Cole-Hamilton sets out plan for growth

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today set out his plans for delivering high wage, highly skilled jobs to Scotland and urge voters to back his party on the peach regional ballot no matter where they are in Scotland.

Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto contains commitments to:

• On day one invite leading figures from Scottish business, industry, economics and other key stakeholders to work with us, using the measures in this manifesto to quickly form an economic growth and industrial strategy that will underpin the Programme for Government and Scottish Budget.
• Taking up the offer from the Hunter Foundation to fund a specialist team to investigate both the impacts of the current system and to develop a new system that will increase the tax take.
• Fund capital investment in key infrastructure that will drive growth, accelerating progress on major projects such as fixed links for Shetland.
• Put an end to SNP waste and give taxpayers real value for money, linking pay and bonuses at the top of the public sector to success, not rewarding failure.
• Publish a holistic new financial strategy and a plan for getting Scotland building again, before the end of the year, so every taxpayer can see exactly how their money is being invested responsibly in our future.
• Prioritise getting Scotland’s finances in shape so we can cut taxes in the future. We won’t make reckless unaffordable promises and we don’t think people can pay more amidst the cost of living crisis.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“After two decades in power, the SNP have left Scotland’s economy without direction. Growth has stalled, productivity is weak and Scotland’s public finances are broken. Despite record UK funding and higher taxes in Scotland, the SNP aren’t capable of delivering high quality public services in return.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats believe fair economic growth is the only credible way out of the cost of living crisis. That means backing business, helping people into better-paid work, growing the tax base and making long-term investments – not erecting new trade barriers. It means addressing the drag on our economy caused by pool policy in planning, skills and housing. We can do this while protecting our environment, upholding workers’ rights and ensuring support is there when people need it.

"On day one invite leading figures from Scottish business, industry, economics and other key stakeholders to work with us, using the measures in this manifesto to quickly form an economic growth and industrial strategy that will underpin the Programme for Government and Scottish Budget. We should also implement measures to ensure that pay and bonuses at the top of the public sector are linked to success, not rewarding failure.

“Let me be straight with you. You have two votes. In many constituencies we are on the verge of winning against the SNP but wherever you are, every vote for the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the second peach ballot will deliver change with fairness at its heart.

“Scotland deserves better. And with the Scottish Liberal Democrats, you can vote for it.”