Lib Dems vote against 'weak and ineffective' SNP budget

9.54.22pm GMT Wed 14th Jan 2009

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Tavish Scott with local parliamentary candidate Kevin Lang. The Lib Dem income tax cut would give an average household £333.

Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament have spoken out against the SNP Scottish Government's budget for failing to do enough to help people during the economic downturn. Lib Dem MSPs were the only ones to vote against the budget, with Labour and Tories voting with the SNP.

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. However, the SNP refused.

As a result, Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament 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."

Kevin Lang, local parliamentary candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith added:

"People in Edinburgh North & Leith are being hit hard by the current economic situation. We have seen staff working at Woolworths on Constitution Street and Raeburn Place lose their jobs and a cloud stills hangs over many affected by the takeover of HBOS.

"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 Edinburgh and Scotland at this difficult time, which is why they 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."