Scotland will receive a net increase of £308 million over the next two years, it was confirmed today in the Autumn Statement.
A number of other measures outlined by Chancellor George Osborne will also help Scottish residents and businesses.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, has urged the SNP to set out what it intends to do to match measures taking affect south of the border, such as lower-than-expected business rate increases.
Among the policies unveiled today was the rise in Scotland’s resource and capital budget, the scrapping of National Insurance contributions for under 21s, and confirmation that the fuel duty rise planned for September next year has been scrapped.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“There are many positives in this Autumn Statement.
“The approach taken by the Chancellor towards a responsible recovery is paying dividends by way of markedly improved growth forecasts, faster-than-predicted increases in job creation and reductions in borrowing.
“People across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire will gain from the scrapping of the fuel duty rise and reduced energy bills, while businesses and young people will benefit from the abolition of employer National Insurance contributions for those under 21.
“Businesses south of the border will face lower than anticipated rises in business rates increases, with the cap set at two per cent instead of September’s inflation figure.
“Also, occupied retail and food and drink premises south of the border will get a special discount of £10,000 from their business rates next year, if their rateable value is below £50,000.
“These measures on business rates could boost struggling high streets across the region.
“It is now up to the Scottish Government to start using its powers to help businesses in Scotland.
“Will it commit to a lower than planned increase in business rates and will ministers take swift action to assist retailers here?
“The UK Government has taken decisive action today to help business – now the SNP needs to step up to the plate and do the same.”