MSP CALLS FOR CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT FOR FISCAL STIMULUS MEASURES

MSP CALLS FOR CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT FOR FISCAL STIMULUS MEASURES

Joe Fitzpatrick MSP has called for cross-party consensus to back a call to the incoming UK Government on continuing fiscal stimulus measures for Scotland.

Speaking after First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament today, SNP MSP for Dundee West Mr FitzPatrick said:

"What is required at this point to ensure the recovery continues is continuing fiscal stimulus.
"I hope that all parties at Holyrood can agree with the Scottish Government's call for the incoming Conservative-Lib Dem government at Westminster to allow capital acceleration consents and more borrowing powers for the Scottish Government.

"We have already called for the release of Scotland's allocation of the fossil fuel levy - almost 200 million of our unspent cash in a green energy fund held in the Treasury - and for our share of the Olympic consequentials money to be allocated to the Scottish Government.

"These are measures which would help to promote the recovery in Scotland and job creation.
"The First Minister confirmed today that the SNP Government has done all it can to support the economy through its Economic Recovery Plan, which has directly supported over 15,000 jobs and by deploying European funding from both the ERDF and ESF to help to safeguard a further 80,000 jobs across Scotland.

"However, as he also confirmed, the recovery remains fragile and the effects of the recession are still being felt, which is why it is not the time to withdraw the fiscal stimulus measures.

"All the parties in the Scottish Parliament should now get behind Alex Salmond's efforts to secure a continued stimulus package that will cement the economic recovery in Scotland."