As of today (30 September) the Department for Work and Pensions has processed almost six million £150 Disability Cost of Living payments worth around £900 million.
This follows the government’s announcement on 20 September that those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May will receive the £150 automatically, with the vast majority to be paid by early October.
The vast majority of eligible claimants who were due to receive the one-off £150 payment from the DWP by early October have now had their payment processed.
The payment will help disabled people with the rising cost of living, acknowledging the higher costs they often face, such as for care and mobility needs.
There will be some cases – such as those who gained entitlement to this payment at a later date or where payments were rejected due to invalid account details – who will not be paid by the beginning of October. These will be paid automatically as soon as possible.
The £150 cost of living payments for disabled people from the government are part of a £37 billion package of support, which will see millions of low income households receive at least £1,200 this year to help cover rising costs.
This also follows the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new Energy Price Guarantee for the next two winters, saving households on average £1,000 a year on their energy bills.
Further information
The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will apply from 1 October and will discount the unit cost for gas and electricity use. This guarantee, which includes the temporary suspension of green levies, means that from 1 October a typical household will pay no more than £2,500 per year for each of the next two years. This is in addition to the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme.
On top of the EPG and £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment, there is an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D in England. On top of this, disabled people on low incomes may also be eligible for the other Cost of Living payments totalling up to £650 – households in receipt of a means-tested benefit received the first of the two automatic Cost of Living payments of £326 from 14 July. The second means-tested payment of £324 will be issued later this year.
Eligibility
Those who receive the following disability benefits may be eligible for the one-off payment of £150 in September: Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment), Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement.
The majority of those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May have now been paid. For those who have still to be paid, are awaiting confirmation of their disability benefits on 25 May, or who are waiting to be assessed for eligibility to receive disability benefits, the process may take longer but payments will still be automatic.
You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of the qualifying benefits for 25 May 2022 to get the payment.
900 Edinburgh children gifted books by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Literacy Trust in drive to boost reading
25,000 copies of Sir Lenny Henry’s novel The Boy With Wings given to children at 335 schools across the UK as Black History Month gets underway
This book was chosen because 40% of children and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds don’t see themselves in what they read according to research
Five videos with lesson plans featuring Joanna Adeyinka-Burford (CBeebies) and Sienna Clarke (Matilda The Musical) to engage children and support teachers
Part of a national £134,000 programme to encourage reading
Sir Lenny Henry’s first novel, The Boy With Wings, will be flying home with 900 P6 and P7 pupils at 15 schools in Edinburgh on 3rd October, thanks to Enterprise and the National Literacy Trust who have joined forces for a second consecutive year to promote the benefits of reading.
The partnership aims to boost rates of reading for pleasure, which is linked to better attainment at school1, higher lifetime earning potential2 and better mental health3. Despite the clear benefits of reading, almost one in five (18.6%) children in England between the ages of five and eight do not have access to books at home4, according to recent research by the National Literacy Trust.
This gift is part of Enterprise’s ROAD Forward, a $55 million fund from the philanthropic Enterprise Holdings Foundation to support social and racial equity projects across the world.
The books will arrive in schools at the start of UK Black History Month (1-31 October) which celebrates the accomplishments of Black Britons.
The National Literacy Trust has produced video resources and lesson plans featuring CBeebies star Joanna Adeyinka-Burton and Matilda The Musical actress Sienna Clarke to enable schools to delve deeper into the themes of diversity and inclusion that feature in the book.
The resources will be available to participating schools for one week and will be accessible to all schools and parents from 10th October at:
The Boy With Wings, illustrated by Keenon Ferrell and published by Macmillan Children’s books, was chosen because it portrays important messages about race, inclusion and diversity wrapped up in an exciting and fun adventure. The book also includes an exclusive comic book created by Marvel artist, Mark Buckingham.
Sir Lenny Henry said he wrote The Boy With Wings because he didn’t see Black heroes in the books he read growing up, and wants all children to see themselves appear centre stage in exciting, inspiring stories where they have great adventures.
