Leader's response to UK Budget

Council Leader Cllr Gillian Owen said: “We watched the Chancellor’s speech yesterday with interest.
 
"Of course, it was a milestone to watch the first woman to stand in Parliament and deliver a budget."
 
"In terms of the detail, we can see real positives for the region in announcements on the Peterhead Town Board and investment Zone activity. We very much welcome the retention of the £20m Long-Term Plan for Towns investment through a reformed regeneration programme, and the continuation of the Investment Zone programme which will boost the north-east economy, stimulate business growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs. 
 
“As an organisation we need to understand the implications of the employers National Insurance contributions, which could have a negative impact on our already tight budgets.
 
"We will watch with interest how this plays out north of the border in the coming weeks and months through the Scottish budget and associated consequentials, and it will take us time as an organisation to fully understand the impacts."