Ahead of the Autumn Budget, which will be held on 26 November, the Scotch Whisky Association is pushing for a multi-year freeze on spirits duty.
Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association said:
“The Chancellor has today announced that she will hold her Budget on 26 November. That gives her 84 days to make the decision to support Scotch Whisky, and fulfil the promise of the Prime Minister to “back Scotch producers to the hilt”.
“At her last Budget, the Chancellor chose to increase further the duty burden on an industry already weighed down by excessive tax and regulation … we are calling for the Chancellor to announce a multi-year freeze on spirits duty, spanning the lifetime of this parliament; and to ensure that the tax differential with other alcohol categories, which puts Scotch at a competitive disadvantage, does not widen. This would also give respite to the Scottish economy – 70% of all UK spirits are produced in Scotland.
“84 days. Back Scotch, support Scotland, and sustain growth across the UK.”
