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Pay freeze for top civil servants Pay freeze for top civil servants
(39 minutes later)
Senior Scottish civil servants will have their pay frozen in the year ahead amid a "bleak" outlook for public spending, the government has said.Senior Scottish civil servants will have their pay frozen in the year ahead amid a "bleak" outlook for public spending, the government has said.
Finance Secretary John Swinney's announcement came as he called on MSPs to support the 2010-11 Scottish budget.Finance Secretary John Swinney's announcement came as he called on MSPs to support the 2010-11 Scottish budget.
The minister is also considering Lib Dem demands to cut the pay of the highest public sector earners.The minister is also considering Lib Dem demands to cut the pay of the highest public sector earners.
The minority SNP government's £35bn budget is expected to pass its first parliamentary hurdle.The minority SNP government's £35bn budget is expected to pass its first parliamentary hurdle.
But Labour, which demanded the government re-instate the cancelled Glasgow Airport rail link, will oppose it.But Labour, which demanded the government re-instate the cancelled Glasgow Airport rail link, will oppose it.
Brian TaylorPolitical editor In the debate, the frontbench speeches proceeded as anticipated.
Jeremy Purvis of the Lib Dems welcomed Mr Swinney's indications on top salaries - but stressed they would need more.
They want guarantees that the cash thus released would be spent productively on bolstering manufacturing and helping the young jobless.
Andy Kerr for Labour supported Garl.
It was, he said, a "weathervane" for the need to enhance the economy more generally in a time of stress.
I thought Mr Kerr was unwise to go on to accuse Mr Swinney of "arrogance" in presuming that every pound in his budget was wisely spent.
The minister had opened his remarks by insisting precisely the contrary: that he was open to other ideas.
Read Brian Taylor's blog
The SNP government outlined its plans on the day new, offical figures showed a decline in the Scottish economy and a rise in unemployment.
Mr Swinney told parliament the Budget Bill would protect frontline public services such as schools, hospitals and policing.Mr Swinney told parliament the Budget Bill would protect frontline public services such as schools, hospitals and policing.
And he expressed a willingness to work on concessions with rival parties - but said they must be realistic amid cuts imposed by Westminster efficiency savings.And he expressed a willingness to work on concessions with rival parties - but said they must be realistic amid cuts imposed by Westminster efficiency savings.
"We debate this bill at a time when much remains uncertain, both in relation to the prospects for the global economy and to future spending decisions that may be taken by the United Kingdom government over the coming year," said Mr Swinney."We debate this bill at a time when much remains uncertain, both in relation to the prospects for the global economy and to future spending decisions that may be taken by the United Kingdom government over the coming year," said Mr Swinney.
"However, despite the uncertainty that exists, there is general agreement that the outlook for the public finances appears bleak over the next few years.""However, despite the uncertainty that exists, there is general agreement that the outlook for the public finances appears bleak over the next few years."
The finance secretary said the budget included more than £1bn for transport, £2bn for education, £1.6bn for housing and an increase in police officers, while £1.6bn of efficiency savings over the year would go back into front line services.
And he again defended the cancellation of the airport rail link, adding the health budget would be protected.
Parliament will be asked to give its final approval to the budget in the next fortnight.Parliament will be asked to give its final approval to the budget in the next fortnight.