John Swinney will set out one of the most important budgets in the devolution era later today as thousands of Scots struggle to get by during one the worst cost-of-living crises in modern times.
Families up and down the country are facing a dire winter, with energy bills rocketing and inflation at record levels.
It is clear that now is the right time to take the tough decisions that are so badly needed.
Swinney has a massive headache on his hands as he attempts to balance the books while making sure public services are not starved of the investment they need.
Scottish ministers have been calling for borrowing powers to help fix the problems around public-sector pay and cuts to services.
Devolving more powers would help but Holyrood already has the levers at its disposal to tax the better off in society.
The top tax rate, which is currently 46p in Scotland, should rise for the highest earners, while the tax threshold should come down to match Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s announcement last month.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has talked about making the richest pay extra to fund vital public services. Now is the time for those with the broadest shoulder to do more.
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