SRC Discusses Supermarket Tax with Finance Secretary

An initial meeting between Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney and key business organisations has provided some badly needed answers on the proposed new supermarket tax, says the Scottish Retail Consortium.

According to the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), they confirm that it is "simply a revenue raiser dressed up in the guise of public health".

The SRC is disappointed that a full impact assessment of the tax, announced in the Scottish Government's draft Budget, is being ruled out.

The SRC warns any profitable business operating in Scotland must fear being targeted by a similar raid on its coffers in future.

SRC director of communications, Jane Bevis, said: "John Swinney was open in answering a number of our questions in his meeting with us today, but that has only served to expose the true motives behind this tax proposal.

"The Scottish Government has a hole in its local authority budget and has chosen the retail sector to fill it, simply because supermarkets are profitable businesses.

"The public health justification for this levy is completely unfounded. The Scottish Government clearly has no intention of changing consumer behaviour by involving the wider alcohol and tobacco supply chain.

"The Finance Secretary has talked about raising funds for preventative health measures but will be funnelling money from this tax direct to local authorities which will spend it however they see fit.

"The only justification offered for this tax proposal is the mistaken assumption that supermarkets can afford it.

"Any business which operates in Scotland with any degree of success must fear being targeted in the same way in future. And that fear will do immeasurable damage to investment and job creation in Scotland."

Organisations at the meeting with John Swinney alongside the SRC were CBI Scotland, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association and representatives from companies due to be affected.

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