Scottish Government

Families of an estimated 145,000 children will benefit from extra support this winter to help with cost of living pressures – backed by Scottish Government investment of £18.9 million. Bridging Payments were introduced in 2021 ahead of the extension of the Scottish Child Payment to 6-15-

A new website providing information on the wide range of advice and financial support available to people in Scotland has been launched. Developed by the Scottish Government as a ‘one-stop shop’ to help those struggling with the cost of living crisis, the website includes information on

New research commissioned by the Scottish Government has revealed that costs for new heat pumps will be up to 231% more than traditional gas boilers over the lifespan of the installation. In line with the Holyrood's green agenda, rules coming into effect from 2024 will require that all new homes and

The UK Government is being urged by the devolved governments to fund its cap on energy prices through a windfall tax, not higher borrowing. In a joint letter to the new Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng, deputy First Minister John Swinney is joined by finance ministers from Wales and Northe

Around £500 million in savings have been found as resources are focused on tackling the “harsh reality” of the cost of living crisis, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has said. He updated the Scottish Parliament on steps being taken to meet the increased costs of public sector pa

A total of £84 million has been paid to families since it was introduced less than 18 months ago. The payment of £20 per week, unique to Scotland in the UK, began in February 2021 as a direct measure to tackle child poverty. It provides regular, additional financial support to parents an

Immediate funding is being awarded to key energy advice organisations to make sure energy customers can access crucial support and advice to deal with rising energy bills and heating costs. More than £1.2 million will be distributed to help key agencies, including Advice Direct Scotland, Home

The Scottish Government has announced that thousands of businesses can now apply for up to £15,000 to help retrain and upskill their workforce. The Flexible Workforce Development Fund provides workers in organisations of all sizes with access to training courses through local colleges, the Ope

New figures show Scotland’s public finances are recovering from the coronavirus pandemic faster than the UK as a whole. The Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) 2021-22 statistics show Scotland’s deficit fell by 10.3%– compared to a drop of 8.4% for the UK.

The Scottish Government has announced that its proposal for a £5 million Islands Bond will not go ahead following responses to a consultation. Announced last year, the proposed bond sought to address depopulation, lack of housing, and economic opportunities. The bond would have provided £

The Scottish Government has announced £16.2 million in funding for five zero-emission heat networks that will cut carbon emissions in homes and commercial properties. Made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and zero carbon buildings minister Patrick Harvie during a visit to ng homes i

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will convene an urgent summit with energy supply companies and consumer groups later this month to discuss how advice and support for people struggling with energy bills can be improved. The summit will consider what collective action can be taken by government, energy

Nicola Sturgeon has sought an emergency meeting of the Prime Minister and heads of the devolved Government Council to agree steps to help people in need as a result of the cost of living crisis. In a letter to the Prime Minister urging the suggested September meeting be brought forward due to a &ldq

Planning permission will be required for Edinburgh’s short-term let conversions, the Scottish Government has announced.

People in Aberdeenshire, City of Aberdeen, Fife, Moray, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire are now able to apply for Adult Disability Payment. This means Adult Disability Payment is now available in 13 council areas ahead of opening nationwide on 29 August. It is the twelfth and most