SB 05-83 The Re-launch of the Lisbon Strategy (pdf 218k)

This briefing provides information on the development of the European Union’s Lisbon Strategy which was intended to improve Europe’s economic performance whilst protecting Europe’s much vaunted social model and environmental record. It then looks at the Strategy’s re-launch in 2005 and the new concentration on growth and jobs.

SB 05-82 Systems of Presumed Consent for Organ Donation - Experiences Internationally (pdf 489k)

The Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill sets out the legal provisions for the system of organ donation and transplantation in Scotland. It proposes to maintain a system of ‘opting-in’, whereby organs may only be procured if express authorisation has been given by the deceased or their next of kin. John Farquhar Munro MSP has lodged a Stage 2 amendment to the Bill. The amendment seeks to change the current system to one of presumed consent. This would mean that a deceased person’s organs would be presumed to be available for transplantation, unless they had expressed an objection.

SB 05-81 MSPs’ Allowances and Expenditure 2004-05 (pdf 1Mb)
This briefing includes the new and more detailed presentation of information on the MSP Allowances Scheme. To fully understand this more detailed information it is essential that this briefing be read alongside the numerical information and individual MSP data provided.

The Scottish Parliament’s Allowances Scheme makes provision for the payment of allowances to enable Members to carry out their parliamentary duties. It also allows for information regarding the allowances payable under the scheme to be published. Prior to 2003-04 this information was included in the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) Annual Report.

As was the case for 2003-04, the SPCB has determined that information relating to Members’ allowances and expenses for 2004-05 should form a separate publication bringing together, in one table, costs incurred by Members of the Parliament in carrying out their parliamentary duties.

In addition to this briefing the SPCB has also made available, for the first time, detailed information on the allowances reimbursed to each MSP. This data is available on the Parliament’s website by linking from the table in the annex to this briefing.
(This briefing has been updated by SB 07-51 posted 4 October 2007)

SB 05-80 The Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Bill (pdf 250k)

This paper outlines the measures proposed in the Bill introduced by the Standards and Public Appointments Committee. The Bill is to be debated on Motion S2M-3633 in the name of Brian Adam on behalf of the Standards and Public Appointments Committee
This Briefing provides some background to the provisions relating to the register of Members’ interests, based on the existing Members’ Interests Order. The provisions of the Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Bill (SP Bill 44) are considered in relation to that order. Where relevant, comparisons have been made with equivalent provisions in Canada and Australia.

SB 05-79 The Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights Bill (pdf 598k)

This paper outlines the measures proposed in the Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights Bill introduced by the Scottish Executive to establish a Human Rights Commissioner for Scotland. In particular it:

• outlines the legal and policy background to the Bill
• summarises the main provisions of the Bill
• highlights key issues surrounding the proposed creation of a Scottish Commissioner

Where appropriate, the briefing makes reference to broadly equivalent human rights commissions in other jurisdictions.

SB 05-78 Sea Fishing: Quotas for 2006 (pdf 117k)

This briefing has been prepared for members of the Environment and Rural Development Committee. It highlights some of the important issues in advance of the December 2005 Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting at which fishing quotas and days at sea will be set for 2006.

SB 05-77 The Forth Road Bridge (pdf 205k)

This briefing provides a short history of the development and operation of the Forth Road Bridge, statistics on usage and information on the tolling regime.  It also includes a very brief summary of the main challenges facing the continued operation of the bridge.

SB 05-76 Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill: Diligence (pdf 366k)

This briefing is a reference paper to the varying legal mechanisms – forms of diligence – used in the enforcement of civil obligations. It provides background information on existing legislation relating to diligence, and current practice. It summarises the consultations involved and the views of the respondents, and finally, it details the wide-ranging reforms made in the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc (Scotland) Bill in relation to diligence as a result of the consultation process.

SB 05-75 Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill Scottish Civil Enforcement Commission (pdf 95k)

This briefing provides background material on civil enforcement, summarises the Executives proposals for a Scottish Civil Enforcement Commission and the views of consultees on the proposals and briefly describes the provisions made in the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill as it relates to a Scottish Civil Enforcement Commission.

SB 05-74 Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill Floating Charges (pdf 90k)

This briefing explains the concept of floating charges, summarises the views of a Scottish Law Commission Advisory Group on the failings of existing legislation and lists the Group’s recommendations. These recommendations have been accepted by the Scottish Executive and have become the basis of the provisions made in the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill relating to floating charges. 

