Banks agree to pay fines for past exchanges of sensitive information about UK government bonds. CMA and 4 banks agree to settle separate cases related to UK government bonds, known as gilts.
UK continues to step up on European security in move to deepen defence ties with Norway. The UK has kickstarted negotiations today on a major defence agreement with Norway in a move that will bolster security at home and on the European continent and help deter Russian aggression.
This consultation seeks views on how the government can ensure the UK's legal framework for AI and copyright supports the UK creative industries and AI sector together. new proposals seek to bring legal certainty to creative and AI sectors over how copyright protected materials are used in model training, supporting innovation and boosting the growth of both sectors crucial to our Plan for Change.
Monthly receipts and expenditure figures can be volatile, so the year-to-date position provides a better indicator of progress against previous years and the forecast. The public sector spent more than it received in taxes and other income in the financial year (FY) to January 2025.
Retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have risen by 1.7% in January 2025. This follows a fall of 0.6% in December 2024 (revised down from a fall of 0.3% in our last bulletin).
Each January, tax receipts are always higher than in other months, because of receipts from self-assessed taxes; this often leads to a surplus whereby income exceeds expenditure rather than borrowing. Initial estimates show that the public sector was in surplus by £15.4 billion in January 2025; this was a £0.8 billion larger surplus than last year, and the highest January surplus since monthly records began in 1993.
A statement from the Minister for Veterans and People on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO, OBE, MC, said, "Our thoughts remain with Jaysley-Louise Beck's loved ones at this difficult time.
The Highland Council has added additional dates to the series of engagement events so members of the public can take part in the current consultation process on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme for Highland. Additional events are to take place in Portree and Kinlochbervie.
Despite a recent survey showing consumer confidence tumbling to an 11-month low, today's ONS figures show retail spending actually grew by 1.7% in January. Shoppers may say they are worried about the state of the economy, but that didn’t stop them splashing out at the supermarket, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (February 19th) 1,143 Prime Sheep. Old Season Lambs (520) averaged 320.6p per kg and sold to 353.0p per kg and £190 gross.
The issue of abuse against women in the British Army has been a significant concern. Recent reports have highlighted numerous cases of harassment, abuse, and even rape experienced by female soldiers.
ScotRail will introduce changes to some ticket office opening hours from 31 March 2025 to deliver more visible customer support at stations. On 31 October 2024, ScotRail published proposed changes to ticket office opening hours based on an assessment - the first of its kind since 1991 - which showed a dramatic increase in the number of tickets bought on the ScotRail website, app, or at ticket machines, with a significant decrease in customers buying at ticket offices.
Last week in Europe, the United States sent some very strong messages it is prepared to upend the established global order. US Vice President JD Vance warned a stunned Munich Security Conference that Europe has an "enemy within", referring to leaders who ignore their citizens' concerns and values.
ScotRail is making rail travel even more affordable for customers aged 50 and over. The train operator has launched an exclusive £17 Flat Fare offer for Club 50 members, which allows customers to explore Scotland's stunning landscapes and vibrant cities at a fantastic low price.
Several consumers have recently been cold called by a company who say they are working in partnership with charitable organisation the Energy Agency to offer grants for the installation of new windows. The cold caller typically says that the householder could be eligible to receive a 'Government-backed grant' to fit new windows and doors.
CPI inflation rose sharply by 0.5 percentage points to 3 per cent in January 2025, exceeding market expectations of 2.8 per cent and kicking off another year or rising inflation, compounding financial pressures for low and middle-income households. Beneath the headline rate, the increase was driven by a rebound in airfares, broad-based increases in food-price inflation, and one-off planned increases in private school fees (due to the addition of VAT) and the bus fare cap.
The UK labour market is blowing hot and cold, with the strongest year for pay packets in two decades contrasting with an 18-month fall in the employment rate. But of these two trends, the latter is more likely to persist into 2025, the Foundation said in response to the latest ONS labour market statistics.
As a result, public sector workers in Scotland now enjoy a considerable pay premium relative to their counterparts in the rest of the UK. Over the last few years, Scottish Government and councils have agreed pay rises for staff in schools, the NHS and other parts of the devolved public sector that are bigger than those awarded elsewhere in the UK.
In a room far behind the front lines in central Ukraine, a Cuban man wearing Russian military fatigues smiles widely as he taps out a rhythm on a table. But his mood soon turns somber.
The full scale of the crisis caused by President Trump's - now paused - suspension of de minimis exemptions for Chinese packages is now apparent, says the international delivery expert Parcelhero. There was widespread disruption to US Customs, parcel deliveries and e-commerce.
