Topic

Economy

Economy, markets, public finance and household money news.

Someone at the fruit n' veg section of a supermarket

Government food price caps would be ‘preposterous and idiotic’, say supermarkets

A Government minister denied plans for price caps but confirmed that it is holding talks with supermarkets amid concerns over rising inflation.

By Helen Corbett, Henry Saker-Clark, Pol Allingham and Helen William, Press Association · 20 May 2026 · 5 min read

Scotland

MPs reject Tory bid to issue new oil and gas licences

In the King’s Speech, the Government reiterated its manifesto commitment not to issue new licences to explore new fields.

By Rhiannon James and Will Meakin-Durrant, Press Association Political Staff · 19 May 2026 · 4 min read

Scotland

‘Only a complete whacko’ would scale down North Sea oil and gas, MPs told

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Claire Coutinho traded blows ahead of a Commons vote on whether to permit new licences for oil and gas fields.

By Will Meakin-Durrant, Press Association Political Staff · 19 May 2026 · 4 min read

Scotland

‘Tough’ hospitality conditions drag sales lower at Magners owner C&C

The company revealed net sales slipped by 5.7% to £1.57 billion for the year to February 28, compared with a year earlier.

By Henry Saker-Clark, Press Association Deputy Business Editor · 19 May 2026 · 2 min read

Exterior view of the Scottish Parliament building

Scotland

Rebalancing business rates must be top priority for new minister, says SNP MSP

Firms across Scotland have raised concerns about a recent revaluation of business rates.

By Craig Paton, Press Association Scotland Deputy Political Editor · 19 May 2026 · 2 min read

Scotland

SNP Westminster leader demands urgent review of UK’s ‘anti-business policies’

Dave Doogan said policies such as the rise in employer national insurance contributions should be ‘scrapped as soon as possible’.

By Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland Political Editor · 18 May 2026 · 4 min read

Scotland

UK hotspots where Gen-Zs are getting on housing ladder revealed by lender

Lloyds looked at the least expensive areas for first-time buyers and the locations where people buying their first home are as young as 27.

By Vicky Shaw, Press Association Personal Finance Correspondent · 18 May 2026 · 3 min read

Scotland

Fashion tycoon Scotland’s richest person for fifth year in row, rich list shows

The latest edition of The Sunday Times Rich List has been published.

By Lucinda Cameron, Press Association Scotland · 15 May 2026 · 3 min read

A shopper carrying bags in a high street

Scotland

Sales fall for second month in row amid ongoing conflict in Middle East

Figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium and KPMG show total sales in Scotland fell by 1.2% last month compared with April 2025.

By Nick Forbes, Press Association Scotland · 15 May 2026 · 3 min read

External view of the High Court in Glasgow

Scotland

Accountant who worked for restaurateurs jailed over VAT fraud is sentenced

Khalid Javid was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.

By Lucinda Cameron, Press Association Scotland · 14 May 2026 · 2 min read

Scotland

Regional divide as house prices came under increased pressure in April – report

Until there is a clearer path for inflation and borrowing costs, activity and sentiment look set to remain subdued, RICS said.

By Vicky Shaw, Press Association Personal Finance Correspondent · 14 May 2026 · 2 min read

HMS Venturer, the Royal Navy’s newest warship

Scotland

Babcock takes £140m hit from reworks to new Royal Navy warships

The company is set to deliver five frigates that are being built at its manufacturing site in Rosyth in Fife.

By Anna Wise, Press Association Business Reporter · 13 May 2026 · 2 min read