President Donald Trump's ongoing trade wars and "stop-go" policy threats and actions are damaging the global economy, and the UK is not an exception. Bank of England interest-rate setters are not oblivious to these threats.
The possibility of an AI-managed world is increasingly tangible. Not well represented in STEM areas, women could get left behind in an AI-driven economy.
A family run agriculture company in Moray has embarked on a major growth project that will increase production and efficiency, improve product quality and create jobs. James Taylor & Son, operating at Kintessack near Forres, has secured up to £161,446 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £403,616.
A speech by Jessica Lennard, CMA Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer. Good morning I'm Jessica Lennard and I’m the Chief Strategy Officer at the UK Competition and Markets Authority.
Hard working families to get safe and secure homes as Chancellor announces £2 billion injection of new grant funding to deliver up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes. Landmark announcement part of Plan for Change to deliver security for working people by growing the economy and building 1.5 million homes.
This inspection examined the Border Force operation to deter and detect clandestine entrants at the juxtaposed controls in northern France (Calais, Coquelles, and Dunkerque). It focuses on how efficiently and effectively staff resources and detection techniques are used and on Border Force's engagement with security contractors, port and transport operators, and the French authorities.
Our maritime decarbonisation strategy will help us build a cleaner, more resilient maritime nation. vessels will soon use future fuels and plug into shipping ‘chargeports' as part of UK's new goals for shipping operators to reach net zero by 2050, part of the government’s Plan for Change to make the UK a clean energy superpower.
An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. There was a 9% decrease in all sector housebuilding starts and a 7% decrease in completions between 2023 and 2024 (year ending December) In the 12 months ending December 2024, there were 19,797 homes built and 15,050 new builds started.
Energy transition and digital transformation present enormous opportunities. Energy transition and digital transformation present enormous economic growth opportunities, if leveraged properly - including the use of public assets.
When governments set targets, policy makers need to draw on modelling tools to ensure they are putting in place the right policy interventions at the scale required to meet the challenge at hand. In 2017, the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act set statutory interim targets for child poverty, due in 2023/24, final targets due in 2030/31.
Building safety strengthened following Grenfell Tower tragedy. People with concerns about unsafe cladding in their properties can apply to a £10 million fund to have their building assessed.
The Scottish Government has called on UK Government ministers to urgently deliver a targeted energy bill discount to protect customers in greatest need and drive down high fuel poverty rates. The final report of the Social Tariff Working Group - comprising energy suppliers, consumer and fuel poverty groups and disabled people's organisations – published today, recommends targeted energy bill support to address the issue of unaffordable bills, plus a move beyond determining eligibility based on receipt of benefits.
Highland Councillors will be asked to consider a new approach on the future of the Highland Investment Plan (HIP). Approval is being sought for the allocation of funding for the first phase of proposed projects for 2024/25 to 2029/30 which will help improve local public facilities and sustain local communities and population.
A new benefit for pensioners is now open for applications in 13 more local authority areas across Scotland. Pension Age Disability Payment has been extended to the following areas. Aberdeenshire, Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee City, Falkirk, Fife, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles), Perth and Kinross and Stirling.
Several price increases are expected in April due to government changes and other factors: Energy Bills: The energy price cap is set to rise by 6.4%, adding approximately £111 annually to the average household's energy costs. Water Bills: Water bills are expected to see their largest increase in decades, with an average rise of £123 annually.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to deliver her Spring Statement on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Here's what might be included: Spending Cuts: Reeves has hinted at significant spending cuts, including a reduction of 15% in civil service running costs by 2029-30, which could lead to around 10,000 job losses2.
The Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group (SAITG) has relaunched this month, with the aim of combating counterfeiting and intellectual property crime in Scotland. Supported by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the group brings together law enforcement, government and businesses to strengthen Scotland's fight against this illicit trade.
The FCA has launched a market study into how well the distribution of pure protection insurance products - which support families with financial commitments if someone becomes critically ill or dies – is working for consumers. In 2023, around £4.85bn was paid out in claims on individual policies to support people suffering from bereavement, illness, and injury.
More officers trained and funding provided as clampdown on illegal tobacco and vape trade accelerates. Tighter and tougher protections to protect children and communities from illicit tobacco and vapes have been unveiled today (Sunday 22 March) as the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves closer to creating a smokefree UK.
New training will help deliver 1.5 million homes which will transform communities and drive growth through the Plan for Change. Up to 60,000 more engineers, brickies, sparkies, and chippies to be trained by 2029, as Chancellor outlines how the government will train more workers to tackle skills shortages and inspire the next generation into the construction sector.
