Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Scotland’s revenues grow by £3 billion

DEFECIT CONTINUES TO FALL 

Scotland’s notional deficit is falling faster than the UK’s, with onshore revenues increasing by 5.1% to reach £61.3 billion in 2018-19 as a result of continued economic growth.

According to the Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures published yesterday, Scotland benefitted from a £3 billion increase in onshore revenues in the last year – the fastest growth since 2010-11 as the overall notional deficit fell by £1.1 billion to 7.0% of GDP, down from 8%, in 2018-19.

The reduction in the notional deficit is the result of revenues growing at a faster rate than expenditure.

Commenting on the latest figures during a visit to manufacturing company Armadilla Ltd in Bonnyrigg, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “With record tax revenues, strong economic growth and near record low unemployment, Scotland’s economy and public finances are strong. Today’s figures show overall revenue in Scotland reached £62.7 billion – exceeding £60 billion for the first time – reflecting the strength of our economy.

“Our notional deficit has fallen while public spending has increased thanks to our efforts to grow the onshore economy and the strong performance of taxes in Scotland. The Scottish Government’s choices on taxation are helping to create a more progressive tax system.

“This strong performance from Scotland’s economy is at risk as a result of the UK Government’s EU exit plans, and in particular a ‘no deal’ Brexit, which poses a severe threat to jobs, investment and living standards

“A ‘no deal’ Brexit could reduce revenues in Scotland by around £2.5 billion a year, holding Scotland back and demonstrating why people in Scotland increasingly recognise the importance of making our own decisions.

“These figures reflect Scotland’s position as part of the UK. The Scottish Government believes we could unlock our full potential with independence, allowing us to take the best decisions for Scotland.

“As we have always said, Scotland has a strong, and growing, economy and our future will be far brighter as an independent member of the EU.”

Westminster puts a different slant on the latest figures, of course. Commenting on the Scottish Government’s GERS figures for 2018-19, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “Today’s GERS figures show clearly how Scotland benefits from being part of a strong UK with every man, woman and child in Scotland receiving a ‘Union dividend’ of nearly £2,000 a year.

“These Scottish Government figures also show there would be a £12.6 billion black hole at the centre of an independent Scotland’s finances. Real questions need to be asked about the First Minister’s stewardship of the country’s economy.

“With Scotland’s deficit now more than six times greater than the UK average, the Scottish Government needs to take action.

“Scotland remains the highest taxed part of the UK. This is harming our economy and should be a huge concern to us all.

“The UK Government is investing in Scotland to deliver jobs, opportunities and sustainable growth, including £1.4 billion for city and growth deals. We are working hard to support businesses and bring further opportunities as we leave the EU on 31 October.”

The UK Government notes:

  1. Using the Scottish Government’s own data, public spending in Scotland was nearly £1,661 per head higher than that of the UK average. In other words, in 2018-19 it was 13.6% higher than the UK average. Over the last five years, this gap has been on an upward trend from £1,182 or 10.2% in 2014-15 and £1,661 or 13.6% in the latest full financial year.
  2. Scotland’s tax contributions, at £11,531, continue to be around £307 per head less than the UK average, at £11,838.
  3. Scotland’s deficit [or borrowing] was nearly £1,968 per person larger than the UK average in 2018-19.
  4. Scotland contributed 8.0% of UK tax and received 9.3% of UK spending in 2018-19 (Scotland’s population share was 8.2% in 2018-19), demonstrating how Scotland receives secure and stable levels of spending irrespective of the volatile tax revenues from the North Sea.
  5. Whilst Scotland’s share of UK total revenue has marginally increased over the last year, it is generally on a downward trend. Since its peak at 9.7% in 2008-09, Scotland’s contribution to UK revenues has been on a downward trend in subsequent years and is currently at 8.0% of the UK total. This is marginally up from 7.9% the year before.
  6. Total North Sea revenues fell slightly from £1.30 billion in 2017-18 to £1.24 billion in 2018/19. This is up from a low of minus £85 million in 2015-16 and down from a peak in 2008-09 of £10.6 billion.
  7. Scotland’s net fiscal balance as a share of GDP was –7.0%, compared to –1.1% for the UK overall. This decreased from –8.1% in 2017-18, compared to the UK overall, which came down from –2.0%. In absolute terms, Scotland’s deficit was £12.6 billion in 2018-19, down from £13.8 billion in 2017-18 (incl. North Sea revenues).
  8. While Scotland’s overall fiscal position improved in 2018-19, Scotland’s deficit as a share of its economy is over 6 times higher than that of the UK.

