Freebies, Deficits & Denial: Scotland’s Economic Reality Check
About this episode
The episode discusses Scotland's economic challenges, including its deficit, housing crisis, and the impact of political policies on businesses.
Air Date: April 19th, 2026 Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am. This week on The Go Radio Business Show, Willie and Tom pull no punches as they tackle the hard truths politicians keep dodging. From Scotland’s growing deficit and the illusion of “freebies”, to the housing crisis, punishing business rates, and the real cost of economic short-termism, this episode asks one urgent question: who’s actually listening to business? The conversation spans election debates, financial literacy in politics, interest rates, energy policy failures, and why Norway keeps winning while Scotland stumbles. Unfiltered, outspoken, and grounded in real-world experience, this episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about economic growth, jobs, and the future of Scottish business. Key Episode Highlights Why Scotland’s £4.7bn deficit is being ignored — and why that’s dangerous The political obsession with “free” policies and who ultimately pays Housing crisis reality check: why building more homes is the only solution Shock stories from the frontline of business rates crippling SMEs Interest rates…
More episodes of The Go Radio Business Show with Hunter & Haughey. Scotland’s Business Podcast.
- Hunter and Haughey Return: The Big Questions Facing Scotland's Economy
- Economic Debate in Focus: Are Policymakers Listening?
- From Skills Gaps to AI Hype: The Reality Behind Scotland’s Growth
- Scaling Scotland: Opportunity vs Reality
- Vision vs Execution: Can Scotland Deliver?
- Build Wealth or Fall Behind
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