Question reference: S5W-32014
- Asked by: David Stewart, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 24 September 2020
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Current status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 8 October 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any (a) economic and (b) social advantage of Freeports.
Answer
Assessment of any potential economic and social impacts, including advantages of freeports to Scotland, is ongoing.
Ministers and officials have held regular discussions with UK Government counterparts on proposals for freeports. However, we await further, more detailed information about implementation of the UK Government’s Freeport policy, including on the reserved tax and funding incentives to be offered.
The Scottish Government has consulted widely with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, hosting a number of sessions with representatives of multiple sectors of the Scottish economy, including Scottish port operators. These sessions have highlighted specific reservations about the Freeports policy, such as the potential for economic displacement, as well as some potential benefits.
Discussions and engagement with the UK Government and Scottish stakeholders will continue as we seek to establish a robust evidence base with regard to all the potential impacts of this policy on Scotland’s economy.