Deputy First Minister John Swinney was right to say last week that the Budget he announced for next year was “bleak”. His decision to raise income tax rates for the better off, while justified, will also hit the incomes of middle income families who are not rich.
The settlement for local government also looks miserly and will likely lead to job losses and service cuts. Paying more to get less is nobody’s idea of fun.
Answers must also be provided about the outcomes linked to the extra cash for the NHS. Therefore it is essential the Government, when asking people to pay a bit more, ensures its own house is in order.
