The Fraser of Allander Institute Podcast

Introduction What are investors saying? 03:43 Why is policy certainty so important? 10:27 Energy companies versus energy investors: 13:05 Where should government focus on? 17:52 Why the grid is so important? 24:42 Importance of effective carbon pricing regime: 31:04 Policy Responses from UK and Scottish Government: 42:11 

PARTICIPANTS Ben Cooper, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Joao Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde TIMESTAMPS (00:30) A summary of the spending review announcements (08:00) What did we hear on capital investment? (11:50) What were the announcements on day-to-day expenditure? (21:14) What are the implications on Scotland from the spending review? (26:50) What has changed for the Medium Term Financial Strategy? (35:30) How important is the spending review going forward? 

Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(00:38) What do the latest child poverty statistics say?(01:49) What was JRF's reaction to the stats?(03:09) Can we see an impact from Scottish Child Payment?(06:09) How do we achieve the 2030 targets from here?(09:24) Modelling of options to meet 2030 targets(12:57) What about cost?(19:27) How might UK Government proposed benefits changes impact poverty levels?(23:30) How will the changes impact Scotland's finances?(25:41) What happens in Scotland if the work capability assessment is replaced by the PIP assessment?(28:20) What's next for child poverty analysis at the FAI and JRF?

PARTICIPANTSDr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTIME STAMPS(0:30) Economic conditions leading up to the spring statement(16:15) What announcements were made and how do they affect Scotland?(21:10) OBR estimates for policy costs and savings(30:25) What fiscal policy changes might we expect later this year?(37:40) What are the UK's prospects for growth? 

PARTICIPANTSProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander InstituteAngela Mitchell, Senior Partner for Scotland & Northern Ireland, DeloitteLesley McEwan, Director in Deloitte's Infrastructure and Capital Programme Team, DeloitteTIMESTAMPS(10:50 ) What purposes could public land be put to?(14:10) Taking the demand to the supply – data centres(15:40) Grid infrastructure issues must still be tackled(16:40) Digital opportunities(19:23) Threats and opportunities from AI, including smart cities(22:28) What can Scotland learn from other cities around the world(24:30) A key role for research and academia(25:23) Power hungry AI(26:50) Use of digital and AI for public service reform(29:57) Civil service efficiency(31:50) Economic impact of these opportunities, including employment

PARTICIPANTSDr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeDr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTIME STAMPS(0:25) What is the Barnett formula and what does it do?(2:50) What came before the Barnett formula and how was it different?(9:25) Has the Barnett formula resulted in convergence on spending per person across the UK nations?(12:40) Limits set by the Barnett formula and their impact on spending options for devolved governments(16:50) Governance framework - can devolved governments challenge decisions made on the Barnett formula?(22:25) Potential options for changing the Barnett formula and framework

Scottish Health Equity Research Unit WebsiteScottish Health Equity Research Unit BlueSky(0:34) Introduction (01:15) Origins of SHERU(04:42) Historical context of health inequalities research (8:40) Impact and Implementation (16:50) Interactions between Policy and Research(20:42) Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (27:36) Goals and Aims of SHERUIntro/Outro by Ian Macartney

PARTICIPANTSMairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeJack Williamson. Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTIMESTAMPS(00:3o) BOE: interest rates and the outlook for growth (07:00) Budget process and developments (10:20) Two child limit mitigation (16:45) Q4 2024 Scottish Business Monitor(20:10) Upcoming fiscal events and releases

Timestamps (00:36) Inflation data and MPC expectations(07:45) GDP growth(11:00) Scottish Budget Report developments(20:08) Other fiscal news in 2025(22:01) Allison and Mairi discuss air quality research(26:20) Hannah and Mairi discuss the Scottish Child Payment and foodbank usage(31:45) Ben and Mairi discuss Economic Futures(35:40) Live! Scottish GDP data comes out during the podcast

