The Scottish Government announced a “budget of economic recovery”, says local SNP MSP Derek Mackay.

The Scottish Budget sets out new investment in transport, housing and health, as well as an additional 19.5 million pounds in our young people, through maintaining top-up funding for student support. There will also be an additional 8 million pounds next year to the Scottish Funding Council to help colleges play their part in delivering Opportunities for All commitments.
 
Despite cuts in Scotland’s budget, including the removal of 6.7 billion pounds in real terms from the capital budget over four years, the Budget Bill 2012-13 allocates 28.3 billion pounds of public spending.

Commenting, Mr Mackay said;
“This Governments financial programme is one that will step up change in how public services do business.
 
“I was delighted to vote for a budget that has economic recovery and growth at its very heart. I believe that that is why the people of Renfrewshire, indeed the people of Scotland, voted SNP; to steer our economy to recovery.
 
“A shared, positive focus delivered on children, young people and spending will help make a decisive difference. And with a budget for Renfrewshire over £335 million, giving £1976 per head, this is exactly the kind of focus that Renfrewshire needs right now what with the social and economic challenges it faces.
 
“Of course one of the biggest issues that many have been paying close attention to is support for students. Students from all across my constituency have been emailing as part of the Our Future, Our Fight campaign, and they are to be congratulated for the determination.
 
“My constituency is home to Reid Kerr College, and I pay close attention to issues which could affect one of the largest and most important institutions in Renfrewshire, so I am delighted that John Swinney announced this additional funding to the Scottish Funding Council, and that they will repeat the 2012-13 top up funding for student support provided in 2011-12.
 
“The Scottish Government has promised a job, training or education place for every 16 to 19 year old.  Locally, Renfrewshire Council’s budget includes money to implement policies aimed particularly at those young people aged 19 to 24, to encourage local employers to take on young staff; to look at a range of issues to improve the chances of young people being employed and to develop pride in Renfrewshire and all our young people by bringing businesses and the council together to help solve this issue.  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.
 
“This budget statement by the Finance Secretary will go a long way to easing the worries of the large number of my constituents. My only disappointment today was that, despite Mr Swinney taking into account concerns raised by both these parties, both Labour and the Conservatives decided to vote against this budget. I suspect many of my constituents, especially students who fought with such determination prior to the budget for such measures will now be emailing those MSPs who voted against this budget asking them why.
 
“This is a budget for growth that puts the interests of our economy, our public services and the people of Scotland first.
 
“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 380 million pounds capital consequentials for 2012-2015 are allocated as below:
 
* Local Government: 94 million pounds - including 40 million pounds to support digital in rural areas,
 
* Affordable housing : 45 million pounds;
 
* Housing loans and equity: 42 million pounds;
 
* NHS capital maintenance: 60 million pounds;
 
* Digital Infrastructure: 28.3 million pounds;
 
* Roads projects: 72 million pounds;
 
* Sustainable and active travel: 13 million pounds;
 
* Modernisation of the prison estate: 20 million pounds;
 
* Culture projects and maintenance 5 million pounds;
 
* Asset Management: SFT to assist with disposals: 3 million pounds.