This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister responds to Budget statement
17/03/2004
The Executive's top priority of growing the economy is underpinned by the solid foundations put in place by the UK Government.
That's the message from Minister for Finance and Public Services Andy Kerr, speaking as Chancellor Gordon Brown made his annual Budget statement, which highlights that the UK is well placed to enjoy continued growth.
Mr Kerr said:
"Growing the economy is our top priority and this Budget, with its strong emphasis on fiscal stability and continued growth, will play an important part in helping us deliver that priority. That means focussing on skills, innovation, technology, transport infrastructure and the other issues businesses are really concerned with.
"Scotland is benefiting from the sound economic foundations put in place by the UK Government. The work undertaken by the Executive to grow the economy is underpinned by low interest rates, low inflation and high employment.
"And economic growth also helps deliver social good - it brings hope to people and the communities they live in. It gives people the opportunity to fulfil their potential."
Mr Kerr added:
"It is important to recognise that the Budget is a process, not an event. The good work done by the Executive and the UK Government to ensure we spend taxpayers' money wisely on addressing their priorities does not begin and end today.
"The stability of the Devolution arrangements mean we are guaranteed a share of any additional UK public spending. Our own Spending Review in Scotland is already underway and we will make a decision on allocation of resources as part of this process.
"The Scottish Executive will continue to focus on growing the economy and building a better Scotland, and sound financial management plays a vital role in ensuring we deliver those priorities.
"That means delivering maximum value for money for every pound and penny we invest in public services. It means knowing what the money will buy and when. And it means setting ambitious targets.
"This process was set in train by Spending Review 2002 and continues into the Spending Review later this year. But the Executive is committed to continuous improvement and I am in the process of considering how we can make this process even more robust."