Starting tomorrow 1 April 2025 the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage in the UK will increase as follows: National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.21 per hour (a 6.7% rise from £11.44). 18-20 Year Old Rate: £10.00 per hour (a 16.3% increase).
Highland Council is implementing several changes to service charges in 2025: Council Rent Charges: An 8% increase has been agreed for council homes to address rising costs and fund housing improvements. The average weekly rent for council homes will rise to £82.84, which is still below the national average.
Young people of the Highlands are being invited to put themselves forward as the recruitment search begins for the unique, representative role of Highlands' next Youth Convener. Created in 2007 by The Highland Council, the 12-month full-time position of Highland Youth Convener continues to be instrumental in championing the causes of young people across the Highlands.
New measures have come into force to give Scotland's tied pub tenants more rights and greater protection. From today (Monday 31 March 2025), the Scottish Pubs Code will enable tied pub tenants to stock a wider range of beers beyond those supplied through the pub-owning business, providing more choice for customers and supporting local breweries.
The UK has mobilised over 40 countries and organisations to launch an unprecedented global fight against ruthless people smuggling gangs. The UK is spearheading the toughest ever international crackdown on organised immigration crime as the Prime Minister and Home Secretary host a landmark summit today (31 March 2025).
The UK's commitment to NATO and ability to respond at pace and at scale strengthened as the British Army successfully returns from Exercise Steadfast Dart. The UK's commitment to NATO and ability to respond at pace and at scale has been strengthened as the British Army successfully returns from Exercise Steadfast Dart - the largest NATO deployment this year, so far.
Patients to benefit from new services thanks to funding deal agreed between the government and Community Pharmacy England (CPE). More services for patients at their local pharmacy and record investment for community pharmacies Full-year funding package is the first to be agreed by the sector since 2023 Deal with Community Pharmacy England signals government's first step towards rebuilding community pharmacy through its Plan for Change Patients will receive more services as community pharmacies receive record investment in the government's first step to rebuilding community pharmacy through its Plan for Change.
Starting 1st April several price increases will take effect across the UK, impacting households and businesses. Here are some key changes: Energy Bills: The energy price cap will rise by 6.4%, increasing the average annual bill to £1,849 for households on standard variable tariffs.
Health Secretary Neil Gray has set out how the Scottish Government plans to improve access to treatment, reduce waiting times and shift the balance of care from hospitals to primary care through the publication of the Operational Improvement Plan. Through the additional £200 million investment contained in the Budget to reduce waiting times and improve flow through hospital, we will create 150,000 extra appointments and procedures using greater use of regional and national working.
Trump appears random, haphazard and out of control. But that's not true.
One of the most difficult questions in politics right now is why Labour will not increase taxes on the wealthy. They could, and they should.
road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty, or VED) is increasing in the UK starting April 1, 2025. Here are the key changes: Electric Vehicles (EVs): EVs will no longer be exempt from road tax.
Ahead of the third anniversary of ScotRail's return to public ownership, a new report by Steer - a transport and infrastructure consultancy - has revealed ScotRail’s £4billion contribution to Scotland’s economy. The independent analysis outlines the train operator’s contribution to supporting jobs, driving regional growth, and making Scotland’s society and economy greener.
Extension to ban of burning on deep peat proposed by Government, so that an extra 146,000 hectares are protected. Peatlands store carbon, improve water quality, provide valuable habitat for wildlife, and help protect communities from flooding.
Disability Living Allowance for adults is being replaced by a new Scottish benefit. Work has begun to move the benefit awards of over 66,000 people to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has granted Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) £139,500 towards the purchase of ClipFitter devices, clips and cradles. Developed by Brian Eadie of Eadie Bros & Co Ltd, the devices offer a more animal and environmentally friendly method of castration and tail docking.
Network Rail is set to carry out an £11.5 million project to significantly improve the Far North Line this June. The work will increase reliability of rail services for passengers by refurbishing a 5-mile stretch of track between Brora and Helmsdale and replacing almost 9 miles of track between Invergordon and Fearn.
In the latest move to restore order to the asylum and immigration system, the government will introduce tough new laws to clamp down on illegal working. Companies hiring people in the gig economy will now be legally required to carry out checks confirming that anyone working in their name is eligible to work in the UK, bringing them in line with other employers.
UK Government announces a package of up to £10 million support to help the people of Myanmar following recent earthquake. £10m of UK support pledged to help deliver humanitarian response to the natural disaster.
Business links, trade, and investment is "at the heart" of Scotland's long-standing relationship with the USA, First Minister John Swinney said ahead of his first stateside visit. The First Minister said he will use his platform at Tartan Day to build on the existing links and strengthen relations between Scottish and US businesses, and focus his efforts on bringing jobs and investment to Scotland.
