On Friday 9th April, Anas Sarwar announced his plans to save the Scottish high streets by giving a £75 prepaid card to every adult in Scotland as part of “the largest economic stimulus plan in the history of devolution”.
The Labour leader aims to address the shift from high street shopping to online retail that was accelerated during the coronavirus pandemic and the opposition party’s manifesto will reportedly also propose the ‘Great Scottish Staycation 2021’ with the offer of a ‘third night free’ Scottish government subsidy of holiday accommodation.
In his statement to LabourList, he said, “The last year has been tough for us all. The pandemic has separated us from our friends, families and neighbours. But amid the hope of an end to the public health emergency, we must recognise that Scotland still faces a job crisis.
“Without urgent and ambitious action in towns across this country, hundreds of thousands of people face a future out of work – with empty town centres hollowing out once vibrant communities. But it doesn’t have to be that way – the people of Scotland deserve a brighter future, and we have it in our power to act.”
The prepaid card would be given to everyone aged 16 and over to spend in non-food businesses in Scotland. It would be time-limited, starting in June – or whenever it is safe to reopen retail – and last six months. The money, which could not be used for online purchases, would be launched alongside a “local shop” campaign encouraging people to support their local high streets. Unspent cash would be donated to food banks.
The policy is similar to the one proposed by the Resolution Foundation think tank last year, when Rishi Sunak was advised to give every household in Britain high street vouchers worth £500 per adult and £250 per child.
