CBI Scotland responds to passing of Scottish Budget

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:

“The passing of the Scottish Budget provides welcome certainty for business as we look to launch a sustainable and lasting recovery from the pandemic.

“With jobs and livelihoods under unprecedented stress over the past twelve months, firms were looking for a Budget that combined immediate relief with plans to emerge from the crisis with a greener, more competitive and resilient economy.

“By bolstering Covid support in the short term, particularly extending rate reliefs for hardest-hit sectors, the Finance Secretary has clearly listened to the voices of businesses across the country.

“That support must continue in parallel for as long as restrictions remain in place, however we must also recognise that many businesses, particularly across vital supply chains, continue to struggle badly.

“Additional support for decarbonising homes is welcome and must be viewed as an urgent priority as we push for a green recovery and fulfil our climate commitments in the run up to the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

“Extra funding for upskilling and retraining in the North East is a further positive move that will support the local economy to diversify as it becomes less reliant on oil and gas.

“Ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May, all parties must commit to putting the economy at the centre of the debate and ensuring Scotland retains its place as an attractive place to live, work and do business.

“How successfully we emerge from the pandemic will be determined by how effective we are at unlocking the power of the private sector, and allowing it to deliver jobs, growth and prosperity for all Scots.”