Scotland, Wales and NI news in 2025
14 stories, newest first.
- December 2025
Welsh Government publishes flood insurance consultation report
The Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee has published a consultation report and proposals on flood insurance in Wales, setting out a Welsh perspective on Insurance and Flood Re.
- November 2025
Cold Weather Payment 2025 scheme opens
The Cold Weather Payment scheme for 2025 opens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in November, one of a series of benefit changes listed in a timetable published by Turn2us.
- September 2025
Housing Emergency Action Plan published
The Scottish Government published a Housing Emergency Action Plan in September 2025, following its declaration of a national housing emergency in 2024, according to a Scottish Government report.
- July 2025
Consultation on Council Tax administration and enforcement in Wales closes
The Welsh Government's consultation on changing Council Tax administration and enforcement in Wales closed on 23 July 2025, with 272 responses and proposals due to take effect from 1 April 2026.
- April 2025
Welsh Government opens consultation on Council Tax administration and enforcement in Wales
The Welsh Government has opened a 12 week consultation on how unpaid Council Tax is collected in Wales, proposing changes to reminder notices, final notices and liability order timing.
Scottish Income Tax changes take effect
Scottish Income Tax rates and bands for 2025-26 took effect on 6 April 2025, with the Starter and Basic rate bands widened and the Higher, Advanced and Top rate thresholds frozen.
Council tax bills expected to rise across England and Wales from April 2025
Council tax bills rise across England, Wales and Scotland from April 2025, with English bills up about 5% on average and Scottish bills up 9.6%, as most English councils use their referendum-free limit.
Council Tax Reduction Scheme automation improvement takes effect in Wales
From April 2025 councils in Wales can use Universal Credit data to automate applications for Council Tax support, the Welsh Government has confirmed in a consultation on Council Tax administration.
Debt Rescue Scheme testing begins and Universal Credit data used for Council Tax reduction
The Welsh Government is testing a Debt Rescue Scheme in three areas and using Universal Credit data to help reduce Council Tax bills from April 2025.
Proposed implementation of updated council tax property list in Wales from 1 April 2025
The Welsh Government has proposed an updated council tax property list for Wales taking effect from 1 April 2025, based on property valuations as at 1 April 2023.
- March 2025
Stamp Duty Land Tax changes affected house price base effects
The Office for National Statistics says slower UK and English house price inflation reflects a base effect from the Stamp Duty Land Tax changes that took effect in England and Northern Ireland on 1 April 2025.
Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance introduced and DWP Disability Living Allowance awards transferred
All adults in Scotland receiving Disability Living Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions had their awards moved to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance from 21 March 2025, with no new claims accepted.
- February 2025
Consumer Scotland publishes response to Ofgem energy debt relief consultation
Consumer Scotland has published its response to Ofgem's consultation on a debt relief scheme for energy customers, warning that nearly half of those in energy debt doubt they can clear it.
- January 2025
Legislation for welfare mitigation scheme extension planned
The Minister for Communities has secured agreement to extend Northern Ireland's welfare mitigation schemes, which were due to end on 31 March 2025, by a further three years to 31 March 2028.