Let’s get Scotland open for business

As the latest unemployment statistics are published, the UK Government has announced a new raft of Enterprise Zones in England and a new boost to broadband.

The UK Government is also keen to support the introduction of Enterprise Zones in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, if the Devolved Administrations wish to establish them. Government will hold further discussions with the Devolved Administrations about how best to do this.

Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said:

"I urge the SNP Scottish government to get Scotland open for business and to engage with the UK Government about expanding Enterprise Zones in Scotland.

"The SNP needs to move beyond its Little Scotlander attitude and realise that automatic grudge is not the recipe for success. The SNP's reaction to Scotland getting a sizeable share of the UK broadband funds is a case in point. The broadband funding announced by the UK government this week is more than the SNP government has invested in over 4 years. And still the SNP complained.

"So instead of constant carping, the Scottish Government should work with the UK Government to boost the recovery in Scotland. Our unemployment rate might be lower than in the rest of the UK, but realising that the private sector is the engine room of growth whilst we deal with the deficit is the only way ahead. Its time that the SNP got on board."

Enterprise Zones will benefit from:

A 100% business rate discount worth up to £275,000 over a five year period, for businesses that move into an Enterprise Zone during the course of this Parliament; All business rates growth within the zone for a period of at least 25 years will be retained and shared by the local authorities in the LEP area to support their economic priorities; Government and local authority help to develop radically simplified planning approaches in the zone; and Government support to ensure superfast broadband is rolled out in the zone. This will be achieved through guaranteeing the most supportive environment and, if necessary, public funding.

The Government will make enhanced capital allowances for investment in plant and machinery available in designated areas within a limited number of Enterprise Zones. This is only available where the Government and Local Enterprise Partnership agree that it is better for the local economy to focus on a smaller number of companies making significant capital intensive investments. The vast majority of Enterprise Zones will retain a focus on attracting greater volumes of companies through business rate discounts.

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