At a time when public services are under increasing strain and councils are making difficult decisions about where to cut spending, one line in the budget can feel particularly frustrating to taxpayers: audit fees. Hundreds of thousands of pounds each year are spent not on schools, roads, or care services—but on checking the books.
The Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.0% in the 12 months to February 2026, unchanged from the 12 months to January. Clothing made the largest upward contribution to the monthly change, while motor fuels made the largest, offsetting, downward contribution.
Scotland's onshore GDP is estimated to have shown no growth in the three months to January 2026, compared with growth of 0.1% in the three months to December 2025, and growth of 0.4% in the three months to November 2025, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. In the month to January 2026, Scotland’s GDP grew by 0.5%.
Global energy markets are experiencing a significant retreat today, 25 March 2026, as geopolitical tensions that have gripped the Middle East for weeks show the first credible signs of easing. After a period of extreme volatility, both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks have dropped by over 5%, reflecting a cautious optimism among investors that the worst-case supply scenarios may be avoided.
How the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in advance of the SME Action Plan. Through Backing your business: our plan for small and medium-sized businesses, we are delivering the most comprehensive package of support for small and medium-sized enterprises in a generation.
Thousands of families to gain new opportunities to learn, earn and thrive. As a result of £21 million of new, targeted investment in colleges and skills, families at risk of poverty will receive additional support to train, to help them enter stable, well-paid work or progress in their career.
The Highland Council is pleased to announce the second phase of local businesses to achieve accreditation through the newly established Highland Employer Charter. It recognising employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to fair work and high standards of excellence across the region.
Bradley Lay Calls for Immediate Action as Energy Shock, Supply Chain Disruption and Investment Slowdown Risk Another Wave of Insolvencies. A leading UK construction mergers and acquisitions specialist has issued a stark warning to construction business owners, urging immediate action as the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to destabilise global energy markets and place further strain on an already fragile UK construction sector.
There is some early information on pricing, but it depends heavily on the type of solar panel being sold in supermarkets. New "plug-in" solar panels (the supermarket ones) These are small, portable panels designed for balconies, gardens, or walls They plug straight into a normal socket (no installation needed) Expected price: Around £500 for a basic kit That's the key figure being reported so far.
Clear information about the standards women and their families can expect during their maternity care has been published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. The standards set out that patients should receive safe and compassionate care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, regardless of where they live or their individual circumstances, and that care should be responsive to each woman's individual needs.
It is over four years since Russia launched its illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in direct violation of the UN Charter. It is a war that demands this Council's sustained attention.
In 2022, the UK Government responded to the energy crisis with sweeping support. The Energy Price Guarantee alone cost £27 billion, and total support reached £62 billion.
What the Rare‑Earth Crunch Means for the U.S., the UK — and Rural Scotland. Walk down any High Street in Caithness or Sutherland and you'll hear the same quiet worry: the world feels less stable, and we’re not sure the people in charge have thought things through.
"Plug-in" solar panels to be in shops within months, offering households chance to significantly cut energy bills. "Plug-in" solar panels to be in shops within months, offering households chance to significantly cut energy bills.
New battery manufacturing apprenticeship unit developed, following rapid consultation with employers and sector experts, to support UK's growing battery sector. Skills England has developed a new battery manufacturing apprenticeship unit, following rapid consultation with employers and sector experts.
Industry voices and stakeholders are being asked to shape the future of skills training as a new consultation proposes the merger of construction and engineering training boards. Plans to establish a single Industry Training Board by merging construction and engineering boards in latest move to simplify the skills system and strengthen industry leadership.
Investment in the offshore wind supply chain in the Inner Moray Firth and Stornoway will bring new jobs and expand Scotland's renewable energy capabilities. Funding of £3.9 million will support infrastructure development at the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility in the Inner Moray Firth.
New funding designed to help secure a successful future for the site and support the local economy and communities affected by the closure. The UK Government has pledged up to £9 million to support the future of the Mossmorran site and help protect Fife's wider economy following the ethylene plant’s closure.
In recent days, global financial markets have been caught in a sharp and unsettling "yo-yo" movement, triggered by conflicting signals surrounding tensions between the United States and Iran. What began as a moment of optimism quickly reversed into renewed uncertainty, sending oil prices and stock markets swinging in opposite directions and raising concerns about the real-world impact on households, particularly in the United Kingdom.
Small businesses to be backed by new, stronger measures to tackle late payments. UK is backing small businesses with the toughest laws on late payments in the G7 Sweeping new powers for the Small Business Commissioner, including multi-million-pound fines to hold big businesses and persistent offenders to account.