Liberal Democrats held talks with the Finance Secretary about the Scottish Government’s Budget earlier today.

Chief Whip Mike Rumbles has urged Ministers to consider introducing tax cuts that will stimulate the economy and help Scotland through the recession.

Jeremy Purvis MSPCommenting ahead of the meeting, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis MSP said:

“The SNP seem very complacent about the budget next week as they need other party support to secure its passage.

"John Swinney said Scotland is facing a ferocious ‘economic storm’, but their budget is less than one per cent different than the draft published in 2007.

“Across Scotland High Streets are under huge pressure. I agree with the Chief Executive of Next who said this morning that the VAT cut, voted for by the SNP at Westminster, just isn’t working.

“All this is new since the Spending Review was published in 2007.

“The big question for the SNP is are they prepared to put the principle of tax cuts on the table and ensure that the 2009 budget is a proper response to the economic situation Scotland faces?

“If yes, then Lib Dems will work with them and put £300 back into the average earner’s pocket and work towards our proposals.

“Banks got a bail out. It’s time that hard-pressed families and individuals got help as well.”

Ends.