SB 05-73 Bankruptcy and Diligence etc (Scotland) Bill Bankruptcy (pdf 169k)

The Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 21 November 2005. The Bill is in 16 Parts. Part 1 deals with Bankruptcy, Part 2 with Floating Charges, Part 3 with creating a new Scottish Civil Enforcement Commission and Parts 4-16 with Diligence.

This briefing summarises existing legislation relating to bankruptcy and describes concerns about its operation and impact. The provisions made in the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc (Scotland) Bill as it relates to bankruptcy are described and the views of consultees summarised.

SB 05-72 Joint Inspection of Children's Services and Inspection of Social Work Services (Scotland) Bill

The Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 28 October 2005.  It will enable certain statutory bodies to collaborate on a joint inspection of the effectiveness of children’s services and allow Scottish Ministers to appoint social work inspectors.

SB 05-71 Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill Part 2 - Animal Welfare

This briefing looks at the animal welfare provisions in Part 2. The briefing does not set out to describe all the provisions of the Bill, but focuses on some of the main points including:

• The definitions used in the Bill
• Preventing unnecessary suffering
• Mutilations (procedures carried out on animals)
• Animal fights
• New provisions to ensure animal welfare
• New powers for Ministers to prohibit the keeping of certain animals; license activities; and make regulations and statutory codes to improve animal welfare

SB 05-70 Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill Part 1 - Animal Health

This briefing looks at the animal health provisions in Part 1. The briefing is in 4 main sections:

• Background information on infectious animal diseases included in the Bill
• Powers to slaughter and vaccinate animals to control disease outbreaks
• Powers to control the spread of disease by improving “biosecurity”

• Powers to prevent the spread of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

SB 05-69 The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill

This briefing considers the main aspects of the Bill and key issues arising in response to consultation carried out by the Executive prior to the introduction of the Bill.

SB 05-68 Draft Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises Regulations

This briefing has been written to support the Health Committee in its evidence session with the Deputy Minister for Health, Lewis Macdonald MSP, on 15 November 2005, in connection with the proposed smoking regulations, following the passing of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005.

SB 05-67 Forestry in Scotland

This briefing provides an overview of the forestry industry and its stakeholders in Scotland; it also considers Scottish Executive policies, forestry economics and funding, and key current issues.

This briefing updates SPICe Briefing SM DA/19 1999.

SB 05-66 Key Economic Indicators

This briefing provides the latest figures on a selection of economic indicators:

• GDP
• Business starts
• Exports
• House prices
• Population
• Unemployment and employment
• Benefit claimants
• Economic forecasts

The next update is due in February 2006

SB 05-65 Draft Budget 2006-07: Local Government

This briefing provides an overview of local government budget trends as set out in Scottish Executive’s Draft Budget 2006-07, the efficient government initiative as it relates to local government and the objectives and targets in the Draft Budget as they relate to local government.

SB 05-64 Draft Budget 2006-07: Transport

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Local Government and Transport Committee of the Scottish Parliament in its scrutiny of the spending plans for transport as set out in the Draft Budget 2006-07. The briefing analyses trends in spending over the period 2002-08, changes in spending plans between 2005-06 and 2006-07, and changes in spending plans for 2006-07 since last year’s budget was announced. Objectives and targets are listed and plans for efficiency savings in the transport portfolio are described.

SB 05-63 Homelessness (updated)

This briefing provides a summary of the current legislation relevant to homelessness. Both the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 have changed, and will change, statutory duties towards the homeless. The implementation of these changes is also briefly considered. The briefing updates SPICe Briefing 04/24.

SB 05-62 The National Framework for Service Change in the NHS in Scotland: The Kerr Report

On the 27th October 2006, the Parliament will hold an Executive debate entitled “Delivering for health”. ‘Building a Health Service Fit for the Future’ (the Kerr Report), the report of the National Framework for Service Change in the NHS in Scotland Advisory Group, was published in May 2005, and this briefing looks at some of the highlights of the report including the key proposals and recommendations, some of the rationale behind them and reactions so far.

SB 05-61 Draft Budget 2006-07 -- Enterprise and Culture Committee

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s
Enterprise and Culture Committee in looking at the Draft Budget 2006-07.
It focuses on trends in the budget and projected efficiency savings under the Scottish Executive’s efficient government initiative.

