Even if President Trump ends his attacks on Iran today, the residual disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and other ocean and air cargo routes means the cost of imported goods to the UK will climb, warns Parcelhero. The international delivery expert cautions that the cost of global shipping is already increasing.
The Government has launched a consultation asking the public to share their views on how digital ID is used to make public services quicker, easier and more secure to access. Consultation will let the public have their say on how digital ID is used to make public services quicker, easier and more secure to access.
Retail employment fell more sharply in central high streets and shopping centres than in non-central high streets and retail parks between 2015 and 2024. The composition of employment in central high streets between 2015 and 2024 shifted away from retail (a 19% decline) into other sectors, particularly accommodation and food services (an 18% increase).
More than 100 grassroots organisations across Scotland will share £2.2 million to recruit and support volunteers in their communities. Over the next two years, the Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 will benefit small and medium sized third sector organisations from the Highlands to the Borders with grants of up to £20,000 to projects that are making a real difference to people's lives.
In early 2026 the United Kingdom has once again been reminded of the vulnerability of its energy system to global events. A sudden surge in heating oil prices has left many rural households facing sharply rising costs, while policymakers in Westminster debate how best to respond.
More than 70,000 instances of support were provided to families to clear historic school meal debt as a result of nearly £2.9 million investment, a new report shows. The School Meal Debt Fund, launched in May 2024, was distributed to the 30 councils that applied for assistance to clear debt accrued by families up to 31 March 2024.
Mortgage rates are rising today, and many fixed‑rate deals are being withdrawn at speed across the UK. Lenders have pulled nearly 500 mortgage products in the past 48 hours, and average fixed rates have now surged above 5%, marking the sharpest disruption since the 2022 mini‑budget.
In February 2026, 41% of businesses with 10 or more employees reported that their staffing costs (including wages, bonuses, national insurance (NI), and pension contributions) had increased over the last three months; this is up 6 percentage points compared with November 2025, and up 5 percentage points compared with February 2025. In February 2026, 55% of businesses with 10 or more employees reported that they expect staffing costs to increase over the next three months; this is up 20 percentage points compared with November 2025, but down 11 percentage points compared with February 2025.
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is launching a UK‑wide training programme to support the development of project professionals across the nuclear sector. The One NDA Project Academy is an expansion of a programme initially launched at Sellafield in 2016.
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, HM Treasury; Dharmesh Nayee, Director of Strategy, Planning and Budget, HM Treasury will attend a meeting. Questions at todays meeting of the Treasury committee will principally be on the budget but questions may be raised on the rise in the cost of home heating oil.
Across the United Kingdom, many households are experiencing rising energy costs, but the impact has been particularly severe for those who rely on heating oil. In rural areas such as Caithness in the far north of Scotland, heating oil remains one of the most common sources of home heating because many homes are not connected to the mains gas network.
Choosing what to study after age 16 can feel like one of the biggest decisions a young person makes. For parents, the landscape of qualifications can seem confusing—especially as England and Scotland use different systems, each with its own pathways, strengths, and terminology.
Diesel is already rising faster than petrol, and sustained $110+ crude would likely push UK diesel toward the mid‑150s per litre. Gas bills are also at risk because UK wholesale gas has surged toward 100p/therm.
Construction on the Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvement Scheme (CFIIS) begins, marking a major step forward in delivering a modern, reliable, and future‑ready ferry service for the Corran Narrows. Funded through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal (IHCRD), the £58m transport/ferry investment marks a pivotal time for one of the busiest single-vessel routes in Scotland.
In recent months, rising global energy prices have begun to influence many parts of the economy, including aviation and international travel. Aircraft fuel, known as Jet A-1, is a refined kerosene-based fuel used by most commercial airliners.
UK bond markets are selling off sharply today, with 10‑year gilt yields jumping to around 4.56%, the biggest rise in Europe. This surge is being driven by the Middle East war and soaring oil and gas prices and it is already pushing up inflation expectations and making Bank of England rate cuts far less likely.
The Rt Hon John Healey MP to UK parliament on 9 March 2026. With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish to make a statement to update the House on the Middle East.
Higher oil and gas prices, rising gilt yields, and delayed interest‑rate cuts are creating a much tougher environment for people thinking about buying pubs, restaurants, or hotels in the UK especially in rural areas like Caithness. This doesn't mean deals stop happening.
High streets across the UK are under pressure, but in Caithness the story is more complex — and, in some ways, more hopeful. Wick and Thurso face the same structural challenges seen nationwide: rising costs, shifting shopping habits, and the long shadow of online retail.
Update 10 March The recent G7 meeting did not reach an agreement to release oil reserve stocks. The finance ministers discussed the option amid surging prices linked to the Iran conflict, but multiple reports confirm they stopped short of approving any coordinated release.
