Scottish Greens will not back SNP budget without big changes
The Scottish Greens cannot back the SNP’s proposed budget as things stand. The plans published today do not go far enough to protect local services like schools or to tackle the climate crisis, says the Scottish Green finance spokesperson, Ross Greer MSP.
Mr Greer said:
“This budget fails to deliver on Green proposals like expanding free school meals for P6 and P7 or a price cap on bus fares. It slashes funding for core local services like schools and for key climate projects like the Nature Restoration Fund.
“The Government has agreed to more modest Green proposals like free ferry travel for young islanders, free bus travel for asylum seekers and higher tax on the purchase of holiday homes, but these measures are not nearly enough to make up for the cuts elsewhere. Big changes will be needed if they expect the Scottish Greens’ support.
“Green MSPs were proud to secure the expansion of universal free school meals to P4 and P5 a few years ago. We urged the Scottish Government to use this budget to complete the rollout, delivering free lunches to the many P6 and P7 children who need them. Sadly, they have not done that.
“This budget just does not solve the challenges faced by people and planet. Despite some positive features, it cuts vital public services at a time when they are needed more than ever.
“We are prepared to work with the SNP to make the big improvements the budget needs. Scotland’s communities and environment needs more from their Government than we have seen today.”