SNP to face vote of no confidence over Budget

THE Scottish Government will face a vote of no confidence in its Budget this week, as opponents round on the SNP’s tax and spending plans.

Scottish Labour will use its Holyrood debate on Wednesday to try to humiliate Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.

The Tories, Lib Dems and Greens will also attack plans they say will mean middle earners pay more tax yet will leave councils short-changed.

Labour will argue the Budget delivers a £700 million cut to local services. Even if councils impose the maximum 3 per cent council tax increase, it will raise only £77 million.

Scottish Labour finance spokesman James Kelly said: ‘Derek Mackay’s Budget as it stands does not halt austerity... It is not a spending plan Labour can support, so we will force a vote of no confidence in it.’

Labour plans to publish its no confidence motion tomorrow.

A spokesman for Mr Mackay said: ‘Labour will no doubt be voting with the Tories for this pathetic stunt, as the lines between the two parties become increasingly blurred... all parties should get behind these progressive plans.’