Swinney in call for all parties to back budget

Finance Secretary John Swinney has urged MSPs to support the Scottish Government's spending plans, as the Budget Bill for 2011/12 was officially published.

The Bill, which reflects the 33.6 billion spending proposals outlined in November's draft budget, includes plans to freeze council tax, maintain police numbers, a pay freeze for public sector workers earning over 21,000, protection of NHS services, and an increased tax for Scotland's biggest retailers.

The draft budget has already been scrutinised by Holyrood's finance committee, which has called for the government to explain how its proposals support increasing economic growth.

The committee has also asked for an indication of how many public sector jobs will be lost "as a consequence", and an explanation of the long-term impact on services such as free prescriptions and concessionary travel.

Ministers were also asked to respond to criticism that protecting health service spending "gives priority" to protecting public services, rather than economic growth.

The committee's findings will be debated by MSPs when the Bill comes before the Scottish Parliament next week.

Mr Swinney said yesterday: "In the face of a swingeing 1.3 billion cut in Scotland's budget from Westminster, we have delivered a set of spending plans that not only balance the books, but also protect jobs and frontline services, promote economic recovery and provide vital investment in Scotland's transition to a low carbon economy.

"The plans we have published today are consistent with the draft budget published last year. We believe these plans represent the best way forward to promote economic recovery and protect frontline services.

"But, as a minority government, we seek to build consensus across Parliament."

Mr Swinney said he had already had discussions with opposition parties.