Higher interest rates and a weaker economic outlook could force the Chancellor to choose between fresh policy-tightening measures on 26th March, or breaking the fiscal rules she set only last October, despite markets recovering after their January jitters, according to new research published on Thursday 30 January 2025 by the Resolution Foundation. The Foundation's latest Macroeconomic Policy Outlook examines what has been driving market volatility and bad economic news since the Budget, and what it means for both households and the public finances.
Powerful new legislation will give law enforcement tougher tools to pursue people smugglers and disrupt their ability to carry out small boat crossings. New counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs will be introduced as part of landmark legislation to protect our borders.
Brics has emerged as a significant international force since 2009 when it was established at a summit in Russia. What began as a five-member group encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is now expanding with the integration of five new members and eight new partner countries.
Commenting on proposed changes to the postal service announced by Ofcom on 30 January 2025, a Post Office spokesperson said: "We acknowledge that the change in business and consumer behaviour with less letters being sent, is driving the need for reform of the Universal Postal Service. However, the changes proposed in Ofcom's consultation significantly reduce Royal Mail's performance obligations for first and second class letters and do not address the issue of affordability for consumers and small businesses for the six-days a week first class service.
In the global AI race, battle lines are being drawn and the stakes couldn't be higher. Technology executives now have a direct line to government leaders and are writing policy and influencing key decisions around AI development that will shape the future of global politics, diplomacy, security and competition.
After six months of talking down the economy and warning of tough times ahead, the UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has changed her tune. She is now much more optimistic about Britain's economic prospects and has announced a raft of measures including major pension reforms designed to unlock cash to boost growth and productivity.
The UK chancellor Rachel Reeves says the Labour government will go "further and faster" to kick-start the British economy. Economic growth - to raise living standards and fund public services - is apparently a core mission of this government.
If your property was damaged in recent stormy weather, don't trust cold callers who offer to repair the damage on the spot or online adverts offering special deals and advertising 5-star reviews. You can find local businesses and traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards on the Approved Trader portal at approvedtrader.scot.
A package of support to help the alcohol sector to grow will tomorrow (1 February) take effect. Draught relief increase worth £85m comes into force tomorrow - cutting 1p duty off draft pints, Increase to small producer relief to help small breweries innovate will support economic growth, Follows announcement of future consultation to improve access to guest beers to support sector growth mission.
The Highland Council has appointed Ruth Fry as Chief Officer - Human Resources and Communications and Paul Reid as Chief Officer – Facilities and Fleet Management. The appointment of Ruth Fry completes the new senior management structure of the Council's Corporate service cluster under the leadership of Allan Gunn, Assistant Chief Executive – Corporate.
Lower-income households in the UK are significantly poorer than their counterparts in countries like France and Germany. What's more, the gap in living standards gets wider still when you factor in the particularly high price of goods and services faced by these households, write Simon Pittaway and Zaynah Janan.
Recent indicators in USA suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid.
The Chancellor added plenty of concrete to the Government's nascent economic strategy, setting out plans to build new railway lines, road tunnels and runways. But she’ll face tougher decisions ahead in her quest for growth, particularly on new trade agreements with India and an updated relationship with the EU, the Resolution Foundation said on Wednesday 29 January 2025.
Retail violence and abuse increased over 50% to more than 2,000 incidents a day. Losses from customer theft reached a record £2.2 billion in 2023/24.
Analysis published today by the Office of the Chief Economic Advisor has estimated Brexit trade barriers could impact Scotland's economy by £4 billion. This estimated economic cost is from the reduction in trade alone - not counting changes to productivity, investment or migration.
Rachel Reeves thinks people want deregulation, growth and big infrastructure from government, She's wrong. They want government that works, better jobs and lower interest rates.
The DeepSeek AI model challenges US capitalism at its very core - suggesting its whole model of creating value for a few by extracting maximum revenues from people as a result of the abuse of monopoly power might have to end. DeepSeek is a Chinese AI company, and it is shattering the model of American capitalism, even as I speak.
New measures will unlock up to £30 billion investment in homegrown clean power as permissions for new offshore wind projects are streamlined. Up to thirteen major offshore wind projects have been unlocked as the Government announced measures to accelerate the construction of offshore infrastructure.
Annual Population Survey (APS) estimates have been affected by increased volatility, resulting from smaller sample sizes, meaning that estimates of change should be treated with additional caution; APS estimates have also not yet been reweighted to more recent population estimates, so estimates of levels should be treated with additional caution, while estimates of percentages remain more robust. Of the UK household population aged 16 years and over, 93.6% identified as heterosexual or straight in 2023; this is down from 94.6% in 2018.
Universal service urgently needs reform to reflect what people need and protect its future. Proposals include Second Class letters delivered on alternate weekdays, not on Saturdays.