Research by the National Literacy Trust found that 40% of children and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds say that they don’t see themselves in what they read.
“I want to make sure as many kids as possible have access to books and this project brilliantly targets those kids who don’t have books at home,” he said. “Reading – with lots of trips to my local library in Dudley – was such an important part of my childhood, it took me on so many different adventures and to so many different worlds.
“Here’s to The Boy With Wings flying into homes across the UK thanks to the National Literacy Trust and Enterprise!”
Simon Caughey-Rogers, Enterprise’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Charity Events Manager said: “Enterprise firmly believes in expanding opportunity for everyone. This partnership provides an excellent way for us to support early childhood development through the power of reading.
“Too many children say that they don’t see themselves in what they read, especially those from Black ethnic backgrounds. It is our hope that this book helps inspire them and spark a lifelong interest in reading for pleasure, with all the fun and benefits that it can bring.”
Darranda Rowswell, Director of Development at the National Literacy Trust commented: “Creating a culture of reading for pleasure in schools is crucial to increasing literacy levels, which in turn gives children access to more opportunities throughout their lives.
“The Boy With Wings is an excellent choice of book for this project because Sir Lenny Henry’s story gives children of Black heritage the chance to see themselves and their lives in the books they read, as well as engaging children of all backgrounds in the adventures of Tunde. We’re so excited to see this partnership create a culture of reading and encouraging a love of stories that we hope will stay with children for the rest of their lives.”
Samantha Smith, Publisher, Fiction, Non-Fiction and Picture Books, Macmillan Children’s Books, says: “‘Macmillan Children’s Books is thrilled to be working with partners who are just as passionate as we are about spreading a love of reading and getting books into the hands of children across the UK.
“Lenny Henry’s exciting, adventurous and funny The Boy With Wings is the perfect read to encourage children to spread their wings.”
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation was established in 1982 to give back to the communities where partners and employees live and work.
The towns and cities receiving books from the partnership are: Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Rochdale, Salford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bradford, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Newport, Swindon, London borough of Southwark, London borough of Lambeth, London borough of Hackney, London borough of Enfield, London borough of Islington, Belfast and Lisburn.
WE STRIKE TOGETHER: Demonstrations across Scotland
Striking workers, tenants, football supporters and campaigners are set to come together this Saturday to rally against the unprecedented attacks on working people.
Large numbers are expected to gather for the Enough is Enough campaign day of action, which will be held tomorrow (Saturday 1st October). .
A number of organisations are involved in organising the event including the CWU, RMT, Living Rent, Power to the People Glasgow, Glasgow Strike Solidarity group and Fans Supporting Foodbanks Scotland.
The campaign is encouraging people to show solidarity with striking workers on the picket line on Saturday morning – with particular emphasis on the RMT and ASLEF picket line at Glasgow Central and the CWU picket line at the Royal Mail delivery office on Baird Street.
Speakers at Glasgow’s 12 noon rally will include STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer, CWU National Assistant Secretary Davie Robertson, the RMT’s Scottish Organiser Gordon Martin and UNISON’s Kirsteen Fraser, who is currently involved in the industrial action at the University of Glasgow.
Representatives from Fans Supporting Foodbanks, Living Rent and Power to the People Glasgow will also be speaking at the Glasgow event.
Commenting ahead of the day of action, the CWU’s Regional Secretary for Scotland Craig Anderson said: “The Government’s disastrous budget last week has intensified the unprecedented attacks on working people’s living standards.
“For months teachers, nurses, firefighters and all other workers, including CWU members in Royal Mail, the Post Office and the BT Group, have been told that giving them a real pay rise would be inflationary. Well, now we know it’s the government handing out tax cuts to the super rich that is causing the real economic crisis for working people in this country.
“People are angry. Workers are striking back and working class people are taking to the streets to campaign against soaring energy bills and rip off rents.
