Salmond to pledge commitment to universal services

ALEX Salmond will use a speech to Scotland’s Trade Union conference today to issue a rallying cry to the Left, backing the country’s host of universal benefits and assuring union leaders of a strong say after independence.

The First Minister will argue that a “national commitment” to universal services is required at a time of economic hardship, citing the SNP Government’s commitment to pay student tuition fees from taxpayers’ money.

He will contrast his approach with Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont who used a speech last year to question whether benefits such as free prescriptions and free tuition fees could continue to be afforded when deepening public sector cutbacks were damaging basic health care and education.

Mrs Lamont warned then that an independent Scotland could not “be the only something for nothing country in the world” by guaranteeing high levels of welfare on low taxation.

But Mr Salmond will argue that Scotland is a “something for something” country, where “people contribute to the common good and are entitled to expect something in return.”

He will add: “As the STUC knows, and has a proud history of showing, a country and an economy is about more than those who are in work. Our children, our students, our older people and those who are not fortunate enough to be in work are all important members of 
society, and it is my firm belief that everyone contributes.”

He will go on: “When many individuals and families across Scotland are seeing their household budgets pressed harder than ever, it is my belief that our national commitment to universal benefits should be stronger than ever.”

The Scottish Government has also stood by universal benefits including the council tax freeze, concessionary bus travel for over-60s, free personal care for the elderly, and free eye tests.

However, a Labour review is warning that the cost of such benefits has risen from £537 million in 2007 to £1.387 billion last year.