Olympics cash review is welcomed

New steps to resolve spending disputes with Westminster over matters such as the London Olympics has been welcomed by Scottish Government.

Ministers believe that spending on regenerating London for the 2012 games should be mirrored in Scotland.

Around £165m should be awarded to Scotland under the Barnett formula, which allocates money to the devolved administrations.

Ministers from the UK, the Scottish and Welsh Assembly governments and the Northern Ireland Executive are thinking to hire some third independent party to resolve the issues.

Scottish External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "I hope today's agreement will help us find new ways to resolve the few really difficult issues, through advice and a recommendation from an independent third party.

"I hope this will allow us to move quickly to find an agreement on the Olympics issue, which has been under discussion for some time now, and where the three devolved administrations are united on the point that Barnett consequentials should be applied."

An earlier joint declaration estimated £1.7bn would be spent on transport and regeneration costs for the London Olympics.

It said at least £165m in 'consequentials' would be due to Scotland, more than £100m to Wales and about £65m to Northern Ireland.

Spurs And Hammers On 2012 Stadium Shortlist

It has been revealed that after the game the race to take over the Olympic stadium will be between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United

Under the supervision of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) the two Premier League football clubs will fight it out after being shortlisted for final negotiations.

Spurs have formed a consortium with entertainment group AEG for their bid, while West Ham have joined up with the London Borough of Newham.

According to the chairman of OPLC, Margaret Ford, the final decision will be made by the next April

"We are very pleased with the extensive and serious interest shown in the stadium," she said.

"We started this process to ensure the very best legacy for the stadium, and we are now at a point where we have selected the two strongest bids.

"The stadium is a vital and vibrant component of the Olympic Park - securing the most appropriate and viable solution is crucial for our long-term aspirations for the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area."

She said the company's aim was to bring in a bidder who would "enhance and build" on the existing plans for the 25,000 seat mixed-use arena.

The OPLC is keen to ensure a legacy for athletics following the 2012 London Olympics.
And while the stadium's running track does not feature in Tottenham's plans, keeping it is central to West Ham's.

The news means a third bidder for the stadium in east London, specialist venue operator International Stadia Group, has either withdrawn from the race or been ruled out by OPLC.

Samsung Galaxy Tabs Helpls Promoting Olympics 2012

Samsung Galaxy Tabs, the fresh released has been set prior over the iPad to promote the London Olympics 2012.

An app produced by VisitBritain not only helps to promote London Olympics 2012 event but also the UK’s best tourist attractions, and things to do and see related to the upcoming Games.

The app will include images, video, and suggestions for trips and accommodation. It will also be available for download on Samsung smartphones such as the popular Galaxy S.

Expect to see the VisitBritain app appearing on Samsung Galaxy Tabs next month. The slate has only just gone on sale this week, and you can pick it up sim-free for around £530, or as cheap as £399 if you’re willing to sign up to a two year contract. Cheap being a relative term, of course…