Local businesses welcome Scottish Government support that Kelly and Labour voted against

James Kelly's attempt to use tax payers money to attack the SNP Government in Kelly's latest parliamentary report has spectacularly backfired as politicians and local businesses rounded upon his comments. Kelly claimed that the 2010 Scottish Budget was a 'wasted opportunity' and did not 'help small and medium sized businesses locally'.

This ignores the fact that up to 200,000 small businesses can qualify for the Scottish Government's Small Business Bonus Scheme which can give rates relief of up to £4,000 a year. In South Lanarkshire alone there are over 9,300 businesses that may qualify. Mr Kelly also fails to inform his constituents that he and the Labour Party voted against this vital support when they refused to support the Scottish Government's budget this year.

As Kelly's gaff came to light local businesses and politicians spoke out in favour of Scottish Government support and against Labour's tax on employment in the form of a national insurance tax rise.

Graeme Horne the SNP candidate at the UK General election said: "Times are tough for small businesses in Rutherglen and Cambuslang. Many of them tell me that the Scottish Government's Small Business Bonus Scheme has been crucial in keeping them afloat during Labour's recession. Kelly's comments show that Labour do not support our local businesses and their latest proposal to impose an employment tax with National Insurance will only make matters worse. If elected I will champion local businesses against Labours attack on Scottish jobs."

SNP MSP for Glasgow Bod Doris added: "Labour seem to think they can print total misinformation and con the electorate. Mr Kelly has been rumbled by local businesses who value the support given by the Scottish Government and who know only too well James Kelly and Labour voted against helping keep jobs and businesses in Rutherglen and Cambuslang. 9,000 firms in South Lanarkshire and their employees are being helped through tough economic times and Labour want to put all that at risk."

Local business people have given their support to the Scottish Governments Small Business Bonus Scheme.

Small business expert, Accountant, Douglas Hamilton said: "Most of my clients are small business people and like everyone else they are struggling to keep their heads above water.  The Small Business Bonus Scheme is providing an incentive to help small businesses to grow and prosper. What will be damaging is the increase in National Insurance which will make all business people look long and hard at the extra burden this will put on the cost of employing staff.  It could lead to job losses and a slowing down of economic recovery".

Another backing the Small Business Bonus is Mr Shaukat Ali who runs the Bargain Store on Rutherglen Main Street.   Mr. Ali said: "All small business people are benefiting from this scheme and I think some shops would struggle to remain open if not for this bonus".

Morna Hamilton who runs Morna's Hair Salon on Farmeloan Road is another who welcomes the support the Scottish Government is giving to small businesses.   Morna said-

"When customers are having to tighten their belts and have less to spend the benefit from the Small Business Bonus is a lifeline".

Notes:

1. Link to Scottish Government site with information on the Small Business Bonus Scheme

2. Briefing with statistics in relation to the Small Business Bonus Scheme is available here.