Reaction to UK Government Budget

Responding to the UK Government's Budget, delivered today.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

"The UK Government’s Budget is the first since the publication of its Clean Growth Strategy, but the opportunity to deliver on the aims and ambitions of that document has not been taken.

"Long-term certainty over the direction of the UK’s energy system is vital if we are to unlock our renewable energy industry’s vast economic potential.

"It is disappointing that calls made in Scottish Renewables’ submission ahead of the Budget have not been heeded, particularly those which continued to underline the benefits of allowing onshore wind and solar, our lowest-cost forms of electricity generation, to compete in the energy market.

"The revision of growth predictions for productivity, business investment and GDP means the focus now should be on sustainable low-carbon industry which delivers affordable, home-grown energy, jobs, investment and carbon reductions.

"Allowing the UK’s renewable energy industry to do its job would deliver on all these fronts at the lowest cost to the consumer."