South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has criticised the budget passed by the SNP with the support of the Greens, saying it penalises workers, cuts council budgets and puts up taxes leaving the public paying more and getting less.
Among the controversial policies in the budget is the proposal to introduce a Car Park Tax that could charge commuters paying hundreds of pounds a year to park at work.
There’s widespread concern that if councils implement the tax, workers, particularly in rural areas like Ayrshire, will be hardest hit because poor local public transport means there’s no practical alternative to driving.
After voting against the budget plans, Brian is calling on Ayrshire councils to rule out introducing the levy, which he says is a risk to the local economy and an unnecessary additional tax on hard work.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“However the SNP try and dress this budget up, it’s obvious to everyone that it’s a mess. Thanks to the Scottish Government ring-fencing much of the money they give to councils, councils are being forced to make significant cuts to balance the books. This leaves councils little option but to put up council tax rates to protect services.
As part of their deal with Greens, the SNP has agreed an ill-thought out Car Park Tax.
Handing councils this power makes a mockery of local government. It’s like giving someone an anvil and saying they have the power to drop it on their foot. If Ayrshire councillors have any sense, they’ll take one look at this policy and bin it.
This budget was more about buying the Scottish Greens support than it was about improving local services, growing the economy or delivering a good deal for taxpayers.”
