Tag: Scottish Office

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 28 August 2024.

Ian Murray underlines government mission for growth, with Scotland playing a critical part in rebuilding UK economy.

The latest Scottish GDP stats are published this morning here for the month of June and here for Q2 of 2024.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

Scotland is critical in the UK Government’s mission for economic growth, as the Chancellor underlines today in Glasgow where she’ll meet with key members of the business community to turbocharge Scotland’s regeneration.

Rebuilding is at the root of everything we do but the £22billion black hole in spending left by the previous government – the worst economic inheritance of any incoming government since the Second World War – means that tough decisions are ahead to achieve stability.

We are making work pay, ensuring the national minimum wage is a true living wage. And with the end of exploitative zero-hours contracts, workers will have increased job security. Backed by £8.3bn of UK Government investment, Scottish-based GB Energy will bring jobs and opportunity for all parts of the UK and trade talks have resumed globally to forge stronger links with our international business partners.

Background

• Scotland’s onshore GDP is estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in June. This follows growth of 0.2% in May.
• In the three months to June (Quarter 2), GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.6% compared to the previous three month period (Quarter 1). This is a slight increase on the Quarter 1 growth rate of 0.5%.

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 14 August 2024.

The annual Government Expenditure and Revenue report underlines the collective economic strength of the UK, says Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill.

The collective economic strength of the UK means higher spending on public services in Scotland, according to new figures released today [14 August].

The Scottish Government’s Government Expenditure and Revenue (GERS) figures show that people in Scotland benefit from £2,417 more per head of additional spending compared to the UK average, as a result of the redistribution of wealth throughout the UK.

In 2023-24, £88.5 billion in tax receipts was raised in Scotland through devolved and reserved taxation, with £111 billion in public spending for Scotland. That works out to 8.1 per cent of UK revenue and 9.1 per cent of spending.

The figures also reveal that the ‘notional deficit’ in Scotland grew to around £22 billion, or 10.4 per cent of GDP, more than double the UK deficit of 4.5 per cent of GDP.

The UK Government is committed to retaining the Barnett Formula and funding arrangements agreed with the Scottish Government in the Fiscal Framework, which enables this higher spending for Scotland, and working in partnership with the Scottish Government to drive economic growth in Scotland.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill said:

These figures underline the collective economic strength of the United Kingdom.

By pooling and sharing resources across the UK, Scots benefit by £2,417 more per head in public spending than the UK average. That means more money for schools and hospitals, if the Scottish Parliament chooses to invest in those areas.

Ensuring economic stability and then delivering economic growth are two of the driving missions of the UK Government. We have reset relationships with partners across the UK, and want to work closely with the Scottish Government to produce better results for people in Scotland.

The GERS figures can be found here.

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 13 August 2024.

Kirsty McNeill underlines plans to tackle poverty, grow the economy, and make work pay for hard-working Scots.

The latest Labour Market Statistics have been published today here.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill said:

Today’s figures are encouraging but there is still a lot of work to do and the UK Government is going to deliver the change the country needs. Giving people support to join the workforce and the security they need to remain in fairly-paid jobs is vital as we tackle poverty and grow the economy.

We’re banning exploitative zero hour contracts, we’ve taken the first steps to make the national minimum wage a real living wage, and we’re planning JobCentre reform.

Background:

• More information on the Plan to Get Britain Working is available here: Back to Work Plan will help drive economic growth in every region – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• A new Labour Market Advisory Board has been announced, chaired by Professor Paul Gregg. It is a new group of external experts who will provide labour market insight and advice to drive change throughout the system.
• The unemployment rate in Scotland during April to June 2024 was 4.4 per cent, unchanged over the quarter. Scotland’s unemployment rate was slightly above the UK rate of 4.2 per cent.
• The employment rate in Scotland during April to June 2024 was 73.4 per cent, up 0.3 percentage points on the quarter. Scotland’s employment rate was below the UK rate of 74.5 per cent.
• The economic inactivity rate (the proportion of people aged 16 to 64 years who were not working and not seeking or available to work) in Scotland was 23.1 per cent, down 0.3 percentage points on the quarter. Scotland’s economic inactivity rate remains higher than the UK rate of 22.2 per cent.
• Early seasonally adjusted estimates for July 2024 show payrolled employees increased in Scotland by 16,000 (0.7%) up to 2.47 million.This compares with the UK where the number of payrolled employees had risen by 0.8 per cent over the same period.

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 1 August 2024.

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, hosted a reception as the Edinburgh Festivals get underway this week.

The event, which was hosted in Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government’s flagship building in Edinburgh, was attended by representatives from Edinburgh’s 11 Festivals. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill also attended.

There was a performance from Ryan Corbett, a classical accordionist from Glasgow.

