With the cost of both energy and debt repayments rising, what can the UK government do? Take a targeted approach to support those in most need, writes João Sousa, Fraser of Allander deputy director. War broke out in Iran and the broader Middle East just days before the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) presented its latest forecasts. At the time, we noted that … [Read more...] about Certain uncertainties of Iran War, inflation and public finances
Energy
More green energy jobs
Scotland’s renewable energy industry and its supply chain supported more than 47,000 jobs and supported £15.5 billion of output in 2022, new figures show, amid continuing disputes about how many fossil-fuel jobs are at risk under the green new industrial deal. Using the latest data available, Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute reports that offshore wind … [Read more...] about More green energy jobs
Energy privatisation is a disaster for Scotland
Energy poverty is when you can’t afford to heat your home or cook your food. Almost a third - 31% - of Scots are in this category, That is more than double the rate in England. It is far higher than any EU country - and four times the levels of countries like Scandinavia or Ireland. The irony is that Scotland is rich in energy resources - Scotland makes 16% of … [Read more...] about Energy privatisation is a disaster for Scotland
Paying the price for net zero
European countries are reneging on their climate commitments and scaling back investment in the new green industrial deal. After January 20, when the second Trumpian dystopia begins, the White House will systematically shred the plans - and undermine the achievements - of Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act that promised investment of up to $3trn in clean energy and … [Read more...] about Paying the price for net zero
The excessive price of the energy Union
Much of rural Scotland - the Highlands, the islands, the Borders - does not have access to the gas grid. Because of the way energy is priced in the UK, it is much more expensive to heat your home with electricity than gas. These areas have an elderly population, a great many of whom face a shivery winter. All the colder now, because of the Labour government’s withdrawal of the … [Read more...] about The excessive price of the energy Union