Scottish Government’s Programme for Government

Government’s Programme Needs ‘Urgent Action’, says Chamber

The Scottish Government is taking “welcome steps” to improving the Scottish business landscape, but it is not moving quickly enough to address key challenges facing companies large and small.

That is the message this month from Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, after the Scottish Government published its latest ‘Programme for Government’.

“In a difficult and challenging budgetary environment, the First Minister has taken welcome steps on regulation, planning, investment, and housing,” said Dr Cameron. “Overall, the statement keeps the economy in focus but will require more urgent action if we are to achieve the growth we desperately need.

“To address the budgetary challenge, we need to see a clear plan of how the Scottish and UK Governments intend to work in partnership to support economic growth and business investment which is the only route to fund our public services.”

Specifically, on regulation, she commented: “A major drag on growth and investment has been the cumulative impact of regulation and the First Minister has recognised this by committing to ensuring certainty, phasing, and effective implementation. Real business partnership will be essential to achieving this.”

Planning has been a frequent issue raised with the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman Trevor Jackson has raised this in national meetings on behalf of Borders members. On this, Dr Cameron believes progress is being made, thanks to such representations.

“We have long called for planning reform which has become one of the most significant barriers to investment. It is right that the Government has listened and is taking active steps to address these blockages, such as the establishment of a new Planning Hub and a further £100 million to support the construction of 2,800, mid-market rent homes.

“Industry stands ready to support the government to provide good homes for communities and green projects to support Net Zero.”

With the SBCC working hard to improve opportunities for women across the Borders to take their first steps into business and to thrive in the business world, Dr Cameron added: “Supporting more women in business is right for the economy and our communities. The Government’s accelerated efforts to implement the recommendations of the Logan and Stewart reviews will enable an increase in the number of women starting and scaling businesses.”

There are, however, key areas where the government is yet to make real progress and which the Borders Chamber will work closely with colleagues across Scotland to bring to the ministers’ attention.

For example, Dr Cameron said: “While the issue of business rates was not covered in today’s announcement, the government must continue to work with the business community to build on the New Deal for Business agreement to make progressive changes to the business rates system. We need a full top-down review of non-domestic rates to ensure business competitiveness.

“Growth cannot be achieved without unlocking investment, which remains largely frozen in Scotland. It is a positive step that the government has stated that it will action the recommendations of the investor panel. The commitments to support research in our universities and the development of business clusters in growth sectors are also welcome.

“Business will also await the detail of how the Heat in Buildings Bill will provide certainty to buildings owners and the supply chain.”

What are the key issues in your sector? Get in touch with the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce and tell us what you would like to see raised with government ministers.