The reality of the UK’s finances will inevitably affect the funding available to Scotland, the First Minister has said.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“The Chancellor has painted an appalling picture of the financial future facing the UK.
“By echoing the previous government’s fiscal rules, they are trapped into delivering massive spending cuts.
“We warned this was the reality and t that truth has been validated.
“Now, if they do not change course, the reality of the UK’s finances will inevitably affect the funding available to us here in Scotland.
“Their decisions mean tough decisions ahead for Scotland.
“What is particularly worrying is that the Chancellor announced she is not fully funding the public sector pay deals she has accepted.
“Instead, cuts are being demanded across most of Whitehall.
“That means that we will not receive full Barnett consequentials from these pay deals.
“The Scottish Government will prioritise action to tackle child poverty, grasp the opportunities of net zero and grow the economy by investing in public services and infrastructure.
“And, while we will work with the UK where we can, we will continue to argue they must drop the damaging cuts and set new spending rules that support investment.”
