PKC budget to be set next week
Perth and Kinross Council is set to vote on its budget for 2021/22 at a meeting of the full council next week.
It comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the UK budget on Wednesday.
Among the measures put forward was an extension to the furlough scheme, an increase in corporation tax and additional £1.2 billion for the Scottish Government.
Reacting to the budget announcement, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Vicki Unite said: “The promise of the expected extension of the furlough scheme to June, then a tapering off until September, will provide many with an opportunity to continue and plan for the future,and safeguard thousands of jobs.
“We have been adamant about the necessity to continue the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme and the widening of the self-employment support scheme, so we are glad that these measures are still in place.
“We have been calling too for an extension of VAT reduction for the hardest hit sectors, coupled with investment incentives, so we are reassured that the chancellor has announced both of these.
“Alongside other new measures to help businesses recruit and re-open in the short term this all seems positive though there are still a significant number of business owners excluded from government support, which is disappointing, and we would hope further support could be forthcoming.
“Businesses will also resent the increase in corporation tax, although smaller companies will appreciate the lower rate and the time-lagged approach will help larger organisations adjust before the increases are applied.
“We hope too that Perthshire businesses will get a fair share of the extra £1.2bn consequentials allocated to Scotland, and that those who need it most will get crucial working capital from the new UK-wide Recovery Loan Scheme.”