Labour budget “an end to austerity” says West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister

Labour’s budget signals an end to austerity, according to West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently unveiled the spending plans, which include the largest budget ever for the Scottish Government under devolution, an increase in the minimum wage, and extra financial support for pensioners.

The budget also includes uprating working-age benefits in line with inflation, reducing debt repayments on Universal Credit, and closing tax loopholes. McAllister praised the budget, highlighting the significant benefits it will bring to communities in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland.

The Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, welcomed the budget as a positive step forward, noting the increased investment in infrastructure. However, she raised concerns about ongoing cost pressures and the impact of changes to employer national insurance contributions on public sector finances.

Labour’s commitment to improving public services and supporting low-income households was reiterated by MSP Jackie Baillie. The £3.4 billion additional funding for Scotland was seen as a crucial opportunity to address key priorities like healthcare and affordable housing.

However, there was dissatisfaction in the Scotch whisky industry over the increase in duty on spirits, with Nuno Teles from Diageo Great Britain expressing disappointment at the broken promise to support the industry.

In summary, Labour’s budget aims to usher in a new era of economic growth and investment in public services, with a focus on supporting working people and ending austerity. The reception to the budget has been mixed, with praise for its positive aspects tempered by concerns about ongoing financial challenges and industry-specific impacts like the duty increase on spirits.