Scotland is being shortchanged and sidelined by Westminster, the SNP has said after revealing Scotland’s block grant stands at its lowest ever level since devolution.
Analysis from the House of Commons Library revealed that, according to Autumn Statement plans, Scotland’s block grant will consist of only 3.5% of UK government spending in 2023/24 and 2024/25, after five years of cuts.
Ahead of the UK government budget the SNP called for a reversal of Tory cuts to Scotland’s budget and an uplift in the block grant to avoid further austerity.
Commenting, Pete Wishart MP said:
“Scotland is routinely treated with contempt by Westminster, and here we have even more proof that we are being shortchanged and sidelined.
“Scotland’s economy has taken a sharp hit from a combination of Westminster’s Brexit and Tory economic mismanagement – neither of which we voted for.
“To make significant cuts to the block grant after already imposing economic chaos on Scotland shows the UK government couldn’t care less about businesses and households here.
“Tory cuts are already causing hardship for people in Scotland – to the point the SNP Scottish Government has had to step in and spend billions to limit the damage being done to households.
“This cut to our block grant will make things worse.
“This isn’t a one-off, it’s part of a pattern – Westminster has repeatedly undermined Scotland and our government through economic mismanagement, austerity cuts, imposing Brexit or attempting power grabs.
“It’s clear that Westminster cannot be trusted to serve Scotland’s needs.
“And with Labour signed up to the same Tory policies that are harming Scotland and our economy, it’s obvious there’s no true alternative.
“Only a vote for the SNP at the next election will ensure we have MPs who will stand up for Scotland, our values and our right to choose our future.”