PARTICIPANTSDr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeEmma Congreve, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeDr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTIME STAMPS(0:21) Summary of main announcements(1:37) Mitigation of the two-child limit(3:42) What has happened with the budget for housing?(5:15) Hospitality relief - similar to relief in England & Wales?  (8:30) Implications of omitting employer NICs from forecasts on public sector pay(13:43) Income tax and what the SFC forecasts tell us about future years(19:22) Further analysis - what to look out for   

FAI economist Hannah Randolph is joined by Luke Michaelides and Phil Gooding from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Consumer Prices team to talk about inflation statistics. We cover what measures of inflation are produced by ONS, how they differ, and recent developments in methodology and the data underlying the statistics. We end by discussing how inflation rates impact households and businesses.  ParticipantsDr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeLuke Michaelides, Branch Head, Consumer Prices Development and Subgroup Production, ONSPhil Gooding, Statistician, Consumer Prices Inflation, ONS Time stamps(1:00) What are the different measures of inflation produced by ONS? How do they differ?(2:25) What are the Household Costs Indices and what do they say about how inflation affects different groups? (5:25) What types of data are used to produce these inflation measures? (7:20) How have the methods of collecting data for and calculating inflation changed?(10:20) What do changes in the inflation rate mean for households and businesses? What should people keep in mind when they hear about inflation on the news?

(0:00) - Introducing the GEMINOA project - background and context(1:16) - Key findings:Glasgow's 46% emissions reductionNational grid decarbonisation impactSector-by-sector breakdown(3:32) - Local policy measurement challenges:(7:30) - Economic implications:(11:00) - Future outlook:GEMINOA project developmentsPolicy implicationsUpcoming research

In our 100th podcast episode, FAI Director Mairi Spowage and Deputy Director João Sousa join economist Hannah Randolph to discuss what was announced in the UK budget statement and how it will affect Scotland. We also talk about whether OBR publications alongside the budget shed more light on the budgetary "black hole" left by the previous government, and whether or not this budget signals a significant change in UK fiscal policy. Participants Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde  Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTime stamps(0:20) How will the tax decisions taken in yesterday's budget affect people in Scotland?(9:10) How might the announcements yesterday influence the Scottish budget in December?(17:30) What has changed about the fiscal rules and what impact has it had?(29:50) Does this budget signal a change in the direction of UK fiscal policy? 

Deputy Director João Sousa joins FAI economist Hannah Randolph to discuss our expectations for the budget statement on Wednesday as well as what we can learn from past chancellors' first budgets and the role of the OBR in the budget process. To read more about past chancellors' first budgets, check out the details here: https://fraserofallander.org/publications/uk-budget-preview-3-first-budgets-of-post-war-chancellors/Participants Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTime stamps(0:20) What do other chancellors' first budgets tell us about what to expect in Rachel Reeves' first budget statement?(6:00) What historical budgets happened in similar conditions to the present and what can we learn from them?(10:24) How has the role of the OBR in the budget process changed over time?(17:20) What do we expect in the budget statement on Wednesday? 

In this episode, Brodie Gillan is joined by Chirsty McFadyen, and Laura Robertson, who is a Research Manager at the Poverty Alliance. Brodie, Chirsty, and Laura discuss the Serving the Future project in the context of Challenge Poverty Week.Serving the Future is a three-year action research project working with hospitality employers and workers funded by the Robertson Trust. The project is seeking to understand, reduce and prevent in-work poverty and identify changes that could be made within the hospitality sector.You can find out more about Serving the Future here: https://www.servingthefuture.scot/You can learn more about the Poverty Alliance & Challenge Poverty Week here: https://www.povertyalliance.org/ ParticipantsBrodie Gillan, Assistant Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeChirsty McFadyen, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeLaura Robertson, Research Manager, Poverty Alliance Timestamps (00:47) What is Serving the Future?(03:06) What is Challenge Poverty Week and how does it relate to Serving the Future?(05:20) Why did we focus on the hospitality sector for this project?(07:20) What are the main challenges facing low-paid workers in the hospitality sector?(15:55) What conversations have we had with hospitality employers throughout the project?(22:31) What can listeners learn about in-work poverty?(27:02) What's next for Serving the Future?

