McArthur reacts to Scottish Government budget  

Commenting on the Scottish Government budget announced today, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur said:

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have been clear that this budget needs to deliver meaningful measures to improve the lives of people across Scotland in areas such as health, social care, transport and education. 

“The increased funding for healthcare will hopefully go some way to closing gaps in dentistry and mental health provision, as well as improving support for neurodiversity services, where there are pressures across the country, most notably in our rural and island communities.

“Having called on the government to scrap peak fares on Northern Isles ferry services, I welcome the commitment given in today’s budget. These are lifeline services for islanders, and having scrapped peak fares on ScotRail services, it is only right that the Scottish Government match this commitment for our publicly funded Northern Isles ferry routes. 

“The commitment to funding for an “accelerator model” for the Northern and Western Isles is also welcome. Hopefully this can help unlock investment in the key infrastructure for our island communities to fulfil their potential.

“100% rates relief for island hospitality businesses was also something I have been pressing Ministers to confirm, so I am delighted to see that this will remain in place for the next three years. This represents a vital protection for many of the small businesses that are the lifeblood of the Orkney community, but further targeted support on business rates will be needed. 

“I look forward to seeing more detail on the funding that will allow Orkney Islands Council to continue taking forward the procurement of new vessels for our lifeline internal ferry fleet. The principle of this funding has now been accepted by Ministers, however, and that is of enormous benefit to those living and working in our ferry-linked isles.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats will continue to engage with the Scottish Government to ensure this budget goes as far as possible in meeting the needs of islanders as well as people, businesses and communities across Scotland. That is a sensible and pragmatic approach, and one which will help deliver for the constituents we are elected to serve.”