News Archive

2/7/2025

Technology to transform the public sector

Start-ups secure CivTech 10 contracts to drive innovation.   Thirteen companies will start preparing their products and solutions to public sector challenges for market following the conclusion of this year's Scottish Government's CivTech programme.  

1/7/2025

 
The psychology of debt in Squid Game - and what your love or hatred of the show means

"Mister.  Would you like to play a game with me?" These seemingly innocuous words to debt-ridden Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae) by a mysterious recruiter (Gong-Yoo) lead him to an opportunity for financial salvation - at the expense of human lives, including possibly his own.  

1/7/2025

 
Rising energy prices have led to a ‘comfort crunch' as families spend more of their budgets on essentials

Rising energy prices over the last two decades have squeezed incomes for low-and-middle income families and contributed to a ‘comfort crunch' as more of their budgets are spent on household essential.  New Resolution Foundation research published on Monday 30 June 2025 sets out the reasons how life has gotten harder.  

1/7/2025 : Local Authority

Additional bins will help keep popular visitor spots tidy

Visitors will find it easier to dispose of their litter at several popular spots across Highland after the rollout of additional bins.  The rollout has been planned to support the tourism season as part of the Council's ongoing commitment to improve and support sustainable tourism in the area.  

1/7/2025

 
7 INSANELY CUNNING Hotel Scams That Could Ruin Your Vacation

Holidays are here but be careful how you make bookings.   Avoid these hotel travel scams at all costs!.  

1/7/2025

What's up with WhatsApp ads? Beware a consumer backlash, warns Parcelhero

The messaging platform WhatsApp is introducing advertising for the first time.  It could become the perfect ad platform for e-commerce.  

1/7/2025

 
The good, the bad and the messy - Responding to the Pathways to Work Green Paper consultation

This week marks an important moment for this Government's welfare reform plans: as Parliament prepares to vote on major legislation to make cuts to PIP and UC-Health, the consultation on longer-term changes to the benefits system, set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, also closes.   There are some good proposals included in the Green Paper: most notably, the Government plans to introduce a new unemployment insurance scheme.  

1/7/2025

Major immigration reforms delivered to restore order and control

Work to restore control of Britain's borders has seen the first of sweeping reforms to the immigration system introduced by the Home Secretary today 1 July 2025.   New rules to be laid in Parliament see skills and salary thresholds rise, overseas recruitment for care workers end, and more than 100 occupations no longer granted access to the immigration system.  

1/7/2025

Pension benefits for the wealthy are, on average, more than maximum PIP payments a year

There are varying estimates of how much total benefit payments to people who have some form of disability, or who are paid benefits relating to their health, actually cost per annum.  Figures I have seen vary between £66 billion a year and £75 billion a year.  

1/7/2025

 
UK passport warning issued to British travellers

On the eve of the peak summer season, one sad certainty is that some British travellers will be turned away from their holiday flights due to post-Brexit rules on passport validity.   Sometimes airport staff will make a mistake but in the vast majority of cases the passenger will be at fault.  

1/7/2025

USAID Closure and Consequences - Some Reports Suggest 14 Million May Die

The U.S.  Agency for International Development officially ceased to operate as an independent agency on March 28, 2025.  

1/7/2025

Three groups to be proscribed - Palestine Action, Maniacs Murder Cult and Russian Imperial Movement

Palestine Action, Maniacs Murder Cult and Russian Imperial Movement set to be banned following advice from cross-government experts.   Three dangerous, terrorist groups will be banned under plans announced by the Home Secretary today 1 July 2025.  

1/7/2025

 
Why is Labour punishing disabled people but rewarding the wealthy?

Labour is cutting disability benefits to balance Rachel Reeves' budget, while handing billions in tax breaks to the rich.   I explain why this is morally bankrupt, and why Labour’s 70 MPs who backed down have failed the poorest.  

1/7/2025

Jobs boost as UK and Kenya bolster economic and security partnership

The UK and Kenya have agreed new deals to bolster the economic and security partnership between the two countries.   Trade and investment deals agreed during the visit will contribute over £1bn to the UK economy and create UK jobs in engineering, defence industries, technical and advisory services, and financial services.  

1/7/2025

 
Public services put in your pocket with trial GOV.UK App launched

A trial version of the GOV.UK App is to be available to download on smartphones today, putting public services in people's pocket to save them from wasting time on admin.   First GOV.UK App released to the public, kickstarting a whole new way for people to interact with government services that will make it easier to manage childcare payments and get travel guidance from your pocket.  

1/7/2025

Landmark Review of Parental Leave Launched

Government launches a full review of parental leave and pay, to better support working families and help children get the best start in life.   Government launches a full review of parental leave and pay to better support working families and help children get the best start in life.  

1/7/2025

Security and trade at heart of Foreign Secretary visit to Ankara

UK visit to Turkey to bolster defence and security ties.   David Lammy will visit Ankara to underscore close trade and security links between UK and Turkey during first bilateral visit to the country.  

1/7/2025

 
Why Debt is Going up and Who Benefits from It?

A look at government debt.  Why is it rising, who buys it and who benefits from it?.  

1/7/2025

 
Weird Things That Happen When You Stop Spending Money

Today we talk about the weird, surprising, and sometimes uncomfortable changes I noticed when I finally got control of my spending, from redefining luxury to feeling "uglier" to thinking like a creator instead of a consumer.   If you're trying to spend less or just curious about what changes, this is for you.  

1/7/2025

Launch of new body to harness innovative tech for the UK's Armed Forces

Innovative technology will reach the hands of military personnel faster, as the work of the new UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) organisation kicks off today with its formal establishment.   UK Defence Innovation begins work today to streamline delivery of innovative technology to Armed Forces personnel.