Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 15
The purchase and funding provided to Glasgow Prestwick Airport represents significant issues for the taxpayer.
Conclusion
The purchase and funding provided to Glasgow Prestwick Airport represents significant issues for the taxpayer. Additionally, the funding received by Glasgow Prestwick Airport from the Scottish Government has ensured there is not a level playing field across airports in Scotland, leading to a distortion in the market. It would have been more appropriate had the money from the Scottish Government been spent across airports in Scotland, rather than being poured into an airport which did not reflect a commercial success.
Paragraph Reference:
15
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2021. However, it is a long-standing policy that air passengers should fund the cost of their travel, including the costs of changes to airspace structure, rather than being subsidised by the taxpayer. The funding packages were provided on an exceptional basis to assist the sector to resume progress on this crucially important project during the pandemic. This funding was agreed on the condition that sponsors would fund the rest of the programme under the user pays principle. As the sector continues its recovery sponsors of the programme are expected to resume responsibility for funding further stages of the programme.