FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD RELEASE FOSSIL FUEL LEVY MONEY

FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD RELEASE FOSSIL FUEL LEVY MONEY

Commenting before the UK Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander is questioned by the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee tomorrow (Tuesday), Committee member Joe FitzPatrick MSP said that the meeting was an opportunity for him to announce that the UK government will release Scotland’s money that has accumulated in the Fossil Fuel Levy.

Commenting Mr FitzPatrick said:

“It was clear from the previous session between the Parliament’s Committee Conveners and Michael Moore, the Scottish Secretary, that Scotland is in line for severe budget cuts from the Tory-led London government as a result of the economic mess left by the previous Labour Government.

“In those circumstances it is even more important that we get firm answers on key issues such as the future of the Fossil Fuel Levy.  It was disappointing that the Secretary of State did not have a firmer answer to give Parliament as to when the rules would be amended to give Scotland access to this vital but currently inaccessible fund.

“However tomorrow’s meeting between the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Finance Committee give the London government the opportunity to finally make clear their intentions in principle that Scotland’s money which has accumulated in the Fossil Fuel Levy should be released.

“The budget may have said they will review the current situation but that does not preclude them from taking a stance on a point of principle.

“We are simply asking for this to be released in a way that increases the Scottish Government’s spending power, enabling us to invest over £186 million in renewable energy – making a crucial contribution to creating jobs and boosting economic recovery.”