The Council for Science and Technology wrote to the Prime Minister in June offering advice on Horizon Europe and welcomes the announcement on the association of the UK. On 7 September 2023, the government announced the UK will associate to Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes through a bespoke new agreement with the EU.
The Highland Council has two schools that are known to have buildings that contain RAAC components in their roof and wall construction; these are Charleston Academy and Nairn Academy. The Council reacted in response to the further guidance that was issued by the Institution of Structural Engineers in April 2023 and engaged a firm of Chartered Engineers with the required expertise and experience to undertake detailed investigations and assessments at Charleston Academy and Nairn Academy during the summer holiday period.
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has signed a new strategic partnership with Singapore to grow the UK's economy and enhance shared security. The Prime Minister has signed a new strategic partnership with Singapore to grow the UK's economy and enhance shared security.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Bill is currently making its way through Parliament. This legislation will change our role and our purpose and will give us the powers we need to improve the accuracy of the information on our registers and to play a significant role in tackling economic crime.
The Fraser of Allender covered the statement by the First Minister. It's a new term at Holyrood, and a new Programme for Government - the first for the new First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Last week the Office for National Statistics released their indicative estimates of the impact of the Blue Book revisions to GDP figures. The actual physical book bound in a blue cover is long gone, but the exercise remains, and it's an annual attempt at compiling a set of consistent national accounts for the UK.
Local authorities will be able to charge a premium of up to 100% on council tax for second homes under legislation aiming to increase the availability of housing. If approved by Parliament, the secondary legislation would bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes, which can already be subject to a 100% premium on the full rate of council tax.
The Pensions Review assesses what pensions policy and the economic environment mean for future retirees' living standards, recommending reform options. The Pensions Review - led by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in partnership with abrdn Financial Fairness Trust - is a big, 2½-year, project that will comprehensively assess the consequences of current pension policy, the economic environment and individual behaviour for the future of living standards in retirement.
UK sanctions members of Russian cybercrime gang responsible for attacks on hospitals and critical infrastructure. sanctions hit 11 from Russian cyber gang that targeted hospitals and other critical infrastructure.
Parliament has been provided with an update on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Shirley-Anne Somerville reiterated to MSPs that the Scottish Government continues to follow professional advice on RAAC, as it always has done and is working with local authorities and other partners to understand the extent of the issue.
A proposal for a Bill to address the centuries old, concentrated pattern of land ownership in Scotland and to restore land for the many by introducing a presumed limit of 500 hectares on individual sales or transfers of land and on the aggregate amount of land any person can own, and by strengthening the regulation of Scotland's land market by making land transfers over the 500-hectare limit subject to a public interest test. The consultation runs from 7 June to 12 September 2023.
A look at recent developments in the UK housing market, why prices are falling and what are the prospects for the next 12 months. https://www.economicshelp.org was founded in 2006 by Tejvan Pettinger, who studied PPE at Oxford University and teaches economics.
The first phase of a new initiative to identify and nurture new entrepreneurial talent has been launched. Funding of up to £1.5 million will be delivered through the Pathways Pre-Start Fund this financial year to provide support, mentoring and advice services for people thinking about taking the first steps towards creating a start-up company.
A substantial fall in house prices would have big effect on both the housing market and the wider economy. The current climate of higher interest rates and falling prices will have a big effect on the economy and our finances.
Kim Kinnaird, Director, Halifax Mortgages, said, "UK house prices fell again in August, with the monthly drop of -1.9% the steepest since last November, following a period of relative stability. The average home now costs £279,569, down by around £5,000 since July, and back to the level seen at the start of last year.
Targets for nature recovery could be put into law in line with those for climate change, as part of a range of proposals to protect and restore Scotland's natural environment. The Scottish Government is asking for views on its plans and actions to accelerate nature restoration and regeneration.
Postage Rates for 2023 including Mailmark prices have been announced by the Royal Mail for 2023 starting on 2 October 23. The price of sending a first class letter has increased for Stamps to £1.25, whereas Mailmark Franking has increased to £1.06.
Would you like to make a positive change to the lives of learners in your local community and help shape future education and training needs?. Are you passionate about education and keen to use your enthusiasm, leadership skills and expertise to make a difference in your local community?.
New research From Legal and General reveals Financial stability is the UK's ultimate retirement dream. 94% of the UK say their most important retirement dream is to feel financially secure for the rest of their life.
Artists across the Highlands and Islands are invited to apply for bursaries of up to £750 for their creative development as part of a national Scotland-wide scheme known as the Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA). It is a programme of small grants schemes delivered with a range of local authorities and art agencies across Scotland to support Scotland-based visual artists and craft makers in their creative development.
