kristenmcnicoll
Written 29 posts
Rates reform progress
22nd February 2019
Implementation of Barclay Review moves to next stage. Businesses have given their views to help shape a bill to implement changes to the rates system. The Non Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill which supports growth, increases fairness and streamlines administration will be introduced to Parliament before Easter. An independent analysis report of consultation responses, along with…
Statement on Ayrshire Growth Deal
30th January 2019
Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Whilst I am disappointed that the UK Government has decided to depart from previous practice of agreeing joint announcements on growth deal support, I am glad to see that the UK Government has finally moved to make its commitment to Ayrshire clear. This is something which we have been urging…
Statement on Arjowiggins/Stoneywood Mill
23rd January 2019
Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “We held a positive meeting this morning with Arjowiggins management, the administrators, union and other local stakeholders. Everyone wants what is best for the workforce and company so our focus is on supporting the business and the administrators in doing all we can to safeguard jobs at the mill. “In…
This Week: 04/01/2019
4th January 2019
Infrastructure priorities for 2019 Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson has set out his priorities for 2019 in an article on our blog. Read more Return to work travel advice People are being urged to plan their return to work travel, with the trunk roads and other transport networks in Scotland expected to be busy over the…
Growing our strong investment in infrastructure during 2019 – Michael Matheson
31st December 2018
Infrastructure investment is one of the four pillars of the Scottish Government’s economic strategy which is why in 2019-20 our capital programme will invest more than £5 billion across Scotland. We know the value of investing in infrastructure goes beyond the physical homes, schools, hospitals we see as the projects begin to open. It unlocks…
This Week: 28/12/2018
28th December 2018
Priorities for 2019 Finance and Economy Secretary Derek Mackay has set out his priorities for 2019 in an article in The Herald. Read more Improving ferry access Further accessibility improvements will be made on Scotland’s ferries following the fourth round of awards from the Ferries Accessibility Fund. Almost £80,000 is being awarded to Serco NorthLink…
This week: 21/12/2018
21st December 2018
£2m to assist Glasgow’s fire recovery Around £1.85 million of the Scottish Government’s Fire Recovery Fund is to be used by Glasgow City Council to provide business rates relief and support business recovery. Every business in the immediate fire cordon area and eligible businesses in the wider Sauchiehall Street area will receive 100% business rates…
Improving construction industry payments
18th December 2018
Cash retention – the practice of withholding a percentage of the payment on construction projects – will be among the issues considered as part of a Scottish Government consultation planned in 2019. The use of cash retentions in the construction industry is commonplace and when used properly is an effective project assurance tool. However, many…
Lowest unemployment rate on record
11th December 2018
Commenting on the labour market statistics, released by the ONS for August to October 2018, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “The Scottish economy and jobs market remain strong despite the continued challenges of Brexit. “Scotland’s unemployment rate fell again, down to 3.7%, which is lower than the UK rate of 4.1% – where unemployment has…