Covid-19 Support for Scottish Businesses 2021-03-10
2021-03-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns over how well UK government initiatives have supported Scottish businesses amidst the pandemic, with a focus on job security and financial assistance.
I am concerned about the effectiveness of economic support for Scottish businesses during the covid-19 outbreak. What assessment has been made?
Last week's Budget provides continued UK-wide support and security to manage the ongoing impacts of covid-19. One in three jobs in Scotland have been supported by the UK Government's unprecedented employment support package. Scottish businesses have benefited from more than £3.5 billion of loans and support, driven by UK Government schemes.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide an explicit assessment of effectiveness or any statistical measure to substantiate the claim about job security and financial assistance.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the benefits of the Union and the strength of the UK Government's financial resources, highlighting the support provided to Scotland through devolved Administrations.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the benefits of the Union have come to the fore over the last 12 months due to the strength of the UK Government's balance sheet?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct, and the majority of people in Scotland agree. They rejected independence in 2014 and recent opinion polls show they do not trust the Scottish National party or its leader.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the strength of the UK Government's balance sheet during the pandemic, instead focusing on political opinions about the Union.
Changed Subject To Independence And Trust Issues
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the transparency of how unspent funds are being used, following a recent Audit Scotland report estimating that £2.7 billion was unspent and concerns about unfair renewables policy.
How will we get a full transparent audit from the Scottish Government on unspent business covid support?
We need more transparency on the spending of the £9.6 billion of covid support and business support that the Scottish Government have received. Ofgem is currently considering some aspects of transmission charging arrangements through its access and forward-looking charges review.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on how to get a full transparent audit, instead discussing ongoing reviews by Ofgem.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the financial services sector in Scotland, which employs 162,000 people and is nearly 10% of the Scottish economy, and its future after Brexit.
Will the Secretary of State guarantee that the memorandum of understanding on financial services gives this critical industry equivalence and access to EU markets?
The UK and the EU have agreed in a joint declaration to establish structured regulatory co-operation for the financial services industry. A memorandum of undertaking will be agreed in discussions between us and the EU, but we cannot give a running commentary on these ongoing talks.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a concrete guarantee or assurance regarding equivalence and access to EU markets for the financial services sector post-covid and post-Brexit.
Response accuracy