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Despite accusations of scaremongering over council tax assistance, the first budget of the new Scottish Government received the support of Parliament. The Budget, which includes a ‘record' investment in local government, including £70m to freeze council tax, was described by finance secretary, John Swinney, as a budget for ‘growth and prosperity'. Other areas in Scotland to benefit from the budget are public transport, the police service and community recycling projects. ‘I am delighted the budget will ensure we can deliver policies which will freeze the council tax, increase funding for local government, secure jobs and boost investment in the voluntary sector, as well as delivering vital infrastructure projects and support for Scottish business,' said Mr Swinney. But, during the final debate on the Bill, Mike Rumbles, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP, accused the minister of scaremongering when he highlighted the ‘serious consequences' for the Scottish economy and public services, if the Bill was not passed. ‘Council tax increases would be inevitable,' said Mr Swinney. ‘On average, councils would need to impose a massive 22% rise in council tax to deliver that increase. ‘Any member voting against the budget is sending a message to their constituents that they want Scottish taxpayers burdened with a record tax increase. ‘ The Budget includes: ‘record' local government investment, including £70m to freeze council tax £23.5m to begin the process of recruiting an additional 1,000 police officers funds to abolish the graduate endowment fee, and investment of £29m to begin the phased transition from student loans to grants £41.1m to take Scotland closer to becoming a zero-waste society, including £2.5m for community recycling projects £90m this year to reduce waiting times.

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WHITEHALL

Scots budget confirms freeze on council tax

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