Reading Time: 7 minutes This blog explains some of the complexities of understanding devolved competence post-Brexit. It covers new legislation and frameworks that affect the interpretation of devolved competence.
Guest blog: Climate change plan update and Scottish woodland creation: getting the balance right
Reading Time: 6 minutes Woodlands are a key element of the Scottish Government’s climate change plans, but getting multiple benefits is more complicated than planting trees.
Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill – parliamentary consideration prior to Stage 3
Reading Time: 5 minutes This briefing summarises the background to the Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill and developments prior to Stage 3.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill – Parliamentary consideration prior to Stage 3
Reading Time: 6 minutes A look at stage 2 of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill
Budget 2021-22 – a tripartite deal
Reading Time: 3 minutes This blog discusses and summarises the deal which allowed for passage of the Budget Bill for 2021-22.
Scottish tourism and COVID-19: what’s the outlook for the sector?
Reading Time: 6 minutes SPICe has published a comprehensive briefing looking at the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s tourism sector. It focusses on the scale of impact, business support,
Infrastructure investment: “locking in” a low carbon economy?
Reading Time: 5 minutes The Scottish Government plans to invest over £6 billion on infrastructure such as homes, roads and rail in 2021-22. This blogpost explores what we know of this infrastructure’s likely effect on Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
UK Budget 2021: paying for the pandemic (but not yet)
Reading Time: 4 minutes This blog considers yesterday’s UK Budget and the implications for Scotland’s public finances next year.
COVID-19 Barnetts for 2020-21 – the final reckoning
Reading Time: 3 minutes The Scottish Government received a total of £9.7 billion in COVID-19 Barnett consequentials for 2020-21. This blog sets out how they have been used and looks ahead to the evolving picture for 2021-22.
COVID-19 emergency powers: a short explainer
Reading Time: 8 minutes This blog takes a high-level look at the emergency powers in Scotland and plans for their expiry and renewal.