UK government borrowing has exceeded official forecasts in March and for the full 2024-2025 fiscal year, intensifying pressure on public finances amidst a challenging economic outlook compounded by US tariffs. Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a shortfall between gov
Uk Government
The UK government is discussing its digital services tax (DST) and Online Safety Act (OSA) with the United States as part of negotiations aimed at avoiding American trade tariffs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed. Washington opposes the DST, which levies taxes on large technology firms
Half of UK adults say they are now less likely to buy American products in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs on the UK, a new poll has revealed. The Savanta survey, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, found 59% of UK adults support a 'Buy British' campaign in response, with support rising
UK businesses will shape the UK’s response to US tariffs announced overnight, as part of plans announced by the Business and Trade Secretary. Following the 10% reciprocal tariffs on a range of products announced by the Trump administration yesterday, UK companies are being invited to give thei
In today's Spring Statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled a £14 billion package aimed at repairing the UK's public finances, following a downturn in economic growth and increased borrowing costs. This move comes just five months after her initial Budget in October. Despite the need fo
Civil servants are facing a widespread freeze of their government procurement cards this week, as the Cabinet Office seeks to cut wasteful spending. Almost all of the 20,000 cards will be suspended, requiring holders to reapply and justify their necessity or face cancellation.
Plans to overhaul cash Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) will not be announced in the upcoming Spring Statement, despite ongoing UK government consideration of reducing the annual contribution limit.
The Scottish and UK governments have signed a £70 million investment programme with Argyll and Bute Council to deliver vital economic growth for the area. The 10 year Rural Growth Deal (RGD) for Argyll and Bute will see the Scottish and UK governments each contributing £25m to the progra
Some of the biggest names from Scotland's business community have united in a plea to the UK government, urging immediate support for the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project in Aberdeenshire
The UK government has today launched a two-month consultation to develop a phased transition plan for the North Sea energy sector, focusing on utilising existing infrastructure for new technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture, and renewables. As part of the plan the UK government has backed new in
City of London financial firms are lobbying the UK government to overhaul cash ISAs. Companies, including BlackRock and Phoenix Group, have urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to either scrap or significantly reduce tax breaks on these accounts. Fidelity International proposes reducing the Cash Isa annua
The UK government has relinquished its position as RBS-owner NatWest Group's largest shareholder, with its stake falling below 6% on Friday. This marks a significant milestone in the bank's journey back to full private ownership, more than 16 years after its taxpayer-funded bailout during the 2008 f
Businesses behind Scotland’s most emblematic exports have secured £42 million in UK Export Finance (UKEF) deals since the summer, facilitating international expansion. Enabling companies such as Ferguson Whisky and manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles Emergency One, which the governm
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged £200 million from the National Wealth Fund to revitalise the Grangemouth site, set for refinery closure this summer. The investment, announced at Scottish Labour's conference, aims to transform the facility into a hub for new industries, including bioeng
The impact of tax changes on Scotland’s distinctive farming sector is either severely misunderstood or being deliberately ignored by the UK government, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation was speaking following the meeting HM Treasury held with some represen