Highland Council's Trading Standards and the Climate Change & Energy Team are joining forces to warn unsuspecting householders and Health Centres to be on their guard if they are approached by traders offering funding for the installation of home energy products. This follows recent reports from two GP Practices in the Fort William area, who have been asked to assess patients for an offer of home energy products under Government funded schemes, implying they are approved by Highland Council when this is not the case.
The decommissioning costs for the UK's nuclear generation are coming home to roost, and they are laying golden eggs for the firms that won the business. For UK citizens, not so much.
Public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks (PSNB ex) in October 2023 was £14.9 billion, £4.4 billion more than in October 2022 and the second highest October borrowing since monthly records began in 1993. PSNB ex in the financial year-to-October 2023 was £98.3 billion, £21.9 billion more than in the same seven-month period last year, but £16.9 billion less than the £115.2 billion forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in March 2023.
Retail sales volumes are estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in October 2023, following a fall of 1.1% in September 2023 (revised from a fall of 0.9%). Looking broader, sales volumes fell by 1.1% in the three months to October 2023 when compared with the previous three months.
Leaders from the UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), and the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD) signed their second cooperation statement. Yesterday, Monday 20 November 2023, leaders from the UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), and the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD) reaffirmed their commitment to share their knowledge, experience and technology in relation to the management of radioactive waste.
Several news source are reporting that on Wednesday the chancellor will announce reduction in National Insurance payments for 28 million workers. No details have been released officially so we may have to wait on the chancellors speech..
Highland Council's Employability Team say the local authority’s first Virtual Jobs Fair held last week was a great success. The event, which was held on Wednesday 15 November, targeted winter work opportunities on the Isle of Skye and Raasay, following the end of many seasonal roles to cover the busy visitor period.
The Chancellor has announced a £320 million plan to drive innovation and unlock the first tranche of investment from his Mansion House Reforms. New investment vehicles tailored to the needs of pension schemes to support investment into the UK's most promising high-growth companies.
The UK Space Agency has announced 23 ground-breaking projects that could boost UK leadership in new space technologies and applications around the world. The Enabling Technologies Programme (ETP) provides opportunities for the UK space sector to accelerate the development of leading-edge technologies that could be used to tackle global problems and benefit the work of space organisations internationally.
Culture Secretary promises to remove "Sword of Damocles" anti-free press laws as she opens Second Reading of the Media Bill. New measures added to ensure a wide range of TV genres continue to be shown by the UK's main broadcasters, and to protect free access to crown jewel sports events.
Talks launch tomorrow [Wednesday 22 November] on an upgraded trade deal with South Korea. UK and South Korea to launch negotiations on an upgraded, modern free trade agreement to boost trade between the two countries.
Tourism initiatives that put communities first are being rolled out in two North Highlands areas. Following successful pilots in Lochcarron and Thurso this summer, Press Pause projects are being launched in Brora and Plockton by North Highland Initiative (NHI) and SCOTO (Scotland's Community Tourism Network).
Moneyfacts UK Savings Trends Treasury Report data shows fixed rates fell month-on-month across the board for the first time since 2021, with sizeable cuts not seen since 2020. All variable rates (easy access, notice and ISA equivalents) have risen for 21 consecutive months, the first time on Moneyfacts' records (this data set began in 2007).
Central bank digital currencies can improve payment systems as well as financial inclusion—if they are appropriately designed. If not, they could pose risks.
Javier Milei was elected president of Argentina this Sunday after the far-right, ultra-libertarian candidate beat left-wing opponent Sergio Massa in a runoff election. Milei's views and his campaigning style can be described as fringe, as he announced his intention to abolish Argentina's central bank and posed with chainsaws on stage while vowing to "cut down" public spending.
UK and Republic of Korea to strengthen cooperation on low carbon technologies and civil nuclear. Partnership will be signed in London by Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho and RoK's Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy, Bang Moon Kyu.
The latest Highland Highlife report to the Highland council Education Committee on Thursday 23 November 2023 sets out the current financial position and actions taken to address many issues. Since its inception in 2011 Highland Highlife as a registered charity has saved the Highland council many millions of pounds.
The Global Food Security Summit will bring together experts to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and build more resilient food systems. Global Food Security Summit in London will drive long term change on hunger and malnutrition.
The Education Committee of Highland Council will on Thursday 23 November 2023 discuss an updated strategy on Community, Sports And Leisure Facilities. This report proposes a two-stage approach to the development of vibrant community hubs in Highland communities incorporating community, sports, leisure, library, and other services as follows: i.
Men drink more, are more likely to binge drink and are almost four times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet when it comes to diagnosing babies born with birth defects associated with alcohol consumption, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, historically only the mother's drinking habits are taken into consideration.