SNP Chief Whip Brian Adam has welcomed the Scottish Parliament's acknowledgement of the Scottish Government's economic strategy after a vote in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

The motion, which noted the publication of The Government Economic Strategy, was passed by 62 votes to 3, with 53 abstentions. It was passed with Conservative support after the Parliament supported an amendment by their Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth Derek Brownlee calling for the reductions in business rates for small businesses announced in the budget on 14 November to be prioritised by the government.

Adam said: "It is welcome to have Parliament's backing for the Scottish Government's economic strategy. For too long Scottish growth has been languishing so it is a breath of fresh air.

"By making better use of the levers to grow the economy Scotland can rediscover its competitive edge. The SNP want a successful Scotland with an attractive and more tax-friendly business environment, one with efficient transport and communications; and importantly a skilled and able workforce.

"The Scottish Government's strategy will drive up economic growth - and with economic growth we will see a virtuous cycle with multiple positive effects.

"There will be more opportunities for high quality employment; more successful new companies; and more of our brightest and best working in, and returning to, Scotland.

"That is good news for Scotland and the people and businesses of Scotland."

Brownlee said that his amendment ensures that small businesses benefit from an acceleration of the cuts in business rates if resources can be found.

He said: “There are many reasons to support small businesses: they play an important part not only in the economic life of Scotland, but also in providing vital local services in communities across the country and improving quality of life.

“There is another reason why small business in Scotland needs our help. From April next year, small companies will pay a higher rate of corporation tax. Many unincorporated small businesses will see their tax bills rise as a result of changes to income tax and national insurance. And, of course, many small business owners who for whatever reason have to sell their business will see their capital gains tax bills rise.

“By accelerating the implementation of the small business rate cuts announced in the budget, we can help offset – to some extent – those increases. And, for those small businesses which are not profitable enough to pay tax, we can help them by cutting their rates bill.

“If economic growth is to be our priority, we believe that we should be helping small businesses to grow by reducing their business rates burden. I’m glad that Parliament supported this amendment, however I am disappointed that Labour and the Liberal Democrats failed to back my call,” he added.

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