PAY RISE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR WORKERS AND LOWER TAXES FOR 70% OF SCOTS
Published date : 20 Feb 2018
The Scottish Government’s budget protects low and middle income earners and delivers for public services and public sector workers, JENNY GILRUTH MSP for Mid Fife & Glenrothes has said as Stage 3 of the Budget (Scotland) (No.2) Bill is laid before the Scottish Parliament.
The budget delivers progressive reforms to Scotland’s income tax system, with modest increases on higher earners, while 70% of taxpayers will pay less than they did last year and 55% will pay less than the rest of the UK. Opinion polling found that Scots back the Scottish Government’s tax plans by 2 to 1.
The Budget will also deliver an additional £400 million for the NHS, an expansion in childcare, more spending on broadband, extra funding for our police and fire services,and a pay rise for hard-working public sector employees.
Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:
“This is a budget for a stronger economy and a fairer society – with increased funding for the NHS and protection for low and middle income earners.
“The Scottish Government is delivering lower income tax for 70% of Scots, with every worker earning less than £33,000 paying less in tax next year – while protecting public services across Mid Fife & Glenrothes that we all hold dear.
“This budget brings an additional £400 million to NHS Scotland, delivers a pay rise for public sector workers, £756 million for affordable homes, additional funding for the arts and culture sector, a £4 billion investment in infrastructure, including in superfast broadband, as well as significant investments in research, education and childcare.
“In the face of massive Westminster cuts, ongoing Tory austerity and a damaging hard Brexit –this budget provides investment to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.”
ENDS
Notes:
Draft Budget 2018/19 http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0052/00529171.pdf
https://news.gov.scot/news/scottish-income-tax-1
Local Reporters, East Fife Mail, Glenrothes Gazette, Courier (Fife), FINANCE & ECONOMY
