Iain Gray MSP and Martin Whitfield are backing demands for the Scottish Government to allocate more funds to support small businesses in East Lothian through the pandemic.

Their call follows a Scottish Labour initiated debate at Holyrood this week, when the party urged Ministers to stop sitting on £2.2 billion of unallocated Barnett consequentials and pass the vital funds on to Scottish businesses.

Iain Gray MSP said: 

“Every day I hear from local businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, that are struggling to survive the current dire economic situation through no fault of their own. Many are fearful that without further financial support they will have to close, putting the local economy and jobs at risk. 

“With SNP Ministers sitting on billions of pounds it simply cannot be right that businesses are facing such a struggle. Ministers need to act quickly and deliver the additional support that businesses need so desperately.” 

Martin Whitfield said: 

“The SNP’s pleas that the economic crisis is everyone’s fault but its own just don’t ring true. The Scottish Government is still sitting on £2.2 billion of unallocated Barnett consequentials, funds which can make the difference for thousands of businesses across the country.  

“Small businesses in East Lothian will be deeply disappointed that SNP Ministers have declined to offer them more support. Ahead of Small Business Saturday I urge Ministers to do the right thing and allocate this vital extra funding to businesses immediately.” 

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