(00:35) Mairi discusses the headlines from our commentary publication, covering the main indicators of economic conditions(03:55) Douglas reflects on whether this chimes with the experience he is having with clients(07:12)  Mairi, Joao and Douglas discuss the latest data on Scottish Income Tax, and our old friend fiscal drag(15:03) Mairi and Joao discuss our analysis of fiscal black holes(21:33) We all speculate about the UK Budget on 30th October, focussing on the implications if capital gains tax features in the changes the Chancellor is likely to make.(30:30) Mairi discusses some of our analysis on the Scottish Public sector.

Episode NotesIn this episode, Hannah Randolph is joined by Chirsty McFadyen who leads on our learning disabilities employment research. Hannah and Chirsty discuss the Equality Act and its implementation issues, as well as some of our latest findings from speaking to employers.We are also joined by Liam Brown, Entrepreneurial Executive at Young Enterprise Scotland, who discussed his neurodivergent condition and how language has impacted his experiences of employment.Learning disabilities research by the Fraser of Allander Institute can be found at the following link: https://fraserofallander.org/research/adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-scotland/Our report prepared for the Scottish Parliament on the disability employment gap can be found at: https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/ResearchBriefings/Report/2024/1/12/434f4dc4-caa1-4971-b5f3-7699e70ec1ffParticipantsChirsty McFadyen, Economics Associate, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeHannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeLiam Brown, Entrepreneurial Executive, Young Enterprise ScotlandTimestamps(0:00) Introduction(00:14) What is the equality act and how does it define disability? (02:04) What was the reason for having the legislation? (03:46) What have been some of the issues with it? Interview with Liam Brown (06:45)(14:26) Learning disabilities and employers research findings (24:14) What advice works for employers hiring people with learning disabilities? 

Institute Deputy Director Emma Congreve is joined by fellow Deputy Director Joao Sousa and Director Professor Mairi Spowage to discuss all the fiscal announcements over the last month and what they mean for Scotland.  

Director Mairi Spowage and Deputy Director João Sousa join FAI economist Hannah Randolph to discuss GERS statistics for 2023-24, including the net fiscal balance, details of changes in revenues and spending, how Scotland compares to other UK nations and regions, and what it all means for the independence debate. GERS 2023-24 can be found on the Scottish Government website at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/government-expenditure-revenue-scotland-gers-2023-24/Participants Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTime stamps(0:20) What is GERS and what do the statistics show this year?(3:40) Why are there versions with and without North Sea revenues?(8:55) How do these figures compare to previous years?(10:45) How do these figures compare across UK regions and nations?(15:20) More on revenue and spending - income tax, pension, social protection, and locally administered taxes(23:55) What implications does GERS have for the independence debate?  

FAI Deputy Director João Sousa is joined by OBR Deputy Chief of Staff Laura Gardiner to discuss the OBR's recent work on the drivers of the growing gap in income tax paid per person in Scotland relative to the UK average.Find the OBR's working paper on devolved income tax at: https://obr.uk/forecasts-in-depth/forecast-methodology/#workingMore OBR analysis and devolved forecasts are available at: https://obr.uk/topics/scotland-wales-and-northern-ireland/ Timestamps:(00:45) The OBR's role in forecasting Scottish taxes(06:00) The main drivers of differences in income tax per person paid between Scotland and the UK as a whole(09:40) Employment income differences and underlying drivers(19:30) Sectoral decomposition(21:10) The effect of progressive taxation on income tax revenues and how it differs across the UK(24:20) The effect of the income distribution on the results(28:20) The effect of Scottish income tax policy

Participants Dr Hannah Randolph, Economic Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Rebecca Kay, Senior Researcher, Migration Policy ScotlandTime stamps(0:20) Context: Immigration trends in Scotland(1:40) What are current attitudes towards immigration like in Scotland?(6:45) What views do people have on the contribution of immigrants to Scotland?(14:45) What might change about the UK government's approach to immigration policy?(20:40) Finances, employability, and poverty of immigrant households in Scotland(27:35) What approaches might improve access to services for migrants?  

