Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Rachael Hamilton has welcomed the Chancellor’s 2018 Budget, with almost £1bn extra coming to Scotland.
The Budget sets out an increase in the Scottish Government’s budget by over £950 million through to 2020-21, before adjustments for tax devolution.
There was support for Scotland’s whisky producers, as Spirits Duty is frozen for the second Budget in a row. This means that the price of a typical bottle of Scotch whisky is 30p lower than if it had risen by inflation.
In addition to freezing duty on spirits, fuel duty was also frozen, for the ninth year in a row, saving the average driver £140 compared to what they would have paid under Labour.
The UK Government continues to make good progress towards growth deals such as the Borderlands.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“The new UK budget is excellent for Scotland. It protects Scotland’s industries and freezes taxes. This budget shows again how the pulling and sharing of resources with the UK serve to benefit the Scottish people.
“The Budget includes a renewed commitment to the Borderlands Growth Deal ensuring that we continue to expand on all that the Borders have to offer.
“The 9th continuous year of a freeze on fuel duty tax will save the average motorists £139 pounds than if the duty had increased since 2011, and will especially help rural motorists who use fuel more and have longer distances to travel.
“Thanks to lobbying from Scottish Conservatives, a freeze on whisky duty could be worth £200 million to one of Scotland’s iconic industries.
“We urge the Scottish Government to use the extra £959 million wisely by investing in Scotland’s infrastructure and reinvigorating out high streets.
“We hope that now, thanks to real support from the UK Government, we can work with the Scottish Government to create a budget that works for Scotland”.