Action on regulations and non-domestic rates, as well as closer collaboration with business on government policy, are key recommendations of the New Deal for Business Group, which has published its report today.
The creation of a new independent review board to oversee regulations will be taken forward, in response to requests from business to help government work more closely with industry.
The Group has also looked at improved working around sharing data, creating a wellbeing economy, and involving business in the development of policy.
Recommendations include:
- setting up a new independent Regulatory Review Group (RRG) to work with industry and government on a renewed remit
- featuring non-domestic rates among the wider considerations of a new Tax Advisory Group
- ensuring the right voices are heard in engagement with business about policy
- working on labour market participation with a focus on supporting parents into employment and the skills businesses need for a transition to net zero
- gathering data on the type of support businesses are searching for, to help government better understand their needs
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:
“The Scottish Government is listening to business and is committed to taking forward these recommendations to deliver a wellbeing economy with sustainability and fairness at its heart that allows business – and in turn society – to thrive.
The relationship between government and business is key to ensuring we have an economy that is fair, green and growing. The New Deal for Business Group was set up to reset that relationship with a focus on co-designing policies that will have a positive impact on the day-to-day operations of business.
This is the start of a process to ensure we can create the conditions together to support business, which in turn will drive economic growth that feeds into strong and sustainable finances to support public services and communities, as well as a just transition to net zero.”
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has welcomed the Scottish Government’s renewed engagement with the business community and the creation of an independent review board to oversee regulations in direct response to requests from business.
SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson commented:-
“This is really good news for the licensed trade and hospitality industry and we’re delighted that First Minister Humza Yousaf has taken on board suggestions from the business community, including the SLTA, which has already fed into the New Deal for Business Group.
Hospitality needs improved regulation that is more flexible for businesses and it’s imperative that we are involved in all discussions so that we don’t encounter the same problems that we did with the deposit return scheme.
One good example of how we can work together with the Scottish Government is the outdated non-domestic rates system which is now under review although we urge changes to be implemented sooner rather than later.
We previously welcomed the First Minister’s announcement that he would send the proposed restrictions to alcohol promotion and marketing ‘back to the drawing board’ and we would be keen to engage in further discussions about that soon.
This renewed engagement with businesses gives the licensed trade and hospitality sector hope at a time when many are struggling to survive, find staff, and meet the costs of soaring utility bills. Businesses in cities, towns and villages across Scotland need support if they are to be part of efforts to rejuvenate communities, boost economic growth and create jobs.”
The New Deal for Business Report can be found here.