A new report has said that improving SME access to finance outside of the South East is both a test and opportunity for the government.

The new wave of metro mayors should be granted ‘significant powers’ over planning and housing, a new report has argued.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report Closer to Home sets out the main housing challenges facing the new wave of ‘Metro Mayors’ set to be elected for the first time in May 2017, arguing that London’s housing crisis will travel north unless radical powers are handed to mayors in Liverpool, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

Broadband suppliers will now have to present clearer adverts on the costs of their contracts.
Under new rules being put in place by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), broadband suppliers will now have to show upfront and monthly costs, without separating out line rental prices.
In an attempt to limit customers being misled by adverts, the changes were the result of joint research by the ASA and Ofcom which discovered that most customers could not correctly calculate their bills based on the information given in a selection of broadband adverts.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that a new Living Wage rate of £8.45 an hour has been set in Scotland.

Plans to create a Mayoral Combined Authority for Greater Lincolnshire are still unclear after votes were collated from each of the 10 councils involved in the decision.

Carmarthenshire Council has approved plans to build a new headquarters for S4C, the Welsh language television broadcaster.

Funding cuts to voluntary groups initially agreed by Highland Council have been blocked after SNP, Lib Dem and other councillors used procedures to recall the issue and halt the implementation of cuts.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the cost of renting a home in Britain has increased by 2.3 per cent in the year to September.

Sunderland City Council has welcomed the news that Nissan will be building its next two models in the city.

Angus Council has been recognised by the Carbon Trust for exceptional success in reducing their environmental impact.
The Scottish Authority won Best in Water Management for a reduction in water use of 22 percent over the previous certification period, as well as demonstrating a robust approach to water management and stewardship.