Scottish Budget 2023/24: Moray politicians have their say
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DEPUTY First Minister John Swinney set out the Scottish Government's fundraising and spending plans for 2023/24 yesterday.
The proposals will see income tax rise for all high earners with those earning at least £125,140 paying 47p in the pound income tax up from 46p.
Meanwhile, anyone earning between £43,663 and £125,139 will pay 42p up from 41p.
It was announced that local authorities will be given unlimited powers to increase council tax and that benefits will go up in line with the current rate of inflation.
Mr Swinney also announced funding of over £19.2 billion for the NHS and social care sector, an investment of £4.2 billion in education and an additional £550 million for local government within the Scottish Government’s £59.8 billion budget.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said that the budget had been delivered against a backdrop of "exceptionally difficult economic circumstances" but added that he was happy to see continued investment in public services.
Mr Lochhead said: “I’m glad to see the Scottish Government continue investing in public services, including our NHS and schools, for the challenges ahead and are supporting households with an uplift to all Scottish Government benefits matching September’s inflation rate."
Meanwhile, Moray MP Douglas Ross criticised the decision to increase the higher rate of tax and added that the move will put people in Scotland at a disadvantage to their counterparts south of the border.
“The tax rises will hit many middle-earners in Moray who are key to our local economy’s future success and competitiveness," Mr Ross said.
“While John Swinney may have justified the tax rise by saying it will go to Scotland’s crisis-ridden NHS, it forms less than one per cent of health spending.
“He could have found this money without damaging Moray’s competitiveness with similar areas south of the border."
Mr Ross also attacked cuts to the rural affair budget labelling it a "significant blow" which he claims "totally ignores" the needs of rural communities like Moray.
He added: "Taken as a whole, this Budget is an anchor for future growth in Moray, rather than a springboard for it."
However, Mr Lochhead has urged fellow MSPs to back the budget adding that those wanting more money to be spent must explain how funds can be raised to support that investment.
“I sincerely hope that MSPs from all political parties will back this budget, which will support our public services and vulnerable families across Moray as well as supporting the transition towards a net zero economy," Mr Lochhead added.
"Any opposition politician that wants more cash spent in any given area must explain how that can be raised or what should be cut.”
MSPs will vote on the draft budget proposals next month.
