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A new wind energy hub is set to be created with the goal of slashing red tape to push through offshore developments and boost investment - and it will be based in Aberdeen, the P&J has revealed.

It is reported the energy centre will bring organisations including Marine Scotland, NatureScot and the Crown Estate together to collaborate under one roof.

It is hoped the move will help alleviate lengthy and complex planning procedures and unlock new investment in the area and industry.

It comes as Scotland's finance secretary Shona Robison is set to reveal her draft Budget for next year later today.

Ms Robison is under pressure to impose sweeping reforms, the BBC reports.

Audit Scotland, the spending watchdog, has claimed the NHS, in its current form, is unsustainable, that councils are seeking more money and autonomy, and that a lack of teachers is posing a threat to education, according to unions.

On top of that, there are calls to implement a new system in place of council tax in a bid for tighter control over access to incentives like free university tuition.

Meanwhile Ms Robison has said her Budget would crack down on and eradicate child poverty and focus on climate issues.

It will also look to improve public services and grow the economy.

The draft Budget will be debated in Holyrood over the winter ahead of a vote in February.

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