ECONOMY BULLETIN

The Economy Bulletin brings you Scottish Government news and information to ensure you are up to date with the latest policy developments, requests for action and consultations where your views are being sought to help shape future initiatives.

Programme for Government Update
The planned publication of the Programme for Government has been delayed due to the upcoming UK Government election.

The UK Government pre-election period started on 25 May, with the election taking place on 4 July. The Scottish Government is taking steps to ensure that its work does not risk influencing the outcome of the UK General Election. A new publication date for the Programme for Government will be announced in the near future. In addition, the planned publication of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy will also be deferred until after the UK General Election. Other pieces of work that will be delayed include remaining papers in the Building a New Scotland series and the publications of the Energy Strategy and the Just Transition Plan. Essential government business will continue throughout the pre-election period. The Permanent Secretary has written to the First Minister outlining pre-election period advice.

Have your say - requests for engagement and action
Scottish Government’s Social Enterprise Census 2024
The Scottish Government’s Social Enterprise Census 2024 is now open. The study helps inform policy and funding for charities and social enterprises, and shows the
impact of the sector in your area. Views are being sought from organisations with social or environmental goals which generate income through contracts or fees of any kind. This could include things like running a business in the community generating energy, providing arts activities, running a hotel which provides housing, or delivering social care services. Queries or requests for assistance in completing the survey can be directed to research@diffleypartnership.co.uk or by phoning 07587004215.

CyberFirst program
Businesses are being asked for their thoughts on the future of the CyberFirst programme. CyberFirst is a UK Government initiative that aims to nurture young talent to fill the growing skills shortage in cyber security. Respondents have until 11.59pm on 9 August 2024 to give their views including on how it can be scaled to inspire future talent.

Global Connections Survey
Businesses are invited to take part in the Scottish Government’s Global Connections Survey. Data from the Global Connections Survey allows us to identify opportunities to develop policies that support Scottish businesses in exporting goods and services to more markets and contributes to the export growth plan.
The Scottish Government is particularly interested in hearing from businesses with customers outside of Scotland – including other parts of the UK.
Many businesses across Scotland have already received an invite with a unique username and password to take part in the survey. Other businesses who want to complete it should contact the Trade Statistics team by calling 0300 244 0330 or emailing exports.statistics@gov.scot and they will be given log in details. The team is also happy to answer any questions.

Digital Strategy Progress Report
A progress report on the delivery of the Scottish Government’s Digital Strategy has been published. The Progress report is available to read here.