SB 05-60 Draft Budget 2006-07 Environment and Rural Development Committee

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Environment and Rural Development Committee in its scrutiny of the Draft Budget 2006-07. Consideration is given to trends over the period 2002-08, changes in the planned spend since last year, efficiency savings, and actions being taken across all portfolios to achieve sustainable development.

SB 05-59 Draft Budget 2006-07 - Communities Committee

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Communities Committee in looking at Draft Budget 2006-07. It focuses on trends in the budget and projected efficiency savings under the Scottish Executive’s efficient government initiative.

SB 05-58 Modernising the Planning System: National Planning Framework

This short briefing provides an introduction to the National Planning
Framework (NPF) and highlights the changes to the NPF proposed in the White Paper, Modernising the Planning System.
This is one of a series of short briefings examining key changes to the
planning system proposed in the White Paper.

SB 05-57 Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill

Briefing considering the background to and provisions of the Bill, which includes provisions on: (1) the police – including: (a) measures concerned with Common Police Services, and (b) changes to the handling of complaints against the police; (2) public order matters – including: (a) the introduction of football blanning orders, and (b) reform of the law on public processions; (3) criminal justice matters – including: (a) mandatory drug testing and assessment following arrest for drug or drugs-related offences, and (b) incentives for accused persons to provide information or evidence.

SB 05-56 Equality Bill: Sewel Motion

This briefing contains an overview of devolved issues relevant to the Equality Bill.

SB 05-55 Efficient Government Initiative

This briefing provides background on the Scottish Executive’s Efficient Government Initiative, presents details of the cash and time releasing efficiency saving by budgetary portfolio, and compares the levels of proposed efficiency savings anticipated by the Scottish and UK governments by 2007-08.

SB 05-54 By-Elections September 2005: Glasgow Cathcart (Scottish Parliament) and Livingston (UK Parliament)

This paper provides summary statistics on the by-elections held on 29 September 2005 in Glasgow Cathcart to the Scottish Parliament and on the same day in Livingston to the UK Parliament.

SB 05-53 Plastic Bags Policy in Ireland and Australia

This briefing case studies two approaches to the issue of plastic bags. It examines the levy in place in Ireland, and the voluntary code in place in Australia

SB 05-52 Environmental Levy on Plastic Bags

The Environmental Levy on Plastic Bags (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 17 June 2005 by Mike Pringle MSP. The Bill seeks to introduce a levy on the provision of plastic bags to customers. The Bill proposes that revenue raised from the levy should be used by local authorities to spend on environmental projects.  This briefing considers the proposals and some of the key issues arising.

SB 05-51 Draft Budget 2006-07 - Justice Committees

Briefing prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committees in looking at the Draft Budget 2006-07. It focuses on trends in the budget and projected efficiency savings under the Scottish Executive's efficient government initiative.

SB 05-50 Crofting

This briefing has been prepared in advance of the Members’ Business debate on crofting on Wednesday 14 September 2005, and also provides background in anticipation of the introduction of a Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill later this parliamentary year.  It provides a brief description of crofting law; outlines some of the main proposals the Scottish Executive has consulted on in its Draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill; looks at some of the comment on the Draft Bill; and summarises the financial support which government provides to crofting.

SB 05-49 Looked After Children

Overview of looked after children; statistics, policy and some relevant research to inform discussion of Education Committee's work programme at their away day 31st August 2005.

SB 05-48 Millennium Development Goals and the 2005 World Summit

The Millennium Declaration was agreed by over 180 countries in 2000. From this, eight Millennium Development Goals were developed, with a target date of 2015. This briefing outlines some background to the Goals and examines progress towards achieving them. The Goals are subject to a 5 year review in 2005 at the United Nations General Assembly World Summit 2005 to be held from 14-16 September (known as Millennium+5).   Progress to date has not been at the pace required to meet the Goals by the 2015 target.

SB 05-47 Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction (Scotland) Bill

This paper outlines the measures proposed in the Bill, provides some background on the council tax and on the debates around the efficiency and equity of the council tax. Discussion of the merits (or otherwise) of a Local Income Tax (LIT) are then briefly considered alongside a discussion of some of the practical issues in implementing a LIT. The Scottish Service Tax, as proposed in the Bill, is then considered in more detail with particular regard to the debates which have surrounded this model of generating funding for Scottish local authorities. Lastly the paper considers the Scottish Executive’s position on the Bill and the issue of local government finance more generally is detailed before the likely approach of the Local Government and Transport Committee, as lead committee on the Bill at Stage One, is outlined.

