News Archive

13/8/2026

Newborn ICU admissions drop 50% in first full year of RSV maternal vaccine programme - England

While around 60% of women giving birth every month are vaccinated, UKHSA warns many thousands of babies still at risk.   UKHSA today publishes the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) annual report which shows around 50% fewer infants under 6 months being admitted to intensive care with RSV disease in England.  

13/8/2026

 
Fusion energy expert Prof Dennis Whyte appointed next UKAEA CEO

Professor Dennis Whyte has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of UKAEA Group.   Minister for Energy welcomes Professor Whyte to the UK to become CEO of UKAEA this autumn.  

13/8/2026

The Next Food Shock? Why Britain's Poorer Families May Face Another Test as the 2026 Harvest Fails

The Next Food Shock? Why Britain's Poorer Families May Face Another Test as the 2026 Harvest Fails Britain has spent the past few years learning a painful lesson about inflation: when prices rise, they do not have to come back down when inflation falls.   Food is a particularly good example.  

13/8/2026

The Hidden Cost of the Cost-of-Living Crisis: How Britain's Poorer Families Have Changed What They Eat and How They Use Energy

The Hidden Cost of the Cost-of-Living Crisis: How Britain's Poorer Families Have Changed What They Eat and How They Use Energy There is a dangerous misunderstanding about the cost-of-living crisis.   When inflation falls, we are often told that the pressure on households is easing.  

13/8/2026

 
436,000 sole traders and landlords make their tax digital

More than 436,000 sole traders and landlords have successfully submitted their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update.   More than 436,000 sole traders and landlords have successfully sent their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.  

12/8/2026

When Jellyfish Attack the Nuclear Industry: How Climate Change Is Creating New Problems for Europe's Power Stations

When Jellyfish Attack the Nuclear Industry: How Climate Change Is Creating New Problems for Europe's Power Stations It sounds like the plot of a rather unlikely science-fiction film.   A nuclear power station is operating normally when suddenly its reactors begin shutting down.  

12/8/2026

Britain Is Learning to Use Less Energy - But What Happens When There Is Nothing Left to Cut?

For years, politicians and energy companies have told us that Britain needs to become more energy efficient.   It sounded like a sensible long-term environmental policy.  

12/8/2026

There’s No Vaccine for Stupid – But We Should Be Grateful for the Ones We Have

There’s No Vaccine for Stupid – But We Should Be Grateful for the Ones We Have There are some headlines that make you laugh.   And then there are headlines that make you wonder whether humanity has taken a wrong turn somewhere.  

12/8/2026

 
Households living near new pylons to save thousands on bills - some In Caithness

Government reveals the communities in over 40 locations eligible for cheaper electricity bills.   Government reveals the communities in over 40 locations eligible for cheaper electricity bills Households near new pylons could save up to £2,500 over 10 years.  

12/8/2026

Britain's Ownership Problem: Should Capital Gains and Inheritance Be Taxed More Like Income?

Britain's Ownership Problem: Should Capital Gains and Inheritance Be Taxed More Like Income? Britain has spent years arguing about income inequality.   Perhaps we have been looking at the wrong measure.  

12/8/2026

Additional funding for community-owned renewable energy to cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions

Community groups that want to install renewable energy projects and decarbonise their buildings will be able to access additional Scottish Government support this year.   Funding available from the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) will increase to £15 million this year, meaning more groups will be able to develop their own renewable energy projects such as onshore wind and solar, and cut the energy bills for their buildings by installing heat pumps and solar panels.  

12/8/2026

PM vows to save “hollowed out high streets” with crackdown on vape and betting shops

High streets that have been hollowed out by the unchecked spread of vape stores, betting shops, and rogue businesses that do little to serve local communities are set to face a crackdown under new powers announced by the Prime Minister yesterday [Tuesday 11 August2026].   Local people to get a real say over what opens on their high street as Prime Minister hands new powers to communities and councils.  

12/8/2026

Disabled people invited to shape recommendations of review into PIP

The Timms Review launched last October with the aim of making sure PIP is fair and fit for the future.  Its Interim Report, published in July 2026, found that PIP is no longer fit for purpose.  

12/8/2026

PM Andy Burnham Interview on BBC Wake Up to Money At 5:00am Today

Burnham’s business‑focused points from his Wake Up to Money interview boil down to one theme.   He wants to cut costs for small businesses while keeping within tight fiscal limits.  

12/8/2026

How High Oil Prices Are Accelerating the Global Race Toward Alternative Energy

High oil prices have always been painful for households and businesses, but they also trigger something powerful.  There is now a surge in innovation, investment, and political will for cleaner, more secure energy systems.  

12/8/2026

Have UK Sporting Events Become Too Expensive for Fans?

Sport has always been part of the UK’s cultural heartbeat — a place where families gather, communities unite, and supporters feel part of something bigger than themselves.  But in recent years, a growing number of fans across the UK have begun asking the same uncomfortable question so has attending live sport become too expensive?.  

12/8/2026

How Vaccine Misinformation From U.S. Politics Risks Spilling Into the UK

Across the UK, vaccination rates have been slipping and at the same time, misinformation about vaccines is spreading faster than ever.  Much of this false messaging originates in the United States, where political figures have increasingly used anti‑vaccine rhetoric as a tool for attention, grievance, or ideological signalling.  

11/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Nature Restoration Fund Community Grants Programme opens for applications

Community groups, charities, public sector bodies and other eligible organisations across Highland are being encouraged to apply for funding through the 2026/27 Highland Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) Community Grants Programme, which opens for applications on Friday 14 August 2026.   Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, with grants available from £2,000 to £25,000 for capital projects that help restore nature, safeguard wildlife and address biodiversity loss.  

11/8/2026

Rogue Traders To Be Looked At More Closely

The UK government has launched a regulatory crackdown to curb the proliferation of betting shops, 24-hour gaming centres, and vape stores, granting councils greater control over planning and licensing.   While planning reforms and new "aim to permit" revocations apply across Great Britain, distinct strategies exist, with England utilizing planning restrictions and emergency closure powers.  

11/8/2026

Lochaber Committee recommends Short-Term Let Control Area

A key step in addressing one area of the Highland Housing Challenge was taken today (Monday 10 August 2026), as the Lochaber Area Committee agreed to recommend the area's inclusion within a proposed Highland Rural Short-Term Let Control Area (STLCA).   The recommendation follows a six-week public consultation held between May and June 2026.