewable energy and housing, including Kishorn Port, one of Scotland’s most strategically important deep-water facilities, and Coire Glas, a pumped storage hydro investment planned for the Great Glen.
UK debt is stabilising around 93-94% of GDP, but only just. Borrowing is falling, yet debt interest costs (~£110bn a year) are eating into fiscal space.
The North Planning Committee of Highland council will consider a major application of a huge battery storage system at Spitall in Caithness today 26 November 2025. The application (Ref.
A third of private sector employees and a tenth of public sector workers use a salary sacrifice scheme for their pension savings. These workers give up a portion of their salary in return for their employer paying the equivalent amount into their pension.
Valued at £38 billion in 2023, Scotland's international exports are estimated to have fallen by 4 per cent in real terms since 2018, a comparison chosen for stability prior to economic impacts like pandemic lockdowns, EU withdrawal and the invasion of Ukraine. Export statistics published on 25 November 2025 by the Scottish Government adjust for years of high inflation which can mask changes in export performance.
From April 2027, there will be a two percentage point increase to the basic, higher and additional rates of savings income tax, increasing them to 22%, 42% and 47% respectively. Most people do not save enough to fall into paying income tax on their savings, but it does make the system more complicated.
Scotland's Chief Statistician has released Recorded Crime in Scotland, year ending September 2025. In the year ending September 2025: The police in Scotland recorded 305,925 crimes.
Social Security Scotland's Scottish Child Payment is supporting 322,230 children across the country, newly published figures show. Launched in February 2021, the Scotland-only benefit gives families with low incomes crucial financial support to help with the cost of raising children.
Cyber & Specialist Operations Command's (CSOC) Integrated Warfare Centre (IWC) and Dstl have underscored Britain's leading role in modern defence analytical wargaming. This year's Concept Development plus Wargaming Initiative for NATO Conference (CD & WIN 2025) helped to share fresh insights from concept development and wargaming, strengthen collaborative networks across NATO, and bring partners together to explore common challenges, exchange best practice, and advance collective understanding.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has welcomed the publication of the independent review of Creative Scotland. The review determined that while the organisation's remit remains relevant, improvements in delivery and leadership are needed to support the breadth of the culture and creative sector’s needs.