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Scotland’s public services need tax reform, not cuts
KATE RAMSDEN calls out the SNP’s political choices, citing STUC research showing billions could be raised through progressive taxation to fund vital social work and care — instead, we’re being threatened with more cuts
First Minister John Swinney during a visit to Forth Valley College to meet representatives from the Grangemouth oil refinery and local government representatives following Petroineos' decision to decommission its Grangemouth oil refinery. Picture date: Fr

ON September 5, the Scottish government’s Programme for Government (PfG) set out its four priorities for the years ahead, one of which is “ensuring high-quality and sustainable public services.”

This was delivered by the First Minister without a hint of irony, despite Scotland’s Finance Secretary, just days before, announcing £500 million cuts to public services.

The phrase in the PfG that “investment in public services is not a cost, but a vital investment in our future health, equality and prosperity,” rings very hollow, yet is one that most activists would completely agree with.

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