2. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on what rules and incentives are central to a wellbeing economy. (S6O-02261)

As we transition to a wellbeing economy, we will maximise the powers that are currently available to us, in order to grow a fairer, greener economy, seize the opportunities of net zero, create better communities, tackle poverty and embed equality, inclusion and human rights in everything that we do.

Our national strategy for economic transformation and our energy strategy, including our approach to fair work and conditionality, set out many of the actions and investments that we are taking forward to deliver that vision. We will continue to make the case that, with independence, we can do much more to realise our vision for a wellbeing economy.

A thriving local high street is vital to the wellbeing of communities and the economies in towns such as Dunbar, Haddington, Penicuik and Melrose, right across the South Scotland region. Can the minister explain how the decision to impose the disastrous deposit return scheme on cafes, pubs and restaurants is in any way sensible rule making? How can the Government’s abject failure to pass on the 75 per cent business rates relief to Scotland’s hospitality and retail operators be viewed as an incentive for them to grow and invest in a wellbeing economy?

The hospitality and tourism industries are represented on the new deal for business group that I co-chaired along with Dr Poonam Malik last week, and we are taking representations on the non-domestic rates situation. Obviously, we have a very generous non-domestic rates offering, as well as the most generous small business bonus scheme anywhere in the United Kingdom, which helps to support our high streets.

With regard to the deposit return scheme, we are looking to develop a circular economy. It is important for our net zero journey, but if we can get recycling right, it is also an economic opportunity. We have a huge commodity in Scotland, and one of the central aims of the deposit return scheme is to harness that and take it forward well.