STEVENSON SLAMS INCREASED TAXES FOR BANFF & BUCHAN’S LOWEST EARNERS

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson today slammed Gordon Brown’s Labour Government for the scrapping of the 10% tax rate on low income earners. From April 6th all wage earners will pay 20% tax on any earnings over the income tax allowance threshold currently sat at £5,225.

This policy has come under harsh criticism in Scotland as figures show that 324,000 people in Scotland or 12% of all Scottish tax payers will see their tax double. With those earning up to £18,500 per annum set to lose out it will be seen as a bitter blow to many in Scotland where average earnings are lower than large swathes of the UK.

Speaking today Mr Stevenson said

“In a week that sees the SNP Government promising a freeze in council taxes and a reduction in prescription charges aimed at reducing hardship on the most vulnerable sections of society such as the old and sick we see the Labour Party doing the opposite.

“With many of the residents of Banff & Buchan facing low average earnings due to the economic challenges faced by our coastal and rural communities this rise in tax will be a bitter pill to swallow. While the SNP Government is keen and active in putting more money back into the pockets of ordinary Scots it seems the Labour Party is keen on taking it back off them.

“A deep contrast between the two Governments is there for all to see. One working in Scotland, with the people of Scotland, for the people of Scotland and the other based in the South East of England working hard for the people of South East England.”

Ferry provision study

Plans to improve ferry provision on the island of Lismore took a step forward today when it was announced that an economic appraisal looking at future ferry priorities for the island is to be carried out. This will include looking into the possibility of introducing a vehicle service at the north end of the island.

The study will be carried out using the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) system.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"The local community have been campaigning for the introduction of a vehicle ferry service at the north end of the island for some time and we have listened to those views.

"There has been much debate and deliberation among locals about the form and location of ferry services to the island, with many believing it would bring economic benefit to introduce a shorter journey vehicle service from the north end of the island. This appraisal will examine that case.

"The STAG appraisal should be completed by spring next year, at which point Ministers will consider the evidence and make a decision on future ferry services for Lismore."

Lismore is currently served by two ferry services - CalMac's passenger and vehicle service operating from Oban to Achnacroish on the east of the island, and the local authority run passenger-only service running at the North of the island to Port Appin on the mainland.

The STAG appraisal will be led by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) given the focus of the appraisal will be be on vessel and harbour infrastructure, with input from CalMac Ferries Ltd, Argyll & Bute Council and the local community.

STEVENSON WELCOMES GOVERNMENT’S SMALL BUSINESS GRANT SCHEME

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson today welcomed the introduction of the SNP Governments Small Business Grant Scheme.

Under the new Governments policy to be rolled out from April 1 a new rates relief for small businesses will be introduced in Scotland. Business rates relief will be determined by a firm’s rateable value. Those businesses with a rateable value of £8,000 will expect to receive 80% relief, with that rising to 100% by 2009. Those businesses with a rateable value of £8,000 to £10,000 a year will receive rates relief of 40% while firms with a rateable value of between £10,000 and £15,000 will get 20% off their bills.

The Small Business Grant Scheme is a key part of the SNP Manifesto pledge to support small businesses, a sector it recognises as being faced with a disproportionate rates burden. The Small Business Grant Scheme is one which it intends to work as part of a wider economic strategy to support the small business class and boost economic growth.

Commenting on the Small Business Grant Scheme Mr Stevenson said:

"Small businesses are fundamental to the economic well being of Banff and Buchan as a source of entrepreneurship and innovation, a driver of competition and local economic vibrancy and as a mechanism for job creation. Small businesses have traditionally played a vital role in maintaining and strengthening the rural communities and in Banff and Buchan we have seen this reflected in the role they play in stimulating the wider rural economy.

"Under previous administrations there has been a tendency towards ineffectual posturing with respect to supporting small businesses and this scheme will act to reverse that trend. This scheme which will be rolled out on April 1 2008 is targeted to deliver a real boost to small businesses in Scotland.

"Under the new scheme small firms will only have to apply for grant relief once every five years as long as the circumstances of the business have not changed. This aims at ensuring small business can avoid wasting valuable time and resources filling out application forms every year. We are sending information leaflets out to all businesses in Scotland on the scheme with information also available at the Scottish Government website.

"The small businessman of Banff and Buchan can rest assured that the SNP Government is working hard within the limits of the devolution settlement to ensure they are given every opportunity to prosper. The small businessman is someone the SNP Government sees as fundamental to stimulating a Scottish economy that has lagged behind the rest of the UK under Labour’s discredited policies, by listening and working together we intend to bring real prosperity to Banff and Buchan."