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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Crime leader who recruited illegal workers to clean at Sainsbury’s jailed [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Crime leader who recruited illegal workers to clean at Sainsbury’s jailed [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 August 2023.

    Members of a gang which recruited illegal migrants to work as cleaners across a string of Sainsbury’s supermarkets have been sentenced.

    Members of a criminal gang which recruited illegal migrants to work as cleaners across a string of Sainsbury’s supermarkets in Oxfordshire and the south-west have been sentenced.

    Five defendants were sentenced at Oxfordshire Crown Court yesterday (August 7) over their roles in the organised crime group who profited from the facilitation, work placement and housing of around 40 illegal workers, mainly from west Africa.

    The leader of the criminal group, Momodou Chune, 55, from Oxford, was jailed for 6 years after being found guilty of 6 counts of assisting unlawful immigration and 3 counts of concealing criminal property.

    The defendants were caught following an investigation by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI) Unit.

    It is estimated that over a decade of activity, the gang profited in the region of £600,000 from wages of illegal workers and ‘ghost’ workers. The majority of the illegal workers had more than one name and identity, as Chune created fake employees in order to obtain more money in false wages from his employers.

    He did this by supplying illegal workers with multiple PIN numbers which were used to calculate an individual’s pay based on the record of when they logged on and for how long that person had worked.

    Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, said:

    This is another example of the excellent work which Immigration Enforcement is carrying out around the clock to pursue offenders and bring them to justice.

    Illegal working not only encourages illegal migration – it damages our communities, cheats honest workers out of employment and defrauds the public purse as the businesses and workers do not pay taxes.

    That is why this government is cracking down on the practise by increasing our illegal working activity by 50% and relentlessly pursuing the ringleaders.

    Investigators found that, from 2006 to 2016, Chune had abused his position as an area manager for two companies ISS Facility Services (ISS) and Exclusive Contract Services (ECS), to employ illegal migrants to work as cleaning staff at nine Sainsbury’s stores in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

    Chune recruited each of the illegal workers knowing they had no right to work. Evidence showed he had control over what the workers were paid as he had their wages paid into his accounts and the accounts of those close to him.

    He also controlled where some of the illegal workers lived by providing them with rooms across his multi-million-pound property portfolio. The court heard Chune would pay illegal workers in cash but would deduct rent from those he housed.

    This included one worker who was paid £250 a month in cash, however his rent to Chune was £220 a month. Another illegal worker claimed he was paid £5 an hour cash-in-hand for cleaning.

    Chune, alongside others in the gang, was found to have laundered more than £310,000 from Exclusive Contract Service Ltd in wages to illegal workers and fake workers through multiple bank accounts.

    Those sentenced alongside Chune today were:

    • a 48-year-old woman who was found guilty of concealing criminal property alongside Chune to the sum of £31,685, and was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 2 years.
    • a 54-year-old woman who was found guilty of concealing criminal property with Chune to the sum of more than £200,701, and was sentenced to 18 months suspended for 2 years.
    • a 50-year-old man who was found guilty of concealing criminal property with Chune to the sum of £78,638, and pleaded guilty to possession of an identity document with intent. He was sentenced to 23 months imprisonment.
    • a 41-year-old man who was found guilty of fraud by abusing his position as a supervisor at ECS by receiving wages he was not entitled to, and was sentenced to 2 years suspended for 2 years.

    Chris Foster, Deputy Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations at the Home Office, said:

    The leader of this criminal gang had ultimate control over these illegal workers to exploit them for personal gain. This has been a complex investigation and I want to thank my officers for their hard work, which has resulted in this crime group being stopped in their tracks.

    Immigration Enforcement will continue to dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal working and associated crime, putting offenders before the courts to feel the full weight of the law.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Largest ever UK action targets Putin’s access to foreign military supplies [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Largest ever UK action targets Putin’s access to foreign military supplies [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2023.

    Foreign Secretary announces 25 new sanctions targeting Putin’s access to foreign military equipment.

    • Foreign Secretary announces 25 new sanctions targeting Putin’s access to foreign military equipment.
    • This includes individuals and businesses in Turkey, Dubai, Slovakia and Switzerland who are supporting the illegal war in Ukraine.
    • The UK is also tackling Iranian and Belarusian support for Russia’s war machine.

