That the Parliament acknowledges what it sees as the vital importance of Scotland's towns' and cities’ high streets, including in the Mid Scotland and Fife region; understands that Scotland's retail industry employs almost 230,000 people of all ages and abilities in more than 22,000 shops, which collectively produce a turnover of £27 billion per annum; further understands that Scotland's retailers have donated and raised over £100 million for Scottish good causes since 2016, whilst Scottish retail contributes around £525 million in tax revenue; believes that retailers wish to work with the Scottish Government to deliver net zero, thus building a more circular economy whilst creating a far healthier Scotland; notes the view that there is a pressing need for a visible and effective high street police presence, especially in relation to reports of rising rates of theft and shop worker abuse; further notes the calls from high street business owners for more investment into transport infrastructure, to give apprenticeship levy payers access to skills training on the basis of those contributions, as well as to review all public sector bodies to assess whether there are opportunities for the identification of efficiencies, and notes the calls from retailers to universally revitalise high streets, which, it believes, have the potential, if nurtured, to be accessible for all, in addition to being safe, diverse, vibrant and attractive places for both residents and visitors alike.
Supported by:
Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Jackson Carlaw, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Jamie Greene, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Stephen Kerr, Douglas Lumsden, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle