Halcro Johnston welcomes UK budget impact for Moray
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has welcomed this year’s budget announcement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Moray will benefit from a range of measures, including action on fuel prices, a freeze on duty for Scotch whisky and direct funding for the Army Welfare Service in Kinross.
Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“There are some fantastic announcements in this budget for Moray. The freeze on spirits duty has been welcomed by the Scotch whisky industry, a vital part of our local economy. People will benefit from more money in their pockets with an increase in the income tax personal allowance, a freeze on fuel duty for the eighth year in a row and an increase in the National Living Wage equivalent to a rise of £600 a year for a full-time worker on the lowest pay.
“An additional £2 billion will also flow to the Scottish Government and millions of pounds will be saved for police and fire services in Scotland to spend after changes to VAT arrangements.
“The budget also made a direct grant to the Army Welfare Service in Kinross to support the development of their community centre for armed forces families in the local area.”