Responding to the statement by the Finance Secretary Shona Robison MSP, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The Finance Secretary’s statement underlines the scale of the challenge facing the public finances. Businesses understand that tough decisions must be made, but we also need certainty from the government that growing the economy remains the top priority.

“The Finance Secretary is right to initiate reforms and seek efficiencies. As highlighted by Audit Scotland, reform of the public sector is needed to deal with longer-term financial pressures. How these will be implemented will require transparency to ensure businesses are not faced with new additional costs or taxes.

“We have been clear about what businesses are asking for: a reduction in the overall taxation burden which is undermining the ability of Scottish business to attract and retain talent; a close look at cutting the mountain of regulation adding costs to business and consumers; a coherent energy strategy which protects jobs and investment.

“We do not underestimate the scale of the challenge which is impacting communities across the United Kingdom. That’s why we need to see a clear plan of how the Scottish and UK Governments intend to work in partnership to support economic growth and business investment which is the only route to fund vital public services.”

ENDS