Scotland's Economy

  • UK Budget reaction

    27th October 2021 by

    “This morning I urged the Chancellor to provide real support for households and businesses facing a perfect storm of rising prices, reduced support and increasing shortages. “This afternoon, while the Budget contains some welcome announcements, the Chancellor’s talk of ‘a new age of optimism’ will sound pretty hollow to those on low incomes, who face...

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  • Assurances sought on National Insurance increase

    10th September 2021 by

    The UK Government’s decision to implement a 1.25% increase in National Insurance contributions to fund the NHS and social care in England has raised a number of questions. In an attempt to gain more clarity, and seek assurances on consequential funding Scotland, I have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay. A...

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  • Council tax frozen

    11th March 2021 by

    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...

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  • Finance Secretary’s Budget Bill statement

    9th March 2021 by

    Finance Secretary Kate Forbes’ statement opening the Scottish Parliament’s Stage 3 debate on the Budget Bill.   Presiding Officer, it is essential that we come together as a Parliament today to agree the 2021-22 Scottish Budget and deliver the certainty and stability that Scotland, its people and its businesses and communities deserve. Throughout this Budget...

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  • Response to UK Government Spring Statement

    13th March 2019 by

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes has responded to the UK Government’s Spring Statement today, saying: “Amid the continuing uncertainty around the UK’s EU exit, the Spring Statement failed to provide businesses with any reassurances about their future and offered no clarity on future funding for Scotland. “Years of austerity and continued uncertainty at the hands...

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  • This week: 25/01

    25th January 2019 by

    Labour Market Statistics Labour Market Statistics, published by ONS, show that: 2,641,000 people are now in work in Scotland Unemployment in Scotland fell to 3.6%, the lowest rate on record Scotland’s female employment rate is 71.5%, higher than the UK rate of 71.2% Scotland’s youth employment rate is 60.7%, higher than the UK rate of...

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  • This Week: 28/12/2018

    28th December 2018 by

    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...

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  • This week: 21/12/2018

    21st December 2018 by

    £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...

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  • This week: 14/12/18

    14th December 2018 by

    Budget Economy Secretary Derek Mackay presented the Scottish Government’s 2019-20 spending plans to the Scottish Parliament. Mr Mackay said the budget will seek to strengthen Scotland’s economy and deliver long term investments to transform public services. Read more Labour Market stats Labour Market Statistics, published this week show that: 2,633,000 people are now in work...

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  • Ensuring the UK Budget delivers for Scotland

    10th October 2018 by

    Ahead of the UK Budget on the 29th of October, I have written to the  Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the key issues that the Scottish Government wishes see included in the Budget. A full copy of my letter to the Chancellor is below. ___ Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP Chancellor of the Exchequer HM Treasury...

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