“Collective campaigning delivers victories for working people. Join us on Saturday, show solidarity with your posties, rail workers and all other workers taking action to defend living standards and tell the establishment – Enough is Enough.”
The Enough is Enough campaign is also supporting demonstrations in Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The details are:
Glasgow – Buchanan Street steps from 12noon onwards
Dundee – meeting at 12pm, 110 Blackness road, DD1 5PB
Aberdeen – meeting at 11am, Marischal college, AB10 1AB
Edinburgh – meeting at 10.30am, Waverley Bridge, EH1 1BQ
A recent veterinary graduate from the University of Edinburgh has received a highly respected scholarship at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) awards ceremony.
The annual awards recognise the exceptional commitment, work and achievements of vets from across the profession. Dr Rosa Loedel, a veterinary graduate from University of Edinburgh received the Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Travel Scholarship during the ceremony.
The Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Travel Scholarship was established in 1953 to honour the memory of Mr Henry Steele-Bodger, President of BVA from 1939-41, in recognition of his great services to the veterinary profession and to agriculture, particularly during the Second World War.
The award is open to penultimate or final year students at veterinary schools in the UK and Ireland or to those who have qualified from these schools within the previous three years. The grant will assist with visits to a veterinary or agricultural school, research institute or some other course of study approved by the Trustees.
Rosa said: “Vets are multi-skilled operators in many fields, I am excited to gain further insight into how we use our skills to protect animal health and welfare; to protect public health; and to protect our trade and our economy.
“I’m delighted to receive this award as it enables me to take on this fantastic opportunity with WOAH. I am excited to be able to experience an international organisation and hone in on my project focus areas of dog-mediated rabies control and research coordination.”
Outgoing BVA President Justine Shotton said: “Congratulations to all five winners. These highly sought-after awards shine a well-deserved light on an exceptional group of veterinary professionals, who each in their own field and practice, have helped propel the veterinary profession forward.
“Congratulations to you all on behalf of everyone at BVA.”
Other awards presented today include the BVA’s most prestigious scientific award, the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal along with the Chiron Award and John Bleby Cup.
· Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal – Professor Tim Greet, equine surgery specialist
· Chiron Award – Dr David McKeown, farm and mixed practice vet, Veterinary Defence Society Member Services Director and mental health volunteer with Vetlife, VetSupport and the Samaritans
· John BlebyCup – Mr Paul Freeman, retired mixed practice vet, BVA Council and North of England Veterinary Association member and Vetlife Trustee
· Harry Steele-Bodger Scholarships – University of Cambridge student Annabelle Lack
BVA Members’ Day and AGM is an annual event which includes the awards ceremony and the election of BVA’s President, Senior Vice President and Junior Vice President.
The BVA Member Survey 2022 is live until 3 October 2022, offering every BVA member the chance to help shape the future of BVA.
The survey takes just 15 minutes to complete using the unique link sent to members via email. The results will be used to help BVA deliver the best possible support to the profession.
St James Quarter, a 1.7m sq ft lifestyle district in the heart of Edinburgh, has been officially opened by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.
She was joined by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, where she unveiled the foundation stone for what is one of the most significant city centre transformations currently underway in the UK.
Before the opening ceremony, HRH The Princess Royal was taken on a tour of the £1bn project, which includes 850,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space and an Everyman Cinema.
It will also soon feature W Hotel Edinburgh, a 75-bed Roomzzz aparthotel and 152 residential apartments called New Eidyn. St James Quarter, which is being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate, has been designed to integrate seamlessly with Edinburgh’s transport network, cultural calendar and historic fabric.
HRH The Princess Royal, who was introduced to businesses along the shopping galleria, ascended to the site’s highest point at what will be the UK’s second ever W Hotel, to take in the newest panorama of Edinburgh before sampling Scottish fayre at Bonnie & Wild – a food hall dedicated to promoting Scotland’s independent food and drink producers.
She also met representatives from retail and hospitality academy FUSE Edinburgh, which in partnership with St James Quarter is helping boost local employment through training and job opportunities on site and throughout the rest of the city.
