Sturgeon says refusal of extra funding is intolerable and unacceptable
First Minister Ni cola Sturgeon has insisted it is“intolerable and unacceptable” that coronavirus funding in England will not lead to extra cash being given to the Scottish government.
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced billions of pounds of extra help for firms and workers affected by Covid-19 restrictions in England.
Scottish Tories hailed the “blockbuster support” from the UK government, but Ms Sturgeon said the Chancellor has told the Scottish ministers that the new measures “won't deliver any upfront extra cash for Scotland” beyond £700 million of funding that has already been pledged.
The First Minister hit out on Twitter, saying: “Businesses in England have been given, rightly, an open ended commitment to support for as long as needed.
“And@ scot gov will be expected to match that for Scottish businesses – with no confirmation that the money will be there to pay for it (& no borrowing powers to raise it).”
She added: “It is an intolerable and unacceptable position – and deeply unfair to Scottish businesses who deserve the same open ended commitment given to counterparts in England.”
Her comments came after Mr Sunak announced that the Job Support S cheme, a replacement for the furlough scheme which is due to end this month, will be made more generous, with less expected from employers and fewer hours needed to be worked by staff.
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes also hit out, saying: “The Chancellor has written a blank cheque for business support grants in England, but is refusing to do the same for Scotland.”