Participants Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Emma Congreve, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTime stamps(0:20) New cabinet and expectations for a fiscal event(6:00) What changes might Labour make to workers' rights and employment law?(10:55) A Universal credit review and the potential for change to the two-child limit and local housing allowance(18:20) Will we see a push for social care reform, and what does it mean for Scotland ? 

PARTICIPANTS Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTIME STAMPS(00:40) Main policy areas in the party manifestos(02:00) Devolution, devolved issues, and funding(06:00) Social security(08:40) Q&A: What would an increase in Housing Benefit in Scotland mean for Scottish taxpayers?(12:35) Q&A: Is there scope to implement an Essentials Guarantee?  (15:20) Q&A: Are there any plans to reform the Work Capability Assessment?(17:50) Q&A: Are there prospects for Levelling Up or City Deals funding to come to Scotland?(21:00) Immigration  (23:50) Energy transition(25:50) What have the parties said about how they will fund and implement their manifesto commitments?(33:00) Economic strategy(35:00) Tax policy and costings in the party manifestos(41:00) Is cracking down on tax compliance a feasible way to raise revenues?(45:15) Q&A: Should UK parties have access to independently estimated costings for manifesto commitments?(48:35) Q&A: Are the economy and living standards set to improve before 2026?(58:55) Q&A: What are the main challenges facing the next UK government?(1:03:00) Q&A: Will the new government stick to their tax and spending commitments?

PARTICIPANTS Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTIME STAMPS(0:20) Are plans to increase tax compliance credible?(10:10) Can the UK government raise the global minimum tax on corporations?(11:40) More on tax: Reform's costings & Alba's plan to halve VAT (temporarily?)(16:50) Is the UK State Pension low compared to other countries?(21:50) What's next in FAI General Election coverage

PARTICIPANTS Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTIME STAMPS(0:20) Fiscal headroom, economic growth, and the role of the OBR forecasts(15:55) Can the new government borrow to invest?  (24:58) Tax proposals in party manifestos  (34:02) What's next in the FAI General Election coverage

Participants:   Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde   Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde   Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(0:20) New inflation numbers and BoE interest rate decision(8:40) Manifesto update: SNP, Scottish Labour, and Scottish Greens(11:30) Fact-check: £4,800 additional on mortgage payments if the Conservatives win?(17:20) Fact-check: Have Scottish productivity and GDP per head grown faster than the rest of the UK?(27:40) Fiscal rules and borrowing to invest(29:45) What to look out for in FAI coverage of the General Election next week 

Participants:Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeDr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(0:20)  Are the parties' costings and funding plans for their commitments believable?(09:50) Additional staff and workforce commitments - HMRC, education, and the NHS(15:40) What's next in the FAI General Election coverage Correction: When we recorded the podcast, we expected the Scottish Labour manifesto next Monday, but it's actually out today. Stay tuned for more manifesto analysis later this week!