HRH The Princess Royal also visited New Eidyn, a new 152-apartment residential development by Native Land. HRH The Princess Royal also planted a tree as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Green Canopy initiative in New Eidyn’s private residents’ ‘Gardens in the Sky’, adding to over a million trees that have, and will continue to be planted in Her Majesty’s name.
Her tour was rounded off by the official opening ceremony, where HRH The Princess Royal was piped into Register Square and unveiled the foundation stone. She also gave a short speech in front of guests and members of the public and was gifted a scarf custom-made out of St James Quarter tartan.
The tartan, designed by Edinburgh College of Art graduate Rosie Baird is unique to SJQ and is legally registered.
Martin Perry, Director of Development, Real Estate, Europe at Nuveen Real Estate, said:“We are immensely grateful and honoured to have hosted Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. St James Quarter is at the heart of Edinburgh’s success story and, as the city bounces back, we see time and time again why we chose to invest here.
“A city with transformation and growth at its core, we are delighted to be able to provide such a revolutionary offering.”
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: XX during a VIP tour of St James Quarter on September 29, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for St James Quarter)
Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge commented: “It has been a great honour to receive Her Royal Highness in Edinburgh today, and to accompany Her on a tour of this transformative project for the city.
“The opening of St James Quarter is the fruition of over a decade’s work to deliver a retail and lifestyle district unique to Edinburgh, which celebrates its spirit, history and culture.”
Motorpoint – the UK’s largest independent retailer of nearly new cars and vans – is all set to open its 18th UK store in Edinburgh on Friday 30 September.
25 Baileyfield Road in Edinburgh’s Portobello area is the location for Motorpoint’s new store and the team has assembled a wide range of the models most in demand by Edinburgh drivers – all available to drive away the same day.
The new Motorpoint Edinburgh store is the second store to open in Scotland with an existing store in Glasgow and a Motorpoint preparation centre in Motherwell.
Half-term fun is coming! As part of its Edinburgh launch celebrations, Motorpoint will be hosting an event day on Wednesday 19 October which will include a live ‘Edinburgh’ art creation with acclaimed van and grime artist Ruddy Muddy, dancers from the Dunedin Dance Academy and a piper. Characters from Paw Patrol will also be there!
Motorpoint Edinburgh will be proudly supporting the work of the charity St. Columba’s Hospice through a range of fundraising events throughout the year.
The Motorpoint Price Promise means that Motorpoint guarantees to provide its customers with cars and vans at Unbeatable Prices.
Motorpoint – the UK’s largest independent retailer of nearly new cars and vans – has pulled together a huge stock of 400 of the vehicles most in demand by Edinburgh drivers as it opens its doors today – Friday 30 September 2022.
Despite a nationwide shortage of new and nearly new vehicles, the Motorpoint team in Edinburgh has worked tirelessly to ensure that Motorpoint Edinburgh has the widest possible range of the makes and models that local motorists want the most when it officially opens for business.
During half term, on Wednesday 19 October, the store will host a live ‘art’ performance by famous van grime artist Ruddy Muddy, as well as treating visitors to a taste of live Scottish Highland Dancing thanks to students from the Dunedin Dance Academy.
A piper will also perform during the day while Ruddy Muddy works his artistic magic to transform the side and rear of a Mercedes Benz Vito white van into a stunning creative masterpiece.
Richard Start, Regional Retail Director at Motorpoint Edinburgh, said: “We’ve pulled together an exciting line-up of vehicles to suit all budgets and lifestyles, all ready to drive away on the day.
“Our customers can come in, browse and buy in a pressure-free environment. They can sell their car to us if they want to, part exchange if they prefer and they can arrange the right finance and payment package through us too.”
He added: “Our team has worked hard to select a range and choice of vehicles for the people of Edinburgh from city cars to midsize and larger family cars, SUVs, and estates all available to drive away the same day. On top of this we know that whenever Motorpoint opens a new store our focus delivering unbeatable value for money means used car prices locally fall across the board. This can only be good news for local car buyers.”
