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Meeting of economy advisers
08/02/2008
The Council of Economic Advisers met today for the second time to consider the next steps Scotland must take to meet the economic growth targets set out in the Government Economic Strategy (GES).
The 11 members of the Council, chaired by Sir George Mathewson, joined First Minister Alex Salmond and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney at Stirling Castle.
Afterwards, Sir George said:
"Today's meeting was again extremely productive with positive discussion around a number of areas, particularly planning and incentives for sustainable development.
"The Council of Economic Advisers would like to see the relevant public bodies and agencies move to a more proactive stance towards sustainable development.
"It also wishes to see a reduction in existing disincentives for local authorities so we can encourage development which contributes to the Scottish Governments overarching goal of increasing sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
"As a result, we have made recommendations to the Scottish Government in terms of improving the planning process.
"The National Planning Framework is making improvements to the overall planning system and further work could be done to make planning services across Scotland more responsive, more efficient, more timeous and better geared to improved outcomes. A more proactive approach is needed which takes into account the economic potential and opportunity around planning and infrastructure.
"This should include incentives for local authorities to promote and facilitate sustainable development projects. Reducing barriers and creating incentives for business will give Scotland the competitive advantage to attract local, national and international investment.
"Planning should always be part of the creative process that adds to the environment we live in. The environmental, economic and social impact of planning cannot be underestimated or overlooked. It has a fundamental role in securing the future economic success of Scotland - and should be seized upon as a significant driver for increasing the level of sustainable economic growth."
The First Minister said:
"Our second meeting with the Council of Economic Advisers takes place just days after the first meeting of the National Economic Forum and of course the successful passage of our Budget Bill through Parliament.
"The Scottish Government's Budget has reflected our priorities and ambitions for Scotland as set out in the Government Economic Strategy, establishing the road map to increased sustainable growth.
"The Council of Economic Advisers' experience and expertise is pivotal in helping us to deliver on the GES targets. One of the key areas to be discussed today is our target to increase economic growth to the UK level by 2011.
"Of course this is not our only target, however, after years of economic underperformance, it is crucial that Scotland at least matches UK growth. Beyond that, we need to look towards joining the arc of prosperity and the economic success shared by small independent nations such as Ireland, Norway and Iceland which surround us.
"I have already described the first meeting with the Council of Economic Advisers as inspiring. I have no doubt today too will enable an inspiring and dynamic exchange of ideas around Scotland's economy."
The minutes of the meeting will be published by February 22.
The inaugural meeting of the National Economic Forum was held on Wednesday, February 6.
The first meeting of the Council of Economic Advisers was held on September 21, 2007.