SNP budget fails Scotland

21 Feb 2019

The Scottish Conservatives have voted against the SNP’s budget, as it will widen the tax gap with the rest of the United Kingdom, impose a Car Park Tax, increase council taxes and reduce local government budgets.

The budget passed with the support of the Greens and the SNP.

Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary said:

“Both the Finance Secretary and the First Minister told opposition parties throughout the budget process that every penny in their budget had been accounted for.

“And yet we now know that SNP knew about additional UK money six days prior to the debate in this Parliament: money amounting to an additional £148m.

“This is a budget that unnecessarily slashes local government, increases council taxes, widens the tax gap with the rest of the UK and penalises workers via the Car Park Tax.

“This is a budget that fails to revitalise Scotland’s economy which would sustainably increase tax revenues and support public services.

“The Scottish Conservatives reject this omnishambles budget which forces hardworking families to pay more and get less.”