The recent Scottish Budget has prompted debate over whether its capital spending plans will support economic growth or, conversely, risk acting as a drag on the Scottish economy. Capital spending is investment in infrastructure such as transport, housing, public buildings and energy systems and is traditionally viewed as growth-enhancing.
There are several real, strategic, and political reasons why the Labour government has been issuing a high volume of consultations instead of immediately implementing policies. Complexity of Modern Policy Problems Many of today's policy areas — AI regulation, digital identity, data privacy, employment law, cost of living strategies, climate adaptation schemes.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) welcomes some of the headline measures in Scotland's 2026‑27 pre‑election budget such as support for families with children, business rates relief, and above‑inflation increases in some income tax thresholds. But warns that the broader fiscal picture remains weak and, in many areas, less favourable than the government's own rhetoric suggests.
Since its decisive victory in the July 2024 general election, the UK Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer has presided over an unusually high number of policy reversals commonly known as U‑turns. These reversals have spanned tax, welfare, regulation and digital policy, prompting debate over whether Labour is being distracted by political pressure, misreading public mood, or responding pragmatically to practical constraints.
The Scottish Government's latest Budget has been presented as delivering tax relief for low and middle earners. Ministers have highlighted increases in income tax thresholds as evidence that households will be better off.
While the Scottish Budget 2026‑27 was widely covered for its headline spending and tax measures, several important areas were omitted or inadequately addressed. These omissions matter because they could shape Scotland's economic performance, public services and fiscal sustainability in the years ahead beyond the immediate budget cycle.
Fiscal drag occurs when tax thresholds (the income levels at which different tax rates apply) stay frozen while wages rise in nominal terms. As people's pay increases with inflation or wage growth, more of their income becomes subject to tax or taxed at higher rates without any change in tax rates themselves.
The MHRA is now setting out the next phase of reforms for 2026, aimed at helping patients access new cutting-edge treatments more quickly and boosting the UK's competitiveness for global clinical research. The UK is ramping up efforts to become a global first choice for clinical trials, as new figures published today (13 January 2026), show a sharp rise in activity in 2025.
Donald Trump's recent actions toward Iran mark a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, reviving a confrontational approach that defined much of his earlier presidency. Through a combination of economic pressure, military threats and limited diplomatic signalling, the Trump administration has sought to force Iran into strategic concessions while warning that failure to comply could lead to direct conflict.
Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting. The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.
A Shetland-based design and signage company has entered an exciting new chapter moving to larger, greener premises with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Established in 1992, Artmachine began as a vinyl graphics and design studio and soon expanded into signage services across Shetland and Orkney.
A record total of 39 MSPs have announced they will not seek re-election at the next Scottish Parliament election in May 2026. The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) and various news outlets have published lists of those stepping down, including former First Ministers, current and former cabinet secretaries, and party leaders.
In recent weeks, global oil prices have exhibited an upward trend after a period of relative weakness through much of 2025. This move reflects a combination of geopolitical risks, demand signals, and market psychology as traders reassess risk and supply dynamics.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (January 13th) sold 497 store cattle and 84 OTM cattle. Bullocks (329) averaged 452.3p per kg and sold to 527.1p per kg for a pen of 387kg Charolias crosses from Raitcastle Farm, Nairn and £2,460 gross for a 610kg Charolais cross from The Cloy, Fortrose.
From feudal Scotland's stone fortresses to today’s glass‑walled penthouses, property has always been a marker of privilege. The new mansion tax proposed in the Scottish budget is not just a fiscal measure—it is a reckoning with centuries of imbalance.
After more than twenty‑five years of negotiation, the European Union-Mercosur trade agreement stands on the brink of finally being concluded. This is a milestone that reflects not only long‑running economic interests but also a changing global trade environment shaped by rising protectionism and geopolitical competition.
In 2025, Scotland saw a marked increase in Home Office immigration enforcement activity, reflecting a wider UK-wide clampdown on illegal working. While immigration is reserved to Westminster, the impact of enforcement policy has been felt directly in Scottish towns and cities, with hundreds of workplace raids carried out across sectors such as hospitality, construction, car washes and personal services.
In the UK, as in many other countries, the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) has been rapid. Incentives, increased choice and some positive PR took the electric car sales to nearly 500,000 vehicles in 2025 - around 24% of the market.
Since May 2024, Fujitsu has secured around £1 million a day in new UK government contract extensions — paid by British taxpayers. Yet despite admitting its role in the Post Office Horizon scandal, Fujitsu still refuses to say how much it will contribute to the £1.8 billion redress bill owed to wrongly convicted sub-postmasters.
Under the Scottish Government's latest budget, the structure of income tax for most people will include: Robison cannot change the level at which people start paying tax, currently £12,571, as that is reserved to Westminster. However, she is now raising the threshold of two of Scotland's other tax bands meaning people will pay the 19% starter rate on more of their money.
