CBI Scotland has urged First Minister John Swinney to make economic growth the "defining priority" of his Government, warning that Scotland is in a "race against time" to boost the economy amid a near £5 billion budget black hole expected by the end of the decade.
Urgent Call for Action
The business group emphasised that Mr Swinney must work "tirelessly" with businesses and other political parties to go "full throttle" on growth. CBI Scotland has published a five-point plan aimed at "firing up" Scotland's economy and putting it "firmly back on a path to prosperity."
Key Proposals
- Business Rates Reform: The group calls for an overhaul of the "broken" business rates system, which currently penalises investment and growth.
- Planning Reform: Fixing the "cumbersome" planning system, described as "one of the biggest brakes on economic growth," which has left too many projects stalled.
- Tax and Regulatory Alignment: Closing the gap with the rest of the UK to make Scotland more attractive for talent and investment, and to "even the playing field" with rivals elsewhere in Britain.
- Infrastructure Investment: Committing to "transformative" projects such as the Clyde Metro and full rail electrification to "get Scotland moving again."
- Skills Strategy: Developing a national skills strategy and reforming the apprenticeships levy to better meet future demand, moving away from "year-to-year firefighting."
Business and Government Response
The calls come ahead of CBI Scotland's annual business lunch, where Mr Swinney will speak alongside businessman Sir Tom Hunter. Michelle Ferguson, CBI Scotland director, stated: "Our message to the new Scottish Government and to MSPs is simple: against a backdrop of rising costs and global volatility, growth really is the 'only game in town' – so it's time to roll up our sleeves and get on with it."
She added: "We can't afford to sit on our hands, or we risk a worsening fiscal position and great commercial opportunities slipping through our fingers. By backing our people and businesses, we can turn economic promise into tangible delivery that transforms lives and communities."
First Minister John Swinney said: "I am delighted to attend the CBI event today to outline that achieving higher levels of sustainable economic growth is foundational for my Government. So much else we want to achieve, from reducing child poverty to investing in modern public services, depends on increasing our collective national wealth."
He concluded: "The Cabinet and ministerial team I have appointed sends a clear signal of my intention. This Government will use all levers at our disposal to ensure Scotland has the resources, ambition and people to succeed."
