GDP figures mask real priorities, says Harvie
Responding to statistics announced today (17 Jan) by Scotland’s Chief Statistician, showing gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.2 per cent between July and September last year compared to the previous quarter, Patrick Harvie MSP, Finance and Economy spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
“GDP gives a very limited insight into our economy, when the real figures we should be focusing on are stagnant wages, persistent poverty and the failure to promote low-carbon capital investment. More equal societies have successful economies, so if we’re looking for a brighter future, we should be prioritising investment in local services, fully funding an inflation-based pay rise for frontline workers and bringing forward infrastructure spending on sustainable transport, housing and energy projects.”