You pays your money, you takes your choice. Make your own mind up:

The full statistical publication is available at http://www.gov.scot/gers

 

Link Up Women’s Support Centre shortlisted for national award

Link Up Women’s Support Centre, Edinburgh is a finalist in the Scottish Women’s Awards 2019. The group, based at St Margaret’s House on London Road, are nominated in the Women Support Group of the Year category. 

Link Up Women’s Support Centre will find out if they are a winner when the gala event takes place in Glasgow next week.  Continue reading Link Up Women’s Support Centre shortlisted for national award

Waverley Sessions: Free music this weekend at Waverley Mall

Waverley Mall Edinburgh is continuing its successful partnership with Edinburgh based not-for-profit organisation, The Youth Radio Network with another edition of their popular monthly music showcase ‘The Waverley Sessions’.

The next instalment of this lively event, which has seen dozens of musicians of all ages, musical genres and social backgrounds take to the Centre’s stage since April, is set to take place this Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August.

The event will kick off at 10am on Saturday on Waverley Mall’s stage and will be hosted by Keiran Harvey and the team of volunteers from The Youth Radio Network until 6pm on the Sunday evening.

This weekend’s showcase will see 18 talented acts taking to the stage across the weekend and will include a combination of solo artists, duos, groups and even a comedian – in collaboration with The Fringe Festival.

Acts taking to the stage this weekend include 20 year old Dylan Paterson from The Scottish Borders, Singer/ Songwriter Conall Adam from Dunfirmline, Edinburgh born and bred Ciara McDonald, London based comedian Joe Baines, 18 year old Amy Donald from Edinburgh, 20 year old Lisa Scotland from Fife, Glasgow based Jen Athan, 20 year old Bronwyn Riani from Newcastle Upon Tyne, 14 year old Ethan Gibb from Livingston, three-piece Edinburgh based band Einstein’s Wardrobe, girl duo ‘In The Mix’ and ‘Let The Bird Out’.  The youngest performer to step up to the mic this weekend is returning act, 9-year-old Kara from Glenmavis, who will close Sunday’s show.

Waverley Mall has been working in collaboration with The Youth Radio Network on The Waverley Sessions since April this year, following two successful events hosted by The Youth Radio Network in December last year.

The Youth Radio Network’s vision is to empower, teach and entertain young people, aged 13 to 25 years, through the power of music and digital technology, opening doors to the broadcast industries, and to become more employable helping them to get the best start in life.

Their role includes teaching young people the ropes of the broadcast industry and helping to prepare them for employment through CV preparation, mock interviews and confidence building.

Through their work with Waverley Mall they are empowering young people – giving them opportunities skills and equipment as well as hands on experience in a real life setting for a future in the music / broadcast industry. By providing a platform, to perform, Waverley Mall is building on this opportunity with the chance to build personal confidence in performing in public.

Finally, The Youth Radio Network seeks to entertain their audience through music.

This edition of The Waverley Sessions (the second this month) is set to be a fantastic celebration of talent from Scotland and beyond and build on Waverley Mall’s aspirations to deliver products and experiences that are Scottish to the core.

The event offers the opportunity for Fringe-goers to enjoy some FREE live entertainment in Waverley Mall’s food court across final weekend of the Fringe Festival. 

Jacquelyn Stewart, General Manager, Waverley Mall says: “We’re incredibly proud of the success of The Waverley Sessions and our partnership with the Youth Radio Network. It is so rewarding to see young people gaining experience and confidence and watch them grow and develop as musicians.

“The team at The Youth Radio Network are all young volunteers themselves, so to see how they pull together to make these events run smoothly, under Keiran’s enthusiastic and professional management is truly inspiring.” 

