Commenting on Scottish Government’s decision to make up to £500m of spending cuts, Laurie Macfarlane, Co-Director of Future Economy Scotland, said: 

“Upon taking office, the First Minister set out four missions: ending child poverty, strengthening the economy, delivering net zero and improving public services. The £500m of spending cuts announced today will critically undermine each of these goals.

"After more than a decade of austerity, many of Scotland's public services are already at breaking point, and household budgets have faced an unprecedented squeeze. Child poverty has increased, and net zero targets have been missed or abandoned. The lesson of the past decade is clear: Scotland can’t cut its way to a wealthier, fairer, greener economy.

"While Scotland’s fiscal pressures are partly a result of UK Government spending decisions, the Scottish Government is not powerless to act. The Finance Secretary could have harnessed devolved tax powers to raise revenue and offset the need for cuts. For example, research from the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) shows that replacing council tax with a progressive property tax could raise £1bn a year. Spending cuts are always a political choice – the Scottish Government should use its powers to avoid them."

ENDS

 

[1] To book an interview with a spokesperson, or for any other questions, please contact press@futureeconomy.scot or call 07909107890

[2] In the Scottish Government Pre-Budget Fiscal Update on 3 September the Finance Secretary Shona Robinson announced up to £500m of public spending cuts in response to budgetary pressures. For more information, see here: 

[2] Future Economy Scotland is a non-partisan think tank that aims to create a new economy that is democratic, sustainable and just. The organisation does not have a formal stance on Scotland’s constitutional future, and is not aligned to any political party or any politician. The organisation is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee operating with charitable principles. For more information, visit: www.futureeconomy.scot