Budget needs to get Scotland working again

Stage 1 of the Scottish Government's Budget Bill took place this afternoon.

Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said:

"This needs to be a budget for economic growth to get Scotland working again but it has fallen short so far. The unemployment rate in Scotland is rapidly increasing and now sits above the UK level. While unemployment is decreasing in Wales and Northern Ireland we are seeing more and more of our young Scots left without jobs.

"Improvements need to be made to this Bill that will put the economy front and centre. Instead of complaining about the powers they don't have the SNP should use the powers they already have through devolution to get Scotland working again.

"Many of the areas that support jobs, including housing and colleges, have been cut while the SNP wants to increase the burden on business and at the same time bring in a Scotland only retail tax.

"The Scottish Government admitted today it has additional money thanks to Barnett consequentials from the UK Government's Autumn Statement. This money, in addition to savings Scottish Conservatives have identified could be used to produce a budget that will deliver on growth and help get Scotland back to work."

Back to all posts