Ahead of the Bells, Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray reflects on 2024 and looks ahead to 2025. This time of year is a chance for us all to look back and reflect, as well as look forward.
In this Labour Market Outlook, we examine how the Government should approach extending Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to the lowest earners, and in particular what replacement rate - the proportion of their earnings that workers will get while off sick - to set for those workers who will be newly eligible. There is a clear case for strengthening the UK's SSP system, but the Government faces the challenge of balancing income protection with the risk of absenteeism.
Applications to the Inverness Winter Payments Scheme, which is fully funded by the Inverness Common Fund, have already been awarded to 1,035 eligible households within the 7 specified Inverness Wards. Leader of Inverness Area, Councillor Ian Brown said: "Since the Scheme was opened to applications for this winter, already £114,885 has been awarded to people who live in the eligible Wards of Aird and Loch Ness, Inverness West, Inverness Central, Inverness Ness-side, Inverness Millburn, Culloden and Ardersier and Inverness South Wards.
UK leadership on Ukraine continues into 2025, backed by £3bn military aid commitment each year, and an additional £2.26bn loan. Britain has continued to step up global leadership on Ukraine during 2024, with billions of pounds worth of military, economic, and humanitarian support pledged and delivered.
ScotRail has partnered with UK-based company, Optimise AI, to create ‘digital twins' of all its stations and depots to help reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analysis.
Almost half of all waste collected by local authorities in 2022/23 was incinerated with resources that could be recycled being lost. New waste incinerators will only receive planning approval if they meet strict new local and environmental conditions, the Government has today announced (Monday 30th December 2024).
The Horizon scandal, which led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of subpostmasters, has severely dented the public's perception of the Post Office as an institution. Against this backdrop, branch closures are planned across the Post Office network.
This IFS Pensions Review report sets out issues with the current means-tested benefit system for those approaching the state pension age and beyond. 1.
2024 has been a challenging year for China. As its government has tackled economic problems at home, internationally it has handled the complexities of an alliance with Russia.
On the 30th October 2024, Rachel Reeves delivered her first budget for the new UK Labour Government. In this budget were changes to the vehicle excise duty (usually called "road tax") to encourage the shift to electric vehicles by doubling the new rates on all but the most efficient new petrol and diesel cars in their first year.
2024 was a year when political certainties disappeared - and not just because of Trump. Politics as we've known it for a long time went into meltdown..
Gas and electricity bills are going up again on 1 January, when the latest energy price cap takes effect. Billpayers are encouraged to submit a meter reading when prices change to ensure they are charged the correct amount.
Communities across Scotland are being supported to take climate action, thanks to the realisation of a nationwide network of Climate Action Hubs. A total of 24 hubs have been set up across Scotland - fulfilling a 2024 Programme for Government commitment.
4,409 Self Assessment customers completed their tax return on Christmas Day. 40,072 filed their tax return over the Christmas break.
A new partnership was launched on 18 December 2024, between the UK Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce and European Chamber of Commerce. In a significant move towards fostering economic growth and collaboration, a new partnership was officially launched on 18 December 2024, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between three prominent Chambers of Commerce.
In October 2003 Alonso Illueca produce a paper setting out the history and problems around the growing influence of China in Panama. The Panama canal sees 6% of world trade passing through its waters.
On 20th January 2025 the new president of the United States will begin his term of office. On of his often repeated policies is to bring in huge tariffs to protect and increase American jobs.
Whether you agree with Elon Musk or not here is an interesting broadcast. It makes some useful points and is amusing at places.
Fox news video that shows the frustrations in USA and perhaps why they are heading for Tariffs that will affect the whole world. O'Leary Ventures Chairman Kevin O'Leary on the future of control of the Panama Canal, potential China tariffs and a trade showdown.
The growth in mental ill-health is staggering. But might it be that those who are suffering are being entirely rational?.
