Support for Businesses Covid-19 2021-04-28
2021-04-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the assessment of economic support given to Scottish businesses amidst the pandemic.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of economic support for Scottish businesses during the covid-19 outbreak?
Last month's Budget provides continued UK-wide support and security to manage the ongoing impacts of covid-19. One in three jobs in Scotland has been supported by the UK Government's employment support package; Scottish businesses have benefited from more than £3.4 billion of loans and support; and we have provided a much needed boost to the Scottish tourism and hospitality sector with our UK-wide extension of the VAT reduction.
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Assessment & feedback
The assessment of adequacy was not directly addressed, only mentioning existing measures without evaluating their effectiveness.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted a report by Scotland's Auditor General that revealed £9.7 billion received from UK Government had only £7 billion worth of spending announcements, leaving £2.7 billion unallocated.
Does my hon. Friend agree that this highlights the need for transparency and scrutiny of Scottish Government spending, as people in Scotland have a right to know how much money is being spent to help Scotland deal with the pandemic?
My hon. Friend is right to draw the House's attention to this alarming finding. People in Scotland want to know that the money that this Government have provided is reaching them and their businesses, and it is of great concern that Audit Scotland has identified this shortfall. I absolutely agree that there must be maximum transparency on this matter.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy