Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has spoken in the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to make use of its current financial powers to stimulate growth in the economy.
Mr Fraser, Convener of the Parliamentary committee on Economy, Energy and Tourism used his time in the chamber to dispel bogus ‘economic truths’ trumpeted by the Scottish Government.
In the debate Mr Fraser said:
“The problem for the Scottish Government is that it already has substantial levers it could use, and it is pulling them in the wrong direction. Already we are seeing the retail sector in Scotland hard hit, so the Scottish Government’s solution is to bring in a specific tax on retailers. We are seeing the commercial property sector hard hit, so the Scottish Government’s response is to bring in a specific tax on empty commercial properties which will just result in more business bankruptcies and liquidations. We are seeing college budgets slashed precisely at a time when we need more training opportunities. We are seeing the housing budget cut when we could be creating more jobs in construction building new homes.
“Rather than calling for yet more borrowing, the Scottish Government should stop increasing the taxes on business and look at delivering economic reforms to improve our competitiveness.”
Afterwards Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Plans to levy a tax on empty commercial properties will negatively affect businesses and retailers across Perth and Kinross. Tough times call for our support of business not our hindrance.
“Mid-Scotland and Fife’s high streets are experiencing the toughest trading conditions in history. The popularisation of online shopping as well as bulk buy warehouses has heaped pressure on the smaller retailer to remain competitive. This situation has been exacerbated by Scottish Government taxes on retailers.
“Capital spending is touted as the all-encompassing solution to our economic ills. Advocating massive spending programs is not the solution for our economy.
“What Scotland needs is an enterprising private sector supported by a Government who is invested in using their economic levers to positively impact growth.
“Businesses across Mid-Scotland and Fife have felt the impact of this recession deeper than others, as an MSP for this area it is my duty to promote growth on a sustainable basis.”