In 2026 the higher education sector in the UK faces the real prospect of a university going into administration. Constantinos Alexiou and George Saridakis from The London School of Economics lay out how UK universities have fallen into these dire straits and suggest what may become of the sector following the crisis.
Much of the public debate about the financial crisis in education has focused on universities. Yet quietly, and in some cases more severely, Scotland's colleges and further education colleges across the UK are sliding into a funding crisis that now threatens their basic viability.
Gold is trading around $5096 an ounce, up more than 2%, reaching fresh levels. Silver has hit $109 an ounce on its record-breaking run.
One of the most striking recent trends is Temu's explosive growth in cross-border online sales — that is, purchases where customers buy goods shipped from another country. In a 2025 survey of frequent international online shoppers, Temu captured about 24% of the global cross-border e-commerce market, up from less than 1% in 2022.
For decades, leaving the UK has been a personal decision, not a taxable event. You could pack up, change your tax residence, and—beyond some routine HMRC paperwork—walk away without paying a special charge simply for going.
The latest findings from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) on poverty in the UK ( 27 January 2026) — based on the UK Poverty 2026 report released today. JRF's recommendations are about more than small tweaks — they emphasise a holistic and sustained strategy that combines increases in income, reductions in living costs, better labour market support, stronger social safety nets, and active roles for both government and community actors.
UKHospitality Scotland reports that the average Scottish pub will see its business rates rise by around 77%-86% over the next three years, with bills climbing from around ~£14,876 to nearly £27,721 per year by 2028/29. That is a total increase of about £36,500 extra over three years.
Led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in the Highlands and Islands, the Rural AI Roadshow conference runs across Scotland in January 2026 with events in Inverness (27 Jan), Dundee (28 Jan) and Gretna (29 Jan). Each event will bring together business leaders, innovators and practitioners to explore the potential of AI to support rural economies.
Greater consumer protections introduced for heat network customers across Great Britain for the first time, supporting half a million consumers. New protections for homes and businesses on heat networks in England, Scotland, and Wales introduced for first time.
A new offshore wind project off the coast of North Wales will help deliver growth and good jobs to the region Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has said. The Awel y Môr project, which is being developed in the Irish Sea off the North Wales coast, was one of the projects to win a contract with the UK Government on 14 January 2026.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signs a historic clean energy security pact. Energy Secretary signs historic clean energy security pact - the Hamburg Declaration - with European leaders at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg to deliver major offshore wind projects in shared waters.
Reports of online's death this peak season were greatly exaggerated, says Parcelhero. The latest ONS retail figures show 2025’s results smashed 2024’s December and golden quarter results.
A new team dedicated to supporting small British businesses to win more defence contracts has been established today by the Defence Readiness and Industry Minister, Luke Pollard MP, on a visit to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland. New team to transform how small businesses can bid for and win Defence contracts.
First Minister John Swinney yesterday 26 January 2026 signed a renewed partnership agreement between the Scottish Government and the City of London, focussed on delivering investment to Scotland. While in London, the First Minister will promote Scotland as a financial services hub, showcase current large ticket capital investment opportunities and also announce the next stage of the Scottish Government's bonds programme.
A new online learning hub providing free palliative care education resources for Scotland's health and social care workforce launches today. The Palliative Care Learning Hub brings together recommended learning materials from NHS Education for Scotland, Scottish Social Services Council, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Health Boards and third sector organisations in one accessible place.
UK banks agree £11 billion lending packages to support small business growth, particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises. Money will help firms invest, hire and expand into new international markets, taking advantage of major new trade deals. Agreement reached at a roundtable convened by Business Secretary Peter Kyle.
The Scottish Government is making good progress towards its first bonds issuance in 2026-27, First Minister John Swinney has told financial services firms in London. Speaking at an event at Scotland House London, the First Minister announced the next steps for the £1.5 billion bonds programme, which will provide financing for major capital projects across Scotland.
By 2026, the UK mortgage market has entered an uncomfortable new phase. The chaos of rapidly rising interest rates has eased, but relief has not fully arrived.
Roundtable held at historic New Lanark venue to hear experiences from co-operative and mutuals sector so government can support businesses to grow and thrive. Maximising economic growth by growing Scotland's co-operative and mutuals sector was the focus of a roundtable hosted by UK Government Ministers.
Federal health officials are unilaterally reducing the number of recommended pediatric immunizations in response to an order from President Trump, the most significant reshaping of the vaccine schedule since Trump took office and empowered health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a long-time critic of childhood shots. Vaccination policy occupies a uniquely sensitive space in public life.
