ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT A PRIORITY FOR THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND

12.00.00am GMT Tue 11th Mar 2008

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland, has spoken out in the Scottish Parliament on the need for greater emphasis on the economic potential of rural Scotland and has called on the Scottish Government to progress the OECD’s recent recommendation that a body similar to Highlands and Islands Enterprise is set up for the South of Scotland.

Jim Hume said:-

“Las week’s debate was a good chance to really highlight the potential of rural Scotland as well as what needs to be done to tackle the challenges faced.

“Key priorities identified by the recent rural policy report include ready access to good, integrated public transport and an available supply of affordable housing - two issues which I know affect a great many of my constituents. I recently heard from a constituent who was unable to afford private rented accommodation and who at the same time was unable to get anywhere with any of the social landlords in the Borders. That constituent is now looking for a home to rent out with his home town and so is taking his work skills elsewhere.

“Economic diversification is another key priority and this type of outward migration together with an ageing population and a lack of affordable housing to accommodate any inward migration is creating a situation where we are not making the most of rural areas. Crucially, those living in rural areas are losing the benefit of living in an economically vibrant community.

The MSP continued:-

“We’ve seen the recent Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland shake up which has seen the two enterprise companies in the South disappear to be replaced with one body which won’t have any delegated powers.

“The SNP promised to help small and medium sized enterprises by making sure public contracts are carried out by a minimum of 20% SMEs and this one promise would greatly help the South of Scotland with its many small businesses

“The report clearly says that regionalisation should be favoured over moving vital services to the bigger cities and the central belt - this is totally at odds with the SNP’s unpopular policy of centralisation. I have called on the Scottish Government to step up the game on public transport, affordable housing and to implement the OECD’s recommendation that the South of Scotland is empowered by a body similar to the set up that exists in the Highlands and Islands.

The Scottish Government must now listen to the report and heed its recommendations.”