Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has welcomed Chancellor Philip Hammond’s “end of austerity” budget.
The Scottish Government is set to benefit from a near £1 billion boost as a result of Barnett Formula consequentials.
The Chancellor also announced a freeze, for the ninth year in a row, on fuel duty as well as a freeze on spirits duty which will directly benefit distillers in Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
There was also further funding for the UK Government’s industrial strategy which will directly benefit projects like the Tay Cities Deal.
It was also announced that a further £1 billion would be given to defence bosses to help deliver the “Dreadnaught” submarine programme and cyber warfare.
The Chancellor also announced substantial breaks in business rates for small and medium sized businesses in England and Wales.
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Today’s budget delivers real benefits for people across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
“Motorists will benefit from a freeze in fuel duty for the ninth straight year and the region’s distillery businesses will welcome a freeze in spirits duty.
“SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay will have nearly £1bn extra to spend this year as a result of the UK Conservative Government budget and I would urge the SNP to spend this money on our vital public services, like supporting our local NHS.
“I was delighted to see the Chancellor pledge a further £150m to the Tay Cities Deal and believe that this funding can help boost the local economy in Perth and Kinross and North-East Fife by supporting a range of vital projects.
“Ultimately, this budget will deliver for people across Mid-Scotland and Fife and I would encourage the SNP to do the same when they launch their budget in December.”