Scottish economy to lag behind UK in 2017

Scotland’s economy is “stuck in the slow lane” and is expected to deliver below-par growth this year, with investment required to restore it to health, according to research published today.

The EY Scottish Item Club 2017 summer update said the sluggishness will come as robust consumer spending recedes and businesses remain reluctant to invest.

It said the Scottish economy facesa“challenging”2017,with growth predicted to reach 0.9 per cent – half the rate forecast for the UK as a whole.

The retail sector is expected to suffer the most from further consumer pressures, with spending growth expected to slow to 1.1 per cent from 2.4 per cent in 2016.

However, the outlook for manufacturing is brighter, with output expected to grow in line with the UK economy for the first time since 2013.

Dougie Adams, senior economic advisor to the EY Scottish Item Club, said Scotland’s economy “is stuck in the slow lane,” due in part to many large public sector funded infrastructure projects coming to an end.

Mark Gregory, EY’S chief economist, UK and Ireland, said Scotland’s economy failing to keep pace with the rest of the UK “sends a clear message that business and government will have to work harder … to achieve sustained growth.

“The economy has to rebalance away from reliance on public funded major infrastructure projects. Diversification is also required to help move away from an over reliance on oil and gas, construction and financial services.” 0 Mark Gregory, EY’S chief economist, UK and Ireland