Latest News

Brits shop like Liz Truss never happened

Sales volumes - the amount we all bought – rose by 0.3% in September.  The home delivery expert Parcelhero says volumes finally returned to July 2022 levels, before Liz Truss' disastrous September mini-budget hit household spending.  

Contract Awarded For Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray

Highlands and Islands Enterprise has commissioned Morrison Construction to carry out the works and the Torrance Partnership to oversee the contract.   A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).  

Missing Out On Financial Support? - Moneybox Live Radio 4 3.00pm

It's estimated that £23 billion worth of help and support - from housing benefits to pension credit - goes unclaimed every year.  We look at what's available and how to get it.  

How Much Income Is Needed To Live Well In The Uk In 2023? At Least £29,500 - Much More Than Many Households Bring In

ou don't have to look very hard at the moment to find evidence of the immense financial pressure on UK households.  New figures from the Trussell Trust show that 1.5 million emergency food parcels were provided to people between April and September 2023.  

Why Is It The Elderly Are Living As Long As Ever, But Are Sicker? - Richard Murphy

New research shows that those in their later 60s now are sicker than those in their late 80s were at the same point in their lives.   Why isn't prosperity delivering wellness, and what can we do about it?.  

Technology Working Group Publishes Report On Artificial Intelligence

Industry group for examining the impact of technology on the UK's investment management sector publishes its third report.   The Technology Working Group - chaired by Michelle Scrimgeour and supported by the Investment Association – has today published its third and final report: Intelligent Investment: AI Deployment Strategies for UK Investment Management Firms.  

Flu And Covid-19 Rising Cases - Surveillance Report Published

Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.   This COVID-19, flu and RSV surveillance bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for COVID-19, flu and RSV.  

Sustainable Action To Tackle Rising Prison Population - Emergency Legislation To Be Introduced

Emergency legislation will be introduced to Parliament to contribute to the sustainable long-term management of Scotland's prison population, Justice Secretary Angela Constance told MSPs.   The Bill, to be introduced in November, will propose a change to the release point for short-term prisoners serving sentences of less than four years.  

Improved Support For Crime Victims - New Victim Contact Team To Be Set Up

Victims of crime will receive improved support, advice and information as part of planned reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS).   Under proposed changes to the scheme - which entitles victims or close relatives of victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime - a new Victim Contact Team will be set up to give personalised support to victims, based on their individual needs.  

Culture Secretary Sets Out Plans To Turbocharge The Economic Impact Of British Filmmaking

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has today laid legislation in Parliament introducing a new tax relief for independent British films to boost the growth of the UK's world class film sector.   Culture Secretary tells Parliament new indy film tax relief will boost jobs, growth and investment in the UK's regions and nations Move comes as Pinewood Studios announces a new Indie Production Hub.