Common Weal’s response to the Scottish Government economic data consultation calls for a Scottish Statistics Agency.

PFI, and other forms of public private partnership (PPP) as practised in England and Scotland, are well known to be very problematic concepts. They involve, on the one hand, extremely high rates of return for investors in many schemes – but on the other hand, an unacceptable rate of failure in other schemes.

A study group comprised of members from Common Weal Inverness and InverYes undertook a detailed reading of the report published by the Sustainable Growth Commission and have collated their thoughts, opinions and recommendations ahead of attending the National Assemblies.

On the 25th May 2018, after more than 18 months of preparation, the SNP-commissioned Sustainable Growth Commission made its final report – entitled Scotland – The New Case For Optimism – which has been presented as a series of recommendations on which could rest the economic, fiscal and monetary case for Scottish independence in a future referendum campaign. This document does not cover the full gamut of policies which would be directly affected by independence nor does it cover the full range of institution building required by a nascent independent state.

Common Weal looks at Fiscal Policy and provides an alternative prospectus based on ensuring wellbeing and equality for the people of Scotland.

The quest for GDP and GDP Growth is not sustainable in a finite world and this should also be recognised by an independent Scotland. Metrics such as environmental impact, inequality and wellbeing are far more important and only by elevating them above the quest for “growth at all costs” can a truly fair and sustainable Scotland be created.

Automation and other disruptive technologies are being rapidly deployed into economies and planning is required to adapt economic policies so as to avoid job losses.

This paper by engineer and independent Common Weal researcher Craig Berry examines the impact of these disruptive technologies and offers solutions that will protect workers and allow Scotland to capture the benefits of new technology and innovation.

Considering only the retail sector, £80 million is removed from the Scottish economy each year in the form of transaction charges skimmed from ATM withdrawals, debit/credit card payments and other forms of transaction like Paypal and internet transfers.

he UK’s model of economic development is based on a unproductive sectors which generate vast profits through four particular methods – financial speculation, asset value inflation, debt-fuelled consumption, and concentration and monopoly.

This report argues that Scotland, if independent, could improve its performance across 12 key pillars of its economy.

A Consultation Submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee asked for expert submissions on the ongoing work to establish a Scottish National Investment Bank.

This paper models the cost of a comprehensive testing-based strategy to limit the spread of Covid-19 in Scotland and to allow the country to emerge safely from its blanket lockdown.