The SNP has announced that the Scottish Government is spending £56 million more mitigating the impact of Westminster policies under Labour than it did under the Conservatives, exposing what many see as Labour’s broken promise of “no austerity.”
Responding to a question in Holyrood from SNP MSP Jackie Dunbar on child poverty, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed that £210 million will be spent this year to counteract regressive Labour policies.
This figure includes over £99 million addressing the bedroom tax and benefit cap, £41 million allocated to the Scottish Welfare Fund, and £70 million above block grant funding for the Scottish Winter Fuel Payment.
The additional £56 million marks a stark increase in the Scottish Government’s spending to soften the blow of decisions made in Westminster. Since the SNP came to power, over £1.2 billion has been spent on mitigating policies imposed from London.
Opinion polls suggest a sharp decline in Labour’s support in Scotland, with many Scots expressing dissatisfaction with Labour’s performance since taking office in Westminster.
SNP MSP Jackie Dunbar did not hold back in her criticism of Labour’s failure to deliver for Scotland.
“Labour promised ‘change,’ but the only change they’ve delivered to Scotland has been change for the worse,” she said.
Dunbar highlighted the increased funding needed to address policies such as the bedroom tax and the scrapping of the Winter Fuel Payment, pointing to these as evidence that Labour is as damaging to Scotland as the Conservatives were.
“Voters in Scotland are fed up with Labour’s broken promises,” Dunbar added.
“If Labour aren’t fit for government in Westminster, they’re certainly not fit for government in Scotland.
“Only the SNP will stand up for Scotland against Westminster cuts, regardless of which party is in power.”
The £210 million expenditure includes crucial support to alleviate poverty and provide essential services.
These measures are seen as a lifeline for many households struggling with the effects of austerity-driven policies.
Critics argue that Labour’s actions in Westminster have fallen far short of their campaign rhetoric, particularly in addressing poverty and inequality.
For many Scots, the gap between Labour’s promises and their delivery has led to a sense of betrayal.
The SNP continues to position itself as the only party that will stand up for Scotland, taking concrete action to shield communities from policies imposed by Westminster.
With spending on mitigation rising year after year, the debate over Scotland’s future governance intensifies.
As Labour’s poll numbers slip further in Scotland, the SNP hopes to consolidate support by emphasising its commitment to protecting Scots from the economic and social impact of decisions made in London.
For now, it seems clear that many voters see Labour’s promise of change as little more than empty words.