Scottish Government update
Cabinet Reshuffle
The following changes have taken place in the recent ministerial reshuffle:
- The new First Minister, John Swinney, was sworn in on 7 May after an uncontested leadership process, replacing Humza Yousaf.
- The First Minister has largely appointed Cabinet Ministers in the same roles as previously including Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government; and Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy.
- Kate Forbes became Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.
Responsibility for events is split across different portfolios:
- Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture has kept cultural and major events.
- Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care has sporting events (e.g. RBS 6 nations).
- Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic has business events.
Mr Robertson will be the lead minister for EIAG. Mr Robertson now doesn’t have a junior minister (previously Kaukab Stewart).
The First Minister has been clear on his four areas of priority:
- Eradicating child poverty
- Growing the economy
- Tackling the climate emergency
- Improving Scotland’s public services.
It was explained that we are in a period of reset and industry relationship building. It may take until September to understand the impact of the changes in Westminster following the Election on 4 July.
EURO 2028 consultation
The ambition is to have 6 games take place at Hampden Park, but this decision lies with UEFA. To host these games a set of additional protections are required which will result in the need for new regulation.
A public consultation is currently taking place to consider the impact of implementing these. This consultation also provides an opportunity for feedback regarding legislation for future major/mega events. Members were encouraged to take part in the consultation.
Visitor Levy Bill
After an extensive public consultation process, the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill was passed at the end of May by Parliament. The legislation gives local authorities the ability to add a tax to overnight accommodation if they wish to do so.
Councils can choose to apply the levy in all or part of their area but will have to consult with local communities, businesses, and tourist organisations before introducing a levy. Funds raised must be reinvested in local facilities and services used by visitors. It is unlikely we will have a local authority apply a levy before 2026.
Fair Work Taskforce
The Scottish Government has committed, through the Culture Strategy Action Plan, to establish a Creative and Culture Sector Fair Work Taskforce. This aims to set the direction of fair work through recommending a set of priority actions to further the adherence to fair work principles in the sector. This includes consideration of the form and content of a sectoral fair work agreement. The first meeting of this group took place on 23 May 2024.
Future meetings will cover the following themes:
- Effective Voice in July
- Opportunity in September
- Security in October
- Fulfilment in December
- Respect in February.