SB 05-46 Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill-Amendment of the Anatomy Act 1984

Part 5 of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill contains provisions to amend the Anatomy Act 1984. The Anatomy Act 1984 sets out the regulatory framework for the anatomical examination of corpses for teaching studying or research.   The main proposals within part 5 of the Bill include a broader definition of ‘anatomical examination’, an extension of the licensing arrangements to imported bodies and public displays, a revision of the procedures for authorising the donation of a body for anatomical examination and retention of the post of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland.  This briefing describes the provisions contained within the Bill and any relevant issues.

SB 05-45 Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill-Post Mortem Exams and Organ-Tissue Retention

The Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 3 June 2005.  The Bill proposes a new framework for organ donation and transplantation, hospital post-mortems, the removal, retention and use of body parts, anatomical examination and the public display of bodies.  This briefing concentrates on the provisions in Part 2 of the Bill, concerning hospital-post-mortems and Part 3 of the Bill, concerning tissue samples and organs no longer required for the purposes of the Procurator Fiscals.  The briefing provides background information, including the current legislative framework, structures, practice and key data.  It then describes recent policy developments before outlining the main provisions in the Bill, and offering a discussion of the key issues associated with those provisions.

SB 05-44 Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill-Organ Donation and Transplantation

The Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 3 June 2005.  The Bill proposes a new framework for organ donation and transplantation, hospital post-mortems, the removal, retention and use of body parts, anatomical examination and the public display of bodies.  This briefing concerns the provisions in Part 1 of the Bill for organ donation and transplantation.  It first provides background information, including the current legislative framework, structures, practice and key data.  It then describes recent policy developments before outlining the main provisions in the Bill, and offering a discussion of the key issues associated with those provisions.

SB 05-43 Plans for a Police Bill

Information on proposals which may be included within the forthcoming Police Bill

SB 05-42 The Right to Buy

This briefing provides an overview of the legislation relating to the Right to Buy. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 widened the eligibility for the Right to Buy scheme to those tenants of Registered Social Landlords with Scottish secure tenancies. The Act also amended certain details of the Right to Buy scheme. When tenants can exercise their Right to Buy and the discounts that they will receive will vary according to individual circumstances. These circumstances are considered in detail in the briefing.  Key statistics on the pattern of sales under the right to buy are also given.  This briefing updates SPICe briefing 02/08 Operation of the Right to Buy Scheme published in January 2002.

SB 05-41 Modernising the Planning System Development Planning

This briefing provides an introduction to the current development planning system in Scotland and highlights the changes proposed in the White Paper Modernising the Planning System.

SB 05-40 Ecological Footprinting

An ecological footprint is the area of the Earth’s surface required to support the activities of an individual, organisation, land area, or event. This briefing explores the background to the ecological footprint concept, and gives examples of where the tool has been used. In July 2005, a conference being run by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) will have its ecological footprint measured, with support from the UK Sustainable Development Commission.

SB 05-39 St Andrew's Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Bill

The St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Bill has the objective of making St Andrew’s Day (30 November) a bank holiday. This briefing sets out existing relevant legislation and summarises the arguments made for and against St Andrew’s Day being a bank holiday. A broad assessment is also made of possible economic impacts of a reduction in the length of the working year.

SB 05-38 Modernising the Planning System Rights of Appeal in Planning

This subject profile provides an introduction to the system of planning appeals in Scotland and highlights the changes proposed in the White Paper ‘Modernising the Planning System’.

SB 05-37 House Prices

(This briefing has been updated by SB 07-20 posted 1 May 2007)

This briefing provides an overview of key house prices statistics. An overview of trends in house prices at a UK and Scotland level is given. Trends at a regional level are also considered, as are issues of affordability, particularly for first time buyers. 

SB 05-36 Strategic Environmental Assessment and Nuclear Power

This paper gives a brief introduction to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and then considers:

• possible future energy policy
• the devolved/reserved nature of this
• the arrangements that would have to be put in place before a new nuclear plant could be built

It goes on to consider the role that private companies have with UK and Scottish SEA legislation, and finally examines which Scottish plans, or programmes, might include nuclear power stations and associated facilities, and how SEA would apply to these.

SB 05-35 Sale of Tobacco to Under-Age Persons - Variations of Age Limit

During stage 2 proceedings of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill, Duncan McNeill MSP lodged an amendment which sought to give Ministers the power to alter the age at which an individual can be sold tobacco.  The amendment does not seek to change the current age, but the intention is to allow Ministers to raise it, most probably to 18 years. The policy intent of this is to reduce the prevalence of smoking in young people.  This briefing discusses the implications of the amendment including those relating to enforcement and its potential public health impact.