    The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly has today (8 August 2023) announced 22 new sanctions on individuals and businesses outside Russia supporting Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as 3 Russian companies importing electronics vital to Russia’s military equipment used on the battlefield.

    Today’s measures will damage Russia’s defence systems by cutting off Putin’s access to foreign military equipment. Among those sanctioned are:

    • Two Turkey based businesses, Turkik Union and Azu International, for their role in exporting microelectronics to Russia that are essential for Russia’s military activity in Ukraine.
    • Dubai based Aeromotus Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Trading LLC, for its role in supplying drones and drone components to Russia.
    • Slovakian national Ashot Mkrtychev, for his involvement in an attempted arms deal between the DPRK and Russia.
    • Swiss national Anselm Oskar Schmucki, for his role in Russia’s financial services sector, including through working as Chief of the Moscow office of DuLac Capital Ltd.

    We are also taking further action to tackle Iran and Belarus’ support for Russia’s military. The UK has previously imposed sanctions on Belarus for continuing to actively facilitate Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has called out Iran’s destabilising role in global security, including through sanctions against Iranian suppliers of the UAVs used by Russia to target Ukrainian civilians. Today’s sanctions include:

    • Iranian individuals and entities involved in the research, development and production of UAVs for the IRGC.
    • Belarusian defence organisations linked to the manufacturing of military technology for the Belarusian regime, which has directly facilitated Putin’s illegal war.

    The UK is also sanctioning three Russian companies operating in the electronics sector for their role in procuring UK-sanctioned western microelectronics that are essential for sustaining Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

    This sanctions package is part of a series of wider action targeting those critical to supplying and funding Putin’s war machine – and it is the biggest ever UK action on military suppliers in third countries.

    The Russian defence industry is severely stretched and focused entirely on sustaining the war. Unable to access Western components, the Russian military is struggling to produce sufficient top-end equipment and is now desperately searching for foreign armaments. Russia is already having to mobilise soviet-era tanks and harvest kitchen freezers for low-grade chips. Today’s package tackles Russia’s attempts to circumvent and offset these clear impacts of UK and allies’ sanctions.

    Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said:

    Today’s landmark sanctions will further diminish Russia’s arsenal and close the net on supply chains propping up Putin’s now struggling defence industry.

    There is nowhere for those sustaining Russia’s military machine to hide.

    Alongside our G7 partners, the UK has repeatedly called on third parties to immediately cease providing material support to Russia’s aggression or face severe costs.

    We will continue working together with our international partners to prevent third parties supplying weapons and welcome stronger action to clamp down on rogue military supplies and sanctions circumvention. The UK is committed to maintaining international efforts to ensure sanctions are effective, investigate activities that support circumvention and act accordingly. We welcome cooperation from third countries where they are taking steps to address actions by those in their jurisdictions supplying Russia.

    Through this sanctions package, the UK is also taking further steps to tackle countries actively supporting Putin by supplying weapons and military components directly to Russia, including Iran, Belarus and DPRK. Among these new designations is the Belarusian company Gomel Radio Plant which is repairing Russian military equipment; and the Iranian Paravar Pars Company, a key regime-linked UAV manufacturer, and seven of its executives. Iran is responsible for supplying Russia with the kamikaze drones used to bombard Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces reappointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces reappointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 August 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of four Commissioners to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

    Helen Henderson, Jonathan Kearney, David Lavery and Stephen White will take up their appointments with effect from 1 September 2023 for a term of three years.

    A competition will be held shortly for one further Commissioner vacancy details of which will be advertised on the Public Appointments website.

    Background

    The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
    The NIHRC was established in 1999 and operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.
    Its powers and duties are set out in legislation, and it operates in compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the ‘Paris Principles’) on National Human Rights Institutions. The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland.

    Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about-us

    Terms of appointment

    • These positions are part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2026.
    • The positions receive a fixed annual remuneration of £7,500.
    • The positions are not pensionable.

    Biography of Appointees

    Helen Henderson has a background in global education, community development and peace building within the third sector. She is managing Director of St Columb’s Park House, a peace and reconciliation centre and is a former board member with the Northern Ireland Fisheries and Harbours Authority

    Jonathan Kearney is an independent consultant with a focus on policing and human rights. He has undertaken research into international policing and worked as a sessional academic.

