Mark said today that the 2009 Budget struck 'broadly the right balance' between delivering real help now and a long-term strategy for recovery out of the current global economic crisis.

He highlighted the following measures in the budget which will be directly relevant to people in Scotland:

• support for employment
  • through extra funding for Jobcentre Plus and the Flexible New Deal, and the offer of a guaranteed job, training or work placement for all 18-24 year olds who reach 12 months unemployed;

• support for individuals
  • including through an increase in the annual investment limit for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) to £10,200, up to £5,100 of which can be saved in cash;
  • an additional payment alongside the Winter Fuel Payment worth £100 for households with someone aged over 80 and £50 for households with someone aged over 60- which will support 750,000 households in Scotland;
  • Pension Credit: increasing the capital disregard on the level of savings that are not taken into account when calculating entitlement, from November 2009, from £6,000 to £10,000. Around 540,000 pensioners UK-wide are expected to gain as a result;

• support for the low-carbon economy and sustainable energy
  • £405 million to support low-carbon industries and advanced green manufacturing to help make the UK a worldwide leader;
  • UK renewable and energy projects stand to benefit from up to £4 billion of capital from the European Investment Bank by removing blockages in project financing;
  • an increase in support for offshore wind investments and combined heat and power which together are expected to support £11.5 billion of investment and power up to 2.8 million homes;

• more support for businesses in difficulties
  • allowing loss-making companies to reclaim taxes on profits made in the last three years. This will now be available for two more years until November 2010.
  • further targeted support for companies' cash flow through a 'top-up' trade credit insurance scheme.
  • doubling ofthecapital allowance rate to 40% for one year: allowing businesses to offset 40% of investment over £50,000 immediately providing incentives for further investment.

Mark commented:

"We know that if we don't act now, it will cost us all more in the long run. I welcome today's Budget with its focus on jobs now and jobs in the future.

"Building on the support already coming through - from an income tax and VAT cut - the measures in the Budget will help us deal with the economic difficulties and support jobs, families, businesses and the environment.

"The investment in the 'low-carbon economy' is particularly welcome, not just because this is essential to help tackle climate change, but also for Edinburgh as we have a large number of businesses working in this area. I believe there is a real potential for the creation of a lot of jobs locally in the field of sustainable energy if we grasp the opportunity."

For more detailed information on the Budget, visit the Treasury website by clicking here.