ParticipantsBen Cooper. Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeJoão Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps (00:51) Initial reactions to the manifestos published this week(18:35) Our Health and Social Care Briefing Paper (25:55) What's to come this week   

Participants:Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeJoão Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(00:20) £2k rise in taxes per household to fund Labour's commitments?(12:30) Council Tax reform and capital gains tax(22:00) Child Benefit charge threshold(30:00) FAI General Election coverage and events to look forward to

Participants:Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeJoão Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(0:30) First GE debate in Scotland  (8:50) Immigration announcements(19:00) Personal care reform(24:10) What's next: FAI General Election publications and events

Participants:Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeJoão Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(00:45) Commitments on tax so far (08:30) NHS funding, GB Energy, and how commitments are funded(21:30) How campaigns looks different in Scotland (24:45) What Scottish Government and Scottish Parliamentary business has been postponed?(31:15) FAI General Election publications and events to look forward to

Participants:Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeJoão Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(00:30) Intro to FAI coverage of the General Election(02:30) Economic and fiscal conditions prior to the election(08:00) Campaign announcements so far(018:20) AGCC report on North Sea jobs 

Jack and Allison go over findings from the Scottish Government's recent household poverty publication, which shows that households with have at least one disabled adult are more likely to be in poverty than households without. This recent finding feeds into work that the FAI did in collaboration with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre over the past year, looking at the reasons why disabled adults are less likely to be in work compared to non-disabled adults.The key findings are that-Scotland has met its goal so far for increasing employment among disabled people, but its unclear whether or not the progress is sustainable-Disability prevalence has increased substantially since 2014, largely due to increases in mental health awareness and reporting-Disabled people are more likely to be in work because of this change in prevalence-There are large regional disparities in rates of employment among disabled adults-There are also large disparities in rates of employment for men and for people from minority ethnic backgroundsSee the full report here.

Chair:Benjamin Cooper, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Guests: Tony Shemwell, The Wise Group Hamish Robertson, The Wise Group

Participants:Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(00:30) The state of the Scottish economy(03:20) Scotland's pandemic recovery(07:40) Last thoughts on the Scottish Budget(09:50) Future fiscal events and funding decisions

Participants:Dr Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeJoão Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(00:30) Challenges in economic forecasting; growth in 2023(04:55) Uncertainty in measuring the economy(06:50) The Labour Force Survey and labour force estimates(11:45) 25 years of the Scottish Business Monitor(15:50) Income tax analysis(22:00) Upcoming research: Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy(25:30) Impact of increasing interest rates 

Participants:Dr Hannah Randolph, Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeJoão Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(00:25) The challenging backdrop to the Scottish Budget(05:28)  The impact of the Autumn Statement on the Scottish Budget(08:33) Spending commitments from the Scottish Government since the Medium-Term Financial Strategy(13:55) Options for reforming Scottish Income Tax(22:51) The Scottish Government's constraints on borrowing(26:49) Main areas to look out for on Budget Day

Participants:João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeProfessor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of StrathclydeTimestamps:(00:28) Economic forecasts for growth and inflation(03:03) Fiscal drag and its consequences(06:50) National Insurance cuts(08:45) Spending settlements for departments and devolved administrations remain tight - are they realistic?(13:03) Consequences for Scotland(17:17) What does this mean in the context of a looming general election?

Chair: Kate Milne, Assistant Economist, Fraser of Allander InstituteGuests: João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander InstituteTimestamps(00:21) What can we expect from the budget next week?(02:13) Could recent GDP revisions lead to looser fiscal policy?(04:46) How might households and businesses be affected?(06:49) What could the Chancellor do to spur on investment?(10:28) How do things look for the Scottish economy?

Chair: Hannah Randolph, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander InstituteGuests: David Jack, Economic Fellow, Fraser of Allander InstituteChirsty McFadyen, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander InstituteTimestamps:(00:25) Previous work on learning disabilities(01:45) Data on people with learning disabilities(11:15) Recommendations for data collection and use (20:15) Looking ahead - more on data (27:05) Looking ahead - qualitative work  

ChairBen Cooper, Associate EconomistGuestsAdam McGeoch, Fellow Economist Timestamps(00:30) A general economic update (07:50) Are we heading for a recession? (10:54) Are businesses feeling more optimistic? (14:09)  What are the main issues concerning firms right now?  

