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Council tax frozen
11th March 2021
All 32 local authorities across Scotland have chosen to freeze council tax following a Scottish Government commitment to compensate those who do so. Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “With people facing unprecedented challenges and extra pressures, now is a time to work together to provide stability and certainty. “In the budget for the year ahead…
Brexit barriers facing artists and musicians
21st February 2021
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has requested an urgent meeting with the UK Government to discuss the impact of ending EU free movement on culture and creative sectors. In a letter to the UK Culture Secretary, Ms Hyslop urged the UK Government to negotiate visa-free access for artists and other creative professionals touring and carrying out…
Support for larger self-catering properties and B&Bs
21st January 2021
Details of support for larger self-catering properties and B&Bs paying council tax have been confirmed by Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing. The £7 million Large Self-Catering Grant and the Exclusive Use Grant was announced as part of the £104 million tourism and hospitality package in December. Eligible self–catering businesses will be able to apply for one…
Call for UK Government funding to support restrictions
21st October 2020
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has called on the UK Government to provide appropriate funding to support businesses and communities, the wider supply chain and individuals negatively impacted or forced to close due to lockdown restrictions. In a letter to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, Ms Forbes said any support provided to local regions in England that…
This week: 5G, tidal energy and business productivity
30th August 2019
5G plan First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled ‘Forging Our Digital Future With 5G‘, a new plan that will put Scotland at the forefront of the 5G technological revolution. 5G is the next generation of mobile internet, offering faster speeds and enhanced connectivity that could transform transport, education, healthcare and agriculture among other sectors. The…
Internet of Things, E-Bikes and GDP
9th August 2019
Economic Growth Statistics published this week showed that the Scottish economy grew by 0.6% during the first quarter of 2019. Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said the months and years ahead were crucial as the UK’s EU Exit, and in particular a ‘no deal’ Brexit, risks damaging Scotland’s economic growth. He said: “Growing the economy is…
Funding, farms and Future Skills
2nd August 2019
Read on for our weekly round-up of economy news from this week. Research & Development funding Trade and Innovation Minister Ivan McKee visited M2 Lasers in Glasgow to announce a £2.9 million Research and Development grant, which will create 24 new jobs, including 18 new highly-skilled scientific roles. He said: “Scotland has a long tradition…
This week: 26/7/19
26th July 2019
National Islands Plan Island communities are being encouraged to shape the first ever National Islands Plan through a national consultation, which closes today (26 July). The Plan will set out how the Scottish Government, local authorities and other public agencies might work to improve outcomes for island communities. Scottish Ministers will be asked to report…
This week: 19/07/19
19th July 2019
Flexible Workforce Development Fund Business, Fair Work and Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn launched the third year of the Flexible Workforce Development Fund. The Flexible Workforce Development Fund provides employers with an opportunity to access £15,000 worth of funding to create bespoke and tailored training opportunities to help address skills gaps within their organisation – delivered…
Response to OBR ‘no deal’ warning
18th July 2019
Commenting on the warning from the Office of Budget Responsibility that a ‘no deal’ UK EU Exit could lead to a UK recession, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “The Office of Budget Responsibility confirms what the Scottish Government have been warning for months that a no deal Brexit has the potential to push the economy…