​SNP PROVIDE BILLIONS TOWARDS SCOTS COVID-19 RECOVERY

Constituency MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie has welcomed SNP Government support totalling £1.8 billion towards Scotland’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Scotland’s Finance Secretary Kate Forbes announced a range of measures across a number of sectors, including an extension of business rates relief for a further three months to allow firms to recover from a tough year.
 
The SNP Government has also committed £100 million to the Green Jobs Fund which will stimulate businesses that produce low carbon products.
 
The SNP Government is also supporting people back into employment by investing £125 million in the Young Person’s Guarantee and giving £27 million to Fair Start Scotland.
 
Commenting SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“It was vital that the Scottish Budget prioritised Scotland’s recovery from COVID-19 and I am delighted to see a range of measures that will help support people and businesses across Midlothian and East Lothian.
 
“Businesses have faced an incredibly tough year and so the business rates relief extension will be welcomed, but we need a commitment from Westminster to continue to fund this, so it can be extended even further and I urge other local politicians to urge the Chancellor to commit to that in his March Budget.
 
“I have heard from many people in Midlothian and East Lothian who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. The SNP Government has committed millions to not only ensuring people can find work, but existing jobs are also supported by invested £100 million in supporting jobs.
 
“I welcome these budget announcements and I would urge all local politicians to get behind the budget commitments to ensure Scotland recovers from the devastation of the pandemic.”