Cash should remain in Scotland demands MSP

The SNP has called for all money raised through fines to remain in Scotland to help tackle crime.

The party highlighted figures which show almost £113.3 million was held by the Treasury between 2007-8 and 2010-11.

Highlands regional MSP John Finnie, who is a former police officer, said the money could have been ploughed back into anti-crime initiatives.

“Under Treasury rules, money raised from fines goes straight to the Treasury instead of staying in Scotland,” he said.

“I am urging for cross-party support to get the UK government to change this system so Scotland is armed with the tools it needs to clamp down on the scourge of crime.”

Mr Finnie, who sits on Holyrood’s justice committee, said justice secretary Kenny MacAskill agrees the money should be kept in Scotland to target specific areas.

“It doesn’t make sense to fine Scots for breaking the rules and send that money to Westminster when it can be put back into helping the people of this country to stop flouting the law and supporting victims of crimes,” Mr Finnie added.

A Treasury spokeswoman said: “This income goes towards supporting public services across the UK, including in Scotland.”

ANDY PHILIP