Stevenson backs Scottish Government proposals for green ports
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Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed proposals from the Scottish Government for green ports.
The proposals put forward would establish green ports which would be more sustainable and require operators and businesses to pay the real living wage, adopt the Scottish Business Pledge and commit to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in local communities.
They would also contribute to Scotland’s just transition to net zero.
Freeports are specially designated economic zones where normal tax and customs rules do not apply and all forms of port are included under the status – ferry ports, airports, and rail ports.
In such ports, goods can be imported, manufactured, and exported again without facing standard tariffs or requiring normal customs checks.
Plans for freeports come after the UK Government committed to having one in each devolved nation with companies who operate them having the benefit of paying a lower tax rate of VAT tax as well as relief when it comes to purchasing land.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said: “The Scottish Government’s proposals to take the freeport model and apply this country’s priorities from a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is one I wholeheartedly support.
“By diverging from the wider UK proposals, we can use a different freeport model to meet out net zero ambition and a wellbeing economy which upholds the highest standards of environmental protections and fair work practices.
“It is clear from businesses and communities the Scottish Government has listened to, that there is a new appetite for ways to support our economy.”
