27.12.2017
Businesses, the third sector, and other organisations are to meet with MSPs in Aberdeen next month to discuss Scotland’s budget and the impact of Brexit on jobs and finances in the north east, it has been announced.
The Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Constitution Committee will meet with representatives from more than twenty organisations from across the Aberdeen and Grampian area.
In a day-long session in the city on Monday 15 January, MSPs will discuss topics including the economy and employment, the particular challenges for Aberdeen and the north east’s industries, and opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The morning’s informal workshop sessions in the city’s Townhouse will help to inform a full formal meeting of the committee in the afternoon, with scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget for 2018/19. Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Derek Mackay MSP will give evidence.
Bruce Crawford MSP, convener of the Finance and Constitution Committee said: “We have had a terrific response from a whole range of businesses and organisations who want to engage with us to make sure we’re aware of the particular challenges facing the north east as Brexit approaches.
“It is important that we hear from these people first hand on how the impact of Brexit on the Scottish Budget will affect them directly.”
The workshop themes will be as follows:
Sectoral Impact:
- What are the particular challenges facing the different sectors operating in Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland?
- How can different sectors best prepare to meet the challenges of Brexit?
- What support could the Scottish Government provide to the various sectors?
Employment/ Labour Market:
- Do you think there will be a risk to workforce availability post Brexit and, if so, how can this be addressed?
- What are the implications for employment regulations and obtaining work visas?
- What action is the Government taking to provide stability and secure status of EU workers?
Opportunities:
- What support for businesses and tax incentives could be used post Brexit?
- What are the key economic opportunities?
- Are there opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship?
Funding:
- What can be done to mitigate the impact of the loss of EU funding structures?
- What support is the Government providing to increase inward investment levels?
- What will be the impact on trade investments?
Community impact:
- What will be the impact on social enterprise networks, charities and the voluntary sector?
- How will community capacity building operate post Brexit?
- What effect will Brexit have on community cohesion?
Organisations taking part include:
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
Aberdeen & Northern Marts
Aberdeen Airport
Aberdeen City & Shire Licensed Trade Association
Aberdeen City and Shire Hotel Association
Aberdeen City Council (Econ. Dev. Dept.)
Aberdeen Council for Voluntary Organisations
Aberdeen Festivals
Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen Taxi Centre
Aberdeen University
Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action
Grampian Racial Equality Council
First Aberdeen Limited
NESTRANS
NFU Scotland (NE)
NHS Grampian
North East Scotland College (NESCol)
Oil & Gas UK
ONE: Opportunity North East
Peterhead Port Authority
Presbytery of Aberdeen
Robert Gordon University
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
Scottish Seafood Association
Visit Aberdeenshire
Watch the formal committee meeting (1.15pm until 3pm approx.)
Members of the public can watch the formal committee meeting in the afternoon when Cabinet Secretary Derek Mackay MSP will appear before the committee to give oral evidence on the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget for 2018/19.
Tickets can be booked in advance, and will be available at the door - contact Parliament's Visitor Services 0131 348 5200 or freephone 0800 092 7600.
Media access and interviews
Media are invited to attend the formal afternoon session. Interviews with the Convener can be arranged by calling contact (see information panel to the right). Press photos will be issued on the day to picture desks.