SB 05-34 Developments in the Regulation of the Legal Profession

Briefing looking at developments in the regulation of the legal profession in the light of the recommendations made by the former Justice 1 Committee following its inquiry into the topic during the first session of the Parliament.

SB 05-33 Abolition of NHS Prescription Charges (Scotland) Bill

The Abolition of Prescription Charges (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 19 January 2005 by Colin Fox MSP. The Bill seeks to abolish charges for all Scottish NHS prescriptions.

This briefing outlines the main arguments for and against prescription charges, as well as potential cost implications should the Bill be passed.

SB 05-32 Rural Policy in Finland Norway and England

This briefing has been prepared for the Environment and Rural Development Committee. It looks at the evolution of rural policy in Finland, Norway and England

SB 05-31 STV in Local Government Elections - modelling the 2003 results

This briefing models the impact of the change of moving from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system of election to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.  The local electoral system will change as a result of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 with the first local elections using STV being held in 2007.  This paper estimates what the impact of the change would have been had the 2003 local elections used the STV system.  The paper does not attempt to predict what the result of the 2007 local elections using STV will be.

SB 05-30 EU Family Law: An Introduction to the Green Paper on 'International' Divorces

This briefing is intended to assist the Justice 1 Committee with their consideration of the European Commission's Green Paper on Divorce. The Green Paper is not concerned with the member states' national rules of divorce law. Instead it is concerned with member states' rules of 'private international law' in the context of divorce actions.

SB 05-29 Post-Separation Parenting: Recent Developments in Australia

Summarises recent developments in Australia relating to parental responsibilities and rights.

SB 05-28 UK Election 2005 in Scotland (3.4MB)

This paper provides the results of the 2005 UK General Election in Scotland. The paper analyses the campaign, the impact of the results in Scotland and features contributions from various experts on Scottish politics.

John Curtice looks at turnout and electoral behaviour. Peter Lynch analyses the state of the parties in the aftermath of polling day. Douglas Fraser discusses the election campaign from the perspective of the political parties and the media. Finally Simon Braunholtz considers the election from the perspective of the opinion polling companies.

SB 05-27 Chernobyl - Nineteen Years On

On 26 April 1986 reactor number 4 of the Chernobyl (Chornobyl in Ukrainian) nuclear power plant in then Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (now Ukraine) ran out of control, exploded, caused major fire damage and released large amounts of radioactivity into the atmosphere. This briefing examines the key events and ongoing problems relating to the accident.

SB 05-26 Obesity Nutrition and Physical Activity - Children and Young People: A Comparative Paper – Strategies

In August 2003 the Health Committee decided to examine public health issues.  In particular, it decided to look at three public health issues and how they affect children and young people, namely obesity and physical exercise, smoking and alcohol.  The Committee also expressed a wish to ascertain what lessons, if any, could be learnt in Scotland from how other countries tackle these issues.  Members were particularly interested in the Nordic countries ie Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.  This briefing concentrates on the area of obesity and physical exercise in children and young people under 16 years of age, and outlines public health strategies that have been employed in Scotland, England, Wales and the Nordic countries.

25 April 2005

SB 05-25 Smoking in Children and Young People: A Comparative Paper

In August 2003 the Health Committee decided to examine public health issues.  In particular, it decided to look at three public health issues and how they affect children and young people, namely obesity and physical exercise, smoking and alcohol.  The Committee also expressed a wish to ascertain what lessons, if any, could be learnt in Scotland from how other countries tackle these issues.  Members were particularly interested in the Nordic countries ie Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.  This briefing concentrates on the area of smoking in children and young people and outlines public health strategies that have been employed in Scotland, England, Wales and the Nordic countries.

25 April 2005

SB 05-24 Alcohol use in Children and Young People: A Comparative Paper

In August 2003 the Health Committee decided to examine public health issues.  In particular, it decided to look at three public health issues and how they affect children and young people, namely obesity and physical exercise, smoking and alcohol.  The Committee also expressed a wish to ascertain what lessons, if any, could be learnt in Scotland from how other countries tackle these issues.  Members were particularly interested in the Nordic countries ie Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.  This briefing concentrates on the area of alcohol use in children and young people and outlines public health strategies that have been employed in Scotland, England, Wales and the Nordic countries.

