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Finance Quadrilateral
15/07/2010
Finance Secretary John Swinney today attended the first Finance Quadrilateral to be chaired by the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Speaking after the meeting in London Mr Swinney said:
"Today's meeting of Finance Ministers provided an opportunity to set out the damage that will be done to the fragile economic recovery now underway in Scotland by a UK budget that cuts too far too fast. It is clearer than ever that Scotland needs economic and financial powers as the only alternative to a UK budget consolidation the likes of which we have not seen before, so that we have the tools we need to boost growth and revenues in the Scottish economy.
"I pressed the Chief Secretary to the Treasury for access to early financial information to allow the Scottish Government to make the best possible preparations for the cuts that are being imposed on us, and to prepare a budget that will have as its priority protecting public services and economic growth.
"As well as setting out the need for economic and financial powers for the Scottish Government and Parliament, which are essential to boost economic growth in Scotland, I again pressed the case for access to the 187 million pounds Scottish Fossil Fuel Levy to support our vital renewables industry. This would make a significant contribution to boosting economic growth in Scotland."