Scottish Secretary responds to May 2022 GDP

Figures for Scotland’s GDP for May 2022 have been published here today [Wednesday 27 July 2022].

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

Seeing the economy growing is a good sign, but we recognise there are challenges ahead and we remain focused on supporting families with the rising cost of living.

That’s why we’ve put in place a £37 billion support package to help those who need it most. Last week we began making cost of living payments, part of a scheme that ensures almost all of the UK’s vulnerable 8 million low-income households will receive support of at least £1,200. That’s on top of raising the National insurance threshold, cutting the Universal Credit Taper Rate and increasing the National Living Wage to ensure workers keep more of their wages in their pockets.

Achieving a strong and sustainable economic recovery is our priority. We’re spending £2 billion levelling up communities across Scotland, creating well-paid and highly-skilled jobs, and we’re also investing a further £52 million to create two Green Freeports in Scotland that will boost investment and trade as well as encouraging long-term prosperity by creating jobs and regenerating communities.