Following a period of disruption to the glass bottle and jar recycling service, The Highland Council, would like to provide an update to the public. The Council's glass collection contractor, Biffa Waste Services spokesperson said: "Due to an unforeseen resource issue we find ourselves falling short of the required level of service expectations we provide to the Highland Council.
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, and in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment. At its meeting ending on 20 September 2023, the MPC voted by a majority of 5-4 to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%.
An initiative to position Scotland as a European hub for the recycling and repurposing of wind turbine blades is included in a deal agreed by the Scottish Government and industry. The commitment to establish at least one specialist facility by 2030 forms part of the Onshore Wind Sector Deal signed today at the Scottish Renewables Onshore Wind Conference in Edinburgh.
More than a quarter (27%) of trading businesses reported turnover had decreased in August 2023 compared with the previous calendar month, this is up 2 percentage points from July 2023; in comparison 15% reported their turnover was higher, down from 17% over the same period (final results from Wave 91 of the Business Insights and Conditions Survey). The total number of online job adverts increased by 2% on 15 September 2023 when compared with the previous week but was 4% below the level of the equivalent period last year (Adzuna).
August's retail sales results show volumes were down -1.4% against the same month last year, with online volumes tumbling around -1.3% against July. The home delivery expert ParcelHero says consumers and retailers are still paying the cost of Kwasi Kwarteng's mini-budget exactly one year on.
Public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks (PSNB ex) in August 2023 was £11.6 billion, £3.5 billion more than in August 2022 and the fourth highest August borrowing since monthly records began in 1993. PSNB ex in the financial year to August 2023 was £69.6 billion, £19.3 billion more than in the same five-month period last year but £11.4 billion less than the £81.0 billion forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
Retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen by 0.4% in August 2023, partially recovering from a fall of 1.1% in July 2023 (revised from a fall of 1.2%). Looking broader, sales volumes rose by 0.3% in the three months to August 2023 when compared with the previous three months.
More than a quarter (27%) of trading businesses reported turnover had decreased in August 2023 compared with the previous calendar month, this is up 2 percentage points from July 2023; in comparison 15% reported their turnover was higher, down from 17% over the same period. More than one in six (18%) trading businesses expect their turnover to increase in October 2023, the same proportion that had these expectations for September 2023; meanwhile 54% reported that they expect their turnover to stay the same.
Businesses looking for financial support for their growth plans could be eligible for a Growing Business Growth Fund grant of up to £10,000. Applicants can potentially access 50% of the costs of their growth project.
UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says that Russia's military are floundering strategically as the brave people of Ukraine stand up to Russian aggression. Thank you, Madam Chair.
UK's over-delivery on reducing emissions provides space to take a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to reaching net zero. UK's over-delivery on reducing emissions provides space to take a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to reaching net zero, while maintaining all our international commitments.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sets out his new approach to Net Zero. Let me get straight to it.
Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC has delivered the UK's submissions in a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague today. The Attorney addressed the International Court of Justice alongside 31 other intervening states as part of a case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak explains his new approach to Net Zero. I'm absolutely committed to reaching Net Zero by 2050.
The Public Sector Fraud Authority saved taxpayers £311 million in its first year of operation, according to figures revealed by Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister for the Cabinet Office, at a meeting of the International Public Sector Fraud Forum this week. The Public Sector Fraud Authority has far exceeded its £180m target, saving taxpayers £311 million in its first year.
UK commitments will go towards unlocking billions in global finance and support developing countries invest to achieve sustainable development goals. Foreign Secretary announces programmes at the UN General Assembly to help achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals funding focuses on improving global financial system, including making it easier for developing countries to access funds and invest in their own sustainable development.
Strategic Command was at the forefront of the biennial conference in London. From 12 to 15 September 2023, the ExCel Centre in London hosted over 35,000 attendees from around the world for this year's Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition.
Measures to protect tenants through the cost of living crisis, including the 3% rent cap and additional eviction protections, will be extended for a further period of up to six months following a vote by MSPs. The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act was introduced in October 2022 to protect tenants against the impacts of rising costs, then extended for six months from April 2023.
As the Scottish Government tries to help tenants from rent increases the news system of rent caps may be skewing the market in other ways. New tenants find themselves facing record rent increases.
A proposal to increase the Minimum Unit Price of alcohol by 15 pence per unit to 65 pence is included in a new consultation on the future of the public health policy. Views are being sought on whether to continue the Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation beyond the current term which ends next April, and the level at which it should be set.
