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Scottish Government Supports Businesses with £3.6bn During Pandemic
Local MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the latest figures which have revealed the SNP Scottish Government has supported businesses across Scotland with £3.6billion of funding throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) shows that the Scottish Government has made over £2.7bn available in support such as grants, with £965m being made available to businesses through business rates relief.
The Scottish Government has made a wide range of support available to businesses, with some funding going over and above what the UK Government has provided through Barnett Consequentials.
Commenting, MP for Gordon Constituency Richard Thomson said:
“North-east businesses have had a hard time these past 18 months with lockdowns outwith their control creating uncertainty.
“However, the SNP Scottish Government has stepped up to the challenge, listened to the needs of firms across a number of sectors and provided funding and support wherever and whenever they have needed it within the powers available to it.
“On some occasions the Scottish Government has provided funding over and above what has been made available by the UK Government.
“I am particularly pleased that the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors – which have faced extreme challenges since last spring – will have their business rates relief continue at 100% until March 2022. This is in contract to the rest of the UK where businesses have had to pay part of their rates since July.
“Ultimately though Scotland has not been able to implement the same financial measures as other similarly sized European countries as a result of being shackled to Westminster. We face the prospect of furlough being wound down when businesses are still finding their feet.
“Even with one hand tied behind its back, the Scottish Government has provided support for businesses, which is why we need a referendum for recovery to access the full powers that independence would bring.”
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