Local SNP MSP Derek Mackay has welcomed the Scottish Government’s spending review announcement by Finance Secretary John Swinney. 

Key commitments which are featured include: economic recovery, protecting frontline NHS, the Small Business Bonus, public sector reform, renewables, climate change, council tax freeze and police numbers.  Other key initiatives funded in this spending review include developing a Regeneration Strategy and promoting Scottish exports. 

The Finance Secretary clarified that this spending review marked a decisive shift towards preventative spending within Scotland, with the main focus on accelerating economic recovery and a key theme in supporting children and young people. 

The Scottish Government is leading an ambitious programme of public sector reform with the requirement to deliver savings as well as plans to deliver a Social Wage for the people.

NHS spending will also be protected by allocating an additional £826 million to the health revenue budget in Scotland over three years.  

And the maintained delivery of shared commitments such as the council tax freeze and police numbers will continue to have a positive impact on households.

Commenting, the SNP MSP and Finance Committee member said:

“This Governments financial programme is one that will step up change in how public services do business. 

“A shared, positive focus delivered on children, young people and spending will help make a decisive difference.  Looking after the next generation is exactly the kind of focus that Renfrewshire needs right now what with the social and economic challenges it faces.

“More support for young people and children and also new energy, whilst focussing on youth skills, employment and opportunities, will ensure that we don’t have a lost generation in these difficult financial times.  

“If we had access to Scotland’s immense resources we could do so much more; but with the tools at our disposal we can get Renfrewshire through these tough times.”

Notes:

The publication can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/21104525/0