    David Lavery is currently Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and former Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

    Stephen White is currently a self-employed freelance Security Sector Reform Specialist.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. All of the appointees have declared that they have not been politically active in the last five years.

    Regulation

    The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA) regulates appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

    Statutory Requirements

    The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Working together to save lives’ – Welsh Government teams up with police ahead of 20mph roll out [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Working together to save lives’ – Welsh Government teams up with police ahead of 20mph roll out [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 1 August 2023.

    On Sunday, September 17 Wales will become the first UK nation to introduce a new default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads.

    To prepare motorists for this significant change, the Welsh Government and the police are working with the fire service, Go Safe (Wales’ Road Casualty Reduction Partnership), local authorities and other community groups to educate motorists.

    At roadsides across Wales, fire service staff will work with partners, to stop speeding motorists in 20mph areas and offer them the opportunity to watch an educational video rather than face a fine of prosecution.

    The video warns about the dangers of excessive speeds and highlights the benefits of slower speed. It is only offered to those motorists not driving excessively over the speed limit.

    Supt Leanne Brustad, Gwent Police said:

    “Engagement, education, and enforcement plays a huge part in the rollout.

    “We will continue to work closely with our partners to educate drivers as much as possible as the new speed limit comes into force and help deliver all of the benefits of this policy.” 

    South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Group Manager Richie Smart said:

    “Our fire fighters see the devastating impacts that road traffic collisions, including those in built up areas where people and vehicles mix closely, can have. We are therefore pleased to support our partners to raise awareness of the importance of speed limits to keep everyone safe.” 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Results Day in Scotland 2023 [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Results Day in Scotland 2023 [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 August 2023.

    Pass rates above pre-pandemic levels.

    Students getting their exam results today should be very proud of their achievements, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has said, with pass rates remaining above pre-pandemic levels.

    Data published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed the overall pass rate for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers has increased from the 2019 pre-pandemic level, with a record number of passes in an exam year achieved at National 5.

    The number of vocational and technical qualifications achieved has also grown to a record high this year – with more than 72,000 qualifications awarded in 2023, an increase of 12.3% from 2022.

    The poverty-related attainment gap remains narrower than it was in 2019 across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

    “I want to offer my congratulations to all of you who have worked so hard and demonstrated so much resilience not just this year but over the course of your studies.  Today is all about celebrating your achievements and you should be incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.

    “I would also like to send my sincere thanks and gratitude for the continued dedication and commitment of those in our education system – thank you to all of Scotland’s teachers, lecturers, support staff as well as parents and carers for supporting our young people.

    “There is much to celebrate in what is another strong set of results showing a clear and continuing recovery from the pandemic – with pass rates at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher above the 2019 pre-pandemic level, a record number of passes at National 5 and the highest number of vocational and technical qualifications ever awarded.

    “While we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds, these results show that the gap in attainment levels between the least and most deprived areas remains narrower than it was in 2019. We are determined to build on the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.

    “For those who don’t get the results they were looking for, a free and direct appeals service will give all young people the right to request a review of their marked exam papers or coursework for their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results this year. Additionally, as you consider your next steps there is help available to guide you. The Skills Development Scotland Careers Helpline can offer practical information and careers advice as well as support for wellbeing. The SQA helpline is also open and can help students and their families with queries relating to the Scottish Qualifications Certificates.”

    Background

    SQA Results 2023

    ‘Pre-pandemic’ refers to 2019 results.

    Skills Development Scotland helpline 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Exam results support for pupils [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Exam results support for pupils [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 7 August 2023.

    Advice on next steps.

    More than 144,000 pupils across Scotland will be able to access a range of advice in the coming days, including a dedicated helpline, to assist them with their exam results.

    The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Results Helpline is staffed by more than 30 expert careers advisors and opens tomorrow (Tuesday 8th August) for four days. The service provides impartial careers advice and guidance on the next steps to students, and their parents and carers, following receipt of their exam results.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met SDS staff at a Results Helpline centre in Edinburgh to learn more about their work and how it benefits pupils.

    Ms Gilruth said:

    “Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers. The opportunity to have a conversation with someone who is impartial and knowledgeable is so valuable.

    “Whatever a person’s results, there are options out there for everyone and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or uncertainty about future choices to contact the results helpline to speak with friendly, knowledgeable staff for advice about your next steps.”

