The last budget of this parliamentary term shouldn’t sacrifice long-term economic growth for short-term political survival argues STUC General Secretary and Herald columnist Roz Foyer. With a £4.7 billion gap predicted by 2029, Government ministers can’t hope to be returned by the electorate if they continue to duck the big decisions on wealth redistribution.

Happy budget week to all who celebrate. Here’s hoping it’ll be workers celebrating after the Finance Secretary resumes her seat.

Let’s start with an open and honest truth: the Scottish Government does, fundamentally, have more money to play with. The UK Government’s Budget last year delivered around £330 million additional funding. In addition, the welcome removal of two-child cap saves the Scottish Government £151 million it had set aside. Not enough to fix everything – the roof is still leaking - but there’s options now that didn’t previously exist.

But, of course, the spectre of the election looms large. I’ve got no doubt that a handful of short-term sweeties, however welcome, will be thrown at workers come tomorrow. But it would take a special type of naivety to think that this or any other government will announce the sweeping reforms that the trade unions believe Scotland needs – on land, property, taxation and wealth – four months before voters take to the ballot box.

But this isn’t about the next four months. If this government wants to be in power for another five years, this budget can’t sacrifice the long-term wellbeing and growth of our nation on the altar of........

© Herald Scotland