Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Budget for financial year 2018-19 passed its final parliamentary hurdles on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The ‘Rate Resolution’ debate and vote on
Author: SPICe
Dredging in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Reading Time: 4 minutesA recent report by BBC Scotland highlighted evidence of alleged illegal scallop dredging (uncovered by divers from Open Seas) in the Firth of Lorn; part
SPICe FAQ – MSPs and FOI
Reading Time: 2 minutesWe are regularly asked if Members of The Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and their staff can be required to release information under Freedom of Information (FOI)
A Low Carbon Scotland – Progress, Plans and Paris
Reading Time: 3 minutesNext week the Scottish Government are due to publish their latest climate plan charting a path to cutting Scotland’s emissions over the next 15 years.
What is next for the Scottish Crown Estate?
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn the midst of a period of substantial constitutional debate and change, one significant piece of devolution has been (relatively) quietly underway. The devolution of
Public sector pay: an end to the squeeze?
Reading Time: 3 minutesAs part of the 2018-19 Draft Budget, the Scottish Government announced an easing of its policy on public sector pay. Starting in 2011-12, public sector
Brexit and health – Who cares?
Reading Time: 3 minutesIt is not often that the NHS steers clear from the centre of the political fray, but Brexit might just be one of those occasions.
Fixing human rights breaches in legislation: criminal record disclosures, protecting children and the right to privacy
Reading Time: 3 minutesGetting the right balance between protecting children and respecting individual rights to privacy is almost always a difficult policy issue. Last year the courts found
Budget Stage 1 – what is the impact on local government?
Reading Time: 3 minutesAfter yesterday’s Stage 1 announcements, we have published three blogs on the Budget on SPICe Spotlight today – a blog on income tax, a blog
Budget Bill Stage 1 – What are the changes to income tax?
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat was proposed at Stage 1? Stage 1 of the Budget Bill for 2018-19 was debated at Holyrood yesterday afternoon. The Government reached a deal