Mackay says his Budget will protect public services

DEREK Mackay said his budget today will focus on investment on public service.

The Finance Secretary will deliver his third budget since taking over the role from John Swinney.

With the SNP in a minority government he needs support from other MSPs to get his plans through.

Mr Mackay, said he will “protect

The Greens are calling for local tax reform and said it is a “precondition” for the support of their six MSPs and warned the SNP has not indicated it will support the Greens priorities.

Patrick Harvie Green MSP for Glasgow said: “The constructive approach the Greens have taken in previous budgets has delivered an extra £330million for front line services such as schools and social care, but the vital public services and prioritise spending on health, education and economic investment”.

He added:“Our policies have already ensured that Scotland benefits from quality public services and our progressive reforms to income tax have protected those on the lowest incomes.”

Mr Mackay will set out his daraft

government cannot continue to stall on giving local councils the ability to raise the funds they need in a fairer way to meet growing demand.

“Whatever spending plans and income tax rates the SNP set out, they know that they need to commit to longerterm reform of local tax if they want the Greens to enter formal talks.”

The Conservatives said Mr Mackay must not give in to spending plans today and then engage in talks with leaders and finance spokesmen and women from other parties on his proposals before a final debate and vote is taken early next year.

Last year it was passed with support from the Scottish Greens after talks about local Government finance.

‘‘ The SNP government must act to protect working people in Scotland

Green demands and instead want tax cuts, through increasing personal allowance thresholds like in England to ensure there are equal tax rates across the UK.

The LibDems have said they will not take part in budget talks unless the SNP call an end to the campaign for independence and the also want more money for mental health services and teachers’ pay.