17.06.20
Scottish Government launches £230m 'Return to Work' package
The Scottish Government launched a £230m ‘Return to Work’ package yesterday (June 16) to help stimulate Scotland’s economy.
The initiative, set up to support economic growth following the pandemic, covers low carbon projects, construction, digitisation and business supply.
Funding for this scheme is made up of reallocated reserves from other schemes that have been interrupted by Covid-19.
Specific features of the package include £78m for construction, £51m for business support, including regeneration and roads maintenance, £66m to boost Scotland’s green recovery and £35.5m for digitisation of services, including the justice and education services.
During the announcement, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes asked for Parliamentary support for the Scottish Government’s request for additional financial powers to support the crisis.
READ MORE: Scottish Government to invest £62m into energy sector
Ms Forbes said:
“The impact of COVID-19 has been enormous on both businesses and individuals and the Scottish Government has so far spent more than £4 billion tackling its effects.
“We are also taking steps to accelerate our economic recovery and this package ensures that we can make immediate use of money which, because of the pandemic, might otherwise not have been spent this year.
“I do not underestimate the challenges we face but I also see opportunities. It is important we take this chance to reshape our economy in a way that works for everyone and promotes long-term growth, not just quick fixes.
“This £230 million delivers investment across Scotland and will boost the green recovery, speed up digitisation and bolster construction, supporting hundreds of jobs.
“The Return to Work package is part of a process to harness Scotland’s talent and resources and build a modern economy that is robust, fair and sustainable. But it is only a start. Larger programmes will follow and I will continue pressing the UK Government both for new financial powers and greater certainty over funding.
“These additional powers are now absolutely essential – without them Scotland will be planning for recovery with one hand tied behind our back.”
Ep. 16 Cllr Nick Forbes - Net zero and an inclusive economy