Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, says the UK Government have given a “shot in the arm” to the country’s economy through their Plan for Growth.
Mr Simpson says Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s statement has given support to taxpayers in Lanarkshire who are continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.
Overall, the Chancellor’s package of measures amount to a £630 million boost for Scotland’s budget.
Mr Simpson has called on the SNP-Green Government to get on board with the growth plan and deliver a tax cut for the majority of people in the region. The decision to reverse the National Insurance hike from earlier in the year will save 2.3 million Scots on average £285 in 2023-24.
If the SNP don’t pass on the income tax cuts to those in Lanarkshire, then analysis shows anyone earning over £15,000 will be worse off under the SNP. Someone earning £25,000 will be £103 poorer and someone earning £30,000 £196 worse off.
He has also called on the SNP-Green Government to match the UK Government’s stamp duty cut, through raising the LBTT thresholds to £250,000 for potential homebuyers, which would cut the tax on home purchases by up to £2,100.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP, Graham Simpson said: “The Chancellor’s Plan for Growth has given a shot in the arm to the UK economy and will bring major benefits to people and businesses in Lanarkshire struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
“The huge package of measures amounts to a £630 million boost across Scotland and the onus is now on the SNP-Green Government to follow the Chancellor’s lead.
“If they do, then that will deliver a tax cut for the majority of people in Lanarkshire.
“It is simply wrong that people in Scotland are already paying more tax than their counterparts south of the border and that gap cannot be allowed to widen further.
“SNP-Green ministers also need to raise the LBTT thresholds- the equivalent of stamp duty- for prospective homebuyers in the region to £250,000 which the Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly demanded.”
“Coming on top of the huge support to help people and businesses in Lanarkshire pay their rising energy bills, this was another sign of the UK Government stepping up and supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis.”
