Commenting on today's Scottish Budget, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce has highlighted the lack of detail and clarity set out in the Finance Minister's statement to the Scottish Parliament, which makes it very difficult to gauge the long-term implications.
Alan Mitchell, Chief Executive of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, said: 'The impact of this Budget and its consequences for Dundee and Angus are very difficult to assess. There were some announcements that, on the surface at least, appear to be positive for this area, including a commitment to provide capital funding to support the V&A project. But, in this, and other areas, there isn't sufficient detail about the levels of investment planned to determine just how beneficial it will be. It is very worrying that so much of the Scottish Government's financial and employment plans appear to be based on delivering more efficiency savings and introducing flexible working practices, which may not be delivered in practice.'
Mr Mitchell added: 'it is disappointing that the Government has failed to set out a robust vision or strategy for the long-term reform of public services. The establishment of the 'Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services' appears to be a move to delay difficult choices until after the next Scottish elections. Higher/further education and transport appear to be amongst the biggest losers and that is at odds with John Swinney's opening comment that the Budget had the aim of promoting and securing the economic recovery.'
He concluded: 'Opposition parties have been quick to criticise the Government for failing to set out a three-year Budget. But, we have seen no evidence that they can make the tough choices required to make a vibrant economy that generates long-term wealth their priority if they form the next Scottish Government.'
