SNP Budget risks anger and contempt

FINANCE Secretary Derek Mackay is clearly a politician skilled in the art of getting his excuses in early. More than a week before the publication of his draft Budget for the next year, he has already begun blaming Westminster for what is to come.

How predictable. How pathetic. Mr Mackay enjoys greater power than any of his predecessors. The SNP’s insistence on the transfer of decisions of tax and benefits from Westminster to Holyrood has resulted in a truly muscular devolution agreement.

But we’re bound to ask what, if the Finance Secretary is unable to use these powers to the advantage of Scots, was the point in handing them to the Scottish Government?

Mr Mackay bleats ‘Tory austerity’ is behind the plans he announces on December 14.

The Conservatives, not unreasonably, point out that a £2billion funding boost provided to Scotland by Chancellor Philip Hammond destroys the case for increased taxes. Yet Mr Mackay’s remarks suggest that service cuts and tax increases are on the way.

Let’s be clear – nobody but the Scottish Finance Secretary is responsible for decisions made by the Scottish Finance Secretary. If Derek Mackay hikes taxes for hard working families next week, he will provoke their anger. If he then points the finger of blame at Westminster, he will earn their contempt.