Budget must deliver for people and planet to gain Green support
The SNP faces a choice between working with the Scottish Greens to deliver a progressive budget that invests in tackling the climate crisis and lifting children out of poverty, or lurching further to the right and caving to the Lib Dems’ anti-independence demands.
Green MSPs have set out a range of budget priorities, including increased investment in climate action and local council services, the expansion of free school meals for P6 and 7 pupils and the introduction of a £2 bus fare cap.
The party has also proposed further revenue raising measures such as a ‘Mansion Tax’ on the sale of homes worth over a million pounds and cutting tax breaks for shooting estates.
Green finance spokesperson, Ross Greer MSP said:
“The First Minister has a clear choice to make.
“Will he work with the Scottish Greens to deliver a progressive budget that delivers for people and planet, or will his government move further to the right and cave-in to the Liberals’ anti-democratic demand that the Scottish Government no longer even talk about independence?
“We need urgent action to tackle child poverty, including the expansion of free school meals to Primary 6 and 7 pupils and a £2 bus fare cap to support families who are struggling with the cost of living.
“Many of the services we all rely on, like schools, social care and bin collections are delivered by our local councils. Increasing funding for councils will also be crucial if the SNP want Green support for their spending plans.
“In last year’s budget the Scottish Greens secured a record £4.7 billion for climate and nature work. That meant funding for cheaper public transport, more green jobs, nature restoration projects, cycling infrastructure and more. That is the minimum amount we will need to see again this year. Our climate is breaking down around us, there can be no going backwards.
“If the First Minister is prepared to be brave and bold, the Scottish Greens are prepared to work with him to agree a budget which will protect people and planet.”