Stevenson Hails Passage of Third SNP Budget

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the passage of the SNP Government’s third budget since its election in 2007. The budget secured was successfully passed after only Labour MSPs chose to vote against its measures.

This is the first budget that will see a real terms decline in spending in Scotland for 17 years, with projects having to be prioritised as a result.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I welcome the fact that this year’s budget process has avoided the chaos we saw last year as an unfortunate result of the political games that some parties chose to play with people’s livelihoods. The fact that consensus could be reached with most parties is welcome, although the Labour party’s decision to opt for political posturing again was as predictable as it was disappointing.

“This budget was about setting priorities and protecting public services from the first real terms cut in spending since the advent of devolution. I believe that John Swinney struck that balance effectively and the passage of this budget is good news for people in Banff & Buchan.

“It will see NHS spending increase by 2.7% as the Scottish Government continues its efforts to improve the health of people in Scotland, while funding is again in place to continue the freeze on council tax which puts money back into people’s pockets during these difficult times.

“There is also funding to increase the thresholds on the small business bonus, one of the key measures that have helped small businesses in these difficult times, and more funding to cope with increased demand for college places. I am delighted that it has been passed and believe it sets the right priorities for spending in Scotland.”