LABOUR BLACK HOLE GETS DEEPER

For immediate use: Monday 1st November 2010



Attn: NEWSDESKS


POLITICAL CORRRESPONDENTS



GRAY AND KERR PUSH TAX BILLS HIGHER


The SNP today said Labour had to explain to the public, not just the civil service, how they propose to fund spending pledges, currently valued at more than £1.7 billion and increasing by the day.


The SNP revealed yesterday that Labour’s election wishlist would cost households £3000 over the next Parliament in new and higher taxes.


Over the weekend Labour added at least a further £90 million to their spending wish list.


Commenting SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said:



“Iain Gray and Andy Kerr have to explain to the public, not just the civil service, where they are getting the £1.7 billion to fund their election wishlist.


“Labour went into their conference with spending plans that will cost each household in Scotland £3000. That bill is increasing by the minute.




“While the SNP will protect family incomes Labour want to raid families piggy banks.


“Labour cannot hide from their tax raising plans. Iain Gray has already admitted he would hit low paid families and pensioners with a rise to the unfair council tax at the same time as freezing household wages for three years. It is now clear Labour will use the Calman tax and their proposed“basket of taxes” to push household bills higher and higher. That is simply unfair.



“In these tight financial times it is simply irresponsible to set out spending pledges and promises without the slightest attempt to show the public how they would be paid for.


“Not content with damaging the UK’s finances it seems Labour now want to damage the finances of Scotland and Scottish households.


“In contrast the SNP is working responsibility together with people across Scotland to hear their policy priorities and to keep their tax bills down, protecting family incomes.



ENDS



1.Attached details of Labour’s £1.7 billion blackhole.



2. The report of Labour’s Scottish Policy Forum states on page 23:


“Scottish Labour believe that the fairest approach is to have a basket of taxes”


3. Newspaper reports put the cost of new pledges by Iain Gray and Andy Kerr during Labour conference at £90 million.