Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD COMMENTS ON SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET FOR A FAIR SCOTLAND

Moray’s MSP has responded to the SNP Scottish Government’s draft budget that will protect families and public services against rising interest rates and a 40 year high rate of inflation against a backdrop of poor political decisions by the UK Government and the war in Ukraine.

The current financial difficulties facing Moray families and businesses have been compounded by an awful Brexit and catastrophic Tory mini-budget announced when Liz Truss was PM that was later reversed.

The acting Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, John Swinney, announced his budget, which focuses on three strongly linked priorities - eradicating child poverty, strengthening public services and moving towards a net zero economy.

Mr Swinney announced funding of over £19.2 billion for the NHS and social care sector, an investment of £4.2 billion in education and an additional £550 million for local government within the Scottish Government’s £59.8 billion budget.

MSPs will vote on the draft budget proposals next month.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said:

“This budget has been delivered against a backdrop of exceptionally difficult economic circumstances as households and families across Moray continue to battle surging energy prices, raging inflation and the damaging impacts of Brexit and the Tory Government’s disastrous handling of the economy.

“The Scottish Government have listened to the views of business, trade unions, the third sector and many other stakeholders to safeguard Scotland in these difficult times.

“The Finance Secretary made clear that he would like to do more but the Tory made cost of living crisis has laid bare the financial constraints of devolution given the Scottish Government cannot borrow to increase day to day expenditure when times are hard to assist the country through these difficult days. The absence of a sympathetic or supportive Government at UK level has led to difficult choices being made.

“I’m glad to see the Scottish Government continue investing in public services, including our NHS and schools, for the challenges ahead and are supporting households with an uplift to all Scottish Government benefits matching September’s inflation rate.

“I sincerely hope that MSPs from all political parties will back this Budget, which will support our public services and vulnerable families across Moray as well as supporting the transition towards a net zero economy.

“Any opposition politician that wants more cash spent in any given area must explain how that can be raised or what should be cut.”