LIB DEMS VOTE AGAINST SNP'S 'INADEQUATE' BUDGET

5.10.00pm GMT Wed 14th Jan 2009

Liberal Democrats have today (Wednesday) voted in the Scottish Parliament against the SNP Government's proposed Budget, calling it "an inadequate response to the economic crisis engulfing Scotland".

This followed the refusal last week of the SNP to even consider Liberal Democrats plans to cut personal tax which would £300 back into the pockets of hard pressed families and individuals

Iain Smith, local MSP for North East Fife said:

"People in here in North East Fife are being hit hard by the current economic situation. Job losses at Kettle Produce, the closure of Curtis Fine Papers and indeed Woolworths are prime examples of this.

"Liberal Democrats are the only party in Scotland calling for a personal tax cut that will put money back into the pockets of these hard pressed families and individuals.

"Today, every MSP in the Scottish Parliament had a chance to stick up for Scots struggling in the face of an economic storm. The SNP's Budget is not the radical solution necessary to support North East Fife and Scotland at this difficult time, which is why we voted no. We remain open to working with the Government, but so far their approach has been worryingly complacent.

"Unlike the other parties, Liberal Democrats will not settle for the scraps from the Government's table, but will continue to challenge Scottish Ministers to make a major change to their spending plans as the process continues.

Commenting, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland Tavish Scott said:

"No other Government, national or devolved, in Western Europe has made such a meager response to this economic storm.

"High streets, businesses and families who are hurting know that the SNP's response is woefully inadequate."

ENDS