SCC Comment on Scottish Budget Bill

Today, 21^st February, the Scottish Parliament passed the Budget Bill with 70 votes for and 56 against.

SCC welcomes many of the changes brought forth by the Budget, including continued investment in digital connectivity, changes to the business rates system, and investment in R&D and advanced manufacturing.

However, Scottish Chambers of Commerce is discouraged by the decision to press ahead with plans to change the rates of non-savings, non-dividends income tax in Scotland.

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“Scottish businesses will welcome many of the changes introduced by the Budget today, including investment to bring improved digital connectivity to premises across Scotland, and continued reform of the business rates system. We know these are issues of critical importance to our members.

“However, SCC research shows that our members are experiencing recruitment difficulties at record highs. We would question any changes to the tax system which have the potential to further exacerbate this issue, as well as unintended knock-on consequences, which may arise from Scotland being seen as less competitive than the rest of the UK.”