Talks on budget 'not quite there yet', according to Scottish Greens

Attempts to reach a deal over the Scottish Government’s spending plans are “not quite there yet”, according to the Scottish Greens.

With MSPs set to vote on stage one of the budget this afternoon, Scottish ministers will need support from at least one other party for their plans to pass.

But the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Labour and the Scottish Liberal Democrats have already rejected the proposals, leaving the Scottish Greens as the Scottish Government’s last hope for winning support.

Although talks are thought to be at an advanced stage, the Greens still hold concerns over local government funding.

Speaking to the BBC, Scottish Green MSP Andy Wightman said: "The main sticking point, to be frank, is the budget settlement itself and the settlement in particular for local government, and that's what we've been negotiating.

"The talks broke down last week, there was some movement on Tuesday, yesterday we had quite a difficult conversation about our approach and there was a bit of movement last night."

He added: "I think other parties are posturing. There has been no serious negotiations by them and I think that's a dereliction of their responsibility to the electorate who rely on a budget, who rely on stability, who rely on knowing that public services are going to be there."

Speaking ahead of the debate, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “Our spending plans for the coming year contain additional money for schools and hospitals, protecting vital public services and investing in our economy, while also providing stability amid the ongoing uncertainty caused by Brexit.

“With that backdrop in mind, there has never been more need for MSPs, of all parties, to act responsibly and not add to that uncertainty. So I urge all MSPs to unite behind the 2019-20 Scottish Budget – that is what people the length and breadth of Scotland expect.

“Our spending proposals provide an increase of almost £730 million for our health and care services, invests more than £180 million to raise attainment in our schools and gives a vital boost to our economy through a £5 billion infrastructure programme.

“We are investing in essential public services, particularly the NHS, while ensuring that 55% of income taxpayers in Scotland pay less tax than those earning the same income in the rest of the UK. Taken together with the personal allowance, 99% of taxpayers will pay less income tax next year on the same income.

“Since introducing the Budget Bill, I have sought to engage with all parties in order to secure support for our spending plans. We are open to compromise in order to ensure we deliver the Budget that the country expects, and I am confident others will approach things in the same spirit.”