There is a VAT change taking effect today, 1 September, but it is not the sort of tax cut most people might imagine when they hear that certain goods are being moved to a zero VAT treatment. HM Revenue & Customs has issued an update to the UK Trade Tariff which changes the VAT coverage attached to a number of commodity codes.
The timing may be coincidence, but the message from Canada is becoming increasingly difficult to miss: relying too heavily on the United States is becoming a dangerous economic strategy. Today, 1 September 2026, marks an important step in Britain's post-Brexit trading relationship with Canada.
For anyone who has been hoping that the worst of Britain's food-price problems are behind us, the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium provide an uncomfortable warning. Food prices in Britain's shops rose by 2.8% over the year to August, up from 2.2% in July.
The provisional combined number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving a change in majority share ownership was 353 in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2026, compared with 407 in Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2026. The number of combined monthly M&A saw a notable fall between April 2026 (139) and May 2026 (102), before increasing slightly to 112 in June 2026.
Britain Is Still a European Investment Favourite – But the Warning Signs Are Growing Britain may not feel like an obvious destination for international investment at the moment. Economic growth has been weak, energy costs remain high, businesses continue to complain about regulation and taxation, and political uncertainty has hardly disappeared.
There is something faintly Alice in Wonderland about the way Scotland is tackling its housing shortage. We don't have enough houses.
Households struggling with food costs could benefit from price controls on essential items under proposals published for consultation. Fulfilling one of the commitments made for the Scottish Government’s first 100 days, views are being sought on the proposals and accompanying draft Bill.
Scottish business groups are overwhelmingly united against the Scottish Government’s proposed statutory food price cap, branding the plan an "appallingly terrible idea" and a "gimmick" that will fail to lower shopping bills. A coalition of 23 prominent industry organisations representing Scottish retail, farming, baking, dairy, manufacturing, and logistics—formally joint-petitioned First Minister John Swinney to scrap the scheme.
£100 million fund competition will help promising British AI start-ups start in the UK and tackle some of society's biggest challenges. British AI startups backed to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges, from cutting NHS lists and improving patient care, to strengthening cyber and national security.
Britain’s charity shops are under pressure. Oxfam is reportedly considering closing up to 100 High Street stores, after other major charities have closed theirs.
Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results. Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).
Twelve years ago, Scotland went to the polls and answered a very simple question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” The answer was No. By 55.3% to 44.7%, Scottish voters rejected independence, with a remarkable 84.6% turnout.
There was something almost nostalgic about the Ministry of Defence announcement this week that British troops are to trial a new powered paraglider which could give them an innovative way to strike from the sky. The machine, called Blakcro, can apparently be carried in a large rucksack, assembled in less than eight minutes and operated without a runway or conventional aircraft.
There are weeks when local news seems to consist of a collection of unrelated announcements. A school report here, a council decision there, perhaps a sporting success or a community project.
The oil price qickly reacted to the latest attacks by both sidesin the conflict over the straitof Hormuz. US Central Command (Centcom) said it had taken "limited, precise action" against "minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz".
Local authorities will share £15 million to expand and enhance breakfast club provision from today, First Minister John Swinney has announced. The funding will help councils deliver free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils across Scotland from August 2027, giving children a healthy start to the school day and helping reduce costs for families.
With the harvesting period underway there is a danger that we think of a heatwave as something which affects us when we go outside. We complain about the temperature, struggle to sleep, perhaps enjoy a few days of sunshine and then hope that normal Scottish weather returns.
There is a rather good business lesson developing on the golf course. LIV Golf was created with billions of dollars behind it, attracted some of the world's biggest golfing names by offering enormous contracts and prize money, challenged the established PGA Tour and succeeded in changing the economics of professional golf.
Children with additional support needs will be supported wherever they are in Scotland through a new National Staged Intervention Model for additional support for learning that is being developed. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan made the commitment as she set out plans to provide a nationwide approach to identifying, planning, delivering and reviewing support for children and young people who experience barriers to learning in all council areas to ensure they receive the right support at the right time.
More healthcare will be delivered at home and in the heart of communities with hospitals focusing on emergency, life-threatening and specialist care, under plans published by the Scottish Government today. The Health and Care Improving Flow Plan promises to make it easier and quicker for people to access the care they need to live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives.