UK Chancellor Must Urgently Provide Clarity on UK Budget Plans
Bruce Crawford MSP and local councillor Evelyn Tweed have warmly welcomed an announcement today from Scottish Government Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, on an extension to 100% business rates relief in the 2021 Scottish Budget.
As businesses across Stirling adapt in response to the ongoing pandemic and associated public health measures, news of further rates relief will be welcome.
In answer to Bruce Crawford MSP’s question during the Budget debate, the Finance Secretary underlined the urgent clarity businesses now required regarding the UK Chancellor’s budgetary decisions on business rates, and the potential for Barnett-formula consequentials.
Councillor Evelyn Tweed said:
‘Stirling’s business community have worked incredibly hard under unprecedented circumstances to adhere to health guidance in this evolving pandemic. It’s only through their commitment and dedication to their communities that public health measures have helped stem the spread of Covid-19.
‘Today’s announcement from the Finance Secretary is extremely welcome, and should go some way to alleviating the financial strain on Stirling’s businesses. We now need the UK Chancellor to urgently progress his own budget, and avoid repeating the same costly delays as seen with his delayed furlough extensions.’
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said:
‘Finance Secretary Kate Forbes MSP is doing a fantastic job in extremely difficult circumstances, in spite of the limited financial powers available to her. Today’s news on business rates relief will help Stirling businesses weather the pandemic.
‘The UK Chancellor needs to follow Scotland’s lead, and provide certainty for businesses moving forward.’
Link to Bruce’s Question: https://twitter.com/RHBruceCrawford/status/1354814260304470017?s=20
Link to Scottish Government publication: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-budget-2021-22/