A group of blind and partially sighted artists will be showcasing their work at Edinburgh’s Central Library next month[3rd – 31st October].
‘Over and Under the Sea’ will be an exhibition of sea-themed art works created by The Hillside Visually Impaired Art Group. The artists are all members of classes held by volunteers from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland at its Edinburgh headquarters.
The group has come together to create a series of sea inspired panels, and sculptures of sea creatures ranging from a terrifying piranha to a stocky starfish. The remainder of the exhibition consists of a diversity of individual works created by the members. Some of the artists paint in acrylic, and others model in clay, using a variety of textured, and hence tactile, materials.
“The exhibition was originally booked to run in 2020 but was postponed for two years,” says Andy Richie, one of the art group volunteers. “When the group was able to meet again, there were quite a few members whose sight condition had deteriorated significantly, but they were all undaunted.
“We have spent the last 12 months helping them learn new techniques and developing new styles. Many were working right up to the last of our art sessions but we are able to say that all 12 artists will have at least one piece displayed in the exhibition.”
The exhibition will be hosted in the Art & Design library within Central Library on George IV Bridge from Monday 3rd October to Monday 31st October. The opening hours are:
Transport leaders have tested out one of a newly operational network of on-street electric vehicle chargers in Edinburgh, as the nation marks Scotland’s Climate Week.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson joined Edinburgh’s Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, on the eve of World EV Day, to see one of the new charge points, funded by £2.3 million awarded through Transport Scotland’s Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund.
In total, 81 new chargers (141 charging bays) were installed and went live this summer across the city, including 41 rapid and fast chargers (72 bays) at on-street locations with the remainder provided at Hermiston and Ingliston Park and Ride sites.
The roll-out is designed to encourage and support the take-up of cleaner, low emission transport like electric vehicles. Motor transport contributes significantly to carbon emissions, and the switch to more sustainable transport is essential to the city’s Net Zero target, which is also a key aim of Scotland’s Climate Week.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “During Scotland’s Climate Week and ahead of World EV Day, I’m pleased to welcome these new EV charge points across Edinburgh to the ChargePlace Scotland network.
“Phasing out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, to help respond to the climate emergency, can only be achieved if drivers have the range confidence that comes from readily available charging infrastructure. These latest charge points help provide that confidence to people who require EV charging in the capital.
“Our previous funding approaches have helped us deliver the most public electric vehicle charging points outside of London, and the most rapid charge points anywhere in the UK. We now want to see greater private sector investment and involvement in line with our draft vision for Scotland’s public EV charging network – delivering more infrastructure faster and in way that is more accessible than ever before.”
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I am delighted that we are expanding on-street electric vehicle chargers across the Capital in a way that does not leave footpaths cluttered with cables and chargers. These new chargers will provide convenient charging for residents and visitors alike travelling around the city.
“Increasing the provision for greener technologies such as electric cars is a vital step in our wider plan for decarbonising transport in Edinburgh and for reaching our goal to become a net-zero carbon city by 2030, which is brought into sharp focus during Scotland’s Climate Week.
“Of course, choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport is the best travel decision people can make if they want to help us in our net-zero ambition.”
Scotland’s Environment Minister Mairi McAllan and Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater have written to the UK Government urging them to drop the proposals announced in its mini-budget, which they call “an attack on nature…and on the devolution settlement.”
The letter states that these proposals “demonstrate a reckless attitude to legislation that has been developed over many decades and that enshrines vital protections for both nature and people.”
The letter reads:
To:
Ranil Jayawardena MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP, Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
From:
Minister for Environment and Land Reform Màiri McAllan MSP
Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater MSP
We write with urgency regarding proposals announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Friday, about which the Scottish Government had very little prior notification.
These measures, alongside the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, represent an attack on nature (when we should be demonstrating global leadership in the lead up to the important CoP15 global summit), and on the devolved settlement itself.
