Nicola Sturgeon has welcomed as “hugely significant” a court ruling that parliament must vote before the UK can start the process of leaving the EU and triggering Article 50.

The First minister also said the Scottish government was considering become an active participant in the case.

The ruling by the High Court means the UK government cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty – beginning formal exit negotiations with the EU – on its own.

It is appealing to the Supreme Court, with a further hearing due next month.

The case, which was heard by three judges, is widely regarded as being one of the most important constitutional rulings in generations.

Article Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37859595

The Scottish government had instructed legal representatives to observe the proceedings, but was not directly involved.

Parliament backs fairer council tax

Support for legislation that will raise funding for schools.
ARTICLE VIA: http://news.gov.scot/news/parliament-backs-fairer-council-tax

The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation that will protect household incomes, make local taxation fairer and that paves the way for an additional £500 million to be invested in education over this parliament.

The overwhelming vote in favour of the council tax order is the first step in the process of reforming council tax with the Scottish Government committing to further discussions on fair and progressive taxation over this Parliament.

Speaking after the vote Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution Derek Mackay said:

“The steps we have taken today pave the way for additional investment in schools right across Scotland to help close the attainment gap and are the first step in a journey of reform to make local taxation fairer.

“Our changes also make council tax more progressive and ensure that three quarters of households will see no rise in their bills as a result of these reforms.

“In fact our reforms ensure that while those who can afford to pay more will rightly see a moderate increase in their bills, all households will pay less on average than under council tax regimes in England, and less than they would have done if the Scottish Government’s council tax freeze had not been in place.

“This is a significant step for Parliament and will enable us to significantly increase investment in Scotland’s schools.

“It is disappointing that Parliament failed to support steps to ensure that any future reforms are based on the principle of fair and progressive taxation, but this government will remain committed to that principle.”

Background

The Scottish Parliament approved the Council Tax (Substitution of Proportion) (Scotland) Order 2016.

More information on the council tax plans is available at: http://news.gov.scot/news/council-tax-reform

Think-tank predicts service exports could be cut by 60% if removed from Single Market.

New independent research published today has highlighted the risks a hard Brexit will have on exports.

The study by the NIESR economic think-tank says UK exports from the services sector could be cut by up to 60%. For Scotland this would be equivalent to a £2.3 billion hit.

The research also says trade in goods could decline by 35-44%. If Scottish goods exports were to fall by a similar amount, the cost would be around an additional £3 billion.

Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell said:

“Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU and this is another report which shows the severe cost to jobs and exports if the UK Government removes Scotland from the Single Market against our will.

“Services exports from Scotland to Europe have been growing rapidly in recent years and to stop this growth would be a severe blow to our long-term economic prospects.

“That’s why the Scottish Government is exploring every option to protect our relationship with, and place in, Europe and in particular our membership of the Single Market.

“If the UK Government is giving assurances to private companies, as it’s been reported, then Scotland should be afforded the same level of respect and engagement on a deal to protect our democratic and economic interests.

“This report shows that even if the UK signed a free trade deal with the EU there will be significant economic damage compared with continuing Single Market membership.

“In the next few weeks the Scottish Government will be publishing detailed proposals for Scotland to remain inside the Single Market even if the rest of the UK leaves.”

ARTICLE SOURCE: http://news.gov.scot/news/hard-brexit-hit-for-scottish-exports

31/10/16: First Minister announces new rate that will benefit thousands of staff in Scotland.

The First Minister today welcomed the new Living Wage rate of £8.45 an hour and urged more Scottish organisations to sign up as Accredited Living Wage Employers.

The rise of 20 pence will benefit thousands of employees at Living Wage-accredited organisations in Scotland.

The Living Wage that meets the real costs of living is reviewed every year using the best evidence about living standards in the UK.

The First Minister today visited The Bell Group, a UK wide painting and decorating contractor headquartered in Airdrie and the latest Scottish business to become an accredited Living Wage employer.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“The new Living Wage of £8.45 will be a welcome pay rise for thousands of Scottish workers and ensures people’s basic wage continues to meet the real costs of living.

“Like the Bell Group, 630 employers in Scotland are now accredited Living Wage employers and I want to see all businesses implement the new Living Wage rates as soon as possible.

“For business, paying the Living Wage makes sense – it’s an investment in people and all the evidence shows it leads to increased productivity and reduced staff absence and turnover, while sending a strong signal to customers about fairness.

“Yet we also know around 20 per cent of Scotland’s workforce earn less than the Living Wage. With low pay one of the main drivers of in-work poverty, it’s vital that employers who can pay the real Living Wage do so.

“We’ll continue to work with the Living Wage Foundation and the Poverty Alliance to encourage more businesses to recognise the benefits of paying the real Living Wage.”

Megan Strachan, 21, has worked at Bell Group for three years and will receive the new Living Wage. Megan said:

“The difference the real Living Wage has made is that I’ve finally been able to buy and run a car, which has helped me be more independent. Before, I had to rely on family to get me to work or walk to work in the dark winter mornings. It takes the worry away – a financial problem isn’t just about finances, you think about it all the time.”

Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance said:

“Today’s announcement of the new, increased, Living Wage rates of £8.45 brings a welcome pay rise to thousands of workers across Scotland.

“430,000 people in Scotland still earn less than the wage they need to get by. This is an increase on the number of people struggling since last year’s figures. That’s why it’s more important than ever for leading employers to join the growing movement of businesses and organisations that are going further than the government minimum and making sure their employees earn enough to cover the real cost of living.”

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation said:

“As we kick off Living Wage Week today, we are celebrating the 600+ employers in Scotland and nearly 3,000 employers across the UK who lead the way on tackling low pay by paying the real Living Wage. The sheer growth of our movement shows that the Living Wage is good for people and good for business.”

Annette Bell, co-founder of The Bell Group said:

“We are delighted to mark becoming an accredited real Living Wage employer to celebrate our Company’s renowned commitment to the overall wellbeing of our employees with a visit from the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon today.

“Bell Group today is one of the largest dedicated painting and maintenance contractors in the UK both in terms of our directly employed workforce and geographical coverage. Whilst being market leader, we remain a family-owned and operated business with our foundations being built on a true family ethos.

“The majority of our staff are already paid well above the Living Wage, however becoming accredited meant that we could renew our commitment to ensure that all our staff have a decent quality of life. Furthermore, this accreditation allows us to persuade other companies within our supply chain to look and follow suit, driving the Living Wage ethos throughout the industry.”

ARTICLE SOURCE: >> news.gov.scot/news/living-wage-set-at-gbp-845
RELATED LINKS:
SCOT GOV WEBSITE >> www.scotland.gov.uk
SNP WEBSITE: >> www.snp.org