Will it endure? That was decidedly an astute budget this week. But will it last? Will the structure sustain, both economically and politically? Examining the detail, I was struck that Shona Robison’s budget reflected a sense of both political history and forward planning. It was retrospective, introspective and prospective.
Firstly, the backward glance. This budget repaired past mistakes. It was right to increase funding for affordable housing. In tackling poverty, elemental shelter is key.
From a different standpoint, it was right to improve funding for culture and the arts, to offer a degree of continuity. Perhaps not populist but our cultural sector provides the glue in societal cohesion. Good earner too.
Thirdly, it was right to end the council tax freeze. It never sat comfortably with the ideology of inviting the broader shoulders to bear a heavier burden. Plus it shifts decision-making – and hence electoral responsibility – back to councillors.
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There is now talk, once more, of reforming local authority taxation. Loadsaluck with that. Ministers previously looked at Local Income Tax – and concluded it was even more of a stinker than the current system.
Alongside these retrospective measures, there was introspection too. Just what is the purpose of an SNP administration? Is it solely or primarily to agitate for independence? John Swinney and his Ministers have plainly concluded that they must focus upon fixing fractured public services for now. The people’s priorities, as the FM styles it.
Does that mean Mr Swinney has shelved the objective of independence? Behave yourself. He will continue to advocate and advance the........