New Deal for Business Group recommendations.
Action on regulations and non-domestic rates, as well as closer collaboration with business on government policy, are key recommendations of the New Deal for Business Group, which has submitted its report to the First Minister.
The creation of a new independent review board to oversee regulations will be taken forward, in response to requests from business to help government work more closely with industry.
The Group has also looked at improved working around sharing data, creating a wellbeing economy, and involving business in the development of policy.
Recommendations include:
- setting up a new independent Regulatory Review Group (RRG) to work with industry and government on a renewed remit
- featuring non-domestic rates among the wider considerations of a new Tax Advisory Group
- ensuring the right voices are heard in engagement with business about policy
- working on labour market participation with a focus on supporting parents into employment and the skills businesses need for a transition to net zero
- gathering data on the type of support businesses are searching for, to help government better understand their needs
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:
“The Scottish Government is listening to business and is committed to taking forward these recommendations to deliver a wellbeing economy with sustainability and fairness at its heart that allows business – and in turn society – to thrive.
“The relationship between government and business is key to ensuring we have an economy that is fair, green and growing.
“The New Deal for Business Group was set up to reset that relationship with a focus on co-designing policies that will have a positive impact on the day-to-day operations of business.
“This is the start of a process to ensure we can create the conditions together to support business, which in turn will drive economic growth that feeds into strong and sustainable finances to support public services and communities, as well as a just transition to net zero.”
Co-chair of the group Dr Poonam Malik said:
“I believe government and business are two pillars of our society with the same goal – to deliver a healthy and happy future with the equitable, diverse, and fair communities and thriving economy with the wellbeing of people at its heart.
“It is important they are in sync with each other and iron out the main challenges.
“I have been impressed by members’ desire for change and a positive mindset for trusting engagement to work towards our common goals.
“These short, medium and long-term recommendations go a long way to helping us achieve our shared ambitions, to ensure we co-design with Scottish businesses the policies which impact them.”
