Scottish First Minister John Swinney has backed calls for a cut in whisky duty in the UK Government’s upcoming Budget.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) made the ask in its submission to the Treasury this week, which was bolstered by the intervention of the First Minister following a meeting on Friday.
The organisation has claimed the levy has increased by 17% in the past three years, with a cut allowing producers to expand operations.
Speaking after the meeting on Friday, the First Minister said: “It was a pleasure to join the SWA for their Council discussions today.
“Scotch whisky is a cornerstone of Scotland’s culture, heritage, economy and global identity. This Government stands shoulder to shoulder with this industry, supporting thousands of jobs and standing proudly as a symbol of Scotland’s reputation around the world.
“Today I’ve heard directly from major producers to smaller distillers. It is clear that duty rises have placed undue pressure on the industry and I echo calls for the UK Government to address this unfairness.”
Chancellor John Healey is due to lay out the first budget since Andy Burnham took over as Prime Minister on October 28.
Mark Kent, the chief executive of the SWA, welcomed the First Minister’s intervention, saying the Government was “backing an iconic Scottish industry like Scotch whisky”.
“We welcome their recognition that a cut to excise duty in the autumn Budget would have a tangible impact on Scotch whisky producers large and small by allowing them breathing room to look to the future, invest in innovation and expansion, and support jobs – something which can only help boost growth across Scotland and the wider UK,” Mr Kent added.
A spokesperson for the Treasury said: “The Chancellor is fully focused on his priorities, to give families and businesses a bit of breathing space, back British jobs, and drive growth in every postcode, underpinned by a commitment to meet the fiscal rules.
“As has always been the case, decisions on tax are a matter for the Chancellor to set out at fiscal events, rather than routinely commenting on rumour, speculation or proposals.”
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