Production output for Quarter 4 (October to December) 2024 was estimated to have decreased by 0.8% compared with Quarter 3 (July to September) 2024; this is the fifth consecutive quarterly decline in production output. In Quarter 4 2024, "manufacturing" (down 0.7%) was the main contributor to the fall, supported by smaller negative contributions from "mining and quarrying" (down 2.5%), and "electricity and gas" (down 0.7%); this was partially offset by an increase in “water supply and sewerage” (1.2%).
The value of goods imports decreased by £1.2 billion (2.6%) in December 2024, because of a fall in both EU and non-EU imports. The value of goods exports remained stable in December 2024, with a rise in exports to non-EU countries offset by a fall in exports to the EU.
There has been a surge in speculation in new digital assets, share prices and even gambling. What is going on? Are we at risk of repeating mistakes of Credit Crunch of 2008..
In this video, we're going to look at what’s known as "public sector net worth", explain why it’s perhaps the best measure of a country’s fiscal health; and why the UK fares particularly badly under this metric..
The next round of changes for shipments to Northern Ireland take effect on 31 March after being delayed from last summer. The new regulations are part of the Windsor Framework and they will significantly impact B2B parcels, warns a leading shipping expert.
When markets realise Trump is serious about tariffs, and that the US is now an isolationist state seeking to cut itself off from the rest of the world, they're going to react, and we'll get a crash. .
Scotland's innovation, skills and natural resources are to be showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan later this year. Three one day events at the global exhibition will highlight the country's strengths in creative industries, life sciences and the offshore wind sector.
The public will be invited to submit their views on how to make the Council Tax system fairer, as part of wider efforts to explore options and build a consensus for potential reform. As part of a joint programme of engagement by the Scottish Government and COSLA, independent analysis will also be commissioned to examine the Council Tax system accounting for market changes, reforms, and improvements.
The Spanish government is considering measures to restrict non-EU citizens, including UK citizens, from buying homes in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has proposed a plan to ban non-EU foreigners who are not residents from purchasing properties in the country.
Orkney's farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production. First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.
Despite the publication of a Tax Strategy alongside the Scottish Budget, it is not yet clear what the Scottish Government's vision for tax policy is. Scotland's Budget for 2025-26, published in December, announced an immediate increase in the surcharge in land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) on the purchase of second and rental homes, from 6% to 8%.
£350 million invested to increase number of affordable and social homes, support homeownership and ease council housing pressures. Thousands more people will be able to benefit from the security and safety of a high-quality home thanks to a £350 million injection to get Britain building, alongside plans to drive up standards and tackle rogue landlords in supported housing.
A total of £580 million was stolen through phishing scams in just the first half of 2023. Keep reading to learn how to avoid falling prey to them.
Thousands of new jobs are set to be created as bidding opens for AI Growth Zones. UK government ramps up its Plan for Change as new AI Growth Zone bidding opens.
The Government has welcomed a multibillion-pound investment programme from Heathrow Airport which will help secure UK steel jobs. Heathrow Airport announces new multibillion-pound investment programme to expand airport, including new terminal buildings, aircraft stands, passenger infrastructure and work towards its third runway.
Local authorities will provide high-quality and easily accessible active travel schemes across England. 300 miles of brand new footpaths and cycle tracks will help encourage 30 million more journeys by bike or foot every year.
Land acquisition by public bodies has a stronger role to play to address Scotland's rural housing crisis, according to a new report issued by the Scottish Land Commission. The report, published on 11 February 2025, outlines key actions needed to ensure a steady supply of land for much-needed rural housing, using publicly owned land to drive development.
New scheme comes as part of the government's drive to help people back into work and kickstart economic growth under its Plan for Change. New ‘Jobcentre on wheels' service launched to drive up employment across Great Britain.
Ambitious plans to create a major new renewables hub in Orkney have been accelerated with a £5m grant to help take the project to the next stage. The funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will further the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow - the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.
Many personal tax thresholds have been frozen in cash terms since April 2021, whereas previously most were due to rise in line with CPI inflation. The resulting ‘fiscal drag' is set to raise significant sums as the average effective tax rate (total tax paid as a share of total income) rises more quickly over time.
