McMillan Questions Opposition Finance Plans

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has questioned the opposition party spending plans as they all back increasing council tax on pensioners whilst supporting lower tax payments from supermarkets.
Labour and the Lib Dems voted against the SNP Government's council tax freeze in the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee, while Labour voted with the Tories and Lib Dems against plans to introduce a small levy on supermarkets to support public services and small businesses.

However, no party produced alternative spending proposals or explained how they would replace the £30 million due to be collected from supermarkets.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I find it incredible that Labour and the Lib Dems voted to make pensioners pay more tax and big businesses less. Not to mention the Tories failing to say how they would pay for the £30 million shortfall without the large retail levy. Would they impose even more public service cuts?
Add to this that none of the opposition parties have put forward alternative spending proposals and you see an opposition with no clear future agenda for Scotland.

"In contrast John Swinney and the SNP have put forward a balanced budget for Scotland that spares our pensioners and families from council tax rises in order to help household budgets and redresses the balance for business with a small levy on supermarkets.

"A Labour budget would cut £30 million more from public spending and increase council tax by hundreds of pounds while letting large supermarkets off the hook. Scotland simply can't afford Labour.

"Without the council tax freeze over the last four years people in Inverclyde would now be paying around £295 a year more than they are now.
"The SNP is the only party firmly supporting Scottish households and small businesses as well as investing in jobs and public services."