Working people and UK businesses will benefit from a more strategic and consistent UK relationship with China, the Prime Minister will pledge as he arrives in Beijing today. Prime Minister to travel to Beijing and Shanghai accompanied by nearly 60 British businesses and cultural organisations' As the world's second largest economy and the UK’s third largest trading partner, engagement with China is vital for the British people' He will pledge a partnership fit for our times, grounded in the UK national interest and focused on making the UK better off' Working people and UK businesses will benefit from a more strategic and consistent UK relationship with China, the Prime Minister will pledge as he arrives in Beijing today.
Clearer pricing will help pet owners compare costs and shop around, saving families money. Millions of pet owners and vet professionals across the country will benefit from major reforms to the veterinary sector - the first overhaul in sixty years.
Business rates help has been announced for venues in England. Pubs and live music venues relief 2026 to 2027.
Streamlined agriculture rules to cut duplication and make it easier for farmers to drive down water pollution. New, clearer rules proposed today (Tuesday 27 January) will help to improve water quality, reduce pollution in our rivers and give farmers the confidence to grow food sustainably.
Secretary of State sets out the need to prioritise homegrown talent for foundation and specialty training posts to support a sustainable NHS workforce. Thank you, Mr.
Taking the HS2 railway into central London is crucial to unlocking its full potential to create more jobs, more homes and to boost the British economy. the first of 2 HS2 tunnel boring machines begins its journey from Old Oak Common to Euston station.
The government has unveiled a new social and affordable housing package today. New funding and financial flexibilities for councils and other providers to accelerate social and affordable housebuilding.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report "This isn't what change feels like" (27 Jan 2026) warns that while scrapping the two-child limit in April 2026 will lift 400,000 children out of poverty, progress will stall without deeper reforms. Poverty is projected to remain stubbornly high around 21% overall and over 4 million children still in poverty by 2029 unless government strengthens social security and tackles structural inequalities.
In a world where customers have endless choices and employees are seeking more than just a payslip, businesses face a critical question. How do you create an environment that delivers exceptional results for customers while keeping employees motivated and engaged?.
People urged to apply for School Age Payment before February deadline. Parents and carers in Scotland have until midnight on 28 February 2026 to apply for over £300 of support for children when they are old enough to start primary school.
The Highland Council's Justice Service team in Sutherland will be hosting an open day on Thursday 12 February 2026. This is a chance for members of the public to come along and find out more about community sentences in Scotland, particularly in Sutherland and the surrounding area.
The Highland Council is set to deliver significant infrastructure improvements at Ardvreck Castle, one of Sutherland's most iconic historic sites, to enhance visitor experience, improve road safety, and support sustainable tourism. The project is began on Monday 19 January 2026, for a duration of 10 weeks and the car park will be closed during this time.
The Highland Council is inviting local residents to share their views on a possible proposal for a Masterplan Consent Area (MCA) Scheme at Embo. MCAs are a legal planning tool that enable advance consent for large development sites, significantly reducing the time it takes to deliver housing and infrastructure.
Sutherland is one of Scotland's most sparsely populated counties, with communities experiencing population decline, an aging demographic, and outmigration of young people. The rise of tourism, particularly the North Coast 500 (NC500), has boosted visitor numbers but also intensified housing affordability problems, as older investors purchase properties for Airbnb and holiday lets.
The North Coast 500 (NC500), often billed as Scotland's answer to Route 66, has become one of the UK's most celebrated scenic drives. Stretching 516 miles through the Highlands, including the remote county of Sutherland, it attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Chefs from one of Scotland's most famous restaurants co-operated with Highland Council's catering team last week to ensure pupils at a Skye primary school did not miss out on their eagerly awaited Christmas lunch. Because the school was without a cook, it looked like youngsters at Dunvegan Primary would have to forego their seasonal roast, an occasion which is always a real festive highlight for pupils and staff.
Every December, Britain's electricity grid braces itself for one of the quirkiest and most predictable surges in demand: the mass kettle switch‑on. It is a peculiarly British phenomenon, rooted in our love of tea and the rhythms of festive television.
The Highland Council welcomes the UK Government's announcement that Highland has been awarded £20million Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) funding. Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: "We have received confirmation from Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland that the North, West and East Sutherland Neighbourhood has been identified as the neighbourhood within Highland Council area to receive PiPP funding.
At yesterday's meeting (Monday 1 December) of the Sutherland County Committee, Members agreed to progress the process for considering the introduction of a Short Term Let Control Area covering all or part of Sutherland. It was also agreed that progressing the consideration would enable communities within the area to participate in a consultation at the appropriate stage.
At yesterday's meeting (Monday 1 December) of the Sutherland County Committee, Members were updated on income generated by the Invitation to Pay parking scheme in the 2024/25 financial year. The Invitation to Pay parking scheme was introduced in Sutherland in 2022 and income is calculated across five Council-operated car parks in Achmelvich, Clachtoll, Durness and Golspie.
