SNP not matching rhetoric with economic reality

The SNP's spending review demonstrates that they are not matching rhetoric with reality.

Gavin Brown MSP, Scottish Conservative Economy Spokesperson, said:

"This is a smoke and mirrors budget from the SNP. As the UK Government pointed out, spending on frontline public services will be reduced by less than in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. The SNP is double dealing - when they talk about money from Westminster they use real terms but when it's their budget they talk about cash terms.

"More worrying is the amount of information the SNP has hidden with spin. Their own document calculates a £1bn reduction in real terms for local government. They have completely backtracked on their pledge of four years ago to increase teacher numbers. They are making cuts to enterprise, innovation, the third sector, Skills Development Scotland, higher and further education and housing and regeneration.

"John Swinney has piled huge pressure on himself and local authorities by refusing to identify where real savings can be made. Our fully costed spending plans at the recent election would have saved money through cutting absenteeism, reforming Scottish Water and ending free prescriptions for the wealthy, to name but a few.

"It is worth noting there will be an increase in cash terms to the Total Scottish Government Budget every year up to £35.2bn, which is the highest ever figure. We will judge the SNP by what is in their budget document, not their crafty spin. The SNP's reality does not live up to their rhetoric and they are being found out."

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