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Scottish government must end public sector low pay scandal, Labour urges

SCOTLAND’S budget unveiled today must support those in need and end the scandal of poverty pay, Labour has insisted, warning that 23,000 public-sector workers are earning below the national living wage.

The Scottish government’s budget for the next financial year will be set out this afternoon amid high inflation and energy prices.

Scottish Labour has warned that SNP Deputy First Minister John Swinney must address the priorities of the people and not those of nationalist politicians.

The party has previously called for a budget that meets five key tests to deliver for households and yesterday repeated its calls on the government to prioritise support for those most in need with measures to deliver a £100 water rebate with a freeze on charges, help for homeowners facing repossession, cancellation of school-meal debt and tackling the cost of commuting.

Scottish Labour finance spokesman Daniel Johnson said: “With Scotland’s finances in turmoil due to Tory and SNP incompetence, the need for a budget that delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland has never been greater.

“Scottish Labour is clear: the priority for this budget must be tackling the cost-of-living crisis by targeting support to those most in need and ending the scandal of poverty pay across the public sector.

“Every penny of spending in this budget must deliver value for money for the people of Scotland.”

Mr Johnson said that Mr Swinney must set out clearly how he will reduce waste and end spending to fix mistakes made by SNP ministers.

“Labour wants to get our economy growing so that we can improve wages and living standards across our country,” he said. “Scotland cannot afford another year of missed opportunities or SNP spin.”

Mr Johnson has written a letter to the Deputy First Minister ahead of his budget announcement to highlight the party’s calls.

It reads: “At [First Minister’s Questions] this autumn, [First Minister Nicola Sturgeon] pledged to open the books and be transparent with the budget process — Labour is holding the SNP government to this promise.

“While this year’s budget will not have the same scale as last year’s, it will be the second largest budget for the Scottish Parliament since its foundation.

“This is a substantial amount of money that must be used wisely in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.”

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