5 h. ago Councillor calls for local government reform follwoing budget setting process

The discussions came as part of the council's final budget setting process for the 2025-26 financial year

Politics

5 h. ago Councillor calls for local government reform following budget setting process

The discussions came as part of the council's final budget setting process for the 2025-26 financial year

Politics

7 h. ago Households struggling with energy costs can get free £147 payment from DWP scheme

The help is from the government's Household Support Fund scheme which gives local councils pots of cash, which they then use to provide support to those struggling with the cost of living

Economics

14 h. ago Oscars 2025 big moments: Brody beats orchestra, Brits keep it classy and Kieran Culkin botches his big moment

The awards ceremony can’t escape Harvey Weinstein and a two fairytales come a cropperAnora dominates the Oscars — here’s the complete list of winnersWhile the dominance of last year’s Oppenheimer showed that big films will forever have their place at the Oscars, the Academy has increasingly gravitated to the smaller movie. Back in 2017, Moonlight became the best picture winner with the smallest ever budget (about $1.5m) and since then, films like Coda ($10m), Parasite ($11m) and Nomadland ($5m) have continued to bring indie films back to the main stage. This year, blockbusters like Wicked and Dune: Part Two might have scored major nominations but they had to settle for below-the-line wins, typically where bigger budget films have now tended to remain. The films that won above the line such as Anora ($6m), The Brutalist ($10m) and A Real Pain ($3m) relied on campaigns that stressed the importance of making a lot from a little and it meant that the night was ultimately another success...

Politics

14 h. ago Key takeaways from Oscars 2025: Brody beats orchestra, Brits keep it classy and Kieran Culkin botches his big moment

The awards ceremony can’t escape Harvey Weinstein and two fairytales come a cropperAnora dominates the Oscars — here’s the complete list of winnersWhile the dominance of last year’s Oppenheimer showed that big films will forever have their place at the Oscars, the Academy has increasingly gravitated to the smaller movie. Back in 2017, Moonlight became the best picture winner with the smallest ever budget (about $1.5m) and since then, films like Coda ($10m), Parasite ($11m) and Nomadland ($5m) have continued to bring indie films back to the main stage. This year, blockbusters like Wicked and Dune: Part Two might have scored major nominations but they had to settle for below-the-line wins, typically where bigger budget films have now tended to remain. The films that won above the line such as Anora ($6m), The Brutalist ($10m) and A Real Pain ($3m) relied on campaigns that stressed the importance of making a lot from a little and it meant that the night was ultimately another success s...

Politics

3 d. ago Why investors should be worrying about Trump and impoundment

The buzzword looks set to become a weapon in the budget wars

Politics

3 d. ago Rayner to tout ‘power shift’ of devolution plans to leaders in the North

The Government is re-organising local authorities and bringing in new mayoral powers under its devolution plans.

Politics

4 d. ago Alarms raised over legitimacy of Fyre festival 2: ‘An event that does not exist’

After the announcement of a follow-up festival in Mexico, tourism and local officials have denied any knowledge of its existenceWhen tickets to the second Fyre festival went on sale this week, there was just one concrete detail: it would take place on Isla Mujeres, a tropical island off Cancún, Mexico.But the festival seems to be repeating its own history as an improvised disaster after the local government in Isla Mujeres denied knowing anything about it. Continue reading...

Events

4 d. ago Starmer says no ‘big decisions’ in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring statement

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce the spring budget on March 26

Politics

4 d. ago Sir Kier Starmer says no ‘big decisions’ in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring statement

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce the spring budget on March 26

Politics

4 d. ago South Ayrshire Council accused of 'sticking two fingers up to public' as Prestwick Steeple spend approved

The controversial project saw a war of words break out during the council's budget setting meeting.

Politics

5 d. ago Perth and Kinross Council tax to increase by 9.5 per cent as councillors approve budget

The increase was agreed by councillors as they met to set the 2025/26 budget on Wednesday

Economics

5 d. ago SNP proposing 9.5 per cent council tax increase in Perth and Kinross

Councillors will meet on Wednesday, February 26 to set Perth and Kinross Council's 2025/26 budget

Politics

5 d. ago Connecticut lawmakers back prohibition on state agencies and local governments using foreign drones

Connecticut lawmakers have passed emergency legislation prohibiting state agencies and municipalities from purchasing or using Chinese and Russian drones

Politics

5 d. ago Newsom threatens to pull funds unless California cities crack down on homelessness

‘We’re not going to fund failure,’ says governor, who warned local authorities they could lose out on millions of dollarsCalifornia’s governor warned cities and counties that they could lose out on hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding if they do not make progress in clearing out encampments and tackling homelessness.Gavin Newsom’s comments on Monday, while announcing $920m in funding to address the crisis, come as he escalates efforts to push local governments to take greater action. Last summer, Newsom told counties he could withhold state support if they failed to do more homeless encampment sweeps. Continue reading...

Events

6 d. ago SNP Budget plans approved with Greens, Lib Dems and Alba support

Ministers highlighted record spending for the NHS and councils in the £63 billion budget settlement.

Politics

6 d. ago Kremlin disputes Trump claim Russia would accept Nato peacekeeping troops in Ukraine – live

Kremlin says it has nothing to add to the foreign ministry’s position on the unacceptability of Nato peacekeepers in UkraineUkraine’s presidential press service has issued a photograph showing president Volodymyr Zelenskyy introducing the world leaders visiting Kyiv some new developments in Ukraine’s defence industry.British prime minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a cut to the country’s aid budget to immediately hike defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, ahead of his visit to the White House on Thursday, according to The Sun. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago Budget Bill set to clear final hurdle at Scottish Parliament

Holyrood is expected to pass the 2025-26 budget plans when MSPs vote at the end of business.

Politics

7 d. ago Primark shoppers love £4 powder they claim is similar to £52 designer product

A budget-conscious shopper has revealed that she tried Primark's £4 setting powder said to be similar to a Givenchy product and was very impressed with the results

Economics

7 d. ago Fury as UK Government pulls the plug on vital Levelling Up funding for three Perth projects

Perthshire politicians describe the turnaround as "a betrayal" and "infuriating."

Politics