CALMAN COMMISSION MUST LIVE UP TO SCOTTISH BORROWING POWER RUMOURS.
Responding to a report in today’s Times that the Calman Commission may back borrowing powers for the Scottish Parliament SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said:
"This is a welcome step in the right direction, but we will have to wait to see if these rumours are substantiated in Calman's final recommendations and if the Prime Minister will be true to his word.
“However, as this recession highlights, borrowing powers alone are not the answer - Scotland needs to have the full complement of financial levers available to reflate the economy and provide the necessary fiscal stimulus.
“The SNP Government’s clear constitutional preference is for Scotland to take responsibility for its own affairs through independence, however, it is encouraging that parties across the Scottish Parliament now agree that without the power to borrow, the Scottish Government is operating with one hand tied behind its back.
“Following the disappointing first report from Calman’s economic advisers, I hope this time they will take a real look at the situation and see the logic of borrowing powers for the Scottish Government.
“With a UK Government currently refusing the flexibility required to spread payments for major infrastructure such as the Forth Bridge over 20 years borrowing powers offer that way forward.
“Local authorities across Scotland, the Northern Irish Assembly, Network Rail and even English parish councils have financial flexibility – the current situation in Scotland is simply absurd.
“We’ve got what it takes to run a strong and prosperous economy in Scotland and to manage Scotland’s finances in the interests of Scotland.
“As we head into a UK budget with potentially damaging implications for Scotland’s public services, there has never been a clearer example of the need for Scotland to have control of her own financial affairs.”
Responding to a report in today’s Times that the Calman Commission may back borrowing powers for the Scottish Parliament SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said:
"This is a welcome step in the right direction, but we will have to wait to see if these rumours are substantiated in Calman's final recommendations and if the Prime Minister will be true to his word.
“However, as this recession highlights, borrowing powers alone are not the answer - Scotland needs to have the full complement of financial levers available to reflate the economy and provide the necessary fiscal stimulus.
“The SNP Government’s clear constitutional preference is for Scotland to take responsibility for its own affairs through independence, however, it is encouraging that parties across the Scottish Parliament now agree that without the power to borrow, the Scottish Government is operating with one hand tied behind its back.
“Following the disappointing first report from Calman’s economic advisers, I hope this time they will take a real look at the situation and see the logic of borrowing powers for the Scottish Government.
“With a UK Government currently refusing the flexibility required to spread payments for major infrastructure such as the Forth Bridge over 20 years borrowing powers offer that way forward.
“Local authorities across Scotland, the Northern Irish Assembly, Network Rail and even English parish councils have financial flexibility – the current situation in Scotland is simply absurd.
“We’ve got what it takes to run a strong and prosperous economy in Scotland and to manage Scotland’s finances in the interests of Scotland.
“As we head into a UK budget with potentially damaging implications for Scotland’s public services, there has never been a clearer example of the need for Scotland to have control of her own financial affairs.”
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