Kate Forbes MSP
Written 28 posts
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy (Previously: Minister for Public Finance and the Digital Economy)
Working to deliver economic transformation
9th July 2021
It is impossible to overstate the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on every aspect of our lives – the pandemic has shaken our society and economy to their core. And whilst our collective efforts, in tandem with the success of the vaccination programme, have been instrumental in suppressing the virus, our fight to…
Encouraging workers to get their vaccines
2nd July 2021
We know vaccination is key to moving forward from the pandemic and I am pleased to be working with Scotland’s business organisations to encourage businesses up and down the country to support their staff to attend their vaccine appointments. See our joint statement: “The COVID-19 vaccine is a vital step in Scotland’s progress towards a…
Making Scotland a world class tech hub
29th June 2021
The first meeting has taken place of the Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review Advisory Board. The Board brings together Scotland’s top entrepreneurs and digital leaders to advance the recommendations of the Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, supporting efforts to accelerate Scotland’s development as world class technology hub. The Board members are: Kate Forbes (Co-chair) – Kate is…
Supporting visitor management in rural areas
10th June 2021
Today I met with the Visitor Management Steering Group to discuss ongoing efforts to address some challenges that are arising due to a rise in visitors in rural areas. As someone who lives in a rural constituency with an abundance of natural beauty spots, I know only too well that an influx of visitors and…
Finance Secretary’s Budget Bill statement
9th March 2021
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes’ statement opening the Scottish Parliament’s Stage 3 debate on the Budget Bill. Presiding Officer, it is essential that we come together as a Parliament today to agree the 2021-22 Scottish Budget and deliver the certainty and stability that Scotland, its people and its businesses and communities deserve. Throughout this Budget…
Finance Secretary responds to UK Budget
3rd March 2021
Responding to the UK Budget, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “In advance of the UK Budget I called for the UK Government to provide meaningful and effective long-term support to businesses and households as we face the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “While I welcome some of the announcements today, it is clear…
Budget update statement
16th February 2021
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has updated the Scottish Parliament on developments with the Scottish Budget 2021-22. Her full statement is below. “My objectives in this Budget statement today are to give as much early clarity to businesses, public bodies and communities and to be as transparent as possible, This is a Budget for the nation,…
Response to the Chancellor’s business support announcement
5th January 2021
Responding to today’s announcement by the UK Government on business support, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We are both surprised and disappointed that the UK Government’s announcement of additional funding for businesses in England will not – despite the initial indications – generate further new funding for the Scottish Government or other devolved administrations. “This…
Finance Secretary responds to UK Government spending review
25th November 2020
Responding to the UK Government’s Spending Review, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “In advance of this statement I urged the UK Government to follow the lead of countries like France, Germany and New Zealand by bringing forward an economic stimulus package worth £98 billion. The Chancellor’s announcement appeared to recognise the devastating economic harm of…
Finance Secretary responds to the Chancellor’s statement
5th November 2020
Responding to today’s statement by the Chancellor on further coronavirus (COVID-19) support, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “I welcome the Chancellor’s positive, but long overdue, announcement that the Job Retention Scheme will be extended until March 2021. We have repeatedly urged the UK Government to safeguard jobs by guaranteeing that this support will be available…