Ayr MSP John Scott asked the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing MSP about PPC permit charges during General Questions on 30th June 2016.
The PPC permit relates to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency's (SEPA) Pollution Prevention and Control obligations set under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 Act which forces certain industries who emit emissions to hold a permit to do so.
John noted that the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency intend to increase the charge of a PPC permit by 54%, an increase from £2,320 to £3,566, over the next five years. The charge will remain static in England and Wales.
This will affect local business across Scotland, particularly one local plant in Troon and John pressed the Minister to suspend the planned increase and keep it in line with charges set in England and Wales to ensure Scotland doesn't face a competitive disadvantage.
See the attached link for John's full question and the response from the Minister.