SNP-Green alliance sees Scottish budget passed at Holyrood

Kate Forbes says Public services will be the winner in the budget

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said the deal struck between the SNP and the Greens will deliver “first class public services.” Other opposition parties opposed the agreement, with the Tories warning that it will mean Scots paying higher taxes than elsewhere in the UK.But it went through by 63-58 after a vote last night. The deal struck between the Government and the Greens will see the introduction of free bus travel for under 19s from next year and extra cash for local councils. Ms Forbes said the spending plans for 2010/21 will “deliver certainty for our vital public services and local government.”She added: “It supports our ambitious plans to accelerate Scotland’s transition to a net-zero economy and provides a record £15 billion investment for health and social care.“It will also help us tackle inequalities, deliver first-class public services and ensure no taxpayer in Scotland will pay more income tax on their current income.“I now hope the UK Government will deliver on its promises in their overdue budget next week.”The income tax plans in the budget were approved by MSPs yesterday and will see all five Scots income tax rates at the same rate as last year. The thresholds for the lower “basic” and “intermediate” rates will rise in line with inflation, but the “higher” and “top” rates – starting at £43,431 – have been frozen.It means about 19,000 Scots getting even a modest pay rise will be sucked into the higher rate, paying up to £149 extra. About 370,000 existing higher and top rate earners will see an increase of £149.Tory finance spokesman finance secretary Donald Cameron said: “This is yet another “pay more, get less” budget from the SNP.“This budget categorically fails to meet the needs of the people and businesses of Scotland.”“We wanted fair funding for Local Government, but they are now facing a £205million real terms cut. Labour had been calling for free bus travel to go further and apply to all Scots under the age of 25.Finance spokeswoman Rhoda Grant said: “This budget is damaging.”