Kate Forbes MSP
Written 28 posts
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy (Previously: Minister for Public Finance and the Digital Economy)
Foundations laid for delivery of economic strategy
8th June 2022
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes has co-chaired the first meeting of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation Delivery Board and reflected on the foundations laid for the new board from its predecessor – the Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board (ESSB). “The National Strategy for Economic Transformation included an action to restructure the Enterprise and Skills Strategic…
Delivering on Scotland’s economic transformation
3rd May 2022
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes visited Finland and Denmark on a fact finding mission to support the delivery of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
Open letter to businesses across Scotland
3rd December 2021
Firstly, I want to thank all businesses for the agility and resilience you have shown over the past 20 months and ask you to help us harness that spirit to drive sustainable future growth Today I am delighted to mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the Scottish Government and business leadership…
UK Budget reaction
27th October 2021
“This morning I urged the Chancellor to provide real support for households and businesses facing a perfect storm of rising prices, reduced support and increasing shortages. “This afternoon, while the Budget contains some welcome announcements, the Chancellor’s talk of ‘a new age of optimism’ will sound pretty hollow to those on low incomes, who face…
Meeting with Chief Secretary to the Treasury
14th October 2021
“When I meet the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke today I will stress the need for a wide ranging review of Scotland’s devolved fiscal arrangements. We have faced unprecedented economic and fiscal upheaval as a consequence of the pandemic and Brexit. As a result, Scotland’s Fiscal Framework has been thoroughly tested and, in…
Assurances sought on National Insurance increase
10th September 2021
The UK Government’s decision to implement a 1.25% increase in National Insurance contributions to fund the NHS and social care in England has raised a number of questions. In an attempt to gain more clarity, and seek assurances on consequential funding Scotland, I have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay. A…
Consultation closes on national economic transformation strategy
6th September 2021
We are absolutely committed to maximising Scotland’s economic potential and we want to work with others to build an economy for everyone. To help us deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity we are working to deliver a new 10 year National Strategy for Economic Transformation. As part of that work extensive engagement is currently taking…
An update on Covid baseline measures for business
27th August 2021
Since the start of the pandemic, businesses have made huge changes and sacrifices to protect public health. I’m incredibly grateful to the business community and would like to thank everyone who has spent time and effort to make their businesses as safe as possible for customers and staff. Your contribution has been vital in helping…
Scotland’s economy outperforms recovery predictions
26th August 2021
I warmly welcome the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s latest official forecasts which suggest Scotland’s economy is recovering from COVID-19 much faster than anticipated. The predicted return of economic activity to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2022, almost two years of ahead of the SFC’s previous forecast, is a tribute to the innovation and adaptability…
Response to Scotland’s GDP estimate for May 2021
21st July 2021
“It is encouraging to see Scotland’s economy continuing to recover from the pandemic. “The 0.9% rise in Scotland’s GDP during May is the fourth consecutive monthly increase and output is now 2.7% below its pre-pandemic level in February 2020, having increased from a low of -22.6% in April 2020. “I am particularly pleased to…