News Category
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Shadow side to surge in consumer optimism in economy
The latest Consumer Insight Tracker from Which? suggests that Britons are feeling more optimistic about the UK economy. More consumers (36%) now think the economy will get better in the next 12 months, compared to those (29%) who think it will get worse. However, worries about rising food, fuel and energy prices are still high, with 9.5million households currently cutting back on essentials. According to the study, nearly a third of consumers are finding it difficult or very ...
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Multi-million pound investment in offshore wind industry
The Government has unveiled a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening the UK’s position in the offshore wind industry in the hope that the sector will contribute £7 billion to the economy by 2020. Funding will include £20 million from the Regional Growth Fund to improve the industry’s supply chain and £46 million to join up innovation between industry, government and academia, and help bring new products to market. Key initiatives are as follows: £20 million from the Regional ...
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Ban on imports of sweet chestnut trees
Imports of sweet chestnut trees from areas affected by sweet chestnut blight will be banned, the Government has announced. A consultation has already revealed overwhelming support for a ban, which will be implemented during this summer. Speaking at the CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall this weekend Defra minister, Owen Paterson, said: "Tree health is one of my top priorities and I’m determined to act swiftly to protect our woodland and the thriving economy that relies on ...
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Tax breaks for UK shale gas industry
The Government is proposing to reduce the tax due on income for shale gas producers from 62% to 30%. As well as increasing the UK’s energy security, ministers argue that shale gas could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs and to increased tax revenues from the oil and gas industry. Also promised is a "robust" scheme to make sure that local communities benefit from hosting shale gas exploration, with operators providing at least £100,000 of ...
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Breakthrough for UK solar thermal
The Solar Trades Association (STA) has welcomed a government-backed seven-year financial incentive for homeowners who install renewable heating technologies, including solar thermal. According to the STA, households with solar thermal are set to benefit by between £1,150 and £3,250 depending on the number of people in the home. The scheme will be open for applicants in Spring 2014 but installations since 15th July 2009 are eligible to join, meaning that customers can install right now with the ...
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EU endorses advanced biofuels
Draft legal measures to cap traditional biofuel production and accelerate the switchover to products such as seaweed and certain types of waste have been approved by the EU's Environment Committee. The proposed new measures are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions that result from the increasing use of farmland to produce biofuel crops. A legislative report will be put to a plenary vote in Strasbourg in September.
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Insurers clarify employers’ liability for SMEs
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published a new guide aimed at providing clarity for small and medium-sized firms purchasing employers' liability (EL) cover. Produced in consultation with The Federation of Small Business, the guide also explains the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and includes a table addressing some common concerns around adherence to health and safety guidelines. ABI director general, Otto Thoresen, comments: "Over-zealous interpretation of regulations risks bring the entire health and ...
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Ash disease found in Devon
Devon has become the 11th county in England where Chalara has been discovered in the wider environment (forests and woodland); the other counties are Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Lincolnshire and Northumberland. The disease has now been confirmed at 525 sites including 185 locations in the wider environment. Chalara was discovered in England’s woodland last Autumn but as the trees are leafing, it is easier to see cases of the disease and ...
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Superfast broadband programme two years late
The Government's broadband programme, which aims to make superfast broadband available across the UK, will be two years late. According to the National Audit Office, only nine out of 44 local projects are expected to reach their original target of providing 90% superfast coverage by May 2015. In addition, a number of providers have withdrawn from the bidding and competition has been limited so that BT is likely to win all 44 local projects. The delay is partly ...
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TB from meat report “irresponsible scaremongering”
Defra has accused The Sunday Times of "irresponsible scaremongering" over a report suggesting that people are at risk of contracting TB through eating meat. Currently, all meat from cattle slaughtered due to bovine TB must undergo food safety checks before it is passed as fit for consumption. The Government reckons this means that the risk of a consumer contracting TB is "extremely low", regardless of whether or how the meat is cooked. According to Defra, the Food Standards ...
