ALBA: Scottish Budget Shows lack of intent on independence

BUDGET IS MISSED OPPORTUNITY ON SKY ROCKETING ENERGY COSTS AND CHILD POVERTY

WHILE NORTH EAST AND HIGHLANDS LET DOWN AGAIN OVER THE FAILURE TO FUND IN FULL THE DUALLING OF THE A9

“The decision to confirm the reallocation of funding for Independence referendum preparations shows the UK Government that the Scottish Government are bluffing when they say that independence is a priority.

“Rishi Sunak must be rubbing his hands over the thought that he’s not had to lift a finger to halt any attempts of the Scottish Government into forcing Westminster to concede a referendum on independence.

“This Budget shows a Finance Secretary tinkering at the edges and emphasises that it is time for new blood across the Scottish Government. It is now beyond any doubt that only with the powers of Independence and bold action from government can we truly transform Scotland.”

This was said by ALBA Westminster Group Leader Neale Hanvey MP responding to the Scottish Budget 2023-24 which past its final stage yesterday (Tuesday). Mr Hanvey continued:

“This Budget falls far short of providing the funds needed to support families facing skyrocketing energy costs. There is much more that could have been done to address the humanitarian and cost of living crisis facing every household in the land, as set out in the ALBA five point plan for tackling child and family poverty.

“The failure to increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 means the Government will continue to struggle to meet its own child poverty reduction targets.

“The Acting Finance Secretary has failed to utilise the full extent of the income tax powers available to create new bands within the higher rates. He is hurting middle income households such as nurses and teachers but ducking the challenge of creating a new tax band for those on £70,000 and over. As a price, households already struggling at the margins will be slammed with massive Council Tax rises imposed upon them all across Scotland.

“Raising the White Flag and refusing to fund in full the dualling of the A9 and A96 demonstrates that the people, businesses and communities of the North East of Scotland and the Highlands are continuing to pay a heavy and unacceptable price for the deal with the Greens.”