Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, has spoken ahead of today's meeting of the today’s Scottish Grocery Retailers’ Forum.
Date:
Wed, 28 Sep 2011
Source:
Scottish Government
Scottish Government:
Website
Mr Lochhead said: "Everyone is aware the Spending Review announced last week contained some tough but fair choices because of budget cuts imposed on this Scottish Government by Westminster.
"Scotland’s health and social problems associated with alcohol and tobacco use are well documented and the income of the public health levy, a supplement on business rates, will be used to contribute towards the preventative spend measures that will be taken forward jointly with the Scottish Government, local authorities, the NHS and the third sector.
"This will be discussed along with other issues at the Scottish Grocery Retailers’ Forum today. The budget is a consultative document and Mr Swinney will meet the Scottish Retail Consortium next month.
"The levy will apply from April 1 2012 to retail properties with a rateable value of over £300,000 that sell both alcohol and tobacco.
"We estimate it will raise £30 million in 2012-13, equivalent to just 0.1 per cent of retail turnover in Scotland."
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