Swinney seeks consensus on budget

Jan 25 2012

The Scottish Government remains "eager to work constructively" with opposition parties on the Budget for the coming year, the Finance Secretary has said.

John Swinney set out the Government's spending proposals for 2012/13 in Holyrood, knowing that for the first time the SNP does not need opposition votes to pass its Budget Bill.

However, despite his calls for consensus, opposition parties were critical during the debate, with both Labour and the Conservatives saying the Budget did not do enough to address levels of unemployment, particularly among young people.

Mr Swinney said: "As in previous years, I am willing to consider alternative spending proposals, if other parties wish to advance them, provided that they are accompanied by proposals that identify from where necessary funding should be drawn."

He added: "This Government has taken the decisions to prioritise economic recovery, to ensure that Scotland is in a position to deal with the severe economic difficulties that we face, to build for the future and to ensure that our public services are supported in the years to come.

"That is the foundation of the Government's budget.

"The Government looks forward to the debate on this issue in the course of the next two weeks, to listening to the arguments of the opposition, to responding where there are constructive and positive suggestions, and delivering a budget that meet the needs of the people of Scotland."

The Budget Bill was published last Friday and reflects the Spending Review published in September. Wednesday's debate was the first of three stages required before it completes its passage through Holyrood.

The Bill includes resources to deliver 25,000 modern apprenticeships and a guaranteed training or learning opportunity for every 16 to 19-year-old.

It outlines infrastructure projects such as the new Forth Crossing and the new Glasgow Southern Hospitals project, as well as resources to continue the council tax freeze and maintain police and teacher numbers.