His (Salmond's) spending plans for 2010-11 were passed by 66 votes to 45, with the support of the Conservatives, Greens and independent MSP Margo MacDonald.This time, however, they've bagged a "concession" worthy of the name:
But Mr Salmond only managed to secure passage of his budget by agreeing to Tory proposals that could spell to an end to the largesse that has marked his tenure in office.Making the presumed upcoming battle with central government over spending much more interesting- this must surely push the scales towards the (again) presumed Cameron Administration?
An Independent Budget Review Group is to be formed with the power to examine any element of Scottish Executive spending, including the affordability of services “provided on a universal basis”.
This phrase refers to the SNP’s decision to spend millions of pounds phasing out prescription charges for all, including those who can afford to pay, and to extend free school meals.
It also applies to some of devolution’s most lauded policies, such as free personal care for the elderly and free eye tests and dental checks for all.
The review body will also have the power to consider who best should provide public services, including private firms, and whether Scottish Water should be removed from state control.
A good concession for Scotland, an even better one for the Scottish Conservatives.
1 comment:
As i've said before minority government is actually quite good at giving the electorate more of a say and giving more of their representatives direct responsibility. Instead of the ridiculous party political moaning going on by labour the Tories and even the lib-dem's contributed well. Correspondingly some measure of credit should go to the governing SNP here who have proved themselves upto the job repeatedly. God help us if we get a bunch of labour jobsworths waiting on London to tell them what to do after the next Holyrood elections.
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