Stephen Flynn and the SNP are urging the UK Government to prioritize funding for Scotland’s NHS over further tax cuts for struggling Scots.
They are making a final plea to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of his Spring Budget, asking him to use available fiscal headroom to support public services and households facing the cost of living crisis.
Reports suggest that the UK government is considering cutting National Insurance by another 2p, following a similar cut in the autumn budget.
This move would benefit workers across the UK, including in Scotland. However, the SNP is concerned that it would exacerbate the tax divide between Scotland and England, with Scots earning more than £28,500 potentially paying more in taxes than their counterparts south of the border.
Stephen Flynn (Credits: Scottish Daily Express)
Scottish Tories, led by Alister Jack and Douglas Ross, have been advocating for this tax cut to be implemented instead of slashing income tax, which is a devolved tax. They argue that this would not increase the tax burden in Scotland.
However, implementing the National Insurance cut could pose difficulties for Douglas Ross, as it would be funded by increasing the windfall tax on energy companies operating in the North Sea. Mr. Ross has lobbied against this increase, citing the need for certainty for oil and gas companies.
SNP’s Stephen Flynn and Shona Robison are calling for a different approach in response to these proposals. They argue that instead of cutting taxes, they should focus on investing in public services like the NHS, supporting households, and boosting economic growth.
They are urging the Chancellor to deliver a £15 billion funding boost for the NHS and to tax the super-rich to provide a £400 annual energy bill discount for households.
The SNP challenges the Chancellor to prioritize public services and economic growth over austerity measures. They believe investing in green energy and rejoining the EU single market will benefit Scotland’s economy and families.
Unlike the Tories and Labour, the SNP is committed to upholding Scottish values and demanding the best deal for Scottish families.
