Scottish Update
The REA are continuing to meet regularly with Scottish Government and SEPA to discuss Covid and Brexit issues that members are facing. Please contact Jenny Grant if there’s anything you would like to raise.
Consultation on storage and application of digestate
Scot Gov have a consultation out at the moment which amongst other things contains proposals for improving the storage and application of silage, slurry and digestate. It closes on the 13th April and we plan to respond. Please contact Jenny Grant (contact details above) with any feedback by the end of March.
SEPA Cyber Attack update
This page has more details on what SEPA are currently able to do and this is updated on a weekly basis. SEPA have acknowledged that there are currently delays in responding to queries. There are a limited number of staff with access to the generic mailbox and they are trying to triage emails and get back to people as soon as they can. They have offered to try to help any of our members who are facing issues affecting their business, and put them in touch with the appropriate people, so please contact Jenny Grant (contact details above) if you need any help.
Update on testing
The accessibility of testing is increasing with more mobile test facilities available and creating additional local and regional test centres. Work is ongoing with businesses with high transmission risks, such as food production and distribution, with a view to introducing routine testing for their workforces over the course of this month.
Business Support
Reminder that business support information is available through the find business support website: Coronavirus support for Businesses in Scotland – Find Business Support
Car sharing advice
Transport Scotland have some advice on car and vehicle sharing and steps and precautions that are recommended where sharing is unavoidable.
Infrastructure Investment Plan
The Scottish Government’s £33 billion Infrastructure Investment Plan was published on the 4 February 2021 alongside the Capital Spending Review. Together, they confirm a five year plan of significant capital investment in healthcare, education, transport and the environment covering 2021-22 to 2025-26.
The plan focusses on driving inclusive economic growth, the transition to net zero, building resilient and sustainable places, to secure a recovery from COVID-19, supporting over 45,000 jobs.
Measures to support climate adaptation include £150 million additional funding for flood risk management, £12 million for coastal change adaptation and £60 million to support climate adaptation and resilience in our trunk road network.
Further Information:
Link to News Release
Link to Infrastructure Investment Plan
Link to Capital Spending Review