UK Chief Vet urges owners to take all necessary steps to ensure they are complying with the law. From 31 December all XL Bully type dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
Government sets out the next stages for a number of new Workers' Rights Acts to support UK workers. Government sets out next steps to improve the lives of workers across the UK.
Two years into the cost of living crisis, inflation has finally turned a corner. The headline rate of CPI inflation has fallen from its October 2022 peak of 11.1 per cent to 4.6 per cent in October 2023, and the Prime Minister has been able to say that his target of halving inflation in 2023 was met.
From The Scottish Fiscal Commission on 22 November 2023; Article by our chair Professor Graeme Roy, first published in The Times on 22 November 2023. Although many of the Chancellor's announcements apply across the entire UK, his ‘Autumn Statement for Growth' also sets the scene for the Scottish Budget in less than four weeks' time.
The Scottish Government faces a £1.5bn shortfall in funding for next year due to increased spending pressures and new announcements, according to the Fraser of Allander Institute. This represents one of the most challenging fiscal backdrops in the history of Scottish devolution.
The Highland Council is supportive of the Scottish Government's Education Reform Bill, however the local authority stresses the need for adequate funding, resources and a focus on place-based solutions in the area to meet its vision. Cllr John Finlayson, Education Chair said: "It is important that we look to the future of Scottish Education from a Highland perspective.
As we approach the end of another year, it's crucial to take the time to reflect on our careers and set goals for the year ahead. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for a fresh start or a recent graduate new to the job market, leading employment lawyers Daniela Korn and Praveen Bhatia, co-owners at media law firm Tan Ward, offer expert advice for achieving your career aspirations.
Almost a fifth of England's council bosses have warned they are running out of money so badly that they will become effectively bankrupt this year or next. A report by the Local Government Association also indicates that nearly half think they will not be able to ensure the delivery of essential services from 2024 to 2025.
Richard Murphy yesterday published a breakdown of what might happen when Thames Water reaches the end of the road financially in 2024. It has been long predicted as interest rates have risen on their huge debts.
From the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the U.S.
For some, a well-brewed cask ale stands superior to any Belgian lager, while French wine enthusiasts could insist that nothing matches the bouquet of a vintage Bordeaux, sparking lively debates. On the culinary stage, one might find Yorkshiremen boasting about the superiority of their Yorkshire pudding in the Sunday roast tradition, while across the border, Scots may argue that nothing compares to the flavors of their traditional smoked salmon.
Changes to a number of Polling Districts and Polling Places in the Highlands were agreed today (Thursday 14 December 2023) at the meeting of The Highland Council. Following the formal review of the Highland Polling Districts and Places, Members approved a new Scheme of Polling Districts and Polling Places that will be in place for the next elections.
Members of Highland Council, who met today, Thursday, 14 December 2023, have agreed to amalgamate two local area committees. The former Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committees will be merged to form a single area committee.
Hundreds of people have responded to the Highland Council's programme of engagement, completing a survey or taking part in the budget simulator challenge. The Council is facing an estimated budget gap of around £62m in 2024-25 and is expected to need over £100m over the next 3 years to balance the books with current expenditure.
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 13 December 2023, the MPC voted by a majority of 6-3 to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%.
UKAEA has awarded £7.4m worth of contracts for organisations to develop lithium technologies for use in a sustainable fusion energy fuel cycle. Five organisations have secured six contracts worth £7.4m in total with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to develop lithium technology for fusion energy.
ScotRail, the Scottish Government, the British Transport Police, and trade unions are joining forces to tackle abuse experienced by transport staff as part of a £1.6million crackdown. A special campaign was launched today (Thursday, 14 December) by Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop MSP, further committing to protecting and supporting staff.
New powers enabling councils to charge up to double the full rate of council tax on second homes have been agreed by the Scottish Parliament. Councils will be able to increase the charges from 1 April 2024, with rates for the first year being based on those from 2023-24.
This publication summarises intelligence from the Bank's Agents considered by the Monetary Policy Committee at its December meeting. The intelligence was gathered in the five weeks to mid-November.
The Chief Statistician has released figures on the 2023 Scottish harvest, showing cereal production and yield fell, by 6% and 2% respectively, from their record 2022 figures. However, overall cereal yield remained just above the ten-year average.