News Archive

2/4/2026

Consumers to save around £400 million every year from government crackdown on costly subscription traps

Hard working Brits will keep more of their cash under a new government crackdown on unwanted and misleading subscriptions.   New measures set out to make subscriptions clearer and far easier to manage or cancel Changes will help tackle the cost of living, by saving consumers around £400m annually with new rules to stop "free trials" turning into pricey surprises.  

2/4/2026

 
Buying a Home in a High‑Interest World: What Should You Do?

With mortgage rates rising sharply and lenders pulling deals from the market, many prospective homebuyers are asking the same question.  Should I buy now, wait, rent, or stay put? The answer depends on your financial position, your flexibility, and your long‑term goals but there are clear strategies that can help you navigate this volatile moment.  

2/4/2026

The View from the Turbine Forest: Why Caithness Is Tired of Being Scotland's Power Station

Walk anywhere in Caithness these days and you can't miss them.  Turbines on every skyline.  

2/4/2026

 
High housing costs and financial uncertainty are holding millennials back from having children

The latest twist in Britain's declining birth rate has been the sharp rise in the number of non-graduate women in their mid-to-late-20s who do not yet have children.  This has increased from a third (33 percent) in 2011 to over half (54 percent) by 2023, according to new Resolution Foundation analysis published (Wednesday 1 April 2026).  

2/4/2026

 
Balance of payments, UK: October to December 2025 and an Explainer

Current account deficit widened.   The UK's current account deficit rose to £18.4bn (2.4% of GDP).  

2/4/2026

 
HMRC says UK businesses should apply now for Vaping Products Duty

From 1 April 2026, UK vaping product manufacturers, importers and warehousekeepers can apply for Vaping Products Duty and Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme approval.   New GOV.UK guidance sets out what businesses need to do, key dates, and who is responsible across the supply chain.  

2/4/2026

February online sales soared over 11% in value YOY - but the future looks tougher

Overall retail sales volumes rose by 2.5% this February year-on-year and the value of online sales ballooned by 11.4%.  But the home delivery expert Parcelhero cautions that the Iran conflict could take the wind from retail's sails.  

2/4/2026

UK opens door to Japan's £1.4 billion organic market

Strengthened UK-Japan trade arrangement slashes red tape for British organic exporters, cutting costs and bureaucracy.   British organic food producers will see red tape slashed and the doors opened to one of Asia's fastest-growing organic markets, Food Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle has announced.  

2/4/2026

What's happening to oil prices today

Oil is spiking sharply.   Global benchmark (Brent crude) is now around $107-$108 per barrel after jumping 6-7% today.  

1/4/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Hunterston B nuclear power station has transferred to the NDA

Hunterston B nuclear power station in North Ayrshire has transferred ownership from EDF to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.   Today, Hunterston B nuclear power station in North Ayrshire has transferred ownership from EDF to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to be decommissioned by its subsidiary Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS).  

1/4/2026

 
ECB KICKS OUT Amazon/Microsoft - Digital Euro on EU-Only Clouds, US Can't Touch European Money

The most important financial system in Europe is being rebuilt.  And the first rule they wrote into it was simple: America doesn't get access.  

1/4/2026

Child Protection Statistics: 2024-25

Child protection statistics were published on 31 March 2026.  These statistics cover data collected from local authorities in Scotland on child protection processes, for the reporting year 01 August 2024 - 31 July 2025.  

1/4/2026

New measures coming in to ease cost of living pressure: 1 April 2026

A raft of new measures - coming into force today (1 April 2026) - will see wages go up, bills come down, and more support for those who need it most.   In an uncertain and volatile world, the Prime Minister is continuing to work with allies to push for de-escalation in the Middle East – which is the surest and quickest way to bring down pressures on prices.  

1/4/2026

Are Scotland's New Homes Enough to Solve the Housing Crisis? - Short Answer Definitely Not

There were 17,336 new homes built and 14,999 new builds started across the social and private sector in 2025.   An annual decrease was reported for all-sector starts (6% decrease) and completions (13% decrease) between 2024 and 2025.  

1/4/2026

No April Fool: Why Rising Bills Are No Joke for UK Households

Each year, the start of April brings a familiar and unwelcome pattern for households across the UK.  Often dubbed "Awful April," the beginning of the new financial year sees a range of essential bills increase simultaneously.  

1/4/2026

AI and work: an expert assesses how far this revolution still has to run

Every week brings fresh claims about AI transforming the workplace.  A CEO declares a revolution.  

1/4/2026

Making Tax Digital: What It Is, When It Starts, and What It Means for Landlords

For years, HMRC has signalled its intention to modernise the tax system.  After several delays, Making Tax Digital (MTD) is finally moving from theory to reality — and for anyone with self‑employment income, rental income, or both, the shift will be significant.  

1/4/2026

 
Taxing Retirement: Why Pension Increases Are Giving Less Than They Seem

At first glance, pensioners in the UK might appear to be getting a better deal this year.  The state pension has risen again, offering what looks like a welcome boost to incomes at a time when living costs remain high.  

1/4/2026

Gulf air defences boosted further, as Defence Secretary visits Middle East

Further vital air defence support for Gulf partners has been confirmed by Defence Secretary John Healey MP as he visits the Middle East.   Vital air defences from the UK are being deployed to the Middle East to further support Gulf partners from Iran's aggressive missiles and drone attacks which continue across the region.  

1/4/2026

Oil Prices Slide - But the Pressure on Living Costs Remains

Oil markets have seen a sharp shift today, with prices falling back after recent highs.  Brent crude, the global benchmark, has dropped to around $100 per barrel, easing slightly after a period of intense volatility.