The UK Government has not ruled out including ExxonMobil’s Mossmorran facility in the footprint of the Forth Green Freeport (FGF).
But passing new legislation would be required to make it happen, and Andy Burnham’s administration would need to see a positive case for it first.
The area currently spans a wide distance from Falkirk to Edinburgh and Fife, with tax incentives available for companies that set up shop within its boundaries.
They include NI contributions relief on salaries up to £25k for new hires during the first three years of employment, and relief on Land and Buildings Transaction Tax.
Cowdenbeath MSP David Barratt asked the Scottish Government “whether it will consider including the former ethylene plant at Mossmorran within the purview of the FGF.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn said: “Any changes to the approved FGF tax sites, or changes to the legislative framework underpinning green freeport tax sites, is a reserved matter for the UK Government.
“However, the Scottish Government would be willing to engage constructively with relevant partners should FGF seek to pursue this course of action.”
The FGF team confirmed that it would be open to dialogue, but had not had any direct contact on the topic.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “Freeport tax site boundaries cannot be changed without passing new legislation.
“The boundaries were agreed between governments and the successful local Green Freeport consortia through the competitive selection process.
“Tax reliefs are only available within those specific bounded tax sites, with maps published on the UK Government website.
“We do however welcome any information or case studies outlining how a change would positively impact the delivery of the Green Freeport.”
The UK Government has already committed up to £9 million to support new projects at the Fife Ethylene Plant’s site, matching funding that the Scottish Government pledged after it ceased production earlier this year.
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