The Scottish Greens have announced their willingness to support the Scottish Budget under the condition that the SNP Government is willing to expand devolution and make use of tax powers. This comes after the breakdown of the Bute House Agreement earlier this year, which led to disagreements between the Greens and the government over policies such as peak rail fares.
In a debate in Holyrood, the Greens will push for the exploration of all avenues to fiscal sustainability, including the use of existing tax powers, reviewing tax reliefs for big businesses, and new powers for councils. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that spending does not undermine efforts to tackle child poverty and the climate emergency.
The Greens have stated that Scotland’s public finances are in a dire state due to cuts from Westminster, but the Scottish Government still has the power to make a difference. They are ready to cooperate with the SNP in making bold decisions to address child poverty and the climate crisis.
On the other hand, Labour is urging the government to reverse its decision to scrap the fuel insecurity fund, which supported vulnerable households over the winter. Labour proposes introducing a package of support for struggling families, including payments to low-income pensioners and targeted grants.
Overall, both the Greens and Labour are calling for action to address key issues affecting the people of Scotland and are willing to work with the government to make positive changes. By focusing on collaboration and bold decision-making, there is hope for progress in tackling important issues such as child poverty and the climate emergency.
