SNP candidate finds business support

Jan 23 2013 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

SNP candidate Margaret Ferrier has been visiting local businesses across Rutherglen South.

Margaret - seeking to replace her friend Councillor Anne Higgins who sadly passed away before Christmas - says she found substantial support for the SNP’s small business bonus scheme, a vital assistance to keep many local firms afloat. And she also found strong support for the SNP’s council tax freeze, for helping to protect under pressure family incomes.

Ms Ferrier has pledged to support small businesses locally and to continue the council tax freeze, which she says are both under threat by the Labour Party.

Out and about meeting local shopkeepers in Burnside, Margaret said: “It is crucial that Rutherglen South has a good mix of local shops providing services for our community, and jobs for constituents.

“I am delighted that the SNP’s small business bonus has helped nearly 14 per cent of small firms stay afloat in difficult times and that it has supported South Lanarkshire small businesses to the tune of over £6m this year alone and £21m since the SNP introduced the policy.

“The council tax freeze has also helped protect household incomes in difficult times. It makes paying rising bills just a little bit easier and it helps put some money back into the local economy.

“Over 3500 firms in South Lanarkshire benefit from the small business bonus yet Labour voted against this support. If elected, I will do all I can to help local firms and to maintain the council tax freeze. As part of the SNP group in South Lanarkshire I will strive to fight off Labour’s threats to increase the council tax which would cost families hundreds of pounds and punish local businesses.”

One of the many shopkeepers visited by Margaret, Janet Freeman from Stems florists in Burnside, said: ““It was good to meet Margaret. The SNP seem to understand that local businesses need support in such difficult times. For some firms it means the difference between retaining an employee or having to let them go. For others it helps you stay afloat.

“It has made a real difference to my business and to Burnside. Together with pledging to retain the council tax freeze, which means families have some money to spend in such difficult times, I know Margaret has the best interests of our local area at heart.”