Scotland's Economy

  • UK Budget reaction

    27th October 2021 by

    “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...

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  • Meeting with Chief Secretary to the Treasury

    14th October 2021 by

    “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...

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  • Assurances sought on National Insurance increase

    10th September 2021 by

    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...

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  • Scotland’s economy outperforms recovery predictions

    26th August 2021 by

    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...

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  • Working to deliver economic transformation

    9th July 2021 by

    It is impossible to overstate the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on every aspect of our lives – the pandemic has shaken our society and economy to their core. And whilst our collective efforts, in tandem with the success of the vaccination programme, have been instrumental in suppressing the virus, our fight to...

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  • Council tax frozen

    11th March 2021 by

    All 32 local authorities across Scotland have chosen to freeze council tax following a Scottish Government commitment to compensate those who do so. Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “With people facing unprecedented challenges and extra pressures, now is a time to work together to provide stability and certainty. “In the budget for the year ahead...

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  • Finance Secretary’s Budget Bill statement

    9th March 2021 by

    Finance Secretary Kate Forbes’ statement opening the Scottish Parliament’s Stage 3 debate on the Budget Bill.   Presiding Officer, it is essential that we come together as a Parliament today to agree the 2021-22 Scottish Budget and deliver the certainty and stability that Scotland, its people and its businesses and communities deserve. Throughout this Budget...

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  • Finance Secretary responds to UK Budget

    3rd March 2021 by

    Responding to the UK Budget, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “In advance of the UK Budget I called for the UK Government to provide meaningful and effective long-term support to businesses and households as we face the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “While I welcome some of the announcements today, it is clear...

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  • UK Budget must protect Scottish finances

    3rd March 2021 by

    The UK Budget must provide adequate funding for Scotland and respect the devolution settlement, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has said. The Scottish Government has committed to continuing business support during the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – including extending non-domestic rates relief for retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation businesses – provided the UK...

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  • Call for UK Government funding to support restrictions

    21st October 2020 by

    Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has called on the UK Government to provide appropriate funding to support businesses and communities, the wider supply chain and individuals negatively impacted or forced to close due to lockdown restrictions. In a letter to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, Ms Forbes said any support provided to local regions in England that...

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