SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, recently drew attention to the success of the small business bonus scheme in the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking during the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Sustainable Growth questions, Mr Mason asked the Scottish Government how many businesses in Glasgow had benefited from the small business bonus scheme, which was introduced by the SNP Government during the last parliamentary term. Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP, told the Shettleston MSP that over 7,400 businesses were in receipt of rates relief. The Minister even went on to say “I cannot think of a policy that has been introduced in Scotland since 1707 that has done more to help small businesses throughout this country!”

Commenting, the SNP’s John Mason MSP said:

“The small business bonus scheme is a clear demonstration of the SNP’s commitment to protecting small businesses and shops, which are a major part of the economy.

“There is no doubt that many businesses are having to weather the very difficult economic storm at the moment, and I know from speaking to local shopkeepers that the small business bonus has been a tremendous boost.

“The small business bonus is something that the SNP has introduced, to make a difference, using the tools at its disposal. With the normal powers of independence, we would have so much more flexibility and opportunities to support the economy and our local shops”.