Jackie Baillie has called on the Scottish Government to provide more support for Scottish businesses as evidence shows that the amount of Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) offered to businesses in Scotland has plummeted by 84 per cent under the SNP.

RSA funding is available to help businesses create and/or protect jobs in Scotland. It is a form of state aid given as a grant by Scottish Enterprise to boost jobs. One of the main criteria for businesses who benefit from RSA funding is that they must provide the living wage.

Between 2007/08 and 2017/18 the amount of RSA offered to firms has been cut by more than 84 per cent, falling from £87.4 million to £14 million.

In the last ten years, 19 businesses in Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and Helensburgh have benefited from Regional Selective Assistance.

Jackie said:

“Investing in business helps to invest in well-paid jobs which help our communities to flourish. Instead, this SNP Government have cut regional selective assistance by 84 per cent over the last decade.

“Scotland’s economy is being held back by a Tory government in Westminster and an SNP Government in Holyrood.

“19 businesses in Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and Helensburgh have benefitted from RSA in the last ten years, allowing them to create jobs for local people and contribute to our local economy.

“It is time that our government’s value business and ensure that they have the resources they need to help boost our economy.”