    SDS Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations Sharon McIntyre said:

    “We are so pleased the Education Secretary took time out to come and visit the Results Helpline staff this year. It was very clear from the conversations we had that she recognises just how valuable our support is for worried pupils, parents and carers. We wish everyone all the very best with their results this year, but please don’t worry if you don’t get the outcome you hoped for, just phone 0808 100 8000 and we will help you find alternative options.”

    Background

    The SDS helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th August. It will then open from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th August. The SDS’ careers advisers will be on hand to offer advice about all post school options, including UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.

    Students can also access the SQA Candidate Advice Line (CAL) on 0345 279 1000. It offers support and information relating to the Scottish Qualification Certificates and is open from 8am-6pm on 8 August and 8.30am – 5pm on 9 August.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Funding to support Long Covid projects in Scotland [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Funding to support Long Covid projects in Scotland [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 2 August 2023.

    New health board service helping people with the condition.

    Patients in Scotland’s largest health board are benefiting from a new service which is backed by the Scottish Government’s Long COVID Support Fund.

    The service is supported by £595,000 of Scottish Government funding over 2023-24 and is one of a number of projects across the country which are backed by the £10 million fund.

    The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Long COVID service sees a team of advanced practitioner occupational therapists, physiotherapists and health care support workers offer advice on managing and improving the symptoms of the condition.

    It has had more than 340 referrals since it opened three months ago, with people offered appointments in a way that best suits them – by video or telephone, or in-person at a clinic, or at home. An expansion is planned to include a paediatric occupational therapist for children and young people.

    During a visit to meet staff at the Glasgow service, Health Secretary Michael Matheson said:

    “I recognise the significant impact that the symptoms of long COVID can have on those most severely affected. I was very pleased to meet the range of professionals involved in NHS GGC’s long COVID service and hear how the funding we have made available is enabling them to provide advice and support to people living with the condition to improve their quality of life.

    “Thanks to the hard work of staff, this service – and others like it across Scotland – are providing invaluable support and treatment through rehabilitation therapies and other strategies.”

    Long Covid Service user Caitlin Hamlett said: “I can’t thank the team at the Long Covid Service enough for the help and support they have provided through the duration of my time using the service.

    “Living with the symptoms of Long COVID can be extremely difficult and exhausting. The service has provided a lifeline in my rehabilitation both physically and mentally. The compassion and knowledge of the staff has given me a clear direction for managing my symptoms on the path to recovery, and I am extremely grateful for the help I have received.

    “I would urge anyone who is living with Long COVID to reach out to their GP who can refer you to the service, where you will be able to connect with others in a similar position to you.”

    NHS GGC Director of Allied Health Professions Fiona Smith said:

    “We are committed to providing the best possible patient care and the long COVID service is a huge step in supporting people who are impacted by the longer lasting effects of Covid-19.

    “Living with long COVID can be extremely challenging and the service aims to provide support for patients and their families to ensure they have access to the best resources to improve the quality of their lives.

    “I would like to thank all the staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the individual Health and Care Social Partnerships for their help and assistance in the development of the service.”

    Background

    Long COVID Service – NHSGGC

    LONG COVID SUPPORT FUND 2023/2024

    We are making available £3 million from our £10 million long COVID Support Fund over this financial year to support NHS boards to increase the capacity of existing services, develop these into more clearly defined local pathways and provide a more co-ordinated experience.

    Other Scottish Government Long COVID Support Fund projects in this financial year include NHS Lanarkshire’s long COVID Rehabilitation pathway which is receiving £320,000 from the fund. It provides a single access point to a skilled interdisciplinary team of occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics and speech and language therapy. It functions as ‘one-stop shop’ for rehabilitation and is integrated with the wider health and care system to support individualised care planning.

    NHS Ayrshire and Arran is receiving £187,554 towards developing a long COVID pathway with an open referral system. This is via a single point of access followed by triage, and multi-disciplinary team coordinated support, where appropriate, from services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation nursing, tailored to people’s individual needs.

