THE IPPR report makes for grim reading. Scotland faces major cuts over the next five years. Those who will be hit hardest are those already with little.
If you needed proof of the UK Government’s priorities, the fact income tax cuts will disproportionately benefit the wealthiest should tell you all you need to know.
John Swinney faces difficult choices during his budget tomorrow. According to the IPPR, the overall cut to Scotland’s budget over the next four years cumulatively in real terms will be around 3.9 per cent. Increased income from business rates, as Scotland’s economy grows, may reduce this to 2.7 per cent.
The IPPR analysis further points out that once you take into consideration increased spending on the Scottish NHS, childcare and affordable housing, non-protected departments in Scotland could see spending fall by 10.7 per cent by 2020, effectively worth around £1.5 billion per year.
Analysts say the only way these cuts can be mitigated is by a one pence rise in the Scottish Rate of Income Tax.
Scotland faces cuts or tax hikes tomorrow. We encourage Swinney to choose wisely.
Scotland’s poorest households face 'double whammy' of cuts to services and benefits
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