Highland Tory's welcome for Westminster budget
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Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has given a warm welcome to Rishi Sunak’s budget, describing it is as “a significant boost for the Highlands and Islands.”
The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “I am very pleased that the Chancellor has frozen spirit duty which is great news for everyone who works in the Scotch whisky industry.
“It is also good to see the Levelling Up Fund deliver new money for local projects in the capital of the Highlands, and I hope more will follow for other parts of the region.
“And, for a region that still has such a heavy dependence on cars due to our geography, the decision to freeze fuel duty is very welcome indeed.
“All in all, this budget which delivers the biggest ever block grant to Scotland since devolution, represents a significant boost for the Highlands and Islands, and will help us as we recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Main points:
The budget includes an increase of £4.6 billion for the Scottish Budget next year.
Rishi Sunak also announced £150 million for Scottish businesses through the British Business Bank, and the UK Conservative Government has also frozen fuel duty for the 11th year in a row.
Scotland’s whisky industry has also received a boost, with spirit duty frozen again.
In addition, the UK Government will directly invest in several major infrastructure and transport projects across Scotland, as part of the Levelling Up Fund, including £20 million for the zero-carbon regeneration of Inverness castle, Bught Park Stadium, and other Inverness attractions.
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