The SNP Government has used its majority to push through its budget this week in the Scottish Parliament, with all but one opposition party voting against it. The budget includes severe cuts to college funding at a time when youth unemployment is at a recent high. It also fails to provide any further help to small businesses during these tough economic times.
North East Scottish Conservative MSP, Nanette Milne said:
“This budget is a missed opportunity to give our economy a real shot in the arm. Thanks to the UK Government, the SNP had an extra £113million to spend and yet they have decided to slash funding to colleges and have not provided any more help for small businesses.
“In these tough economic times it is more important than ever that we support our local businesses. They are the drivers of our economy and can be a huge help in boosting the rural economy across the North East. Despite this, the SNP have chosen to ignore them.
“The situation is made even worse by the SNP’s drastic cuts to our colleges. Figures recently released show that there are 88,000 young people in Scotland who are unemployed and we have to do all that we can to equip them with the skills required to enter the workplace.
“Institutions such as Aberdeen and Banff & Buchan Colleges are key to achieving this and it beggars belief that the SNP have chosen now to cut their budget. The college sector is already facing massive cuts and this further cut will come as a kick in the teeth to them.
“It will undoubtedly have an impact on the number of places they can offer and the level of teaching. When we need to ensure our young get jobs these cuts will only hamper their chances.”