SNP BUDGET OFFERS SPENDING BOOST.

SNP BUDGET OFFERS SPENDING BOOST.

LIB DEMS – “JOKERS IN THE PARLIAMENTARY PACK”.

SNP MSP and Finance Committee member Joe FitzPatrick today backed the Scottish Government’s budget as MSPs voted by 107 to 16 to accept the budget during the first of two parliamentary debates.

Speaking after the stage 1 vote Mr FitzPatrick said;

“Whilst the budget still has a further hurdle to clear this is a welcome sign that the Scottish Parliament can come together in the face of economic difficulties to support a budget for Scotland.

“It is unfortunate that at a time when we all parties are pulling together the Liberal Democrats insist on sticking to their ridiculous and uncosted plans to slash public spending at precisely the wrong time.

"The LibDems are out of step and out of time.

"Their tax and cuts policy is not only a bad idea it is an impractical one, that could not be implemented for atleast 12 months..

“Last year Iain Gray was the joker in the pack. This year that honour goes to Jeremy Purvis. He is the Budget Bill Joker in the Parliamentary pack.

“This budget will bring forward investment in infrastructure, will cut the rates for small businesses at the time they need it most and will support a continuing freeze in the council tax rates.

“Today’s vote is a welcome step and I hope parties will continue to work together to help Scotland’s economy during this difficult time.”