News Archive

English Classes For New Scots

Refugees, people seeking asylum and other forced migrants in Glasgow are benefitting from English classes to help them integrate into communities, supported by £500,000 in Scottish Government funding which will help 800 learners.   The classes are helping people who have been forced to flee their country gain the language skills needed to rebuild their lives in Scotland, communicate confidently with people in their new communities and establish and strengthen their social connections.  

Progress On Scottish Government Workforce Reform

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee has responded to the publication of the Scottish Government Workforce September 2024 statistics.   Mr McKee said:  "There has been a 2.3% reduction to the total Scottish Government workforce between March 2022 and September 2024.  

Consumer Price Inflation, Uk: November 2024 2.6%

The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH) rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to November 2024, up from 3.2% in the 12 months to October.   On a monthly basis, CPIH rose by 0.2% in November 2024, compared with a fall of 0.1% in November 2023.  

AI Was Supposed To Make The Uk Benefits System More Efficient. Instead It's Brought Bias And Hunger

A freedom of information request has revealed that an AI system used by the UK government for assessing benefits cases is apparently getting it wrong by a "statistically significant" amount.  The admission to journalists at the Guardian emerged after a fairness analysis into universal credit claimants in February 2024.  

Scottish Highland Community 'blindsided' By Spaceport Bombshell As Future Hopes Turn To Dust

A community which spent eight years trying to secure Sutherland Spaceport for the future of the area speaks out after the company switched its launches to Shetland.   All was well at a lunch in the Tongue Hotel on the final Monday in October when Phillip Chambers, chief executive of aerospace company Orbex, stood up and told those gathered about the bright future for the Sutherland spaceport.  

Chancellor Opens 100th Banking Hub In Time For Christmas - Wick Last Bank Closes 25 June 2025

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, will today open the 100th banking hub in Darwen, Lancashire.   Banking hubs have been set up in response to bank branch closures, with 350 set to be rolled out by 2029.  

Moneyfacts Average Mortgage Two Year Rates 13 December 2024

Average fixed mortgage rates, sourced from the Moneyfacts Mortgage Database, represent the mean average initial pay rate of residential fixed rate mortgages for terms of two years across whole of market.   Data is collated at the end of each business day and excludes Standard Variable Rate mortgage products as well as those designed for the adverse credit market and products that are only available for new build, self build and equity and shared ownership properties.  

Stay Safe Online At Christmas - Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a popular present but be cautious of scams.  Only buy from reputable stores and never share the card details with anyone.  

Tree Planting Guide Launched For Farmers And Foresters

New guide identifies 33 tree species best suited for planting on farmland.   Hornbeam, beech, goat willow and walnut are just some of the tree species best suited to planting on farmland according to a new expert tree planting guide for farmers published today.  

Winter Payment Scam Warning

Highland Council Trading Standards are urging residents to be aware of a winter payment scam text aimed at tricking people into thinking they have to act quickly or miss out on a winter payment.   The text refers to your last round of winter heating allowance and gives a deadline that is very close.