Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP’s, Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, have called for Perth and Kinross Council to act on some of the ideas put forward by local retailers at two separate business summits over the past month.
Hot on the heels of a Conservative held business summit in April, the SNP held a similar event in the city last night aimed at canvassing businesses on the root cause of current retail issues and what can be done to promote growth in the city centre.
Murdo and Liz are now calling for Perth and Kinross council to act on suggestions made by high street retailers which include an end to pedestrianisation and a freeze on business rates, which have increased by 42% under John Swinney’s tenure as Finance Secretary.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“It’s been important for all parties to listen to the views of local businesses, but now that retailers have made their views known we need action from both Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government to improve the retail situation in Perth.
“Whilst John Swinney was Cabinet Secretary for Finance business rates increased by a whopping 42%. As Shadow Finance spokesperson in Holyrood I will use my position to campaign for a rates freeze, the days of milking retail businesses for every last penny must end.
“Above all Perth needs a strategy that can help regain its place as the home of independent retailing, success in this area will bring back both shoppers and visitors to the city.”
Commenting Liz Smith MSP said:
“Over the past couple of months I have spoken to almost every independent retailer in Perth and they have been clear and united in their approach. Last night the SNP heard this message loud and clear and any failure to act on these suggestions can be laid at their door.
“Perth city centre needs better parking, fairer business rates, a decision to be made on the City Hall and a detailed strategy that can help bring shoppers back from the out of town retail centres.
“Perth is a city with enormous potential and until now it has seen investment travel to neighbours in Dundee and Stirling, it’s now time to reverse this trends and give the Fair City the support it needs to grow. I would therefore hope to see Perth and Kinross Council publish plans of their own aimed at improving the retail situation.”