Budgets are failing local families
Over the last few weeks, I have spent a considerable amount of time in local supermarkets and shopping centres.
Not doing my own shopping – but holding advice surgeries at Morrisons in Paisley, Asda in Linwood and in the Piazza Centre.
To do the best job I can for local people, I need to hear the views and concerns of local residents so I can make sure they are heard in the Scottish Parliament.
The issues people raise with me vary. Anti-social behaviour has been a particular problem; so too is local bus services, parking charges in Paisley town centre and the need for investment in local schools.
But the biggest issues by far that are raised with me are the cost-of-living crisis and NHS waiting times.
People need change and positive action from both the UK and Scottish governments. Regrettably, though, it is unlikely this will happen anytime soon under the Conservatives and SNP.
The UK Government’s recent budget proved how out of ideas the Conservative government is after 14 years in power.
The Chancellor claims his government are cutting taxes for working people but the facts show that the tax burden for the average worker is now at a 70-year high.
Families across Renfrewshire are also facing higher food prices, higher mortgage payments and higher energy costs under this government.
In terms of tax, those with the broadest shoulders should pay more. For years the Tories claimed that plans to scrap the ‘non-dom’ tax loophole would not raise a significant amount of funds and it would cause these individuals to flee the country.
Well, I am pleased they have finally acted on this Labour proposal and the Chancellor has projected this could raise £2.7 billion per year.
It has also been clear for some time that there must be a windfall tax on the large oil and gas companies who are making eye-watering profits.
While the Conservatives are split on this, my Labour colleagues and I have been clear that we would implement a stronger windfall tax to invest in new green jobs and bring down bills.
The UK budget hasn’t been the only damaging budget that has been inflicted on Scotland over the last few weeks. The SNP Government’s ‘pay more, get less’ budget has been recently passed which will hit the people’s pockets and cut services at the same time.
The SNP oppose a proper windfall tax on oil and gas giants but want hard-working people in Renfrewshire to pay more tax. Those earning over £28,500 in Scotland are set to pay more tax than anywhere else in the United Kingdom.
Whether it be at Westminster or Holyrood, it is increasingly clear we have two tired parties who are letting the people of Scotland down after years in power.
This country deserves a government that will stand up for them and have fairness at the heart of its policies. And with a general election on the horizon, there will be a chance for the country to vote for that change.