Business cashcall byMSP

Stirling SNP MSP Bruce Crawford outlined what is needed to get Stirling’s economy back on track in a Holyrood debate on economic recovery following the Covid-19 crisis.

Mr Crawford, alongside Stirling’s Alyn Smith MP, has spoken to business leaders in the area to determine how the pandemic has hit them.

In his speech to the Holyrood chamber yesterday (June 23), Mr Crawford called for further funding support to local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism sector – a major industry in the Stirling area, many of whom have missed out on the summer trade.

He said:“Hospitality businesses that benefit from seasonal trade have effectively missed out on a whole summer – this presents a serious challenge to them and it cannot be the case that they are left to fend for themselves. There is a clear understanding that more financial support is needed to see these businesses through to spring next year.

“This also applies to small businesses who may see a drop in the footfall of customers due to social distancing measures remaining in place in order to protect public health. Opening back up does not mean business as usual for many people.

“However, this means government borrowing and , currently, Scotland does not have the power to borrow under these circumstances. That is why I am pleased that Scottish Government ministers are continuing to lobby the UK Treasury to release the funds needed to protect our businesses.”

He added:“A large-scale and comprehensive support package is what’s needed for businesses, and small businesses in particular need the assurances that this support is coming sooner rather than later.”