Cuts By Any Other Name Are Still Cuts In Public Services

2nd September 2024

Read his from Scottish Government issued today. Do the first and last sentences add up.

Plans to deliver a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland despite difficult financial challenges will be announced by First Minister John Swinney this week.

The First Minister will this week deliver his first Programme for Government since taking office, laying out how the Scottish Government will focus on improving the lives of the people of Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney said, ""Against a challenging financial backdrop this year's Programme for Government will set out clear actions to deliver real change for the people of Scotland.

"The Prime Minister was clear last week that the UK Budget, to be delivered in October, will be painful, and the reality is that the UK's finances will inevitably affect the funding available to us here in Scotland. Their decisions mean tough decisions ahead for Scotland.

Well it depends on your perspective - glass half full or glass half empty.
From the UK government last week we had the Prime Minister Keir Starmer tell us there was going to be more pain. Well they already made an early start by cancelling Winter Heat payments for anyone not receiving Pension Credits.

The competition between both our government to see who can deliver the most pain is going to make this week one of the worst this year.