A government clampdown on crooked lawyers who coach illegal migrants to lie will see a dedicated taskforce work with industry bodies and law enforcement to build stronger evidence bases to support prosecutions. The vast majority of lawyers act with professionalism and integrity but, as recent media reports have demonstrated, a small minority have been helping illegal migrants stay in the UK by encouraging them to make false claims.
The installation of the Highland wide 20 mph programme delivery continues a pace with over 75% of the work complete on the ground and the remainder of the settlement installation work ongoing The Temporary Road Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) for the new 20mph speed limits on Council roads went live on Monday (31 July 2023). ANSCO Signs Ltd, a local company, based at Tomich Industrial Estate in Muir of Ord, who were awarded the contract for sign manufacturing, continues to be kept busy producing the new speed limit signs.
If you were told to do more exercise to lower your blood pressure, you might think you'd need break out you running gear or hit the weights. But one of us (Jamie) recently published research that found exercises that you hold in a static position, such as planks and wall sits, are actually the best way to reduce blood pressure.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has today unveiled its world-leading Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC), which is building on its pandemic legacy and helping develop life-saving new vaccines for the UK and worldwide. The centre is situated at the UKHSA's Porton Down site, where it is co-located with other services delivered separately by partners including the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
Watch this video to find out more about registering for VAT, including whether you need to register, Vat registration thresholds and how to register..
Watch this video to find out how penalties have changed for late VAT payments and submissions, and the new repayment interest for those customers claiming a repayment..
British Airways workers secure major pay increase. British Airways agrees pay deal with Unite for 24000 staff, reverses ‘fire and rehire' pay cuts.
Landlords will have fines hiked from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per occupier for a first breach to up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier. Landlords found to be hosting a lodger without lawful immigration status for the first time could be forced to pay £5,000 - a huge increase from the existing maximum fine of £80.
Kim Kinnaird, Director, Halifax Mortgages, said, "Average UK house prices edged down slightly in July, with the monthly fall of -0.3% equivalent to a drop of around £1,000 in cash terms. While this was the fourth consecutive monthly decrease, all have been smaller than -0.5%.
Fines are to be more than tripled for employers and landlords who allow illegal migrants to work for them or rent their properties, in the biggest shake up of civil penalties since 2014, the Home Secretary announced today (Monday 7 August 2023). The civil penalty for employers, which was last increased in 2014, will be raised to up to £45,000 per illegal worker for a first breach from £15,000, and up to £60,000 for repeat breaches from £20,000.
If you want to read an economics blog that is more than often correct then try Notayesmanseconomics's Blog. Today 7 August 2023 some reflections about house prices may give you some pause.
Partnership with social media companies to clamp down on people smugglers' operations online. Illegal crossings remain down on last year and returns are at their highest level since 2019.
Nearly half of parents (47%) reported that their child's social and emotional skills had worsened during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. By contrast, just one in six children saw their social and emotional development improve over this period.
Amid headlines of wildfires raging across Europe and Africa and flooding in China, the UK government took the bewildering choice to expand fossil fuel extraction. Prime minister Rishi Sunak declared that more than 100 new oil and gas drilling licences would be granted for the North Sea in 2023, sparking widespread criticism and incredulity from climate experts, business leaders and some within his own party.
Bereaved parents who lost their partner between 9 April 2001 and 8 February 2023 may be eligible for backdated government payments. In February the Government extended eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent's Allowance to cohabiting parents with dependent children - benefits designed to help with the financial impact of losing a partner.
The Bank of England continued the largest cycle of rate rises in more than 30 years with an unprecedented fourteenth increase in a row, but the main news in today's announcement was gloomy forecasts that point to a weaker GDP outlook and a sharp rise in unemployment as the price we all must pay for bringing inflation back to target. The Resolution Foundation (Thursday 3 August 2023) response to the Bank's latest Monetary Policy Report (MPR).
We know this is a dry topic but possibly one of the most important for the future of financial life in Scotland. The Institute for Fiscal Studies casts an eye over the latest agreement.
Organisations at the frontline of helping people facing poverty and hardship can now apply for a share of government funding to help tackle food insecurity. The £1.6 million Cash-First Fund is aimed at public sector and third sector partnerships to deliver cash grants for food and other essentials, helping to reduce the need for food parcels.
DINGWALL., Dingwall and Highlands Marts Ltd., (August 4th) sold 7,628 Store lambs of all class at an average of £75.39 (- £3.23 on the year). Texel (2,532) averaged £75.04 (last year £82.34) and sold to £115 gross from Craiglands, Fortrose.
The deployment demonstrates the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific and working with partners in the region. More than 150 UK personnel have joined troops from 13 other nations for Exercise Talisman Sabre, which took place across Australia and in adjacent waters, to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.
