Meeting of the Parliament 25 February 2026 [Draft]
As the member will be aware, 55 per cent of Scottish taxpayers are now expected to pay less income tax in 2026-27 than they would have if they lived south of the border. The level of unemployment in Scotland is lower than it is in the rest of the United Kingdom. We have seen higher growth in gross domestic product during the years since the Government came into power, and a higher level of productivity. I have already given an example of our success in attracting inward investment to the country.
However, it is a tough and fragile time for many businesses and for our economy, which relates to the previous question in relation to employment costs, energy costs and VAT in tourism and some related sectors. That is affecting Scottish businesses as much as it is affecting businesses in the rest of the UK, and that is why we need the UK Government to play its role as well.