The outlook for UK growth over the coming year is a little stronger than it was at the time of the Financial Stability Report (FPC)'s Q3 meeting. The aggregate mortgage debt-servicing ratio is expected to continue to rise modestly, but the share of households in arrears or with high debt-servicing burdens has remained relatively low and the outlook for mortgage borrower resilience has improved in line with the domestic economic outlook.
Throughout the holiday season, the urgent need for sustainable consumption is clear. Some 300,000 tonnes of clothing and 471 million small electrical everyday items end up in household waste in the UK in a year, with the number of unwanted items increasing significantly just after Black Friday.
An air of uncertainty hangs over what might happen to mortgage rates next. Despite a drop in the base rate of interest in November, the cost of fixed mortgage rates has surged higher following the concern that the base rate may not fall as fast as previously thought.
The UK government has put forward ambitious plans to reform the UK's employment support system. Helping people to find, stay in and succeed at work is a complex policy area.
Santa's not the only one making a list. Keep an eye on your bank statements for any suspicious activity during the holiday season - Keeping an eye on your bank statements is crucial, especially during the Christmas season when fraudulent activities tend to increase.
With both apprenticeships and degree schemes available covering a wide range of disciplines from business administration to mechanical engineering and nuclear operations, these opportunities are available in both Cumbria and Warrington. The positions provide first-class training and learning new skills on the job, ensuring that apprentices are well-equipped for their future careers.
Funding will enable clusters to connect the maritime sector with local businesses, which will drive private investment into regional maritime. coastal communities will benefit from nearly £1 million to boost local economies, link businesses with industry and get more people into maritime.
First Minister John Swinney will welcome political leaders to Scotland as he hosts the 42nd Summit meeting of the British-Irish Council. The First Minister will hold talks with the UK Prime Minister, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, Prif Weinidog Cymru (the First Minister of Wales), the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, the Chief Minister of Jersey and the Chief Minister of Guernsey.
Pledge to make planning decisions on at least 150 major. infrastructure projects and deliver 1.5 million homes in this Parliament.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a speech on the government's Plan for Change at Pinewood Studios. And as Ange said, it's great to be here at the iconic Pinewood Studios.
People with poor credit histories could receive new support to access banking, affordable credit and other financial services. Lloyds Banking Group, Aviva, Experian, and consumer groups including Citizens Advice and the Money & Mental Health Policy Institute to join new committee.
The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain looks set to be back in action towards the end of December or early in the new year. Contractor Balfour Beatty has confirmed that, weather permitting, its current programme of remediation works on the viaduct that supports the railway is due to finish in the next week to 10 days, after which teams working for the company plan to demobilise from the mountainside.
HMRC highlights online support for small businesses to help them understand their tax responsibilities. Running a small business, working for yourself, or considering self-employment?.
Investment Minister Tom Arthur is encouraging business to grasp the opportunities of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. At the State of the City Economy Conference later today, Mr Arthur will say that Glasgow can showcase international leadership when it hosts the event.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, spoke at the Nuclear Industry Association's Nuclear 2024 conference. Can I just start by saying what a pleasure it is to be at this conference.
The Prime Minister has set out the milestones for how government will deliver on its national missions through a Plan for Change to drive real improvements for working people. The Prime Minister has set out the milestones for how government will deliver on its national missions through a Plan for Change to drive real improvements for working people.
An Aviemore-based adventure tourism operator has made significant progress in sustainability over the past two years by investing in e-bikes, e-vehicles and a carbon labelling system. Wilderness Scotland has reduced its scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions by 16 percent through its commitment to business decarbonisation.
The Government's new targets of raising Real Household Disposable Income (RHDI) and GDP per person over the Parliament at both a national and regional level is a welcome move that should focus minds across Whitehall about the need to raise household living standards. However, with the national RHDI milestone having been hit in every parliament since 1955, and GDP per person at the national and regional level hit in all bar two, they are not so much stretch targets as the absolute bare minimum for any functioning Government, the Resolution Foundation said in response to the Prime Minister's Plan for Change speech.
Audit Scotland published its latest look at NHS Scotland on 3 December 2024 before he budget announcements by Shona Robison, Finance Minister in her budget for 2025/26. The government's budget is only in draft and it remains to be agreed in February 2025.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission uncovers challenges with accessing human rights to health, housing, and food across the Highlands and Islands. In a new report, the Commission highlights that many people in the Highlands and Islands are expressing their frustration regarding their human rights.
