Stevenson Disappointed by Lack of Accelerated Capital Spending for Peterhead

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has expressed his frustration at the UK Government’s refusal to accelerate capital spending and the impact it will have on Peterhead. Accelerated capital spending last year was a vital part of the economic stimulus needed to combat the recession, but the UK Government has refused to repeat the measure this year despite stimulus packages continuing in other countries.

Accelerated capital spending this year could have allowed work to begin on the £2.2 million Peterhead Energy Industry Park, as identified by First Minister Alex Salmond during First Minister’s Questions today (Thursday), and funded the construction of social housing and other projects across Scotland.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“It is extremely disappointing that the UK Government has chosen to put the prospect of economic recovery at risk through their refusal to accelerate capital spending. The UK Government’s failures risk prolonging the recession and continuing to hurt hard working families that are struggling to cope.

“It is particularly frustrating for people in Peterhead given that they could have directly benefited from having the funding for the Energy Industry Park available immediately.

“The UK Government’s repeated failure to take the economic measures that are needed for Scotland’s recovery only serve to underline the pressing need for Scotland to take control of our own financial decisions. With too many households facing economic hardship, Scotland cannot afford anything less.”