SPICe Spotlight | Solas air SPICe
Reading Time: 9 minutes This blog explores what the future might hold for marine conservation in Scotland with a focus on how communities and local stakeholders might become more involved in decision making, and the potential role of marine planning.
Reading Time: 9 minutes The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is developing a new poverty measure called Below Average Resources (BAR) that closely reproduces the Social Metrics Commission’s measure. BAR aims to address issues with existing poverty measures by refining income definition, accounting for inescapable costs, and stabilizing the poverty line. The new measure shows varied impacts on different demographic groups and is currently undergoing an analytical consultation.
Reading Time: 5 minutes Belgium assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) on 1 January 2024 taking over from Spain which held the presidency for the second half of 2023. This blog outlines Belgium’s presidency plans and how these may be impacted by European elections.
Reading Time: 8 minutes Background Following a review of intergovernmental relations, the UK Government and devolved governments agreed to reform existing arrangements in January 2022. Read a previous SPICe
Reading Time: 5 minutes Social security spending makes up 13% of the entire budget In 2024-25, the Scottish Fiscal Commission forecast social security benefit spend of £6,283 million. This
Reading Time: 7 minutes This blog looks back at the recommendations made by committees during pre-budget scrutiny 2024-25 and the impact of committee scrutiny on the Scottish Budget 2024-25.
Reading Time: < 1 minute SPICe has published a new quarterly intergovernmental activity update, which covers quarter 4 (October to December) of 2023. You can find previous updates on our
Reading Time: 5 minutes Recent disclosures at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry have brought significant attention to the use of non-corporate messaging platforms like WhatsApp in the delivery of public authorities’ official business. This blog looks at the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and how information held by public authorities on non-corporate messaging platforms can be accessed through the freedom of information regime.
Reading Time: 5 minutes The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales (‘the Commission’) published its final report on 17 January 2024. This blog summarises recommendations made by
Reading Time: 8 minutes Guest blog by Dr Lorna Cole discussing what it means for agriculture to be sustainable and regenerative.