Listen
Public spending
08/08/2010
The Scottish Government will prioritise economic recovery, public services and cutting emissions as public spending is squeezed in the years ahead, Finance Secretary John Swinney said today.
Mr Swinney has responded to the Finance Committee's report on the 2011-12 Budget Strategy Phase and highlighted the Government's 'continued commitment to openness and transparency' in ensuring budget priorities are met.
Mr Swinney said:
"We have undertaken clear, consistent and early preparation to ensure we are able to address the very challenging financial climate that lies ahead due to spending cuts from the UK Government. Over the past three years we have tightened pay policy, reduced the number of public bodies, exceeded our ambitious efficiency targets, delivered procurement savings, reduced administration budgets and halved marketing spending.
"With Scotland's budget forecast to shrink by £3.7 billion in real terms over the next four years as a result of Westminster spending cuts, our budget priorities are to promote economic recovery, protect services on which the public depend and develop a low carbon Scotland.
"The Independent Budget Review, published last week, demonstrated an unprecedented level of openness and transparency in discussing these issues. It is prompting extensive debate on public spending options, exactly as it was intended to do.
"This Government will consider the feedback we receive from people around Scotland on the choices and challenges we face. We will participate fully in the public and Parliamentary scrutiny of the Budget proposals and look to Parliament and all political parties to engage effectively in this process.
"The financial situation we face underlines the need for an alternative future for Scotland - achieving the economic powers and financial responsibility which will give us the tools needed to change our present circumstances, enabling us to boost economic growth and generate additional tax revenues to invest in quality public services.
"The Scottish Government has credibility in dealing with the tough times caused by Westminster economic mismanagement and the ambition to take Scotland forward to better times with financial responsibility and independence."