Alasdair Allan, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has expressed his concern at the UK Labour Chancellor’s announcement that she will delay her Budget Statement until 26th November 2025.
The UK Budget includes the block grant for Scotland, which the Scottish Government uses as its main source of income to allocate towards Scotland’s public services.
Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Shona Robison has warned this delay would probably make it impossible for her top present the Scottish budget before Christmas.
Allan commented:
“Once again, Scotland is nothing more than an afterthought for this UK Labour Government.
“Unlike a normal parliament, Holyrood is heavily dependent on decisions made elsewhere about what it has to spend on public services.
“Labour have lost all credibility to demand government delivery if they willingly delay what’s Scotland’s future budget will actually be.
“However, given the UK Chancellor didn’t even notify the Scottish Government of its delayed Budget, it’s clear this was not a priority for Westminster.
“Scotland’s finance powers need to change, and that change will only come with independence. With the powers of an independent country, Scotland will have the full fiscal powers to borrow and invest to put our needs first, not Westminster’s”
ENDS
