
New projections by Oil & Gas UK, the industry trade association, forecast that the North Sea industry – the vast majority of which is in Scottish waters – will bring in about £1 billion in tax this financial year to the Brit-Govt treasury in London.
This is a startling reverse from the previous 12 months when it failed to generate any revenues for the Treasury.
A rise in the price of Brent crude, the international benchmark, coupled with higher production and lower costs are the main drivers behind the turnround.
Yesterday, the SNP called for these tax revenues of up to £1 billion to be reinvested in Scotland’s economy and in futureproofing the sector to maximise jobs over the long term.
SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire East, Gillian Martin, said: “Failure to do so will only heighten calls for Holyrood to be given full powers over the oil and gas industry, including revenues, so that the Scottish Government can take the action needed to protect jobs <if Westminster does not>.

“This North Sea cash boost must not just go straight to the Treasury coffers and never be seen again by the industry or by Scottish communities.
“Better still, they could devolve full control over the oil and gas industry, including revenues, to Scotland – and allow the Scottish Government to take the action needed to maximise jobs and return from our energy sector
“The oil and gas industry needs continued support from the UK government in order to protect against future downturns – and the industry should see a return on the revenue it is generating through appropriate levels of reinvestment in the sector, to protect jobs across Scotland.”
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6 Feb 2012