The UK Government is supporting artists bringing work to the Fringe Festival through its ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund, an initiative launched in 2023. Supported by £1 million from the UK Government over two years (2024 and 2025), there are 180 recipients of £2,500 bursaries this year.

The UK Government is also helping to fund a central premises for the Edinburgh Fringe Society to house staff and provide a venue for visitors throughout the year.

Speaking at the event, Mr Murray said:

“For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh becomes the global epicentre of culture as we welcome an explosion of creative energy. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste.

“It is of course not only a cultural and social asset, but a huge contributor to our economy, generating around £360m and supporting around 7000 jobs each year. The creative industries are the fastest growing part of our economy and we should nourish and support this growth.

“They are all a key part of Brand Scotland, and I am determined the Edinburgh festivals form part of our plan to attract international investment to Scotland, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the festivals whose hard work helps make this success story possible.”

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 31 July 2024.

Ian Murray says UK Government’s key mission is growing the economy, making work pay and creating jobs and opportunity for all parts of the UK.

The latest Scottish GDP stats are published this morning here for the month of May and here for Q1 of 2024.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

Economic growth is one of the key missions of the UK Government. We inherited a dire fiscal situation, with a £22billion black hole in spending for this year alone that the previous government left us. It’s the worst economic inheritance of any incoming government since the Second World War and tough decisions will be required. That’s why the Chancellor is taking immediate action to achieve the economic stability vital for growth.

The UK Government will rebuild and regrow. We are making work pay, ensuring the national minimum wage is a true living wage. And with the end of exploitative zero-hours contracts, workers will have increased job security. Backed by £8.3bn of UK Government investment, Scottish-based GB Energy will bring jobs and opportunity for all parts of the UK and trade talks have resumed globally to forge stronger links with our international business partners.

Background

Scotland’s onshore GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.3% in May. This follows growth of 0.2% in April (revised from 0.0%).
In the three months to May, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.9% compared to the previous three-month period. This indicates an improvement in quarterly growth after the growth of 0.5% (revised from 0.7%) in 2024 Quarter 1 (January to March).

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 5 March 2024.

Apprenticeships, spirits and culture were on the agenda as UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont embarked on a series of stakeholder engagements.

To mark the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (Monday March 4, 2024), Minister Lamont dropped in to multinational financial corporation JPMorgan Chase & Co in Glasgow to meet with apprentices and hear about the firm’s work.

JPMorgan has had a presence in Glasgow for almost 25 years and employs 2,600 people in Scotland. It currently has 55 graduate apprentices working at its technology centre in Glasgow’s financial services district.

In 2019 the company began partnering with the University of Strathclyde to offer a Master of Science Cyber Security apprenticeship, aimed at upskilling current colleagues and allowing them to specialise in this field. Apprentices are also encouraged to participate in industry talks, events and conferences and are part of a world-wide apprentice network with links to communities from New York to Singapore.

Minister Lamont said:

Meeting young apprentices starting out on fabulous careers in IT in the financial services sector was fascinating, and underscores the critical importance of STEM subjects in schools.

At Courageous Spirits, the Minister learned about the brand’s flagship product, Glaswegin Premium Gin, launched in 2018 by company founder Andy McGeoch. Courageous also launched their first bottling of their King’s Inch Single Malt Scotch Whisky in 2021.

On the agenda was UK Government support, which in 2023 helped Courageous start exporting into Canada.

Minister Lamont said:

Glaswegin is a huge success story being driven – alongside King’s Inch single malt – to new heights on the domestic and export drinks markets with an innovative new base right in the heart of the city.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) was the next stop as the Minister heard about its contribution to levelling up in Glasgow.

Founded in 1847, it has become the busiest performing arts venue in Scotland with over 500 public performances each year.

Minister Lamont said:

It was remarkable to see the breadth of work of the Conservatoire, nurturing talent across the performing arts from music and dance to acting and production skills.

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 7 February 2024.

Island communities affected by poor ferry services have raised their concerns direct with CalMac, thanks to a UK Government summit.

At a meeting on Monday 5 February – convened by Scotland Office Minister John Lamont – community representatives talked about the effects of unreliable services on families, business, and the tourist trade, with warnings the viability of some islands is at risk.

Minister Lamont said

I saw first-hand the problems many islanders are experiencing when I visited Oban, Mull and Arran in the summer. There was clear frustration that their voices were not being heeded and, when I spoke with CalMac Chief Executive Robbie Drummond, I was struck by the opportunity to improve lines of communication between the people who suffer when ferries are out of action, and the major operator of those vessels.

I am very grateful to Mr Drummond for attending today’s meeting, along with his Operations Director Robert Morrison. Discussions were full and frank.

The Scotland Office will now pass information from the meeting to the UK Government, including its Islands Forum. The Forum – part of the Levelling Up agenda – brings together representatives of islands right around Britain, from Shetland to Scilly, to share best practice, and considers a variety of issues, including connectivity.

