Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 18 March 2026 [Draft]
18 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
High Streets and Town Centres (West Scotland)
Businesses in my West Scotland region are under immense pressure thanks to increased employer national insurance contributions from the UK Labour Government, the failure of the Scottish National Party Government to fully pass down rates relief, and ever-increasing retail crime. It is little wonder that so many small businesses are being forced to shut down, which removes jobs and livelihoods. Does the Deputy First Minister agree that more taxes and regulations will only lead to more vacancies on our high streets and in our town centres?
In the same item of business
2. Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support high streets and town centres in the West Scotland region, in light of reported issues, in...
The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic (Kate Forbes)
SNP
I recognise that many of our towns face challenges with vacant buildings, which is why we are continuing our long-standing commitment to regeneration, with i...
Paul O’Kane
Lab
I thank the Deputy First Minister for that answer, and in doing so, I acknowledge that this will be her last portfolio question time. I say to her: beannachd...
Kate Forbes
SNP
That is definitely an issue of concern to us. We have looked at a number of different options to try to resolve the issue of empty properties, which is large...
Pam Gosal (West Scotland) (Con)
Con
Businesses in my West Scotland region are under immense pressure thanks to increased employer national insurance contributions from the UK Labour Government,...
Kate Forbes
SNP
That is why we have the most generous rates relief anywhere in the UK, including some of the most ambitious support, through the small business bonus scheme....