We therefore ask that you and your Government drop these damaging proposals, and instead work with us and the other devolved governments, to deliver high environmental standards that rise to the nature emergency and respect devolution.
Your government has given little clarity over how the measures included in the mini-budget will be taken forward, and what the implications of them will be for Scotland. Nor have you engaged with us in advance on these issues.
However, from the information that has been made available, we share the strong concerns highlighted by nature groups such as the RSPB and the Woodland Trust. The proposals demonstrate a reckless attitude to legislation that has been developed over many decades and that enshrines vital protections for both nature and people.
Your proposed measures also threaten to undermine our programme of planning reform that is underway in Scotland. National Planning Framework 4 will signal a turning point for planning in Scotland, and we have been clear that responding to both the global climate emergency and the nature crisis will be central to that.
In addition to the measures set out in the mini-budget, the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill threatens to further undermine standards, as well as the Scottish Government’s powers to protect Scotland’s environment.
As set out in the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture’s recent letter to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Bill puts at risk the high standards people in Scotland have rightly come to expect from EU membership.
Your government appears to want to row back more than 40 years of protections in a rush to impose a deregulated, race to the bottom on our society and economy. It is particularly alarming that our environmentally-principled approach of controls on polluting substances, ensuring standards for water and air quality, and providing protection for our natural habitats and wildlife are at risk from this deregulatory programme.
Retained EU Law provides Scotland with a high standard of regulation. As we have repeatedly said, Scottish Ministers will continue to seek alignment with EU standards where possible and in a manner that contributes to maintaining and improving environmental protections.
As part of this effort, we remain committed to an ambitious programme of enhancing nature protections and delivering nature restoration. This includes delivering on the vision set out in the recent consultation on our new biodiversity strategy, setting ambitious statutory nature recovery targets, delivering on our vision to be a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, investing in our natural capital such as through our Nature Restoration Fund, and expanding and improving our national park network.
Finally, as mentioned above, we are particularly concerned that this attack on nature has come at a critical moment as we approach the UN CoP15 biodiversity summit at the end of this year. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting an ambitious global framework to halt and reverse biodiversity decline, but this sudden and fundamental change in position means our views are no longer represented, and has undermined the UK’s ability to have a positive influence on the outcome of the talks.
We strongly urge you to reconsider both the anti-nature measures set out in the mini-budget and the proposed Retained EU Law Bill. Should you proceed regardless of our concerns and those of the public and civil society across the UK, then as a minimum we seek a guarantee that none of these measures will apply in Scotland without specific consent from the Scottish Government. We expect this matter to be considered at the next IMG-EFRA on 24 October.
What are the chances of Truss and Kwarteng thinking again? Absolutely NONE …
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has recruited three eminent economists …
Emergency Budget Review
Leading economists to give expert advice
Members of an expert panel providing advice to the Scottish Government as part of its Emergency Budget Review (EBR) have been confirmed.
Sir Anton Muscatelli, Professor Frances Ruane and Professor Mike Brewer will assess the impact on Scotland of the UK Chancellor’s fiscal approach and held their first meeting with Deputy First Minister John Swinney today.
Their advice will enable timely consideration of the implications of the UK Government’s fiscal event as work continues to prioritise the Scottish Government’s budget towards tackling the cost of living crisis. The Deputy First Minister has announced he will report the results of the EBR in the week beginning 24 October.
Mr Swinney said: “The Scottish Government wants to make sure it gets the very best advice and fresh perspectives as Ministers consider the complex and difficult decisions we face while tackling the challenges ahead.
“The radical shift in UK economic policy announced by the Chancellor has already caused significant economic shock.
“For the benefit of the people and businesses of Scotland, many of whom will find themselves paying higher prices as a result, it is vital that we consider the current situation and potential solutions with care.
“The members of the panel all bring robust economic insight and I am grateful to them for giving their time and expertise as we navigate these uncharted economic waters.”