Keiran Harvey, CEO, The Youth Radio Network says: “The Youth Radio Network is incredibly privileged to be such a big part of this amazing event. The Waverley Sessions truly does give young and upcoming musicians and bands from right across Scotland a platform to showcase their talent to the world! 

“Every month we’re amazed by the level of talent that we see. We would like to thank Waverley Mall for their continued support and also to all our amazing volunteers and staff for all their hard work and dedication at the sessions.

“We look forward to continuing to showcase Scotland’s amazing talent in partnership with Waverley Mall and we would urge all musicians or bands, whether you are just starting up or have done a few gigs, to get involved. We are here to support if you need it! As the moto goes, Teach, Empower and Entertain!”

Entries open for Port of Leith’s Big Bake Off

Leithers and local bakeries sign up for community bake off in September

Port of Leith Housing Association has partnered with local businesses including social enterprise Breadshare Bakery, The Kilted Donut, Bakery Andante, Bad Tempered Baker and Mimi’s Bakehouse to host Leith’s Big Bake Off this autumn. Continue reading Entries open for Port of Leith’s Big Bake Off

People’s Vote: Let Us Be Heard rally at The Meadows this afternoon

Labour MP Jess Phillips and SNP MP Joanna Cherry will join a stellar line-up of comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a People’s Vote ‘Let Us Be Heard’ rally in Edinburgh today.

They will be joined by top comics Andrew Maxwell, Grace Campbell and Fred MacAulay as well as the renowned ‘Graffiti Granny’, Hazel Jones. Continue reading People’s Vote: Let Us Be Heard rally at The Meadows this afternoon

The National Lottery Cinema Day 25th August – Free cinema tickets!

  • New research reveals which characters the British public most relate to on screen;
  • the people Brits most enjoy visiting their nearest multiplex or independent cinema with;
  • and our most annoying pet peeves when it comes to displays of questionable cinema etiquette.

The research, released as part of The National Lottery’s 25th Birthday Celebrations, surveyed over 2,000 British adults, ahead of National Lottery Cinema Day, this Sunday, in partnership with the BFI. 

In Scotland, the research revealed our top film companions, depending on the genre of the film we’re seeing. Dads have been voted the ideal film buddy to watch classic films with, closely followed by best mates.

Girlfriends are the top choice when it comes to romantic comedies or horror films, yet most like to go to the cinema with their best mates to watch comic book films and action films. 

It also revealed that people talking through films is the number one pet peeve for 74% of cinema lovers in Scotland. Whilst 64% of people find other people on their phones and phones going off during the film as their biggest annoyance. 50% don’t like it when others consume food and drink, with such gusto, it ruins the ambience of the cinema.

Meanwhile, almost a third 36% complain about the fact they must move when others walk past them to go to the bathroom part-way through the film, for similar reasons. 

The character we’re most likely to relate to in the films we watch in Scotland is the wise old man/ woman, and the underdog. 

However, our quirky relationship with film and playful pet peeves only serve to show how passionate we are, as a nation, about film and cinema. 

To celebrate this passion, and as a big thank you to National Lottery players for their vital contribution to film (without whom some truly great UK films, including hits like The King’s Speech, Bend it Like Beckham and Pride may never have been made) National Lottery Cinema Day, in partnership with the BFI, returns for its second year THIS Sunday (25th August 2019) with over 500,000 free tickets available to over 250 cinemas across the UK. 

Players can simply use their ticket for the Lotto Double Prize Event Draw on 24th August to claim a free cinema ticket at participating cinemas. (In the special Lotto Double Prize Event all prizes from Match 3 to Match 5 plus the Bonus Ball will be doubled). 

Bend It Like Beckham and new film Blinded by the Light Director, Gurinder Chadha, comments: “It’s very important not to underestimate the power of buying a National Lottery ticket. Money from each ticket goes to fund incredibly good causes, including the BFI which gives much needed opportunities to people with creative talent across the UK film industry.

“I couldn’t have made ‘Bend It like Beckham’ without BFI funding and as The National Lottery turns 25, I look forward to seeing young directors flourish with the same support. Thank-you to all National Lottery players!

