Efforts to secure a new operator for two closure-threatened Lanarkshire
steel plants will continue, Business Minister Fergus Ewing has vowed.
The pledge comes as the end of the minimum statutory 45-day consultation
period with workers at the Tata Steel sites approaches on Friday.
Mr Ewing said an “extensive global search” has been carried out to find an
alternative operator for the Dalzell and Clydebridge plants, where 225 jobs
are at risk.
He said: “The Scottish Steel Taskforce remains focused on finding an
alternative operator for Dalzell and Clydebridge and keeping jobs where
possible. It will meet again next week to review progress.
“In a hugely challenging global steel market, we want to create the best
business environment for any new operator taking on the sites.
“The Lanarkshire assessor will take into account the state of the steel
industry for the next business rates revaluation in April 2017, while we
are open to options for reducing the rates liability complying with state
aids rules.
>”We now know that energy costs at the sites could be cut significantly,
>while there is potential for renewable electricity generation and sale of
>heat from the plants.
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