Minister Lamont said:

Transport in Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Government, and the UK Government respects that. But it would be remiss of me as a Scotland Office Minister if I did not heed the growing chorus of voices alarmed that CalMac’s fleet is ageing, and promised new vessels linger on blocks or the dockyard quay.

It is for the Scottish Government to act to improve the situation for our island communities, but I want to amplify the voices of those I met over the summer.

Attendees at the meeting included CalMac Ferries Communities Board, Colonsay Lifeline Transport Group, Arran Ferry Action Group, Arran Community Development Trust, Mull and Iona Community Trust, Tobermory Harbour Association, key businesses, MSPs and MPs.

Minister Lamont added:

The meeting has, I hope, opened new channels of two-way communication between islanders and CalMac.

Last year it was reported that official figures showed that Scottish Government owned CalMac cancelled 40,989 sailings between September 2018 and April 2023.
Non-weather related cancellations rose from 1,371 in 2017-18 to a peak of 5,805 in 2021-22, before dropping in 2022-23.

There were 4,620 sailings axed for reasons not related to the weather in 2022-23 – 237pc higher than the number in 2017-18.

The roundtable comes as one of the overdue and over budget ferries at Ferguson’s Shipyard at Port Glasgow has suffered another delivery delay. The Glen Sannox is now scheduled to enter service in May – its original delivery date was 2018.

Arran has also suffered a blow with the closure of a berthing facility at Ardrossan used by a relief vessel brought in by CalMac to ease pressure on the key Brodick route.

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 23 December 2023.

Local and regional investment is delivering real dividends for communities across Scotland.

The UK Government’s levelling up funding in Scotland has now reached £2.92 billion, an increase of £840 million (40 per cent) since the end of last year, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack revealed today [Saturday 23 December].

That is the equivalent of £535 for every person in Scotland. At the end of 2022 it was £380 per person. The total is set to rise with millions of pounds of further investment in 2024.

The huge funding boost is after another 12 months of working with local partners to identify ways to transform communities, create jobs and boost the economy.

The new figure comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement of £8 million from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund for 17 projects in Scotland. That brings the total Scottish Community Ownership Fund investment so far to £13.6 million for 43 projects.

The £2.92 billion UK Government support comprises more than £1.5 billion investment in City Region and Growth Deals, and more than £1.4 billion in further levelling up investments ranging from Freeports and Investment Zones to regenerating town centres and saving local community assets.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

I’m delighted to confirm that our levelling up commitment to communities across Scotland now stands at more than £2.9 billion. It has been a bumper year in both the pace and scale of investment right across Scotland. This money is making a real impact, rejuvenating communities, creating jobs, boosting the economy and attracting further investment.

We are seeing the dividends of listening to the ambitious ideas of local organisations and bringing in the resources to make things happen. We are focused on continuing to work with local partners and the Scottish Government to deliver the change that the country needs to put Scotland and the UK on the right path for the future.

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 8 December 2023.

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack’s statement on the Court of Session judgment.

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Alister Jack MP said:

I welcome the Court’s judgment, which upholds my decision to prevent the Scottish Government’s gender recognition legislation from becoming law.

I was clear that this legislation would have had adverse effects on the operation of the law as it applies to reserved matters, including on important Great Britain-wide equality protections.

Following this latest Court defeat for the Scottish Government, their ministers need to stop wasting taxpayers’ money pursuing needless legal action and focus on the real issues which matter to people in Scotland – such as growing the economy and cutting waiting lists.

Judiciary of Scotland Judgment Summary

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 14 November 2023.

Alister Jack says measures to remove barriers to work are effective, with a near record number of people on company payrolls in Scotland.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

Our employment record remains strong and our reforms are working – with a near record number of people on company payrolls in Scotland, up 23,000 from this time last year.

Bolstered by our direct investment in Scotland of £2.5 billion from our levelling up agenda, we are on track to halve inflation and grow the economy for long-term prosperity right across the UK.

Additional information:

• Measures from the UK Government’s £3.5 billion investment in removing barriers to work are making a difference – including the mid-life MOT for over-50s and increasing the amount that can be claimed for childcare by those on Universal Credit.
• The ONS has published a regional breakdown on payrolled employees. The estimates for Scotland show that the number of payrolled employees rose by 0.9% compared with October 2022, a rise of 22,654 employees to 2,456,355.
• The number of payrolled employees in Scotland was up 3.7%- since February 2020, a rise of 87,660 employees.
• Pay estimates for Great Britain show that annual growth in regular pay (excluding bonuses) in Great Britain was 7.7% in July to September 2023, slightly down on the previous periods, but is still among the highest annual growth rates since comparable records began in 2001.
• In real terms annual growth for total pay rose on the year by 1.4%, and regular pay rose on the year by 1.3%.