Budget should target rural spending, says far north MP, Jamie Stone

FAR north MP, Jamie Stone, has called for targeted rural spending in this week's budget.

The Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, wants the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, to recognise that some of the spending that makes up the Scottish block grant should specifically serve the special needs of rural and remote parts of Scotland.

The Liberal Democrat MP said: "Rural parts of Scotland, such as the Highlands and Islands, face clear and huge challenges which set them apart from densely populated cities and towns. Fuel poverty has always been a problem here, what with most households being off the main gas grid and having to rely on alternative, more expensive fuels, as well as having to pay much more often for fuel due to personal cars being the primary way to get around such vast distances. With the cost of living crisis, these pre-existing issues have been exacerbated with disastrous consequences for households.

He added: "All too often, the Scottish Government tends to spend the money it is given by Westminster disproportionately on the central belt. This is precisely why there is major public concern about the failure to improve the A9. It is why there is major public concern about the failure to meet the costs and needs of properly functioning NHS Highland services.

"Tomorrow (Wednesday), the Chancellor will introduce his budget. I will be calling on him to recognise that some parts of Scotland urgently need tailored and designated support from both the UK and Scottish Governments, and targeted spending in the Scottish block grant would be one way to achieve that."

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