Scottish Government

Scottish Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, is to reassess the feasibility of the nation's deposit return scheme due to a Westminster decision to exclude glass from the initiative. This scheme was slated for launch in March of next year. Ms Slater accuses the UK government of sabotaging the pr

The Scottish Government has published the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, potentially enabling councils to introduce a tourist tax on overnight stays.

The Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison, has announced a strategy for economic growth, progressive taxation, and targeted spending, aiming to bolster the country's economy and enhance public services amidst mounting financial challenges. The medium-term financial strategy outlines the Scottish Gove

Trade and Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead will meet business leaders during a visit to Spain aimed at unlocking new trade and investment opportunities. Spain is a priority market in the Scottish Government's growth export plan, A Trading Nation, worth £623 million in goods exports in 2022

Scotland's shops and eateries have experienced a decline in business rates, following the Scottish Government's revaluation which commenced last month, resulting in an approximate 10% reduction in business rate bills. The largest decreases are seen in bigger establishments, with retail bills droppin

It has been announced that Dr Poonam Malik, head of investments at the University of Strathclyde will co-chair the New Deal for Business Group alongside wellbeing economy secretary Neil Gray. Involving businesses at an early stage of policy development will be one of the key aims of the group establ

SNP leader Humza Yousaf announced today that the party has engaged AMS Accountants Group as auditor after it was revealed last month that the previous firm, Johnston Carmichael, resigned last September. This development comes as the party's MPs face a crucial 31 May deadline to submit audited a

The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has warned that high earners in Scotland will face an effective 68% tax rate if First Minister Humza Yousaf proceeds with a new charge under consideration. The higher rate is a combination of:

The Scottish Government has announced that the deposit return scheme (DRS) is set to undergo changes to support small businesses and craft drinks producers. The Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, announced the adjustments, which include exclusions for drinks containers under 100ml, products se

First Minister Humza Yousaf has unveiled a policy prospectus outlining the Scottish Government's objectives for the next three years, focusing on equality, opportunity, and community. Key financial and economic initiatives include a 'New Deal for Scottish Business' aimed at using Non-Domestic Rates

Plans to enable councils to raise the amount of council tax paid on empty and second homes will be included in a new Scottish Government consultation to help increase housing availability. First Minister Humza Yousaf will announce proposals at the Scottish Trades Union Congress today (Monday 17 Apri

Changes to income tax in Scotland have come into force and are estimated to raise more than half a billion pounds of additional revenue this financial year to support vital public services. The tax rates for earnings between £12,571 and £43,662 remain the same while earnings above £

The Scottish Government has allocated a further £25 million from its Just Transition Fund to support the energy transition in the North East, with the goal of making the region a global leader in net zero efforts.

The new Deputy First Minister Shona Robison has also been appointed as the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Finance. The appointment comes as the new First Minister Humza Yousaf confirmed his full ministerial team — the first in which there are more women than men.

Scotland’s onshore GDP increased by 0.9% in January, according to statistics announced by the chief statistician.