Osborne's Oil Exploration Tax Slammed

OIL EXPERTS CRITICISE ‘BURDENSOME’ UK FISCAL REGIME
George Osborne’s latest tax raid on the North Sea oil and gas industry has been slammed by oil experts – amidst concerns that it could seriously damage exploration and development activity.

The UK Government yesterday announced a change to the basis for taxation on drilling rigs and accommodation vessels which use bareboat chartering arrangements – which experts suggest will increase costs and deter further exploration.

This latest tax raid on the North Sea flies in the face of David Cameron’s alleged commitment to ensure fiscal stability for the industry and has been described by Chief Executive of Oil & Gas UK, Malcolm Webb, as “perplexing”. Mr Webb also suggested that “this move will drive drilling rigs, already in short supply, out of the UKCS [United Kingdom Continental Shelf]”.

The move has also faced criticism from Taf Powell, Executive Vice President, International Association of Drilling Contractors who expressed concern at the hypocrisy of the UK Government’s claim that it is seeking to stimulate activity in the North Sea – and pointed out that this is the “latest example of fiscal instability that undermines claims that the UK is open for business.”

Commenting, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt said:

“George Osborne’s Oil Exploration Tax is yet another ill-thought out tax bombshell from a UK Government looking to use the North Sea as a cash cow.

“David Cameron recently promised to provide certainty and stability for the industry – instead his government’s irresponsible approach looks set to damage the potential for further exploration and force drilling operations out of the North Sea altogether.

“In contrast, Scotland’s Future makes clear that after independence, the Scottish Government will ensure a stable fiscal regime for the oil and gas sector – and will closely cooperate with the industry to ensure the greatest benefit is extracted from the remaining 24 billion barrels of oil.

“A Yes vote will give Scotland the fiscal powers we need to support the industry ensuring it is no longer subject to sudden and unexpected tax hikes by the UK Government, and will ensure the wealth from Scotland’s oil will no longer be squandered, but will benefit future generations through the establishment of an oil fund.”

Labour Market Figures Show Largest Annual Employment Increase in Nearly Seven Years

FEMALE EMPLOYMENT STANDS AT RECORD HIGH LEVEL
The SNP has welcomed the latest labour market figures, which confirm that Scotland has enjoyed the largest annual increase in employment in nearly seven years – with 92,000 more jobs being created over the year to October-December 2013.

The new figures show that Scotland’s employment rate continues to be ahead of the UK rate, while the unemployment rate has continued to fall and remains below the rate for the UK as a whole.

The 72,000 increase in female employment also represents the largest annual increase since 1992, and means that female employment stands at a record level of 1,243,000.

Commenting, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt said:

“These figures are a welcome endorsement of the Scottish Government’s efforts to boost the economy and create jobs in the face of the UK Government’s austerity agenda.

“That we have seen the largest annual increase in employment in almost seven years – and the biggest increase in female employment since 1992 - is a demonstration of the excellent progress being made by the Scottish Government, but we know that more can be done.

“With the full powers of independence we can take further action to invest in our infrastructure, grow our economy and create more and better jobs for people across Scotland."

Fewer People in Scotland are Becoming Homeless

POLICY DECISIONS BEST MADE IN SCOTLAND
A housing charity has said Scottish Government measures to protect vulnerable people are “an example to Westminster” - while new statistics show fewer people in Scotland are becoming homeless.

Crisis has today urged Westminster to follow Scotland's lead, while the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations has warned the UK's welfare cutting policies may undermine the good work being done in Scotland.

In the last twelve months, there were 39,827 homelessness applications, 5,720 (13%) lower than the number of applications received in 2011-12

Leslie Morphy, chief executive of Crisis, said:

“This is an historic day in Scotland. Despite the challenges of the economic downturn, every person who has become homeless through no fault of their own has now been helped and found accommodation. This should be seen as an example to follow in Westminster.

"We urge ministers to protect people in England in the same way and remove the pernicious legal distinction between those with children and single people which too many councils south of the border hide behind."

Andy Young, SFHA Policy and Membership Manager said:

"While any reduction in homelessness is to be applauded, we do share the Scottish Government’s concern that the medium and long term effects of the Westminster Coalition Government’s welfare reforms may undermine some of the excellent homelessness prevention and tenancy sustainment work being carried out by social landlords and others here in Scotland.”

Commenting, SNP MSP Maureen Watt said:

"These are encouraging figures that underline the hard work of the SNP Government in partnership with councils and their partners to prevent homelessness and improve outcomes for households that do become homeless.

"These statistics come after a historic year that culminated in Scotland's local authorities meeting the homelessness 2012 target. That means that all unintentionally homeless people are now entitled to settled accommodation.

"Crisis is urging Westminster to follow in Scotland's need but we are concerned any improvements we are making now will be hampered by the UK's destructive measures - including the bedroom tax - later.

"At the same time the SFHA says it shares our concerns that Westminster policies may "undermine...the excellent homelessness prevention" work in Scotland.

"While the Tories dream up new ways of attacking the most vulnerable in society, the Scottish Government is doing all it can to help those most in need. Clearly policy decisions affecting the people of Scotland are best taken in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government aims to deliver 30,000 affordable homes - including 20,000 for social rent - over the life of this Parliament. Over the next three years we will be making over £900 million available for affordable housing.

"We are determined to build a better and fairer Scotland and the only way we can fully achieve this is with a Yes vote so our efforts to create the kind of society we want to live in is not derailed by destructive Westminster policies."

Keith Quine Maureen Watt MSP Supports Scots Toun Campaign

Maureen Watt, SNP MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, has written to the Scottish Government and the Scots Language Centre in support of the campaign to award Keith, in Moray, the status of Scots Toun, in recognition of its work in promoting Scots language and culture.

Commenting, Ms Watt said:

"Coming from Keith myself I know how deserving of this award the town and its people are. The status of Scots Toun would be a wonderful way to recognise the culture and linguistic heritage of the area.

"Such an accolade would also be a great boost to the town and the local economy, in the same way as the designation of Book Town has been for Wigtown."

Richard Lochhead, MSP for Moray, also threw his support behind the campaign saying:

"I am delighted that Maureen, a Keith lass herself, is backing this campaign. After all she put Keith and Doric on the map by being the first to take her Parliamentary oath in the Doric.

"The campaign for Scots Toun status for Keith certainly has my backing and I look forward to supporting the cause as it develops."

Gary Coull, SNP councillor for Keith and Cullen echoed this sentiment, saying

"I am very much behind the potential award of Scots Toun for Keith, and the benefits of it chime with the actions outlined in the Moray Economic Strategy.

"Keith has a calendar full of events promoting Scots language and culture, and in particular Doric. It's also the language that many of us speak. I would be delighted if Keith became the first Scots Toun."