Lib Dems Vote Down SNP'S 'Inadequate' Budget

6.00.00pm GMT Wed 14th Jan 2009

Liberal Democrats want a Budget that is a proper response to the recession.

The SNP's Budget choices have changed by less than one per cent to those in the 2007 Spending Review. Liberal Democrats believe that this is an inadequate response to the economic crisis engulfing Scotland.

Liberal Democrats met the SNP last week to urge the Finance Secretary to consider the principle of personal tax cuts, which would put over £300 back into the pockets of hard pressed families and individuals.

Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament have today (Wednesday) voted against the Government's Budget in the first stage of the process to agree Scotland's public spending.

Commenting, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland Tavish Scott said:

"No other Government, national or devolved, in Western Europe has made such a meagre response to this economic storm.

"High streets, businesses and families who are hurting know that the SNP's response is woefully inadequate."

Alison McInnes, local MSP for North East Scotland added

"People in Aberdeenshire are being hit hard by the current economic situation. The threatened closure of Inverurie Paper Mill will seriously affect the local economy.

"We believe cuts to local economic development budgets have been made over the last year with catastrophically bad timing.

"Liberal Democrats are the only party in Scotland calling for a personal tax cut that will put money back into the pockets of these hard pressed families and individuals.

"Today, every MSP in the Scottish Parliament had a chance to stick up for Scots struggling in the face of an economic storm. The SNP's Budget is not the radical solution necessary to support Aberdeenshire and Scotland at this difficult time, which is why we voted no. We remain open to working with the Government, but so far their approach has been worryingly complacent.

"Unlike the other parties, Liberal Democrats will not settle for the scraps from the Government's table, but will continue to challenge Scottish Ministers to make a major change to their spending plans as the process continues.

Ends.