SCOTTISH Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused the SNP of “bloated bureaucracy” today as he pledged £100 million of cost-of-living support within 100 days should he win office in May.

Actions would include crisis loans for energy-intensive businesses, bulk-buying fuel to help drive down prices at the pumps, emergency grants, interest-free loans, action with supermarkets to cut the cost of staple items, and a national income maximisation drive.

In a swipe at the SNP leader, he said: “John Swinney has made his choice. 

“He has chosen to raise taxes on working Scots and waste money on bloated bureaucracy while families are struggling to make ends meet.”

Promising to “fix the mess,” Mr Sarwar continued: “That means practical help with the cost of living: lower childcare costs, help with energy bills, action on housing costs, no income tax rate rises for five years, and cutting government waste.

“If this international instability continues, we will not sit back and let Scottish households and businesses pay the price. 

“We will act with £100m of emergency support in our first 100 days.

“This election is a straight choice between more tax rises and more waste with John Swinney, or a Scottish Labour government focused on making life more affordable.”

SNP secretary Alex Kerr, candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said: “Under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP is resolutely focused on helping people with the cost of living as the price of essentials continues to soar under the Labour Party’s watch at Westminster.

“A re-elected SNP government will legislate to cap the cost of essential food items in supermarkets, deliver a £2 bus fare cap across the country and support families with childcare 52 weeks per year.”