This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8467552.stm
The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 7 | Version 8 |
---|---|
SNP budget plan approval expected | SNP budget plan approval expected |
(40 minutes later) | |
The Scottish government's budget for the year ahead is expected to pass its first parliamentary hurdle, despite concern from rival parties. | The Scottish government's budget for the year ahead is expected to pass its first parliamentary hurdle, despite concern from rival parties. |
Ministers said the £30bn spending plans would protect frontline public services such as schools and hospitals. | Ministers said the £30bn spending plans would protect frontline public services such as schools and hospitals. |
Finance Secretary John Swinney is likely to say which concessions he will give to other parties so the minority SNP government can pass the budget. | Finance Secretary John Swinney is likely to say which concessions he will give to other parties so the minority SNP government can pass the budget. |
It is expected to go through with Conservative and Lib Dem support. | It is expected to go through with Conservative and Lib Dem support. |
But Labour, which demanded the government re-instate the cancelled Glasgow Airport rail link, is likely to oppose it. | But Labour, which demanded the government re-instate the cancelled Glasgow Airport rail link, is likely to oppose it. |
MSPs will debate the draft 2010-11 budget as Scottish ministers warned of a spending squeeze, brought on by Westminster efficiency savings. | MSPs will debate the draft 2010-11 budget as Scottish ministers warned of a spending squeeze, brought on by Westminster efficiency savings. |
Brian TaylorPolitical editor I expect John Swinney this afternoon, opening the debate, to signal support for significant pay constraint in the upper echelons of the public sector. | |
In the next few weeks, Mr Swinney will outline a full pay policy. But we should get some pointers this afternoon. | |
He'll back a freeze in top salaries - where he has the power to do so. | |
He'll urge the public sector to shelve bonuses. And he'll argue the overall salary bill should be driven down. | |
Read Brian Taylor's blog | |
The Liberal Democrats said they wanted pay cuts for top public servants in return for their support for the bill. | The Liberal Democrats said they wanted pay cuts for top public servants in return for their support for the bill. |
The Tories have urged the finance secretary to prepare an emergency budget, which could be used in the event of more public spending cuts after the UK election. | The Tories have urged the finance secretary to prepare an emergency budget, which could be used in the event of more public spending cuts after the UK election. |
Mr Swinney said he would welcome constructive proposals from opposition parties - but has warned they must be realistic, given what cash was available. | Mr Swinney said he would welcome constructive proposals from opposition parties - but has warned they must be realistic, given what cash was available. |
Labour finance spokesman Andy Kerr accused the SNP of collaborating with the Conservatives to bring in massive cuts. | Labour finance spokesman Andy Kerr accused the SNP of collaborating with the Conservatives to bring in massive cuts. |
He said: "John Swinney's budget for 2010-11 is growing by almost £1bn, but he is refusing to listen to the needs of the economy. | He said: "John Swinney's budget for 2010-11 is growing by almost £1bn, but he is refusing to listen to the needs of the economy. |
"The SNP have failed to make a single change to their budget in response to the global recession." | "The SNP have failed to make a single change to their budget in response to the global recession." |
Conservative finance spokesman Derek Brownlee accused Labour of being unrealistic | Conservative finance spokesman Derek Brownlee accused Labour of being unrealistic |
He said: "In recent weeks. Scottish Labour has demanded almost £800m of extra spending. They have abandoned any pretence of credibility on Scotland's budget." | He said: "In recent weeks. Scottish Labour has demanded almost £800m of extra spending. They have abandoned any pretence of credibility on Scotland's budget." |
If passed, the budget would need two further votes at Holyrood, before winning final approval. | If passed, the budget would need two further votes at Holyrood, before winning final approval. |
Last year's budget was defeated by a casting vote during the process and then passed at the second attempt, after opposition parties won concessions from ministers in return for their support. | Last year's budget was defeated by a casting vote during the process and then passed at the second attempt, after opposition parties won concessions from ministers in return for their support. |