2019-2020 Scottish Government's Budget
Posted on in Business News
Derek Mackay MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, has delivered the Scottish Government's Budget for 2019-2020. There are certain elements that are relevant to the convenience sector.
A Deposit Return Scheme for Scotland
The budget has acknowledged that the Scottish Government will be "legislating for an ambitious deposit return scheme that will work for everyone". The budget confirms that £20 million of funding for Zero Waste Scotland will be used to support the design and implementation work for a deposit return scheme.
Business Rates Reliefs
The budget has confirmed that there will be below inflation increases in the business rates multiplier and the continuation of the Small Business Bonus Scheme. Expansions to existing properties are not subject to business rates for 12 months. In 2019, primary legislation will be introduced in order to deliver other recommendations from the Barclay Review including measures to improve administration, fairness and a move to a three-year revaluation cycle.
Public Health
The new budget reiterates the Government's commitment to their respective alcohol and tobacco strategies. The budget highlights the interest and need for consultation of restricting the promotion and marketing of HFSS to tackle obesity. The Government has also committed to delivering "Best Start Foods" which will provide support for low income families to access a healthy and nutritious diet.
Town Centres
The Government is looking to create a £50 million Town Centre Fund to enable local authorities to support the wide range of investments, encouraging town centre to diversify, flourish and become sustainable places for the local communities and visitors to live, work and enjoy.
Electric Vehicles
The Government is committed to investing £50 million in low carbon transport measures, including the expansion of Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure to support the ongoing target to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars by 2032.
The budget document is available in full here.