McArthur comments on the Scottish Government budget

Commenting on the vote today in the Scottish Parliament on the Scottish Government’s budget, Orkney‘s MSP Liam McArthur said:

“This budget is one of deep cuts across the board. The Finance Secretary talks about values but her budget reflects the choices made by this Scottish Government and the holes this has left in the public finances.

“The squeeze on local councils, who provide crucial public services, has made worse by the First Minister’s reckless decision to freeze council tax. COSLA have rightly condemned this ‘power grab’ which strips powers and resources from local authorities.

“Elsewhere, mental health funding has been cut in real terms, in the face of a mounting epidemic of poor mental health. Meantime, investment to address the climate and housing emergencies has also been reduced.

“These cuts will have a real and serious impact on individuals, households, businesses and communities across Scotland. This is not a budget that I and my Scottish Liberal Democrat colleagues can support.”