by Niall Christie

Scotland editor

SCOTTISH LABOUR called on the government to put public services at the centre of this year’s Budget as Scotland looks to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

During a debate on this year’s Budget in Holyrood today, the party argued that front-line health and social care workers deserved pay justice and put forward a raft of investment for the country. 

The debate was the first time the Budget has been voted on in Holyrood this year, with Scottish Labour interim leader Jackie Baillie calling for a Budget “that delivers a recovery with fairness and decency at its heart.”

She said: “The pandemic has rocked Scotland’s economy and led to a cost of living crisis for millions of Scots. 

“That’s why we need a Budget that not only kick-starts Scotland’s economic recovery but also puts fairness at the very heart of our economic future.”

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes urged all parties to back the tax and spending plans, saying the country is still in the grip of a “national emergency.”

The draft Budget promises “record funding” for the NHS, while local authorities will get money to freeze council tax. 

The SNP has previously relied on support from the Greens to pass budgets but the party has urged the government to go further in supporting those “most in need,” including tackling child poverty. 

Speaking during First Minister’s Questions today, Green parliamentary co-leader Alison Johnstone said direct support for communities was vital in this year’s Budget. 

“Unless we shift our priorities, we will build a recovery which makes things worse not better,” she said.

A vote on the Budget is yet to take place.