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Sirs,

Far too many families are struggling to live today due to Labour's disastrous economic decisions during their time in government. The current austerity cuts which Labour fully support are only going to get worse as Westminster cuts the Scottish block grant.

 

Labour's plans to help the growing number people struggling to live is to tax them at least another £300 under the guise of aiding councils. A major expenditure for councils are their PFI costs to pay for new schools etc. This Labour flagship policy has left councils with a £40 billion debt, which is being paid over a 30 year period. Councils have to pay excessive charges which are two to three times greater than normal building costs. These costs are a significantly high proportion of council budgets and must be paid before anything else. The only people to have gained from PFI are the builders who are greatly rewarded for in many circumstances sub-standard facilities.

 

This new tax is to pay for council services which we have already paid for and in usual Labour tradition will grow significantly. The reality of this tax is to pay for Labour's previous mistake and is directed at those who can least afford it. Big business will escape the charges with their tax avoidance schemes, while the wealthy will use their off shore tax havens. Why does Labour not support the proposals to slightly extend the national deficit and reduce the severity of the austerity cuts, easing the pressures on councils and ordinary people.

 

The SNP Scottish Government is committed to building new schools and hospitals. They will build more facilities for the same money by not involving loan sharks at exuberant interest rates in the manner Labour did.

 

Archie Harper

27 Shulishader

Point

Isle of Lewis

 

 

Letter: Disastrous economic decisions

 

29 April 2016