In fact, through the BFI, the National Lottery has funded the making of more than 500 films, winning 15 Oscars®, 100 BAFTAs and 29 Cannes awards, which have been enjoyed by audiences at home and around the world.

Thanks to the money raised by The National Lottery for good causes, the BFI invests over £50 million a year in the future success of film in the UK by nurturing and supporting new voices and fresh ideas from filmmakers all over the UK, that enrich independent film culture for UK audiences.

And there’s something for everyone to see on National Cinema Day; from UK independent films like Gurinder Chadha’s Blinded by The Light that you can take your dad to see, Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans and Asif Kapadia’s Maradona, to blockbusters like The Lion King, Toy Story 4 as well as Tarantino’s latest Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. 

The 25th birthday is a moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact the National Lottery has had on the UK, and to say thank you to National Lottery players for contributing around £30 million to good causes every week.

Players of all National Lottery games must be aged 16 or over.

Find out more at www.CinemaDay.co.uk.

Pedestrian seriously injured after taxi mounts pavement

A man is in a serious condition after being hit by a taxi which mounted a pavement in the city centre yesterday.

The 59-year-old pedestian was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following the incident on North Castle Street, near its junction with Queen Street, at 1pm. Continue reading Pedestrian seriously injured after taxi mounts pavement

Money Talk Team benefits thousands of families

Free advice service helps low income households save more than £6 million.

Low-income families who seek free financial advice from the Money Talk Team are on average now £1,850 better off.

The service offers one-stop, personalised advice on dealing with debt and ways to reduce household bills.

With around 450,000 cases of unclaimed benefits in Scotland, it also helps low-income families identify what financial support might be available. The service is supported by Scottish Government funding of £3.3 million over two years.

In the last nine months, the Money Talk Team has helped a total of 3,198 people be better off by more than £6 million – meaning households benefit by more than £1,850 on average. A total of nearly 8,000 people have accessed the service.

Launching a national advertising campaign to raise awareness of the Money Talk Team, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The Money Talk Team is making a huge difference to the thousands of families that have already taken advantage of this free service.

“The friendly, experienced advisers talk callers through the options available, letting them know exactly what they are entitled to and helping them save money.

“But there are still too many families out there not getting what they should be.

“If you’re a parent struggling to pay the bills at the end of the month, you’re not alone. It doesn’t matter if you’re in or out of work, one call to the free phoneline is all it takes to get some advice that could be a massive help to your household.”

Money Talk Team is the new name for Financial Health Check, which started in 2018 and is delivered by Citizens Advice Scotland. It can be accessed through their free helpline on 0800 085 7145 or by visiting a local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Extra UK aid to help stop the spread of Ebola to vulnerable countries

Countries at risk of Ebola will receive extra UK aid support to help stop the deadly disease from spreading, International Development Secretary Alok Sharma announced yesterday.

Since the epidemic began last August, the UK has been a major donor to the Ebola response and has now allocated a further £8 million for countries neighbouring the DRC, such as Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda, as the likelihood of Ebola spreading to these countries is high.

Trusted partners will use this money for prevention work to help contain the outbreak and stop its spread. The funding will deliver more temperature checks at border crossings, support Ebola treatment units, provide clean water and sanitation, and enable engagement with local communities to raise awareness of the dangers of Ebola.

International Development Secretary Alok Sharma said: “This UK aid to countries that neighbour the DRC will make a real difference in helping to prevent further spread of this deadly outbreak.

“Livelihoods depend on people being able to cross borders safely so it is essential we continue to put in place the tools to contain Ebola. If we don’t, the outbreak will spread and many thousands more could suffer – ultimately Ebola is a potential threat to us all.”

There have been more than 2,850 cases in the DRC and almost 2,000 people have died from the disease. Three cases of Ebola were found in Uganda in June. The treatment centre where the cases were taken in the first instance was funded by UK aid and swift action prevented the spread of infection.

During a visit to Uganda this week, Mr Sharma will see first-hand how existing UK support has helped to:

  • build two treatment units
  • train health workers in 22 districts
  • fund 16 ambulances to help people in areas most at risk
  • provide protective clothing for health workers and thermometers at borders to screen people
  • vaccinate health workers.