    Organisation / activity Total available funding 2023-24
    NHS Ayrshire and Arran £187,554
    NHS Borders £54,741
    NHS Dumfries and Galloway £79,426
    NHS Fife £178,051
    NHS Forth Valley £142,020
    NHS Grampian £254,847
    NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde £595,169
    NHS Highland £167,586
    NHS Lanarkshire £320,007
    NHS Lothian £383,097
    NHS Orkney £14,716
    NHS Shetland £13,676
    NHS Tayside £197,614
    NHS Western Isles £19,988
    NHS National Services Scotland £305,916
    Development of NHS Inform long COVID microsite £20,000
    Reserve funds £65,592
    Total £3,000,000
  • PRESS RELEASE : World’s biggest cycling event gets underway in Scotland [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : World’s biggest cycling event gets underway in Scotland [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 2 August 2023.

    People encouraged to celebrate the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

    Thousands of elite cyclists, including para-athletes, have arrived in Scotland to compete in the world’s biggest cycling event, as the competition is set to get underway in Glasgow.

    Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony in George Square today, First Minister Humza Yousaf has encouraged people to join in the fun by visiting fan zones, attending some of the free events or soaking up the atmosphere around the venues which will likely be gathering points for the thousands of local and international visitors that are expected.

    Over the next 11 days, venues across the country will host 13 UCI cycling world championships, coming together for the first time to create the biggest cycling event in history. Plans have been put in place by key partners – including Transport Scotland, ScotRail and local authorities – to minimise disruption, however given the scale of the event, people, businesses and organisations are encouraged to plan ahead and consider travel plans to reduce the risk of delays.

    The First Minister said:

    “Scotland is proud to host the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships. Cyclists from around the world will be participating in one of the biggest and most exciting sporting events of the year. I’m delighted to welcome all the competitors and the many international visitors.

    “The championships will highlight the beauty of Scotland’s landscapes and the vibrancy of our cities. Several of the events don’t require tickets and there will be free activities to enjoy. Checking travel arrangements in advance will help people make the most of what’s on offer.

    “As events get underway, I would like to thank all the individuals and partner organisations who have helped prepare for them. I encourage as many people as possible to get involved and hope they will be inspired to cycle as a result.

    “We are already delivering a range of community events and activities, and have improved infrastructure across the country through the Cycling Facilities Fund and the Community Cycling Fund. This is also a great opportunity to promote the broader benefits of active travel for us all which helps to reduce carbon emissions.”

    Paul Bush OBE, Chair, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: 

    “I’m thrilled that after years of careful planning and partnership working, we are now ready to raise the curtain on this unique, first-of-its-kind mega event bringing 13 cycling championships to Scotland over 11 days of elite and amateur competition.

    “The eyes of the world will be on us from the official Opening Ceremony in Glasgow’s George Square – featuring our very own KT Tunstall, along with a glittering array of local and international artists – and Scotland is ready to put on a show.

    “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will again showcase Scotland’s status as a world-class events destination and will also deliver a real and lasting impact for cycling in communities across the country.”

    Background

    First Minister Humza Yousaf will attend the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships opening ceremony in Glasgow’s George Square alongside Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson

    The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will run from 3 – 13 August 2023 in Glasgow and at venues across Scotland. This innovative event brings together 13 existing cycling world championships for the first time to create the biggest cycling event in history.

    The event will welcome 8,000 elite and amateur cyclists, including para-athletes, from more than 120 countries and more than 200 world champions to be crowned. It will attract around one million spectators.

    The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are funded by the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, UK Sport and British Cycling and are delivered in a collaboration between the funders and UCI, Glasgow Life and VisitScotland with its EventScotland team through 2023 Cycling World Championships Ltd.

    As the road races will travel through a number of local authority areas there will be significant road closures and the public are advised to plan journeys ahead of time. Travel advice is available on the CWC, Twitter feeds and public transport operator websites, including www.traffic.gov.scot/uci.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Agreement reached on Fiscal Framework [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Agreement reached on Fiscal Framework [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 2 August 2023.

    Greater financial clarity for Scotland.

    The Scottish and UK Governments have reached agreement on the Fiscal Framework, providing greater long-term funding clarity for Scotland and some more flexibility on how the Scottish Government manages the public finances.

    After a joint review, the two governments have agreed to permanently adopt the existing Indexed Per Capita (IPC) method used to calculate the funding received from the UK Government.

    This enshrines the current way the Fiscal Framework operates, taking into account the devolution of some tax and social security powers and protecting the Scottish Budget from the risk of Scotland’s population growing at a slower rate from the rest of the UK.

