SNP plans 'woefully inadequate' as Scottish Parliament votes down Budget.

8.33.09pm GMT Wed 28th Jan 2009

Liberal Democrat Leader Tavish Scott said the SNP budget 'failed to address the economic crisis facing Scotland'.

The Scottish Parliament today voted down the SNP Scottish Government's budget, described by Scottish Lib Dem Leader, Tavish Scott as 'woefully inadequate to tackle the economic crisis."

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

"We warned the SNP that this Budget was an inadequate response to the recession. Today's GDP figures, showing the scale of the economic downturn in Scotland, confirm this.

"We warned that without the radical changes necessary to support the economy, we would vote down this Budget.

"John Swinney must now bring forward a Budget that is a real response to the economic storm. We are ready to talk about how we can build a better budget that helps families, individuals and businesses. I have asked for a meeting with the First Minister and other party leaders so that we can work together to make this happen."

Liberal Democrat Holyrood candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Alex Cole-Hamilton said,

"The SNP Government had an opportunity to bring forward a radical set of policies to help families who are struggling with the economic crisis. Instead, they chose to tinker at the edges, failing to provide the real tax cuts that would put more money into the pockets of those on low and middle incomes.

"The Conservatives were clearly happy to yet again support the Nationalists' spending plans. However, the Liberal Democrats believe the Scottish people deserve better and will fight for a better deal over the coming days."