Murdo Fraser MSP has called on the SNP Government to provide more support to local authorities following the release of statistics which reveal an expected shrinkage in Perth and Kinross’s economic growth.
The politician, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, was reacting to economic analysis of Scotland’s councils carried out by KPMG which shows that Perth and Kinross have an expected growth of -9.4% for 2020 – more than the average in Scotland, which is -9.1%.
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who is also the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, said: “These figures released by KPMG underline the economic damage brought about by the financial impact of Covid-19.
“We have seen an unprecedented amount of money provided to Scotland by the UK Government during Covid-19, but the SNP Government need to demonstrate they care for the country’s economy by rapidly speeding up financial help to local authority areas such as Perth and Kinross.
“The SNP Government need to ensure communities in Perth and Kinross do not miss out in terms of economic recovery following the lockdown and ensure they have a sustainable economy going forward.
“Local residents need re-assurance from the SNP Government about economic support, not more plans centred on dividing the country again by focusing on another referendum on independence – this is the last thing the country needs right now during this pandemic.”
And Scottish Conservative Councillor Roz McCall, Business Ambassador for Perth and Kinross Council, added: “These economic growth figures show the perilous financial state facing local authorities, which has not been helped by the SNP Government slashing money allocated to councils.
“The UK Government has provided billions of pounds of help to Scotland during Covid-19, it is time the SNP Government sped up their delivery of financial help.”
