The Scottish Government will continue to focus on delivering outcomes for all areas of Scotland through its spending plans, including for the north-east. For example, local councils in the north-east will receive more than £1.6 billion from the Scottish budget in 2020-21.

The Scottish Government is working closely with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to support local authorities in responding to the challenges of Covid-19, as I mentioned earlier, and we have committed an additional £330 million of direct support this year.

W e have responded swiftly to support businesses, including the provision of £137 million through the Covid business support fund grant for businesses in the north-east.