A report analyzed public finances in Scotland. In 2003-04, total expenditure for Scotland was estimated at 45.3 billion, or 10.0 per cent of the United Kingdom total (compared to Scotland's population share in 2003 of 8.5 per cent).
Source: Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland 2003-2004, Scottish Executive, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Report | Summary | SE press release
Date: 2005-Dec
The results were published of a study into the future of work and retirement, based on research with employers and employees in various sectors of the Scottish economy. The authors identified a range of options to improve flexibility across working life and retirement.
Source: Linda Boyes and Jim McCormick, A Coming of Age: Re-working lives, Scottish Council Foundation (0131 225 4709)
Links: Report
Date: 2005-Nov
A literature review examined the difficulties facing those termed as 'not in education, employment or training', or the 'NEET' group, in Scotland.
Source: York Consulting Limited, Literature Review of the NEET Group, Scottish Executive, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf)
Date: 2005-Oct
A research report sought to improve understanding of the experience and impact of advice services in Scotland, from the perspective of disadvantaged groups making the transition to work.
Source: Morag Gillespie, Gareth Mulvey and Gill Scott, Transitions to Employment: Advising disadvantaged groups, Scottish Executive, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Report
Date: 2005-Sep
A report summarized a series of seminars which examined issues affecting future prosperity in Scotland, in the light of the government?s commitment to securing full employment and rising prosperity in every region and community.
Source: Tony Pilch (ed.), Successful Scotland, Smith Institute (020 7592 3618)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary
Date: 2005-Jul
A research report examined the performance of public-private partnerships ('PPPs') in Scotland, and made detailed recommendations for improving evaluation procedures.
Source: Cambridge Economic Policy Associates Ltd, Public Private Partnerships in Scotland: Evaluation of Performance - Final report 2005, Scottish Executive, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Date: 2005-May
An analysis was published showing public expenditure as a proportion of national income for each region and country in the United Kingdom. The proportion was found to vary considerably between different regions and countries, from 32.6 per cent in the south east of England to 67.0 per cent in Northern Ireland. London had the highest proportionate level of spending on transport, Wales had the highest level of spending on sports and culture, while the north east of England had the highest spending on health.
Source: Douglas McWilliams, How Public Money is Spent in Each Region and Country of the UK, Centre for Economic and Business Research (020 7324 2850)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2005-May
A report highlighted the value of a project designed to help young people with additional support needs gain skills and work experience.
Source: SQW Ltd, Supported Employment for Young People Pilots, Scottish Executive (web publication only)
Links: Report
Date: 2005-Apr
The Scottish Executive published a plan for greater investment in Scotland's physical infrastructure, including education, health, and sport and recreation facilities.
Source: Building a Better Scotland: Infrastructure investment plan - Investing in the future of Scotland, Scottish Executive (0131 556 8400)
Links: Report
Date: 2005-Feb
The Equal Opportunities Commission in Scotland called for the Scottish Executive to take urgent action to tackle sex segregation in the modern apprenticeship programme.
Source: Emily Thomson, Ailsa McKay, Jim Campbell and Morag Gillespie, Jobs for the Boys and the Girls: Promoting a smart successful and equal Scotland, Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland (0845 601 5904)
Links: Report (pdf) | EOC press release
Date: 2005-Feb
A report compared the size, structure and responsibilities of public sector organizations in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Source: Deloitte MCS Limited, Review Of Public Administration: Comparative Study, Review of Public Administration/Northern Ireland Executive (028 9027 7675)
Links: Report (pdf) | NIE press release
Date: 2005-Jan