HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Paul Boateng visits Scotland to seek views of local groups ahead of the Budget [February 2003]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 21 February 2003.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng, will today meet representatives in Edinburgh of Scottish business and trade unions with Helen Liddell, Secretary of State for Scotland, to hear their views on the Treasury’s November 2002 Pre Budget Report. As part of his two day trip to Scotland ahead of the forthcoming Budget he will also see for himself the positive impact on Edinburgh and Glasgow of Private Finance initiative (PFI) projects and the Scottish Executive’s delivery on public services.
Welcoming the opportunity to consult with local groups Mr Boateng said:
“The Government is committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Executive to build a stronger Scottish economy and fairer Scottish society. The Pre Budget Report last November set out our proposals, which will help to raise productivity and promote enterprise and employment opportunities in Scotland, build a fairer society and tackle poverty in Scotland, and protect the Scottish environment.
“The policies followed by the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, have provided a stable and successful macroeconomic framework, delivering low inflation, low interest rates and low unemployment in Scotland.
“As a result of our prudent policies, the Government has been able to provide the Scottish Executive with the resources to deliver well funded devolved public services in accordance with the priorities of the people of Scotland.
“Scottish business and trade unions have a vital role to play in modernising the Scottish economy and I welcome the opportunity to discuss with them the proposals in the PBR ahead of the impending Budget.
“Through PFI, Scotland has seen £2 billion in investment in new schools and hospitals and over 65 separate projects – a massive investment in public services. It shows that a partnership approach between the public and private sectors delivers complex infrastructure projects on time and on budget.”
