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Andy Burnham’s decision to scrap VAT on household electricity for the 2026–27 financial year is one of his first major fiscal moves. The government says the measure will cost £850 million this year and will be funded by scrapping the Digital Identity Scheme.

The latest Public Sector Finances bulletin from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a significant improvement in the UK’s fiscal position for June 2026. Borrowing fell sharply compared with last year, driven primarily by lower inflation-linked debt interest payments.

The Government's announcement of ‘Operation Albiston Shadow’, the UK's largest home defence exercise in decades, has put supply chain resilience back on the agenda for British businesses, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. New analysis of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) latest business survey, carried out by the home delivery specialist Parcelhero, reveals that fears over cyber-attacks disrupting supply chains vary sharply depending on the sector.

A realistic look at the options, constraints, and long‑term fiscal choices Public sector debt in the UK has climbed to levels not seen since the early 1960s, now sitting close to 95% of GDP. With borrowing rising year after year and new commitments such as the £850 million VAT cut on electricity many people are asking whether the UK can ever meaningfully reduce its debt.

To stay in the top job, a British prime minister has to try and keep certain groups happy. MPs, party members and donors do not like to be ignored.

The latest ONS PAYE Real Time Information bulletin (July 2026) shows a small fall in payrolled employees over the year, modest month‑to‑month stability, and continued growth in median pay, with strong increases in health and social work but weaker growth in education. Payrolled employees: 30.3 million in June 2026 — down 71,000 (0.2%) from June 2025.

Thousands of households across rural Scotland depend on heating oil to keep warm. Unlike homes connected to the gas grid, they have little choice when oil prices rise sharply.

Every day brings another announcement of a new AI data centre, a vast offshore wind farm, a solar installation or a proposal for a new nuclear power station. Governments proudly speak of energy security, net zero and making their countries global leaders in artificial intelligence.

One of the first tests for any new Prime Minister is how quickly they establish relationships with world leaders. Within hours of entering 10 Downing Street, Andy Burnham began a series of telephone conversations with some of Britain's most important international partners.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments as set up by Andy Burnham PM. The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.

Wars are often measured in missiles fired, ships sunk and territory gained or lost. But for ordinary people, the real battle is often fought somewhere much closer to home—in the supermarket, at the fuel pump and in the value of the money in their pocket.

A new Prime Minister has little time to make a first impression. History suggests that the first 100 days often shape public opinion for years to come.

What would you do if you inherited an economy with slow growth, high taxes, stretched public services and a national debt measured in trillions of pounds? That is the challenge facing Britain's new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham. During his years as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham built a reputation for championing better public transport, stronger local economies and policies aimed at improving everyday living standards.

If you’ve been online lately, you’ve probably seen those ads shouting “Drink THIS every morning to melt belly fat!”. They always feature a mysterious fruit, a glowing mug, and a doctor who looks suspiciously like a stock photo model named Kevin.

For more than 30 years, China seemed unstoppable. Its economy grew at astonishing speed with new cities appeared almost overnight and millions of people moved from the countryside into better-paid jobs.

Did Scotland's Iron Age brochs form a prehistoric long-distance warning system? In this history documentary, Ashley Cowie joins Iain MacLean of the Caithness Broch Project to investigate an archaeological mystery: four enigmatic Iron Age stone towers hidden across the rugged landscape of northern Scotland. Trekking through the remote Berriedale Strath, they conduct a viewshed analysis to test a compelling archaeological hypothesis: were these monumental brochs deliberately positioned to maintain line-of-sight with one another? Their expedition reveals remarkable evidence that these towering displays of Iron Age architecture may have formed an intentional signaling network, offering new insights into prehistoric engineering, landscape planning, and regional communication..

Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking to employ a part time Laundry Assistant working 20 hours per week worked over four days, hours are two shifts 9am-1pm and two shifts 7am-1pm, for more information or to request an application form email; lynnsmith@riversidehousecarehime.com or call 01955602314.

The ONS report measures the natural capital of enclosed farmland meaning the economic value of the land, soils, habitats, and ecosystem services produced by fields, hedgerows, and managed agricultural landscapes across the UK. Key points from the report Enclosed farmland covers around a third of the UK’s land area, making it one of the country’s most significant land uses.

The UK Government has announced that children aged 8 and 9 can now use eGates at major UK airports and at international rail terminals. Previously, only travellers aged 10 and over were allowed to use them.

Are you ready to take the first step in your career and gain valuable hands-on experience with a supportive local business? Blargoans Limited is offering an exciting opportunity for a Business and Operations Apprentice to join our friendly and hardworking team. This varied role is ideal for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, and keen to learn how our businesses operate, while gaining practical experience across both Blargoans Ltd and Northern Sands Hotel.

Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd. is the largest crane hire and heavy lifting services company based in Caithness.

Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking to employ a full time or part time dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in supporting the kitchen staff by maintaining cleanliness, washing dishes and adhering to cleaning schedules.

Before the Strait of Hormuz made the evening news, most of us thought potash was a new vegan spread and phosphates were something you rinsed off your dishes. Now, half the country is debating Moroccan mineral reserves like it’s the World Cup.

AI, energy, defence and commodities are colliding to reshape the global economy and the effects are already reaching households and businesses in the Highlands. The world economy is shifting from efficiency to constraint and from cheap abundance to strategic competition For three decades the global economy rested on a simple assumption: that supply would adjust, prices would stabilise, and globalisation would smooth out shocks.

The by-election to elect a councillor to represent Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton on The Highland Council has been won by John Murray, Independent who was one of 5 candidates who contested the vacancy. Voters went to the poll (Thursday 25 June 2026) and the by-election count was held Friday morning in Dornoch Academy.

We are looking for a housekeeper who will look after our accommodation with the same care we give our customers. A team player who will be responsible for cleaning guest rooms, public areas and hotel properties in a timely and thorough manner to ensure guest satisfaction.

This impressive ‘B Listed’ detached former Church of Scotland Manse, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century, occupies substantial grounds extending to approximately 1.52 acres, enclosed by attractive dry-stone walls, and is complemented by an extensive range of traditional outbuildings. Situated in a delightful setting just a short walk from the village of Canisbay, this attractive property enjoys far-reaching countryside and sea views, with panoramic views across the Pentland Firth towards Orkney.

For years, ultra‑cheap online marketplaces like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress have reshaped the way people shop in the UK. But now the Government is preparing a major change that could shift the balance back toward the high street: the abolition of the de minimis import threshold.

This year a predicted Super El Niño affect may hit prices in the UK. There is no certainty about how it will play out but better to know what may be affected.

Full time Domestic assistant (30 hours per week) Here at Riverside house care home we are looking for a dedicated and reliable domestic assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will work five shifts per week 8am-2pm ensuring areas throughout the home are maintained to the highest standard of cleanliness, this role is perfect for individuals who take pride in their work and enjoy creating a welcoming environment.