Tourism headlines from the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government

Key tourism headlines from the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government announced today in the Scottish Parliament are outlined below.

Tourism:

Local Visitor Levy Bill to be introduced 2022-23. The Bill will create a discretionary power for local authorities to apply a levy on overnight visitor stays in accommodation, applying in all or part of their area, to help fund relevant local activities and services
There is only one mention of tourism in the PfG – “Now and in the future, being an open international country is central to Scotland’s success. That means fulfilling our international obligations as well as securing the benefits that come from trade, tourism and cultural engagement.”

SG financial situation:

The impact of inflation means that the SG budget for this year is already worth £1.7 billion less than it was in December
Based on the UK Government’s existing spending plans, along with Bank of England inflation forecasts, SG funding will fall by 4.5% in real terms next year. If inflation rises significantly higher, this will result in even less resources
Emergency Budget Review to be published within two weeks of any UK budget (DFM indicated during call today that a UK fiscal event will happen on 21^st Sept)

Economy:

Commitment to deliver first stages of NSET – to focus on measures that will most support the economy through any recession
To work with the business community to identify further measures that can assist in addressing the increased costs and economic disruption that they face
To fund the Scottish National Investment Bank to continue to develop its portfolio across all three of its missions: net zero emissions, place and innovation
To launch a consultation on Community Wealth Building legislation
Deposit Return Scheme rollout mentioned

International:

To launch a Talent Attraction and Migration Service in 2023 to support people moving to Scotland and Scotland-based employers

Energy/Environment:

To publish an Energy Strategy and first Just Transition Plan, providing a roadmap for the energy sector’s journey towards achieving emissions reduction targets and securing a net zero energy system for Scotland
Circular Economy Bill to be introduced for 2022-23
To launch consultation on evaluation network to identify Scotland’s new national park or parks will be located
Establish a dedicated Food Security Unit within SG to monitor supply chain vulnerabilities and link with future food security work

Digital:

To support enhancements to Scotland’s digital infrastructure by incentivising commercial deployment, targeting investment through for example the Reaching 100% (R100) broadband roll out, and urging the UK Government to extend gigabit and mobile networks to most rural communities

Transport:

To freeze ScotRail fares until March 2023, and complete a Fair Fares Review
To consult on new Islands Connectivity Plan, progress vessel development programme, improve resilience of ferry fleet by sourcing additional vessels, and publish an independent review of ferry governance arrangements
Continue to invest in active travel, with focus on new infrastructure and storage
To work with private sector to double size of public charging network to at least 6,000 electric vehicle points over four years

The SG has outlined that it is pushing the UK Government on (also see SG letter to PM):

The October price cap increase to be cancelled immediately, with energy prices frozen at their current levels. This freeze must be applied to businesses too
An increased budget for devolved governments
An enhanced windfall tax introduced to help meet the cost of providing additional help for households and business. Around £9.3 billion could be raised by broadening the Energy Profits Levy and by removing the investment allowance
Protection from energy price rises for SMEs
A VAT reduction on business energy bills
An expansion of shortage occupation lists to enable improvements in filling vacancies from overseas
Support in handling business debt including the extension of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and other loans