Scottish Government cuts

Sir,

Mr Harper (20/01/16) is wrong when he makes the claim that the SNP are an anti-austerity party. It is true that the Scottish block grant has been cut by the Tory government in Westminster but instead of using the powers available to them to avoid these cuts, the nationalist Scottish Government have simply decided to implement Tory austerity in Scotland.

They could have chosen to end their seven year council tax freeze, which has starved local authorities of funding, forcing them to make unnecessary cuts, but they didn’t. Those who have benefitted the most from the freeze have been the better off, while those who rely on public services have suffered. They could have chosen to increase the rate of income tax across all bands by 1%, but they didn’t. This could have raised over £400 million for the Scottish Government. Despite what the SNP say this would have been a progressive decision, with the amount of extra tax paid by each individual being proportional to their income.

Had the Scottish Government been bold and decided to increase these taxes it is likely that the Comhairle would not be forced to make these drastic cuts to public services. No councillor wants to reduce local services but when their funding has been reduced by so much they have very little choice. Mr Harper’s suggestion that these cuts are Scottish Labour’s fault is baffling.

The SNP talk about being anti-austerity but they refused to raise the revenue required to avoid cutting budgets. I do not support the cuts the Tory government has made to the Scottish budget and to services across the UK but instead of complaining about Westminster I would like to see something done. Austerity is a choice, the SNP have chosen to implement these cuts.

Donald MacKinnon

31 Arnol

Isle of Lewis

HS2 9DB

Letter: Scottish Government is responsible for cuts

24 January 2016