Mandating energy suppliers to offer low or no standing charges and better support for households struggling with debt are among planned improvements to the energy market announced by Ofgem today, Thursday 12 December 2024. The regulator will consult on introducing an option under the price cap to include zero standing charge tariffs alongside existing tariffs, offering consumers the ability to choose what is right for them.
The Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use has been launched, aiming to improve the experience of anyone needing support. The Charter, recognised as the first of its kind in the world by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, will help ensure people know their rights and the support they can expect to receive, and that those who use drugs and alcohol, and their families, are treated with dignity.
Government has launched £75 million LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme after discussions with veterans. LGBT veterans will receive up to £70,000 each to acknowledge the historic wrongs they experienced in the Armed Forces - with the Government increasing the total amount available for payments to £75 million, significantly above the level recommended in the Etherton Review into the treatment of LGBT veterans.
Record funding of £150 million capital investment from the Scottish Government will support the growth of the offshore wind sector and support thousands of well-paid, green jobs across Scotland over the next decade. Overall strategic investment of up to £500 million over five years is expected to boost private investment in the sector by up to £1.5 billion and unlock opportunities for growth in a variety of industries in key areas from ports, manufacturing and assembly work to major supply chain opportunities.
New parents who claim Child Benefit online could get paid before Christmas. More than one million parents have claimed online or via the HMRC app since new digital service launched.
First ever UK high-energy laser weapon system mounted on an armoured vehicle at a UK trials range. A high-energy laser weapon has been fired by the British Army from an armoured vehicle for the first time and successfully destroyed flying drones.
Government injects £343 million of funding into the rural economy last week, benefiting more than 31,000 farmers. The Government has today confirmed it has injected more than £343 million into the rural economy in the first week of December, benefiting more than 31,000 farmers.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has approved the medicine delgocitinib (Anzupgo) to treat moderate to severe chronic hand eczema in adults when topical corticosteroids are inadequate or inappropriate. Chronic hand eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes symptoms such as itching and pain.
New UK programme with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria will boost global efforts to end malaria epidemic, stimulate growth and protect women and girls. global progress has stalled in recent years with the climate crisis increasing threats posed by malaria.
Internet access for seafarers while at sea and strengthening requirements for a balanced, nutritious and varied diet could become maritime law in 2025. These are two of the latest amendments proposed under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), upon which a consultation has now been launched, enabling you to find out more information and share your views.
A report suggests targeted support in means-tested benefits could ease impacts of a higher state pension age on vulnerable groups. The state pension age will increase again from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
The employment gap between people living in the poorest and richest families in Britain has fallen by a third since the late 1990s. But workers in poorer households remain less likely to be satisfied with their job, and more likely to have an insecure employment contract, according to new research published today (Thursday 12 December 2024) by the Resolution Foundation.
An innovative project to increase production and reduce carbon emissions at a firm in Shetland has secured a £49,983 contribution from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Seaspray (Shetland) Ltd operates a mussel packing station on the waterfront at Laurenson Quay, Lerwick.
The Chancellor will need to confront the good (allocating £100 billion of capital spending), the bad (finding £8 billion of further cuts to already stretched public services) and the ugly. A possible downgrade to the economic outlook that would require fresh tax rises, spending cuts or breaking the fiscal rules) in her upcoming Spending Review, the Resolution Foundation said.
Actions to protect some of Scotland's most vulnerable marine species are being consulted on by the Scottish Government. Climate change, invasive non-native species such as brown rat, food shortages and other pressures are contributing to the dramatic declines seen in seabird numbers.
A £20 million fund will help Scotland's islands to play a crucial role in our society, culture and economy. The capital investment, to be split equally between the two local authorities as part of the 2025/26 Budget, would help to sustain and improve inter‑island connectivity in a way that best meets local needs.
Programme helps divert young people away from crime. A programme funded from the seized assets of criminals has supported 15,368 young people in 2023-24.
The UK fishing industry will have access to 150,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities following the conclusion of annual fishing negotiations with the EU. The UK fishing industry to benefit from 150,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities - 15,000 tonnes more than in 2024 – following negotiations with EU.
After 20 amazing years in Thurso, we are delighted to announce that our branch at 5 Rotterdam Street is being taken over by our store Manager Heather Bremner. Aurora will close on 31st December and re-open as Heather's in January.
Trump is planning trade wars and sanctions that are bound to crash the world economy. But what he knows is that the resulting bailout will make the wealthy even more wealthy, yet again.
