Meeting of the Parliament 19 June 2024
I apologise for being unable to take the intervention.
Our ambition, which is set out in our amendment, is to keep taxes in Scotland competitive with those in the rest of the UK so that they create an incentive for individuals to move here, in order to help to address skills shortages and grow our economy. Our policy paper “Grasping the thistle”—which I commend to the Deputy First Minister, if she has not already read it—sets out a range of ideas on competitiveness, skills, regulation, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Government’s change in rhetoric on the economy is welcome, but it will be meaningful only if it is matched by action. This Government should start by addressing the tax differential. That is the point that we make in our amendment, which I am pleased to move.
I move amendment S6M-13679.2, to insert at end:
“; recognises that the best way to grow Scotland’s economy is to attract people to come and work in Scotland and to ensure that economic and fiscal policy is focused on removing the barriers that have hampered business expansion; acknowledges that many businesses, particularly in rural areas, have been let down by the Scottish Government’s anti-growth agenda and the supposed New Deal for Business; believes that the income tax differential between Scotland and the rest of the UK is damaging business and is an obstacle to economic growth; notes that this tax differential has become more pronounced due to the recent introduction of the new 'advanced' tax band; agrees that continually raising taxes over the long term ultimately reduces public revenue and creates disincentives in the economy; further agrees that broadening Scotland’s tax base is essential to improve fiscal sustainability, and calls on the Scottish Government to take steps to make income tax competitive with the rest of the UK, to unleash Scotland’s economic potential.”
15:49Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.