Analysis of new data* from Moneyfactscompare.co.uk illustrates how easing mortgage rates may allow for a modest growth in house prices in 2026 without improving or worsening current affordability pressures on first-time buyers and homemovers. *Consumers comparing mortgage deals on moneyfactscompare.co.uk in 2025 and Moneyfacts Average Mortgage Rates.
New legislation has been published that will give councils more choice in how they design and apply a visitor levy to raise funds for local tourist services. While local authorities currently have the power to apply a charge on overnight stays based on a percentage of accommodation costs, the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill proposes giving councils additional powers to set the levy as a fixed amount.
New measures will be introduced to make online public services more secure and resilient, so people can use them with confidence - whether applying for benefits, paying taxes or accessing healthcare. £210 million plan to strengthen cyber resilience across government.
The Original Factory Shop (often called TOFS) has gone into administration as of early January 2026. It, along with the high-street chain Claire's, has entered insolvency proceedings after its owner said last-ditch attempts to save the business failed.
An Amber warning for snow and ice is in force for much of the Highland area today. For the latest weather reports, please visit the Met Office website.
Snow and ice is likely to bring further disruption, particularly across central and northern mainland Scotland on Tuesday. Scotrail passengers from Inverness heading to Thruso and Wick had the longest journey of their lives 2nd January lasting three nights and four days Likeliehood of more snow today.
Police travel advice has been issued following a further Amber weather warning for snow across large parts of north and northeast Scotland. The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning for heavy and persistent snow affecting parts of Highlands and Grampian areas, along with Highland Perthshire and north Angus.
Inflation Is Expected to Ease, But Remains Above Target. Most independent forecasts show that inflation, the main driver of cost of living pressures should fall in 2026 compared with 2025.
UNISON (often jointly with GMB and Unite) has submitted annual national pay claims for local government/public-sector workers, including care workers in councils/schools. 2026-27 National Joint Council (NJC) Pay Claim.
The age of the robotaxi is no longer a distant promise. In the UK, driverless taxis are poised to move from headlines into everyday life—quietly at first, then with growing confidence.
Dspite often gloomy headlines the UK economy was accelerating in 2025, and the engines of growth are clear. Entrepreneurial energy, booming car sales, and the rapid rise of electric vehicles show far from stagnating, Britain's business landscape is thriving, innovation is surging, and consumers are responding — all signalling a strong boost to GDP.
When it comes to health planning, the UK isn't a single story. England's 10 Year Health Plan has made headlines — but is it substance or just spin?.
What a difference a year doesn't make. This time last year the Government had just announced huge tax rises, having previously said they weren't coming; trade wonks were wondering what Donald Trump's next tariff policy would be; and Labour politicians awaited the May elections with trepidation.
Scotland's economy is holding its own. While it doesn’t always grab the headlines like London or the South East.
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill introduces a modernised framework for the employment of children in the UK, replacing older bylaws and statutory provisions with a new statutory regime. Its aim is to safeguard children's health, education and development while allowing them to take on appropriate light work.
The UK's business landscape is booming. Despite the occasional headlines about company failures or administration crises, the numbers tell a far more optimistic story.
Lithuania is entering 2026 with a tax shift that brings its system closer to countries like Ireland and the UK. From January 1, the long-standing flat 15% personal income-tax rate for self-employed people is being abolished for higher earners.
The UK's health system is under unprecedented pressure, and nowhere is this clearer than in dentistry. Across England and Scotland, patients are facing long waits, limited access, and overburdened staff, exposing cracks in planning and delivery that threaten care quality nationwide.
The UK car market hit a major milestone in 2025, with new vehicle registrations topping 2 million for the first time since the pandemic. The surge reflects both growing consumer confidence and a dramatic shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles, but it didn't happen by accident.
The cost of living squeeze in the UK is showing up where it hurts most - in credit card bills. Recent figures reveal that UK households are borrowing on their cards at the fastest annual rate in nearly two years, raising concerns that many families are relying on debt just to make ends meet.