    In addition, the amount the Scottish Government can borrow to mitigate against errors in forecasting will be increased from £300 million to £600 million, with no limits to the amount that can be drawn from the Scotland Reserve, providing some greater flexibility to handle funding volatility.

    Borrowing and reserve limits will grow in line with inflation and will therefore be maintained in real terms.

    Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said:

    “This is a finely balanced agreement that gives us some extra flexibility to deal with unexpected shocks, against a background of continuing widespread concern about the sustainability of UK public finances and while it is a narrower review than we would have liked, I am grateful to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury for reaching this deal.

    “As I set out in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, we are committed to tackling poverty, building a fair, green and growing economy, and improving our public services to make them fit for the needs of future generations.

    “We still face a profoundly challenging situation and will need to make tough choices in the context of a poorly performing UK economy and the constraints of devolution, to ensure finances remain sustainable.”

    Background

    The Fiscal Framework Agreement

    Joint communique with His Majesty’s Treasury

    The Fiscal Framework sets out the Scottish Government’s financial arrangements including how its UK Government funding is calculated. It also gives the power to borrow money to handle the tax and social security reconciliations, through which the Budget is adjusted to correct errors in forecasting.

    The Fiscal Framework was agreed between the Scottish and UK Governments in 2016, following recommendations made by the Smith Commission – a cross-party group who produced a report on further devolution in Scotland. The original agreement states that a review of the Fiscal Framework would take place after a parliament’s worth of experience to consider how well the agreement was working and whether any changes needed to be made.

    The 2016 agreement introduced annual adjustments to the funding received from the UK Government – known as the Block Grant – to take into account the devolution of new taxes and social security expenditure to Scotland. It was agreed at the time that the Indexed Per Capita (IPC) method would be used until another solution was agreed.

    An independent report which considered various methods of calculation and how they met the principles set out by the Smith Commission was jointly commissioned with the UK Government in 2022. The Scottish Government has also published its response to the call for evidence which took place ahead of the independent report.

    The Scotland Reserve allows the Scottish Government to transfer funds between financial years. The Scottish Government also has the ability to add to the Reserve each year, should there be any money left over at the end of a financial year, which can then be used in subsequent years. There was previously a limit to how much of these funds could be used each year; removal of these limits allows for greater flexibility when using in the future.

    The Scottish Government’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy

  • PRESS RELEASE : Showcasing home-grown Scottish talent to the world [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Showcasing home-grown Scottish talent to the world [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 2 August 2023.

    Festival support for Scotland’s artists.

    The very best of cultural talent from Scotland will be under the spotlight this month as Edinburgh welcomes visitors from home and abroad to its world-class summer arts festivals.

    Six of the festivals have received support from the Scottish Government’s Expo Fund to commission new work, some of which will tour internationally following festival performances. Under the Made in Scotland banner there are 18 funded shows this year featuring an exciting mix of theatre, music and dance commissions and performances.

    In addition, the Platforms for Creative Excellence (PLACE) programme – jointly funded by the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council – focuses on programme innovation, creative development, and community.

    Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:

    “Scotland has a wealth of phenomenally talented artists and the Edinburgh festivals provide a fantastic platform for them to reach a much wider audience.

    “Expo and PLACE funding have not only helped to raise the profile of Scottish artists but contributed to a more vibrant and diverse arts scene both at home and internationally.

    “There is something for everyone across the summer festivals and I hope people from home and abroad, whether they’re taking part in events or watching performances will enjoy this fantastic celebration of culture.”

    Festivals Edinburgh chair Dr Simon Gage said:

    “We warmly welcome this sustained support from the Scottish Government for our festivals and the people who make them happen. This is crucial in allowing us to deliver unparalleled cultural, social and economic benefits that enhance lives at home and Scotland’s profile around the world.”

    Background

    Since it was set up in 2008, the Expo cohort has received £32 million. Within the first ten years, the fund had supported the commissioning of more than 550 new works of art, music and theatre.

    Recipients awarded a share of the £1.8 million Expo Fund for 2023-24 include Edinburgh Art Festival (£130,000), Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society (£550,000), Edinburgh International Book Festival (£85,000), Edinburgh International Festival (£100,000), Edinburgh International Film Festival (£59,000) and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (£100,000).

    The PLACE Fund was set up five years ago to provide £1 million each year over five years to the Edinburgh festivals.