Those who are eligible to receive the latest cost of living payment are being warned to be wary of scams. Millions of UK households will receive the payment between 31 October and 19 November, with payments being made automatically.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) invested £1.8m to create a new warehouse at BASF Pharma (Callanish) Ltd in Breasclete to enable the firm to grow its operations. The site is BASF's largest production facility in the UK.
Landmark legislation becomes law to ensure bills are affordable in the long-term. New laws passed to help ensure energy is affordable for households and businesses and make the UK more energy independent in the long-term.
Changes to the Deer (Close Season) (Scotland) Order and the Deer (Firearms etc) (Scotland) Order were passed by the Scottish Parliament on 27 September 2023. These changes will affect the law relating to deer management: The change to the Close Season Order removed the close season for all species of male deer in Scotland effective from 21 October 2023.
Around 150 projects across Scotland have received support from the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund since its launch in 2021. More than £30 million has been invested to date, either directly to projects and community groups or through Scotland's 32 local authorities and two National Parks.
Commenting after FMQs, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said "Fire service cuts are putting lives at risk but the First Minister is burying his head in the sand. “The Fire Service budget is set by this Government and it has fallen by 22% in real terms over the past decade, putting 780 firefighter posts are at risk.
A pilot scheme for disabled people and people with health conditions to explore barriers to work will be rolled out to 12 new areas. Health and employment pilot scheme to be expanded with £1.3 million government investment Thousands could be helped in pilot expansion Twelve new sites across England and Wales to benefit from programme A pilot scheme for disabled people and people with health conditions to explore barriers to work will be rolled out to 12 new areas as part of the next generation of welfare reforms being introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act received Royal Assent on Thursday 26 October 2023. Robust laws to fight fraud, counter corruption and bolster legitimate business received Royal Assent today.
Astronauts from the United Kingdom could fly to space on a future Axiom Space mission, thanks to a new agreement signed between the UK Space Agency and the Houston-based space company. The agreement between the UK Space Agency and Axiom Space sets out plans for the 2 organisations to work together to pursue a commercially sponsored, UK astronaut mission.
Growth in the economy has been faltering and pretty muted over 2023, with a high interest rate environment and wider economic uncertainty leading to investment being delayed or cancelled, according to the Fraser of Allander Institute. The Institute's quarterly Economic Commentary, which includes an assessment of all the latest key data on the UK and Scottish economies, is published today.
Young people are being urged to find out if they are eligible for Job Start Payment as part of a new campaign. The Scottish Government has introduced changes to Job Start Payment, simplifying the process for young people to apply.
Local food and drink projects are being encouraged to apply for funding from the Scottish Government's Regional Food Fund. The latest round of funding of up to £100,000 is now available for businesses and groups who wish to promote regional food products and establish new markets.
Thousands of pounds of Government funding to help communities recover from the impact of Storm Babet. Communities impacted by flooding will benefit from thousands of pounds of Government funding to help them recover from the impact of Storm Babet.
The Civil Service Fast Stream programme has exceeded its ambition to increase the number of hires with a STEM qualification to 50% across all schemes. The Civil Service Fast Stream programme has exceeded its ambition to increase the number of hires with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) qualification to 50% across all schemes.
A £50 million funding boost for Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) recruitment and up to £12 million to expand Hospital at Home are among measures to support the health and care system this winter. The Scottish Government and COSLA's joint Winter Plan, published today, identifies funding for SAS to support work already underway to recruit a further 317 frontline staff to help increase capacity to emergency response.
Young people transitioning from the care system into adulthood are to receive a one-off Care Leaver Payment of £2,000 to support them to move into more independent living under proposals being considered. The First Minister announced the proposed payment will be co-designed with care experienced people to ensure it meets their needs and helps reduce some of the financial challenges they face.
The Highland Council and BT have signed a multi-year agreement to deliver connectivity to over 340 sites, including nearly 200 schools, with new fibre provision delivered to over 100 sites in some of the most challenging locations in Scotland. BT will deliver services through the recently procured Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN) Framework, and working with the Council will transition and transform the existing network services to a modern, fit for future infrastructure.
Over 460,000 people working for 14,000 real Living Wage Employers throughout the country are set for a vital cost-of-living pay boost, as the Living Wage Foundation's real Living Wage rates rise to £12 an hour across the UK (£1.10 increase), and £13.15 an hour in London (£1.20 increase). 10% increase in the real Living Wage as cost of living continues to hit low paid workers the hardest.
The Highland Council is reminding communities across Highland what actions they need to take to put forward a nomination for their local area to be designated as the country's newest national park. Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans is encouraging nominating groups to discuss their bids with relevant Council officials and elected members.
New research shows the Scottish economy will be £52 billion better off cumulatively over the 40-year working life of college graduates. The report from the Fraser of Allander Institute shows that over their working life, college graduates boost employment, increase real wages and contribute to increased trade and investment.
