Latest Sector's role in the economy news & opinion

The Spring Statement and recent changes to employers’ National Insurance Contributions (eNICs) will have a significant impact on the voluntary sector in both Scotland and the UK. At a time when funding is insufficient and funding processes remain inefficient, governments at all... Read more

A Vision for Rural Scotland The purpose of this vision is to clarify the long-term goal and the overarching purpose of the Rural Delivery Plan. Scottish Government want this to provide direction towards a shared future for rural Scotland. Draft vision for rural Scotland: "Our... Read more

John Swinney MSP, First Minister Scottish Government 12 November 2024 Dear First Minister Autumn Budget 2024 As you have recognised in your recent public comments, the Chancellor’s intention to increase employers’ National Insurance contributions will have a significant impact on... Read more

Last week, following months of speculation, Britain’s first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered Labour’s first Budget in 14 years. A historic moment and important opportunity.The Budget, the Chancellor promised, would invest, invest, invest, partly by raising taxes by £4... Read more

Thursday 5 September 2024 Dear Secretary of State,Over the past couple of years, we have closely worked with partners in Scotland and with previous UK Ministers on the design and delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). From the publication of the Levelling Up White... Read more

Tuesday 10 September 2024 Dear Chancellor, Autumn Budget 2024/Spending Review I am writing to you regarding the upcoming UK Budget. The Civil Society Group (CSG), an informal collaboration of organisations representing members and groups from the charity sector and wider civil... Read more

Wednesday 14 August 2024 Dear Ms Robison, I am writing to you to express my concern about the emergency spending controls that you announced today, and to urge fair treatment of the voluntary sector. Of course, I recognise the significant financial pressures that the Scottish... Read more

Congratulations on your appointment as Deputy First Minister of Scotland.  I very much look forward to working with you again in this new role. Read more

Dear First Minister Congratulations on your election as First Minister of Scotland. I very much look forward to working with you again in this new role, and I am very pleased that Shirley-Anne Somerville has retained her role as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice. We were... Read more

Last week brought another Spring Budget – and it all felt a bit like Groundhog Day, didn’t it? Pre-election giveaways caught the headlines – against a backdrop of low growth and productivity. Disappointingly absent from the Chancellor’s statement was recognition of the... Read more