The expert panel members, whose positions are non-remunerated, are:
Sir Anton Muscatelli
Principal of the University of Glasgow. He was knighted in June 2017 for services to higher education.
Formerly principal of Heriot-Watt University, he has been an adviser to the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee on monetary policy since 2007.
He chairs the Scottish Government’s Standing Council on Europe, a non-political group which provides expert advice to Scottish Ministers on protecting Scotland’s relationship with the EU, and he was a member of the Scottish Government’s Council of Economic Advisers between 2015 and 2021 and a member of the Advisory Council for Economic Transformation.
In addition, she previously served three terms on the Council of Economic Advisers in Scotland. She will provide an external perspective to the panel on issues such as the competitiveness of Scotland’s tax regime.
Professor Mike Brewer –
Chief Economist and the Deputy Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation, where he oversees all aspects of the Foundation’s research agenda.
He is a visiting Professor at the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and between 2011 and 2020 was a Professor of Economics at the University of Essex.
He has also worked at the Institute for Fiscal Studies and HM Treasury.
Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer for September 2022 shows:
Business confidence in Scotland rose 10 points during September to 15%
Scottish firms identify top growth opportunities as investing in their teams (39%), evolving their offering (38%) and diversifying into new markets (34%)
Overall UK business confidence remained the same as last month at 16%, with only three out of 11 nations and regions reporting a higher reading than August
Business confidence in Scotland rose 10 points during September to 15%, ending three consecutive months of decline, according to the latest Business Barometer from the Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking – conducted between 1st-15th September, before the Chancellor’s economic announcement.
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 18 points at 33%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up two points to -4%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 15%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their teams (39%), evolving their offering (38%) and diversifying into new markets (34%).
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 18% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence stayed the same as in August during September at 16%. Despite the net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs increasing by one point to 17%, firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects dropped one point to 25%, and their optimism in the wider economy also fell by one point to 5%.
Three UK regions and nations recorded a month-on-month increase in optimism in September. Along with Scotland, London (up 12 points to 33%) and the South East (up 15 points to 15%) both reported higher confidence readings, with London now the most optimistic region overall. Only Wales (down five points to -4%) recorded a negative overall confidence reading in the last month.
Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “It’s encouraging to see business confidence in Scotland back on the rise, despite the myriad of economic headwinds the country’s firms continue to face.
“It’s also pleasing to see businesses here planning to invest in their people and continue to evolve the services they offer as they target new opportunities to grow. At this challenging time, companies must also keep a close eye on cash flow to help mitigate any major turbulence ahead and ensure they’re ready to capitalise on opportunities to scale up as they arise.”
Business confidence rose by two points in both the retail and service sectors (15% and 17% respectively), however both these figures are close to 12-month lows. Manufacturing and construction firms saw their lowest levels of business confidence this year, down two points in manufacturing to 14% and down 16 points to 10% in construction. This was driven by overall falling optimism in the economy.
Scotland only: Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Firms should take heart that nationally, business confidence has stabilised, while recognising that wage pressures may continue for some time.
“However, it is important to note that this data was collected ahead of the recent Fiscal Statement and the current market volatility, where the effect on confidence will be seen in next month’s data.
“Keeping a watchful eye on out-goings, especially energy bills as we head into the winter months, will ensure businesses are in the best possible position and right now businesses will be taking on board what the currency position means for their business models.
“While capital and cash flow management are undoubtedly vital during this time, we would encourage businesses to reach out to their networks for support if they find themselves struggling. At Lloyds we remain by the side of businesses to help deliver the support firms needs to navigate these challenging times.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:“It is encouraging to see business confidence stabilising after a three-month decline.
“Firms’ assessment of their own trading prospects also remained steady and continues to show some resilience during turbulent times. Yet, cost pressures remain, as more businesses look to raise prices to help protect their margins while wage pressures show little sign of abating at this stage.
“With the recent volatility in financial markets as well as the Government’s Growth Plan and energy cap announcements, it will be interesting to see how these measures affect business confidence.”
