FAI associate economist Dr Hannah Randolph is joined by our director Professor Mairi Spowage and deputy director João Sousa to review big events, themes, and what we did in 2023. The panel talk about the challenges in economic forecasting and measuring the economy, what we've learned from 25 years of the Scottish Business Monitor, and some of our income tax analysis from this year.
Proposals aimed at making the UK's listing regime more accessible, effective, and competitive, have today been set out in detail by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In May, the FCA consulted on what a new regime could look like.
A year of poor economic data ended on a high as CPI inflation fell by more than markets expected to 3.9 per cent in November - its lowest level since September 2021. But while inflation should continue to fall next year, there are likely to be bumps in the road, reminding us all that cost-of-living pressures are still with us, the Resolution Foundation said this week.
Serco NorthLink Ferries has officially opened its booking system for the full calendar year ahead - giving customers the opportunity to book forward travel up to the end of December 2024. Billy Robb, Customer Service Director for NorthLink Ferries, said, "We are pleased to be able to open our booking system up to December 2024, allowing people to book travel in spring, summer and beyond, both to and from Shetland and Orkney.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
he Scottish Government has delivered a major blow to communities and has put councils at financial risk with a cash cut to Local Government in its draft Budget (published on 19th December) and no provision for inflation or pay increases, COSLA said. COSLA Leaders described the draft Budget as not only leaving councils at real and significant financial risk for the coming year, but as it stands, it will mean cuts in every community in Scotland and job losses across Scottish Local Government.
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme supporting the protection of religious buildings representing all faiths and denominations, benefiting local communities. Cash boost comes as more than a million people across the country expected to attend Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services in their local church Since 2010, the Government has returned £346 million to listed churches, synagogues, mosques and temples Nearly 5,000 religious buildings in the United Kingdom have received a share of up to £42 million in public funding ahead of this year's festive celebrations, as the Government continues its support for the conservation of listed places of worship across the country.
UK Government announces £25 million of levelling up funding to save cherished places like pubs, theatres and museums through its Community Ownership Fund. Successful community projects across the UK will receive up to £2 million for the first time, with three heritage theatres winning the top awards Funding will ensure local people continue to reap the benefits of their valued community assets, preserving them for future generations Museums, pubs, parks and cinemas across the country will be kept alive by a £25 million rescue package announced today (22/12/23).
The UK and EU have agreed to extend trade rules on electric vehicles until the end of 2026 to keep costs down for manufacturers and consumers, the Prime Minister has announced on Thursday 21 December 2023. UK and EU agree to extend trade rules on electric vehicles saving manufacturers and consumers up to £4.3 billion in additional costs.
Young carers are being urged to do something for themselves during this season of giving and get the financial support they are entitled to. Social Security Scotland is encouraging eligible people to apply for the £359.65 Young Carer Grant this December.
On Monday 4th December 2023, the Prime Minister and Home Secretary announced the plan to curb immigration abuse and cut net migration. Alongside the package to restrict student dependants, is expected to mean around 300,000 people who would have been eligible to come to the UK under last year's rules, will now not be able to.
The milestone figure has been reached following the register's launch at Companies House last year. A world-first register launched to shed light on overseas property ownership in the UK now has more than 30,000 registrations.
Shares in AMTE Power based in Thurso were suspended on the Stock Exchange on 19 December 2023. AMTE Power, a high-performance battery developer, has called in administrators in a fresh blow to Britain's net zero industry.
The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH) rose by 4.2% in the 12 months to November 2023, down from 4.7% in October. On a monthly basis, CPIH fell by 0.1% in November 2023, compared with a rise of 0.4% in November 2022.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act received royal assent on 26 October 2023. The act gives Companies House the power to play a more significant role in tackling economic crime and supporting economic growth.
Central banks on both sides of the Atlantic kept their main interest rates unchanged for the fourth successive month in December 2023. These rates are closely watched because they set the minimum interest at which your bank borrows and lends.
Fraser of Allender Institute Explains. Shona Robison presented her first budget to parliament this afternoon.
Hard facts surrounding the latest Scottish Budget for 24/25 are published by the Scottish Fiscal Commission. Our report, Scotland's Economic and Fiscal Forecasts - December 2023, was published on 19 December 2023 setting out our five-year forecasts of the Scottish economy, tax receipts, social security expenditure and an assessment of whether the Scottish Government's projections of borrowing are reasonable.
All limited companies, whether they trade or not, must deliver annual accounts to Companies House each year. This includes dormant companies.
Acas has launched a new campaign to inform people about employment contracts. The campaign offers advice for both employers and employees.