Timestamps(00:24) Latest GDP data from the ONS(02:30) IMF forecast of UK economy in 2023(05:08) UK Statistical Authority weighs in on proper use of data (07:48) What have we seen so far from the FM(09:37) The road ahead for Humza Yousaf 

Chair Ben Cooper, Associate Economist GuestsProfessor Mairi Spowage, DirectorHannah Randolph, Economic and Policy AnalystTimestamps (00:31) The latest findings from the Economic Commentary (02:43) A review of the latest Scottish and UK economic data (04:16) What does the data suggest about the ongoing cost of living crisis? (05:55:) Economic inactivity and the Scottish labour market(08:07) The spring statement and implications for Scotland (13:37) Looking forward to the Scottish Business Monitor and the issues facing Scottish firms  

Chair: Calum Fox, Economist, The Fraser of Allander Institute.Guest: Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute.Time Stamps:(00:48) The OBR's GDP forecast.(02:52) The OBR's inflation forecast.(O4:22) The UK's public finances.(07:31) What is the UK budget and why is it important?(09:36) What additional funding does the Chancellor's announcements generate?(11:15) Changes to childcare support.(14:41) The Energy Bills Support Scheme.(17:55) Disability Payment reforms.(20:15) Changes to alcohol duty.

Chair: Kate Milne, Assistant Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute Guests: Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute Timestamps:(00:25) Latest GDP figures(03:00) Energy prices(05:40) Energy Support Scheme(07:45) Looking ahead - the Scottish Business Monitor 100th Quarter and export activity (11:00) Productivity and the four-day working week(13:05) Scottish Leadership Contest and policy

Chair: Jack Williamson, Economist, Fraser of Allander InstituteGuest: Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander InstituteTime stamps: (00:40) Latest GDP figures (04:21) Length and depth of the looming recession (06:08) Latest Labour Force Survey data(09:28) Latest inflation figures(12:39) Core inflation(15:23) How well is the Central Bank performing?(19:44) Upcoming Spring Budget 

Chair: Ben Cooper, Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander InstituteGuests: Adam McGeoch, Economist Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute Timestamps: 00:34 - What is the Scottish Business Monitor? 02:24 - Why was the latest survey significant for the institute? 04:15 - What are the key takeaways from the latest survey? 06:25 - What are the biggest issues facing firms? 08:40 - How are businesses fairing in the current economic climate? 11:05 - Are firms optimistic about the coming year? 12:42 - How can businesses get involved in the Scottish Business Monitor?    

Chair: Ciara Crummey, Economist, Fraser of Allander InstituteGuests: Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander InstituteTimestamps:(00.22) Key changes announced in the December budget(03.22) Were there any surprise announcements?(08.14) Effect on consumers and businesses(11.18) How has the budget been received?(13.14) How this ties in with the UK budget?

Chair: Kate Milne, Economist, Fraser of Allander InstituteGuests: Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, and David Eiser, Deputy DirectorTimestamps(00:30) Main takeaways from the Autumn Budget Review(03:25) Were there any surprises?(08:00) Has enough been done to ease the long recession ahead?(12:00) Support for businesses and charities(14:15) Implications for Scotland

Chair: Allison Catalano, Economist, Fraser of Allander InstituteGuest: Professor Mairi Spowage, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute Timestamps(00:30) Updates on the Scottish labour market and United Kingdom GDP (01:45) Is the UK already in a recession?(02:40) Drivers of poor growth(4:05) The impact of Thursday's Autumn Budget Review on recession forecasts(6:10) Additional expected features in the upcoming fiscal statement(7:50) The impact of the Autumn Budget review in Scotland

(2:14) Discussion of the recent mini-budget and market reaction(6:00) Discussion about the upcoming Bank of England reaction to the mini-budget and Scottish options for the medium-term fiscal policy(9:05) Discussion of updated economic forecasts, inflation, and contractions for the coming year and Q4 2022(11:20) Discussion of Scottish labour market, unemployment, and economic inactivity(13:55) How are wage growth and inflation impacting household budgeting and expenditure?