Labour Fail in Opposition – Independent Budget Review

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has commented on the Independent Budget Review, which does not reflect the Scottish Government position, published by Crawford Beveridge yesterday (Thursday 29 July).

The report covers a number of areas including the public spending environment, efficiency, workforce, protected services and the potential privatisation of Scottish Water. The privatisation of Scottish Water is strongly opposed by the Scottish Government and the SNP.

The review acknowledges the Scottish Government has exceeded their efficiency targets, that the council tax freeze was fully funded and it strongly supports the existence of the Scottish Futures Trust, and calls on its remit to be expanded.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This report exposes the true extent of Labour’s shambolic handling of the UK budget as well as the damage the Con-Dem coalition government’s quick and deep cuts will have on Scotland.

"Labour are responsible for two-thirds of the cuts coming our way yet are desperate to avoid saying what they would do if still in power – a monumental failure in opposition.

"All the parties in opposition in Scotland have put our public sector and incredibly important public services in danger – if only Labour would grow up and join in the real discussion on what we can do to minimise their legacy of lost jobs and financial ruin.

"I would encourage the Labour party to scrap their unworkable extra spending pledges and set out their position on the review’s recommendations.

"If ever there was a case for Scotland to be in control of our own spending this is it. Labour and the other parties cannot possibly defend a chaotic record on finance in the face of this review".