25 April 2005

SB 05-23 Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity - Children and Young People: A Comparative Paper - Key Data

In August 2003 the Health Committee decided to examine public health issues.  In particular, it decided to look at three public health issues and how they affect children and young people, namely obesity and physical exercise, smoking and alcohol.  The Committee expressed a wish to ascertain what lessons, if any, could be learnt in Scotland from how other countries tackle these issues.  Members were particularly interested in the Nordic countries ie Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.  This briefing concentrates on the area of obesity and physical exercise in children and young people under 16 years of age, and outlines key comparative data for Scotland, England, Wales and the Nordic countries.

SB 05-22 Family Law (Scotland) Bill: Grounds for Divorce (Updated)
Sections 10 and 11 of the Family Law (Scotland) Bill (introduced into the Scottish Parliament on 7 February 2005) contain provisions to reform the grounds for divorce in Scotland. These provisions are based on recommendations first made by the Scottish Law Commission in 1989.

This briefing is intended to inform the debate about the grounds for divorce which it is anticipated will arise as a result of the introduction of the Family Law Bill to the Scottish Parliament. It includes information on the grounds for divorce in a variety of European and Commonwealth jurisdictions.

SB 05-19 The Size of the Public Sector

(This briefing has been updated by SB 06-15 posted 27 February 2006)
Public expenditure, government consumption and the public sector comprise a larger share of the economy in Scotland than in the rest of the UK. This briefing explains these terms, provides Scottish data for each measure, shows how the data have changed over recent years, and provides comparisons with the whole of the UK.

SB 05-17 Key Economic Indicators

(This has been updated by SB 05-66 posted 7 November 2005)
This briefing provides a snapshot of some of the latest economic indicators for Scotland. It provides data on GDP (including comparisons with OECD countries and a summary of independent Scottish forecasts), analysis of the Scottish labour market and the latest export figures.

SB 05-12 Family Law (Scotland) Bill - Grounds for Divorce (Updated)

(This briefing has been superseded by SB 05-22 posted 21 April 2005)
Sections 10 and 11 of the Family Law (Scotland) Bill (introduced into the Scottish Parliament on 7 February 2005) contain provisions to reform the grounds for divorce in Scotland. These provisions are based on recommendations first made by the Scottish Law Commission in 1989. This briefing is intended to inform the debate about the grounds for divorce which it is anticipated will arise as a result of the introduction of the Family Law Bill to the Scottish Parliament. It includes information on the grounds for divorce in a variety of European and Commonwealth jurisdictions.

SB05-07 Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill - Sewel Motion
The Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 24 November 2004. The following motion is due to be debated in the Scottish Parliament on 2 February 2005:

“S2M-2243 Cathy Jamieson: Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill – UK Legislation – That the Parliament recognises the importance of building safe and secure communities and agrees that the provisions of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill that relate to devolved matters and those that relate to the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers should be considered by the UK Parliament.”

This paper highlights available information relevant to the debate. It does not seek to provide additional analysis.

SB 05-05 Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill - governance issues
The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill was introduced in Parliament on 15 November 2004. This briefing explores the proposed regulatory regime, the governance of charities and the fundraising procedures. This is the last of a series of 3 SPICe briefings on the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill. The other two briefings gave an overview of the Bill (SPICe briefing 04/84) and looked at issues around the proposed “charity test” (SPICe briefing 05/01) The briefings have been published to coincide with evidence taking at the Communities Committee’s Stage 1 consideration of the Bill.

SB 05-04 Climate Change
The causes and effects of climate change are issues of global concern, and have been addressed by international agreements. Responding to these issues requires action to be taken at more local levels. In early 2005 the Environment and Rural Development Committee will undertake an inquiry into climate change in Scotland. This briefing supports that work by examining the science of climate change at a simple level, options for reducing Scotland’s contribution to the problem, and how Scotland can adapt to cope with a changing climate.

(The science and policy aspects of this briefing have been updated by SB 07-44 posted 21 August 2007)

7 January 2005

6 January 2005

SB 05-01 Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill - the Charity Test
The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 15 November 2004. This briefing is the second in a series introduced by SPICe briefing 04/84. It gives some background on the definition of charity in the UK; the policy background to the introduction of a new charity test; a brief look at 3 international models; the Executive’s proposals themselves; and a brief look at the arguments concerning independent schools and hospitals.

6 January 2005